The Chief Minister, the Hon Fabian Picardo QC MP officially inaugurated Rock Lodge, ex Brownie Hut, earlier this week in the presence of HE the Governor, Lt. General Edward Davis, The Minister for Youth, the Hon Steven Linares MP and the Minister for Equality and Guiding Ambassador, the Hon Samantha Sacramento MP.

The premises, unused since 2011, have undergone a major refurbishment fully supported by HM Government of Gibraltar now boasting fantastic, brand new facilities for the Girl Guiding fraternity on the Rock to enjoy.

The project lead by Mrs Valerie Makey former Girl Guide’s Commissioner and Project Managed by Michael Pizzarello from HM Government’s Technical Services Department, and Architect Dennis Mosquera from Mosquera Architects. The new premises are fully accessible so that they can welcome guests with disabilities.

The Minister for Youth, The Hon Steven Linares said, “It is an honour for me as the Minister for Youth to have been able to deliver this project to the Girl Guides family and the community at large. After this much-needed refurbishment, it will no doubt be enjoyed by many. I would publicly like to thank the team at HMGoG’s Technical Services Department, AKS, Comofco and contactors GJBS for their outstanding workmanship. Without them all and their continued support these new facilities would have not been possible”.

The Minister for Equality, The Hon Samantha Sacramento said, ““These beautifully renovated premises will no doubt enhance the Guiding movement locally and will enable them to also welcome guests from abroad. It was as important for the Guides as it was it for us that these premises be welcoming for everyone by being inclusive of people who have disabilities. We have worked together very hard to ensure that we did so within the challenges and constraints of the location. It was real pleasure for the Ministry of Equality and I to work with the project team led by Valarie Makey to ensure that our vision of inclusion was achieved, and I wish to thank everyone involved in making this a reality”.