European Commission Executive Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič, Spanish Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation José Manuel Albares and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, together with the Chief Minister of Gibraltar Fabian Picardo, met in Brussels earlier today.
‘The Executive Committee of Equality Rights Group are deeply saddened by the passing away of Minister for Housing Charles Bruzon. For us, the calibre of his humanity and the kind tone of his voice and manner, will always stay with us and will always be more important than any title he may so legitimately have gained.
‘Charles was a gentle man in the true sense of the words. A fine example of Christian caring, warmth, and understanding which shone through the heart with which he felt for others.
The Chief Minister has left for London late last night to attend the funeral of Baroness Thatcher this morning.
This evening he will address members of the prestigious "Fabian Society" on "Gibraltar in Europe". Members of the local press have been invited along on the trip, so expect some coverage in the news.
The Chief Minister, the Hon Fabian Picardo, paid the following tribute:
"Losing Charles Bruzon has filled my wife Justine, me and Cabinet and party colleagues with sadness and grief. He will leave a massive void around the Cabinet table. Charles was a friend as well as a colleague. He was a person who always gave me calm and good advice. In fact, I do not recall ever having seen Charles flustered. He was truly unflappable!
I met him in the late nineties when, having returned from university I became more seriously involved in politics. He was then a member of the Voice of Gibraltar, lobbying and arguing Gibraltar's cause with that group.
Having secured a last minute alternative venue at Inces Hall for next Thursday 25th April 2013, I have taken the decision to cancel the GSD Public Meeting at the John Mackintosh Hall this week which would have otherwise coincided with Charles Bruzon’s funeral. Inces Hall does not enjoy all the necessary facilities including technicians to assist with the sound. I am very grateful to Mr. Ian Maclaren for having stepped forward at this late hour to assist us in this regard.