The benefits from hosting the CEC Annual Conference in Gibraltar may already be evident, as Ballymena Borough Council have initiated moves towards a formal link and twinning scheme with the territory.

As the anniversary of the end of the Second World War approaches, the enduring link that had existed since then between the two areas was remembered during the week of the Annual Conference with presentations at the Chief Minister’s official residence. Thousands of Gibraltarians were evacuated to Northern Ireland and Ballymena during the war, and in presenting the keys to Gibraltar to Ballymena mayor and CEC Vice Chairman Cllr Hubert Nicholl, Mr Peter Caruana said that he did so as a symbol of the enduring appreciation and friendship. Many Gibraltarians were actually born in the Co Antrim town, including the head of the Gibraltar Government office Mr Albert Poggio who was present for the conference.

Cllr Nicholl reciprocated the gesture with a presentation from the Ballymena Council, and later stated that the people of the territory have always “expressed their gratitude to the people of Ballymena, and I know that the people of Ballymena will always have a place in their hearts for the people from Gibraltar. It is a very special relationship, and one that we must build upon and maintain”.

Mr Caruana echoed similar sentiments in saying that the “people of Gibraltar have not forgotten the kindness shown to them and their dear ones in their time of need”.

On his return, Cllr Nicholl suggested that the Borough Council could write to Mr Caruana, outlining their interest in developing a relationship. Councillors expressed the view that the desire to twin with Gibraltar had been mooted for many years, but the recent events may initiate the moves.