Gibraltar Today

Gibraltar is rich with culture! There is no shortage of art, music or theatre on the rock. Minister for Culture Christian Santos has been very busy recently, kicking off the year with a meeting with the Arts Advisory Council. He told us more about the meeting as well as the Culture Act.

The Gibraltar College have launched new daytime courses. Aimed for adults who wish to obtain qualifications in key subjects such as English and Maths, it means that those who may find it difficult to attend evening classes due to work or family commitments. Christina Cortes told us more.

Wegovy, is an anti-obesity drug. In July last year the British Heart Foundation said Wegovy was approved to help reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. We're speaking to Dr Alphonso Antequera about told us more about this new medication, and how it can change the way people lose weight.

The countdown is on for the 2024 GBC Sports Awards - the annual event recognises and celebrates Gibraltar's sportsmen and women. A recent addition to the 4 main awards is the unsung hero award. This is where you come in: is there someone involved in local sports who you think deserves recognition? We spoke to GBC Sports Coordinator John Shephard.

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The £2.7 million COVID fund is to be spent on GHA equipment to improve patient experience, staff training and on promoting public health. The Minister for Health Gemma Vasquez made the announcement today, confirming that 83 responses were received following the public consultation last year. This followed a backlash over plans to spend the funds on improving the entrance to the hospital. Ros Astengo was present when the announcement was made.

The potential for a treaty, which the Chief Minister is confident will happen this year, may have an impact on the way in which goods come into Gibraltar and are taxed. The idea of a sales tax for instance has been in the news in the last few days. We’ll be discussing possible scenarios at length with Chris Walker from Marks & Spencer, George Russo of Emporium, and Ramesh Kharmani from the Federation of Small Businesses.

And, a children's book written by a local author teaching kids about important life lessons has been picked up by a UK publisher. Natalie Balloqui is a Learning Support Assistant and was inspired by children learning and interacting in a classroom setting. She told us about the topics covered in ‘Princess Penelope’s Problem’.

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People in Gibraltar and the UK could face a 100 per cent tax if buying a house in Spain. The Financial Times newspaper says the punitive property tax would apply to non-EU citizens who are not residents of the EU. Louis Montegriffo, managing director of estate agents BMI, and Ed Allison-Wright, Director at the Fairhomes Group, who oversee developments in Gibraltar and in Spain, helped us understand the possible implications for Gibraltar.

Did you catch last night’s episode of City Pulse on GBC Television? Local personality Yalta Pons joined Kevin Ruiz for an open conversation reflecting on working with young people over the last 30 years.

As podcasts become more popular, a new podcast dedicated to sustainability has been launched by OTWO Magazine. ‘OTWO Pod’ will feature discussions with business leaders, sustainability experts and innovators, addressing environmental, social and governance challenges. Managing Director of OTWO, Vanessa Byrne, will be hosting the podcast.

Aspiring writer Sheridan Povedano has been selected for the writing initiative being run by Gibraltar Cultural Services, on behalf of the Ministry of Culture. The programme aims to cultivate talent within the literary field, providing young writers with invaluable opportunities and a supportive environment to develop their craft. We caught up with Sheridan in the studio.

And, this evening’s episode of ’60 Years of News’ has a royal focus, touching on key visits from the royal family, including the Duke of Edinburgh’s visit in 1996 to present the Duke of Edinburgh Awards. We spoke to the series producer and presenter Jonathan Sacramento.

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The BBC recently reported that last year was the world's hottest on record. New data shows the planet has moved a major step closer to warming more than 1.5 degrees celsius, despite world leaders promising a decade ago they would try to avoid it. We discussed these findings with the Environmental Safety Group's Janet Howitt.

Work on constitutional reform is paused while treaty negotiations are ongoing. The Deputy Chief Minister confirmed the select committee had still not met but said an outcome from negotiations would have an effect on constitutional changes and on the work needed for this. Joseph Garcia was speaking to GBC's News Editor Christine Vasquez on the 75th anniversary of Gibraltar's first Constitution Order.

Traders are discussing how a sales tax could work, should it form part of a treaty agreement, and those GBC has spoken to are open to the idea. The Chief Minister told this programme the government was consulting businesses over the introduction of a sales tax - with changes to import duty the other option. The Federation of Small Businesses has told GBC it has written to Number Six requesting further information. Shelina Assomull's told us more.

Young people interested in videography are being invited by Cultural Services to take part in this year’s Youth Arts Jamboree. Using their phones or similar media, they’re asked to create short videos in the style of reels, promoting Gibraltar’s culture and the arts. The top prize is £200 and the chance to work with Cultural Services to develop their skills and produce a video for a community event. We spoke to Culture’s Davina Barbara.

And, Jose Mari Ruiz was in the studio to round up the weekend’s sports, with an entertaining weekend of football matches and the results in hockey’s first men’s cup of the season. 

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Today is the 500th edition of the Gibraltar Today Podcast!

On today's episode we have...

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News Editor Christine Vasquez filling us in on the events at the runway last night regarding the delayed Bristol flight, involving Drones in the runway airspace.

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The Health Authority now has an Internal Audit Department.

The Health Minister Gemma Arias Vasquez will tell us about the drive for operational efficiency and cost savings.

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Gibraltar has officially ratified its membership in the Special Olympics Global Coalition for Inclusion.

It has just done so at a signing ceremony at the City Hall.

We’ll discuss the step with Annie Risso of Special Olympics Gibraltar, athlete Francis Mauro, David Evangelista of SO Europe and Equality Minister Christian Santos.

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Jose-Marie Ruiz brings us the rest of the local sports news.

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And, in our Llanitos Abroad feature, we speak to Gibraltarians living and working away from the Rock.

This week we're speaking to Elaine Vasquez, but from where?

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On today's edition of Gibraltar Today

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As Los Angeles wildfires approach the famous Hollywood sign, with Sunset Boulevard 'in ruins' … we touch base with Gibraltarian Hubert Valverde

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the Chief Minister said the Government is consulting businesses about whether duty on goods should be paid at the point of importation or of sale. How might a sales tax work?

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Chairman of the Gibraltar Association of Tax Advisors, Grahame Jackson shares his thoughts.

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Do you have the attributes of a good mentor? The equality ministry’s Marlene Dalhi will talk to us about the women’s mentorship programme

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And, are you trying to eat more vegetables in 2025?

Romina Mayani Nankani & Katy Docker talk to us about veganuary & the appeal of a plant based diet

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On today's edition of Gibraltar Today...

A new reclamation project has been announced by the CM. Fabián Picardo will be in the studio with details of where exactly it’ll go, how large it’ll be, and an indication of what housing will be built on the new land.

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And, would you consider being a foster parent? The Care Agency’s message is ‘every child counts’ and each and every one of them deserves a chance in life. We’ll talk to Kerry Doyle and Robyn Shields. And also to parents with fostering experience, Martin and Suzanne Winterstein Smith

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Richard Ullger has been cleared of any wrongdoing following an investigation by the UK’s National Crime Agency. Allegations against the Police Commissioner had been made by lawyers for RGP Inspector Sean Picton and former police officer Anthony Bolaños during a pre-trial hearing. The two are facing charges of misconduct in Public Office. The Police Authority confirmed it has received the NCA report but will not be commenting further at this stage. Ros Astengo has been following the story.

The Cavalcade on Sunday reminded us just how important the weather can be in determining our plans. GBC’s weather forecasts are prepared by the Gibraltar MET Office; meteorologist Clement Hutin reflected on 2024, it being the second warmest year on record.

A new GBC podcast has dropped! 'Born on the Rock: Gibraltar Birth Stories' brings together a collection of unique experiences from parents about what it's like to have a baby on the Rock. It's produced and hosted by our very own Lucinda Snape.

The New Year's Eve concert in Casemates is always special. This year, heavy rain on the morning of the 31st meant that equipment and the stage were waterlogged. The DJs were able to perform but live music couldn't go ahead due to safety concerns. The musicians who didn't get to take part will now feature in a new event this weekend at Grand Battery House. We spoke to Musician and organiser of the NY Collective, Nolan Frendo.

And, are you looking for new books to add to your reading list in 2025? We live by the sea, how about a locally-produced maritime thriller? 'The Bridge' is a detective novel dealing with a death on the high seas, set against the back drop of a wind farm. Gibraltar based author Faye Louise told us more about the novel, without giving too much away.

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There was no rain on this parade! It’s estimated about 5,000 lined Casemates and Main Street for the Three Kings Cavalcade. It wasn’t clear how well supported the event would be, as the start time was brought forward to 2pm. But it was very well supported. Stefan Borge and Jose Mari Ruiz were at the heart of GBC’s TV coverage.

Many people start off their new year with a resolution to get fit and healthy. Statistics in the UK show that approximately 70% of people who resolve to be fitter on New Year's Day will give up on their fitness goals within the first month. Karess Zammit and Karim Vatvani were in the studio to, hopefully, keep us on track and committed to fitness.

It's panto season...oh yes it is! At the end of January, Theatre Makers are putting on a performance of Alice in Wonderland at the Ince's Hall Theatre. We spoke to Ella Vatvani and Tim Seed, who play two key characters in the story, about this year's panto.

It’s been a quiet time for local sports with the Christmas break, but it’s back with a bang with some big fixtures taking place this week in both football and hockey. Jose Mari Ruiz told us what we can be looking forward to, and shared some big news in darts.

And, tonight on GBC Television, we're looking forward to a new programme, 'If on a Winter's Night' featuring the poetry of Trino Cruz and the guitar playing of Elie Massias. It's described as an unforgettable collaboration where language and music meet. Trino Cruz told us more.

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Come rain or shine, the Three King's Cavalcade is going ahead...but when? and at what time? We spoke to the Cavalcade committee's Eric Abudarham alongside the RGP's Paul Chipolina.

It's that time of year again... colds and flu become more prevalent. So what should we do about it? News editor Christine Vasquez spent time this morning with Director of Public Health Helen Carter.

You’ve heard of physical therapy and psychological therapy, but how about dental therapy? Amy Mesilio, known as Smile in Mesilio on social media, told us more about it and explained what the difference is between a hygienist and a therapist.

GIBRAEL, the Gibraltar-Israel bi-national Chamber of Commerce, has been set up on the Rock for a number of years now, promoting the relationship and looking to develop potential synergies between the two countries. We spoke to one of the founders Eran Shay.

And, on this week’s edition of “Llanitos Abroad” we travel to Lancashire and spoke to Lee Ramagge. He’s working on growing the “llanito brand” as a language teacher but still has time to coach and play hockey.

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