Dear all,
Happy Birthday to the 4th successive GSLP Liberal Government! Wow, a whole year ago today already. Today we celebrate, once more, securing the GSLP/Liberals' election win last year, and we celebrate this every day by turning up, day after day, working for you and for everyone in this wonderful community of brilliant Gibraltarians, getting the job of keeping Gibraltar safe done.
What a great job everyone at the GSLP/Liberals did. Happy Birthday to all of us!
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Suspension of Temporary Arrangements by Spain
In that context, this week has been one of unfortunate and entirely unnecessary difficulty in the context of relations with Spain, owing to the completely unnecessary imposition of passport controls by the Spanish authorities. In the same week that we’ve learned that the new Schengen Entry/Exit system’s activation will now be delayed into next year, we saw how Gibraltarian and red ID card holder passports being stamped. We were left with no choice but to reciprocate and will continue to do so if temporary arrangements don’t resume.
None of this is necessary. THIS is what a non-negotiated outcome looks like. This is an outcome no one wants, and one that doesn’t need to happen. However, if a non-negotiated outcome is what we end up with, or if temporary arrangements are suspended unilaterally and unnecessarily by Spain, we will be left with no choice but to apply all checks we deem necessary in response.
In that context it is important that everyone understand the direct and practical consequences of a non-negotiated outcome and/or the suspension of temporary arrangements. In the event of a no deal outcome or the suspension of temporary measures, His Majesty's Government of Gibraltar will impose new controls, which will include the wet stamping of all non-British passports on ENTRY AND EXIT from Gibraltar, the establishment of EXIT controls, the use of separate queues for British/non-British citizens, and requirements for Visitor and Worker visas.
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It is true that a non-negotiated outcome and/or the suspension of temporary arrangements will be very difficult for Gibraltar, but it will also be difficult for our friends, the cross-border workers, too. The application of our own controls will mean they will all have to have passports, something I know many of them don’t yet have. They will also need a stamp EVERY TIME they enter and exit Gibraltar, meaning the workers will require new passports very regularly indeed, at a cost of 30 euros every time. This is a direct consequence of the fact that Gibraltar does not maintain electronic means of recording entry and exit, and will rely on date-stamping as has always been the case where necessary.
"I will continue betting on a UK/EU treaty, working towards it, putting sovereignty neutral proposals to resolve the last issues on the table and giving my all so that this process is a success. The ball is in Spain's court to accept those reasonable, balanced and imaginative proposals that guarantee the safety and security of the Schengen Area and the integrity of the Single Market. This is best achieved by the ongoing negotiations and Gibraltar will not be forced to submit by pressure tactics such as the measures implemented in the last 12 hours. Additionally, we have a chance to continue with the mutually beneficial interim arrangements we have in place now that the EES is delayed, and I hope we will do so, whilst not letting the deal slip any longer than it has to. I am on the side of ordinary Gibraltarians and working people from Gibraltar and cross frontier workers. I want this to work for all of us. I sincerely hope that incidents like this are the storm before the calm and that we can resolve matters at the negotiating table in a way that works for all of us and can be implemented with public support."
Speaking before the UN’s Special Committee
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On Monday "I addressed the 4th Committee of the General Assembly of the United Nations yesterday to highlight the case of the People of #Gibraltar for self-determination. You can see my speech here. I talk about the UK/EU Treaty and the relevant UN resolution 1514(XV)..."
Click here, or on the image above, to read the speech in full.
Joseph Garcia
Net Zero Delivery Meeting
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The Deputy Chief Minister, Dr. Joseph Garcia, chaired a meeting of the Net Zero Delivery Body, which included Minister for Environment John Cortes and Minister for Health, Gemma Arias-Vasquez, alongside representatives from various government departments and agencies. The meeting focused on Gibraltar’s 2022 Greenhouse Gas Inventory, which revealed that the largest contributors to emissions are transport (45.9%), stationary energy (30.3%), industrial processes (13.4%), and waste (10.4%).
Key areas for improvement were identified, including the transition of the Government’s vehicle fleet to electric power and the continued trial of Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil (HVO) fuel on public buses. The Gibraltar Electricity Authority reported progress in installing solar panels at Gibraltar International Airport, which will boost solar energy generation, and noted a 3% reduction in emissions due to the use of LNG and improved efficiency at the new power plant.
The Department of Education has provided Carbon Literacy Training to six schools, with five more to follow. In response to student concerns, secondary schools will work to reduce single-use plastic bottles and promote reusable alternatives.
The Net Zero Delivery Board, which includes senior government officials, highlighted the urgency of organisational and cultural changes needed to meet Gibraltar’s climate goals.
Gemma Arias-Vasquez
Catherisation Lab Visit - not long now
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Earlier this week, Gemma visited the new Catheterisation Lab at the hospital - commenting about this great new development at the hospital, she said:
"This is what we were voted in for and this is what we are doing.
This is part of the commitment to repatriate services to Gibraltar. Instead of it taking over an hour to get treated over the border, as from mid-November, Gibraltarians can now get treated in 90 seconds in the new Catheterisation Lab at St Bernard’s Hospital.
The new facilities are now finalized and showing us the impressive new lab was the amazing Dr Roger Moore.
Many thanks to the Gibraltar Cardiac Association for being present at the opening, and for all the lobbying they have done over the past few years.
A big shout to Albert J Isola and Samantha Sacramento for commencing this project."
New Battery system to mitigate risk of power cuts
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Speaking in a video posted on Facebook, Gemma said that "So let’s talk about power cuts… Last night’s power cut is currently entirely unavoidable. With the new Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), we would not have had a power cut last night. We are investing in resilience. We’re getting the job done.
Click the image above or click here to watch the video.
World Mental Health Day
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Posting online about World Mental Health Day, Gemma said that: "Mental Health Awareness focuses on wellbeing in the work place. Whether you get up at 5:00am to exercise, whether you take time for self care, safeguarding your own mental health should be a priority. Often, when life, kids and work get in the way, it is difficult to prioritise your own mental health - but in the same way as you should always put your own oxygen mask first, you should also always ensure you are doing well in yourself."
"Lovely to have gone to Clubhouse Gibraltar for their coffee morning, and attended the Gibraltar Health Authority’s event in Casemates. So good to speak to our Liaison officers who offer support to the community and to our front line services after trauma."
LIfecome Care Meeting
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In relation to concerns raised over the provision of Packages of Care by the new company that had been awarded the tender - Lifecome Care, Gemma said:
"Today, the Care Agency, Lifecome Care, Unite and myself have met, to address the employees of Lifecome Care, to acknowledge their concerns and ensure the smooth running of the relationship.
Whilst the contract is not with HMGoG, it is important to us, that the 512 packages of care are delivered in our community, to our elderly population, to a high standard.
Let us not forget the reason that we entered into this contract. We wanted a focal point, so that we could demand a better service for our community. So that we could enforce training provisions, vetting and an all round higher standard from our service provider. A benchmark from which we could proceed to eventually audit the services provided.
This is step one in the process."
Thank you to Breast Cancer Support Group Gibraltar
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On Friday, a plaque was unveiled at the hospital, about which Gemma posted that "Gibraltar is always at its best when it comes together. And there is nothing quite like our charities to demonstrate that.
A huge thank you to Breast Cancer Support Gibraltar for their donation of an Elite Scanner to the Radiology Department. Since their inception in 2007, they have donated over £300,000 worth of equipment to radiology. The amazing thing is that the kit donated is not just for breast cancer detection. It’s for the entire community.
The Gibraltar Health Authority wanted to acknowledge all the support which the Breast Cancer Support Group has given the radiology department and the excellent relationship enjoyed with all of them.
Many thanks to Breast Cancer Support, Gibraltar and everyone at the Gibraltar Health Authority for securing this equipment and now putting it into use for our community!"
John Cortes
Successful visit to Morocco
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Dr. John Cortes has recently returned from a highly successful visit to Morocco, where he worked to renew and establish connections with Gibraltar's southern neighbours. His trip began with a smooth crossing to Tangier, followed by a rapid train journey to Rabat. Dr. Cortes attended a productive working dinner hosted by UK Ambassador Simon Martin, alongside Roving Ambassador for the Kingdom of Morocco, S.E.M. Lalla Assia Bensalah Alaoui, and key colleagues including Steven Marin of the Gibraltar Morocco Business Association. Discussions focused on shared history and exploring exciting opportunities for the future.
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During his visit, Dr. Cortes held valuable meetings with Younes Shaimi, Secretary General of the Education and Sports Ministry, and Khalid Cherkaoui, Secretary General of the Transport and Logistics Ministry. These meetings highlighted numerous areas for collaboration, particularly in education, sports, transport, and logistics. The innovative plans for educational transformation in Morocco closely align with Gibraltar’s vision. Dr. Cortes expressed gratitude to HM Ambassador Simon Martin and the Moroccan teams for their hospitality and support throughout the visit.
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Looking ahead, Dr. Cortes is eager to build on these discussions, further strengthening ties between Gibraltar and Morocco. He was especially struck by the warmth of the people, the rich heritage, and the outstanding cuisine of Morocco.
Nigel Feetham
Fantastic Connect Hub Event
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Nigel Feetham posted about another successful Connect Hub Event on Friday, saying: "Just wrapped up a fantastic event today. Great turnout and excellent engagement – it’s clear we are reaching our target audience: young people. From the outset I emphasised our intention to promote career opportunities in the financial sectors. We are getting there, and there will be more opportunities to continue this work. Great speakers today, including our guest speaker, a former President of the New York Stock Exchange.
Please stay tuned for the next event and join us please! All welcome.
Christian Santos
Marking International Dyslexia Day
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Posting about International Dyslexia Day, Christian Santos posted online, saying: "Today, the Ministry along with its departments, wore red to show their support to Dyslexia Gibraltar on International Dyslexia Day.
Dyslexia is a hereditary condition that affects 1 in 5 people, therefore making awareness campaigns such as the one today extremely important.
Dyslexia Gibraltar are a local charity that aim to support organisations, people and families with dyslexia."
Launch of GibSams 3rd Mental Health Awareness Week
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Christian, along with Minister for Health Gemma Arias-Vasquez, attended the launch of the 3rd Mental Health Awareness week organised by GibSams in association with the Department of Education. At the launch event, held at the Garrison Library, guests heard from Dr Susie Davies from PAPAYA Parents - "PAPAYA was launched 6 years ago when Dr. Davies, a university GP, noticed the poor mental health of students. She discovered their mental health problems were often linked to their relationship with technology, especially excessive social media use and gaming. Despite limited evidence at the time, she became convinced that tech use in adolescents was having a negative impact on young people's mental health."
The event also heard from Ian Russell, father to Molly Rose Russell who, at 14 years of age, (in the coroner's own words) "died from an act of self-harm while suffering depression and the negative effects of online content."
This was the first time a coroner had included the negative effects of online content as a component of the cause of death. Since Molly's death, Ian set up the Molly Rose Foundation, in pursuit of suicide prevention, and further pursued the social media companies whose platforms Molly had used, to better understand the reasons why Molly, who gave no indication during her life of having been grappling with mental health struggles, ultimately acted in the way she did.
The work of GibSams in this context is more and more relevant today and Christian posted on Facebook, saying "Launch of @gibsams 3rd Mental Health Schools Festival in collaboration with the Department of Education with my colleague @gemfromgib. Thanks to the team for organising this event and to their guest speakers for a very inspiring opening event. #mentalhealth#festival#education #health #youth #schools #gibraltar
The Return of the Guy Fawkes Night Bonfire!
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We're all thrilled that the Guy Fawkes Bonfire is coming back on 5 November - Christian posted online, saying: "Guy Fawkes Night was always a big event in Varyl Begg estate when I was growing up. I can't remember who organised it but at one point the Bonfire was in the pitch where St Paul's School extension is now (If I am not mistaken).
I have fond memories of making a "Guy" with my father when I was 10 or 11. Since coming into office my aim is to continue with the great work by Gibraltar Cultural Services and Ministry of Equality, Employment, Culture and Tourism, develop new events and initiatives and very importantly honour our traditions and produce events that bring our community together while celebrating our cultural identity.
Come down, create a guy, and make new memories with your friends and family.
I would like to thank the The Scout Association Gibraltar Branch for the collaboration in this event.
Marking Mental Health Awareness Day
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Marking International Dyslexia Day, Leslie Bruzon took part in a podcast, disussing "the world of dyslexia, exploring its challenges, misconceptions, and strengths. It was such a great conversation, full of insights about how this learning difference affects individuals in unique ways and the tools that can help. We discuss not only the difficulties people with dyslexia face but also the creative problem-solving and resilience that often emerge. Whether you or someone you know has dyslexia, this episode offers valuable perspectives on living with and thriving despite it. Tune in for an inspiring and informative chat!
Click on the image to watch the video
Join in to help out!
Please visit https://www.gslp.gi/join-us/ if you haven’t already signed up as a member of the GSLP. You’ll get access to member only events, AGMs and insights we only send our members. Your support is invaluable. If you want to get involved in politics, we want to help you do that. If you’re between 15 and 30 years of age and a member of the GSLP, you can join our https://www.gslp.gi/youth/ GSLP Youth section too.
Best wishes,
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