Gibraltar Today

There is no treaty deal yet. The talks continue. We're trying to make sense of what emerged from the meetings in Brussels. Some have said it's positive that the process continues and that there's still good will to make it happen. What is the Chief Minister's verdict on how yesterday went? He was on Viewpoint last night: our reporter Christina Cortes has been listening back to Mr Picardo's comments. We also hear reactions from the Leader of the Opposition Keith Azopardi, editor of the Gibraltar Chronicle Brian Reyes, former GSD Minister Peter Montegriffo, and Diario Area editor Pablo Gomez.

It’s Wear Purple Day, and the volunteers at the Gibraltar Alzheimers and Dementia Society and the GHA are encouraging everyone in the community to show support and raise awareness by wearing purple. Raising awareness of dementia reduces stigma, it fosters understanding and promotes early diagnosis and support for those affected. We spoke to the Chair of GADS, Jeanette Ochello, and looked ahead to a 24 Hour Memory Walk event that is planned for tomorrow.

Jose Mari Ruiz told us the latest in local sports, including news in the world of boxing, a lookahead to rugby where Gibraltar national side are in action this weekend, and Lincoln player Liam Payas has become the youngest player to ever feature in the UEFA League competition at 14 years old.

And, in this week’s Friday feature: "Llanitos Abroad" we travel to Liverpool to hear from chef Nico Fitzgerald. He enrolled at "Le Cordon Bleu" - one of the top culinary arts academies in the world – and has competed in "MasterChef: The Professionals!”

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In today’s episode of the podcast we focused in on the latest round of treaty talks, happening today in Brussels. The Chief Minister is meeting the UK and Spanish Foriegn Ministers and the European Commission Vice President Maros Sefcovic. Fabian Picardo says "this treaty can be done, however devilishly complex it would have to be". But will we get a treaty today? Our news editor Christine Vasquez, reporting live from Brussles brought us the latest.

And, how important is it to secure a treaty for local trade and business? We invited John Isola, President of the Chamber of Commerce, and Owen Smith, Chair of the Gibraltar Federation of Small Businesses, to express what they feel is essential in keeping business in Gibraltar thriving: frontier fluidity and shared prosperity.

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A survey has been launched by The Department of Education, Director of Public Health, the Department of Paediatrics at the GHA and the University of Gibraltar. They’re asking parents and guardians to answer a few questions about the use of devices, video games and what their spending habits are when playing video games. We spoke to GHA Paediatrician Dr Lorena Soler Casale, Professor Zsolt Demetrovics of the University of Gibraltar, and by Bayside teacher Dale Moreno.

Another concerned parent Selwyn Figueras has launched a petition, currently supported by over 700 signatories, calling on Government to prioritise the urgent implementation of a Department of Education-led, effective ban on the use of smartphones by children across all schools in Gibraltar. He also joined in on the discussion.

And, today’s parents have a unique challenge of navigating raising their children in an increasingly digital and online world. They often have concerns about screen time and video games due to potential impacts on their children's health and well-being. Kathy Sanchez and Claire Bensadon are both parents of young children, and believe that balancing screen time and setting boundaries can help address these concerns.

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There will be high level talks in Brussels as all sides continue working towards an EU/UK Treaty over Gibraltar. The Chief Minister will meet the UK and Spanish Foreign Ministers and the EU Vice President in Brussels on Thursday. The meeting follows a wide ranging bilateral in London yesterday between both Foreign Ministers. News Editor Christine Vasquez told us more.

Tomorrow, Lincoln Red Imps will begin their maiden voyage in the UEFA Youth League - they host Slovenian side Maribor in the first leg of their first round qualifier at Europa Point. The senior squad have the best part of a decade of experience under their belts at this level... so how are the u19's feeling ahead of the occasion? We spoke to head coach Ryan Casciaro alongisde two of his players, Lee Chipolina and Javan Peacock.

An international portrait and figurative art exhibition - Ace Art Rock & Paper II - opens this evening at The Fine Arts Gallery, and runs until 27th September. Artists Carmen Lupion, Sara Gomez, Diocles Laime and Luca Raven told us more about what inspired their pieces.

And, it was late in 1982, after 13 years, that the border, partially re-opened. It was a huge moment in Gibraltar's history, it had a big impact on daily life, on work, family, and culture. It influenced the relationship between two communities on either side of the border fence. Later this week, local documentarian Stephen Cumming will be hosting a talk across the border in La Linea, about life post-closed frontier.

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There are big changes happening at GBC, both on television and on radio, and the new TV schedule includes the return of an old classic! The Magic Garden is back, re-invented, and it airs this evening! It's been a long time in the making, the production department have been hard at work, and have had an avalanche of interest from parents hoping to get their kids involved. We spoke to the producer of the show Aimie Desoisa and Kaigan Garcia who, alongside Kim Soiza, will present the show.

The Gibraltar Government says it remains committed to the Trilateral Forum for Dialogue. The comment came ahead of today's meeting between the British and Spanish foreign ministers in London. The UK Government says it would "never agree to any bilateral negotiations over Gibraltar between the UK and Spain - whether under any process or on any ad hoc basis". News Editor Christine Vasquez has been following the story.

On the 30th of September the residents at Queen’s Hotel are facing eviction and being relocation to Sunrise Hostel on Devil’s Tower Road. Many are worried that the move will cause over-crowding and any communal spaces will be lost. Shadow Minister for Care and Opportunity, Atrish Sanchez visited the Queen's hotel and came to the studio to discuss the current situation.

While there are many changes happening on GBC Television and on Radio Gibraltar, it’s also true that “you should never change a winning formula". City Pulse is back on our screens tonight and celebrating it’s 10 year anniversary! There have been some tweaks to the new system, and the show’s presenter Kevin Ruiz was keen to tell us all about them.

And, Jose Mari Ruiz brought us the latest in local sports from the weekend, with the results from league football and a boxing match held across the border.

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It's Friday afternoon, here's what we're talking about.

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An investigation is ongoing into the death of 32-year-old Telegraph journalist David Knowles in Gibraltar. 

A spokesperson for his family noted the Royal Gibraltar Police's statement, particularly that 'there are no specific concerns at this time with regard to the death'.

Detectives from UK Counter-Terrorism Policing are assisting the RGP in its inquiry into his sudden death.

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Gabby Olivero has an incredible story.

She donated her stem cells which saved someone's life. She’ll tell us why she’s raising money for The Anthony Nolan Charity.

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What role has the Mediterranean Sea played in the development of Western civilisation? What role has the Strait of Gibraltar played?

The university of Gibraltar’s Dr Darren Fa will tell us why he’s exploring these questions.

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And we have a look at the latest futsal, football and more sports news.

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Vicky's Natural Kitchen is a local professional food catering business, that focuses on delivering sophisticated dining. And now it's returning to your screen! Vicky, alongside her daughter Amber gave us a taster of what we can expect on the new programme that airs next Thursday.

Five new low emission buses are being introduced to the Citibus routes. Routes 5 and 10, which operate from the frontier to Market Place and Boyd Street, will also increase capacity. Claire Hernandez told us more.

With this year’s National Day behind us, Gibraltar’s relationship with Britain is at the forefront of our minds. This will be the focus of a talk this evening by MP Daniel Feetham. We spoke to the Representation in Westminster Movement’s Wilfred Stagnetto and Emilio Reyes ahead of the event.

And, diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging is the focus of a conference at the Sunborn today. The "Count Me In" conference is about turning words into actions, and making sure your company or organisation supports all its employees. Our reporter Christina Cortes spoke to the keynote speaker Adam Boddison.

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Today’s episode is the last of our At The Beach series, recorded live from the Montagu Bathing Pavilion, known by the regulars as the GASA Bathing Pavilion.

Christine Doolan celebrated National Day at the Pavilion, and took advantage of the earlier opening time by decorating the space with red and white. By all accounts there was a lovely community atmosphere.

The Supported Needs and Disabilities Office work hard to make sure that our most popular bathing sports are accessible to all. Jenny Victory told us what changes have been made this summer.  

At yesterday’s National Day Rally the Chief Minister read out a letter from King Charles III, in which His Majesty commended Gibraltar on its conservation efforts. Chief Executive of the Department of the Environment Stephen Warr spoke to us about his reaction to the King’s warm words.

Kenneth Avellano is considered by regulars as the unofficial boss of the Pavilion. He loves the convenience of the place and how family friendly it is. He described how he goes looking for starfish and other creatures in the area with his grandchildren.

And, Denise Bossino interrupted her lunch to tell us how much she loves the Pavilion, and goes there every day regardless of the weather! She wishes that bathers would be allowed to stay later than 8pm. 

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Today’s podcast begins with a crash, bang and whallop! We spoke to boxing brothers Chris and Evan Montegriffo ahead of their respective big fights this weekend.

Sticking with sports, Jose Mari Ruiz looked back on the nail biting Nations League game against Liechtenstein yesterday evening.

With National Day on the horizon we invited the Self Determination for Gibraltar Group’s Richard Buttigieg to the studio. He told us why it is still important to celebrate what it means to be llanito.

And, it’ll be a busy day for the production crew at GBC tomorrow – Head of TV’s Paula Latin told us what’s planned to keep the ambiente of National Day alive on our TV screens.

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Veterans Football is thriving on the rock! Last month's John Shephard Snr Memorial Trophy proved a roaring success - not to mention the recently established veterans league - it means whether you are 5 years old or 75 years old, you can play competitive football. The GFA's Leigh Thorne and Yaro Borg joined us in the studio.

Sports reporter Jose Mari Ruiz looked ahead to Gibraltar big game on Sunday against Liechtenstein for the Nations League.

The subject of diversity, inclusion and belonging has been a hot topic in recent times. The importance of ensuring that each team member has equal opportunities to do their best work and feels valued. Jo Aborgel discussed this at the 'Count me In’ conference.

The 2nd edition of the 'Gibraltar Weekender' music festival begins tonight! Promoter Wayne Meenagh told us more about the line up for this year’s event.

And, we end the podcast with another trip somewhere far away from the Rock. In recent weeks on "Llanitos Abroad" we've been to the likes of Canada, Australia, and Sweden. Today we spoke Javi Hunter, who is working for the tech giant Sony in London.

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