Gibraltar Today

How did Monday’s power cut affect you? Traders told Gibraltar Today they missed out on an hour of business at what they said was peak trading for them, with two cruise liners in port. Fewer of us carry cash around with us nowadays - if the power is down, many potential purchases just don’t happen. More generally, our listeners were frustrated to be without electricity again, this time for about 60 minutes.

A series of events are lined up ahead of Saturday the 6th of May when Charles III will be crowned. A coronation parade will take place at Convent Place on Wednesday 3rd of May at 6pm. And the Royal Gibraltar Regiment will be on ceremonial duties in London. Captain Kenny Alvarez, Lieutenant Gareth Bailey and Private Harry Knights were confident it would go well for them.

And, we have unseasonably hot weather on the way this week. Clement Hutin of the MET Office joined us.

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The Deputy Prime Minister stepped down today after an inquiry report upholding two claims of bullying. In his resignation letter, Dominic Raab claims a senior diplomat breached the UK Government mandate agreed by Cabinet “in the context of Brexit negotiations over Gibraltar” during his time as Foreign Secretary, in the build up to the 2020 New Years Eve Agreement.

One of the complaints focused on Mr Raab’s behaviour during the negotiations and his subsequent actions when he removed a senior negotiator from his position. Our News Editor Christine Vasquez joined us in the studio.

Gibraltar Today also looked ahead to world table tennis day with two veterans of the game: Ray Murphy and Joe Martinez.


And we talked about how good dancing is for the heart with Vanessa Bautista of the Cardiac Association, DJ Carl Villarubia and dancer Nicole Victor.

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The former police commissioner Ian McGrail was in the Magistrates Court again this morning. Ian McGrail was in the Magistrates Court again this morning. Our reporter Katy Docker was there and joined us with the latest.

We also spoke to Chief Inspector Paul Chipolina, who recently graduated from the FBI Academy, where he was hosted privately by the FBI Director. 

And, the LGBTQ+ committee is organising a meet up and we thought it was a good excuse for a general catch up with Lorraine Olivera.

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At the current rate, gender equality in the highest positions of power will not be reached for another 130 years.

In Gibraltar, only 12% of our members of parliament are women - government minister Samantha Sacramento, and Opposition MP Marlene Hassan Nahon.

Should our parliament take any temporary special measures to increase female representation? Such as, for example, reserving seats for women? Will the political parties contesting the next general election do something meaningful to get more women into politics and into parliament?

This was one of the talking points today. The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association is in town and we assembled an international panel on Gibraltar Today: CPA Secretary-General Stephen Twigg, CPA Small Branches Chairperson Joy Burch (also Speaker of the Australian Capital Territory Legislature) and Deputy Speaker of the Fiji Parliament, Lenora Qereqeretabua.

Presenter Jonathan Scott also asked them about the climate emergency.

And he sought the views of two young Gibraltarians who have mingled with the visiting politicians from the Commonwealth. Adriana Lopez and Aaron Santos have represented Gibraltar at the Commonwealth Youth Parliament and have attended some of the fringe events at this conference, held in Gibraltar.

On Wednesdays we go into one topic in more depth, so it's a slightly longer podcast. Thank you for listening :)

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The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association says we need more women in parliaments around the world. Gibraltar is hosting the association's mid-term conference at the Sunborn Hotel, with climate change and the representation of small nations also on the agenda.

Tuesday was World Heritage Day. Claire Montado, the Heritage Trust's CEO, put the focus on the volunteers who generously give of their time to preserve Gibraltar’s gems for future generations.

Boxing Fight Night was on the GBC TV schedule for Tuesday evening. Presenter Davie Wilson joined Jonathan Scott in the studio with boxer Tyrone Buttigieg, who won his first professional bout.

And, Europa’s Futsal team will again represent Gibraltar in next season’s champions league qualifiers. Captain Ashley Rodriguez & defender Jamie Fortuna spoke to Gibraltar Today.

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The Muslim Youth of Gibraltar put on a great, community event on Saturday night. A packed Central Hall saw people from different walks of life gather. All the preparation for the event was done by young volunteers. One of the organisers, Alaee Ziani was in the studio to talk to Jonathan Scott, as was James Neish, who reported on the event for GBC.

The Powder Room is back on GBC TV as from Monday evening. Justine Cartwright-Fava told us campaigner Nicole Jones will be joining the panel and there will be an increased emphasis on local issues.

GBC has been reporting on plans for a new development - six buildings - on Bayside Road.“Bayside Central” would be a multi-use development. What do residents in the area think?

And, after another busy weekend in sport, Robin Shephard Capurro brought us some highlights, including the half marathon and futsal.

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The former Commissioner of Police, Ian McGrail, pleaded not guilty to a charge of sexual assault today. The 56-year-old arrived with his lawyer Nick Gomez and blew a kiss to the more than 25 family and friends who had turned up to support him.

His lawyer requested the case be heard in the Magistrates' Court as soon as possible with jurisdiction accepted by Stipendiary Magistrate Charles Pitto. Our court reporter Katy Docker was followed proceedings and joined us in the studio with the latest.

Plans have been filed for a six-building development on the site of the old Bayside School and St Anne's School site. The proposal includes buildings ranging from 10 to 18 storeys. The Environmental Safety Group's Janet Howitt told Gibraltar Today she welcomes the inclusion of a public square in these plans. She also shared her thoughts on the Eastside development and on it being an election year.

And, the Government told GBC it is looking into the possibility of offering free childcare for children above nine months. It follows the UK Government’s announcement in its latest budget that up to 30 hours free childcare will be offered each month for children aged over nine months, provided their parents are employed. What do you think of that?

Thank you for listening to the Gibraltar Today podcast, we're live from 1 to 2, Monday to Friday, on Radio Gibraltar and on GBC television.

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GBC News Editor Christine Vasquez joined us from New Mole House Police Station. GBC had broken the news that the former commissioner of police Ian McGrail had been arrested. Shortly after he was charged. We have the details from the senior investigating officer.

Also… As approximately 400 people await the completion of their new homes at Hassan Centenary Terraces, there is a lot they need to think about and plan for. Trusted Novus Bank is hoping to help them with an affordable homes expo. The bank’s Albert de las Heras joined us.

As did Louis Montegriffo, the Chief Executive Officer of the BMI Group, who are celebrating their 25th anniversary. Both answered questions from listeners. 

Thanks for listening to the Gibraltar Today podcast.

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On Wednesdays we go into one topic in depth and today it was public finances. Roy Clinton joined Jonathan Scott in the Radio Gibraltar studios. Mr Clinton is the GSD’s shadow minister with responsibility for finance and value for money.

He took questions from listeners on Government borrowing, the new stadium project, and more - including: not making “pie in the sky promises” at the forthcoming general election.

And, as Barclaycard confirmed it will stop offering accounts to those who don’t live in the UK, Mr Clinton told Gibraltar Today it leaves a gap in the market with a lack of alternative providers for credit cards. But he said it will be difficult to attract new banking players to the Rock.

Thanks for listening to the Gibraltar Today podcast.

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The Director of Public Health stressed the importance of the spring Covid-19 booster for those in the population who may be at a continued greater risk of severe disease.

Dr Helen Carter told Gibraltar Today the decision as to who to offer the booster to has been driven by scientific evidence and is not a cost cutting measure.

The booster is now available at the Primary Care Centre for people aged over 75 years old, those with a weakened immune system or living in residential care and nursing homes.

Peter Horton is the new boss at the Gibraltar International bank. He told us that despite the difficult economic climate, he thinks the bank is well placed to thrive going forward.

It’s been hot in recent days! Monday was the warmest April day for Gibraltar since 2002, with a high of 29.3C. The Principal Met Officer at the Met Office, Chris Burton joined us.

Thanks for listening to the Gibraltar Today podcast, we’re live on Radio Gibraltar and GBC Television.

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