GSLP/Liberals Manifesto 2015 the strongest foundations for your future www.strongestfoundations.gi This manifesto does not contain every commitment we have made in press releases and direct communications with organisations, and to which we remain committed, as space does not allow us to include everything. Wish lists from associations etc. are being answered directly in writing and those responses are binding on the parties also.

All developments illustrated in this Manifesto are artists’ impressions and all will be subject to open and transparent tendering procedures and final geo-technical surveys.

An interactive version of this manifesto is available on the following websites: www.strongestfoundations.gi www.gslp.gi www.liberal.gi

On those websites you will also find the spoken word version of this document for the visually impaired.

Our Electoral Broadcasts are also available there with sub-titles for the hearing impaired.

ALL technical designs and architects drawings (which are not already in the public domain, free from copyright) included in this manifesto have been paid for and are the property of the Gibraltar Socialist Labour Party and the Liberal Party or are the property of third parties who have specifically authorised us to use them. Unlike the GSD in 2011, we are not including here any designs which are the property of the Government of Gibraltar.

We could not be prouder that this manifesto has been designed and printed in Gibraltar by Gibraltarian talent and printers.

Thank you to all of you who have been involved!

Design: Stephen Perera

Election Agents: Allan Asquez, Joseph Baldachino, Peter Cabezutto, Dennis Cardona, Joe Cortes, Jane Webber: Watergardens 3, Suite 16, Gibraltar. Troy Jeffries, Lyana Armstrong, Leslie Bruzon: 95 Irish Town, Gibraltar.

Published by the Gibraltar Socialist Labour Party, Suite 16, Watergardens 3, Gibraltar and the Liberal Party of Gibraltar, 95 Irish Town, Gibraltar.

Printed by the Gibraltar Chronicle Printing Ltd, Unit 3, New Harbours, Gibraltar CONTENTS

TELL ME ABOUT...FABIAN PICARDO...... 13 TELL ME ABOUT...ALBERT ISOLA...... 59 THE PUBLIC SECTOR...... 13 THE GIBRALTAR GAMING PROPOSITION...... 59 STRENGTHENING DEMOCRACY...... 15 FINANCIAL SERVICES...... 60 INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS...... 16 TELL ME ABOUT...GILBERT LICUDI...... 65 TELL ME ABOUT...JOSEPH GARCIA...... 23 EDUCATION...... 65 DEMOCRATIC & PARLIAMENTARY REFORM...... 23 NEW EDUCATION POLICIES...... 68 LAW & ORDER...... 77 TELL ME ABOUT...JOE BOSSANO...... 27 THE NATIONAL ECONOMIC PLAN TELL ME ABOUT...STEVEN LINARES...... 81 2015/16 -2019/20...... 28 ART & CULTURE...... 81 VOCATIONAL APPRENTICESHIPS & TRAINING...... 32 PLANNING & HERITAGE...... 81 SPORTS AND LEISURE...... 88 TELL ME ABOUT...PAUL BALBAN...... 35 YOUTH ...... 91 TRAFFIC, PARKING AND TRANSPORT...... 35

THE PORT...... 38 TELL ME ABOUT...SAMANTHA SACRAMENTO...... 93 SOCIAL SERVICES...... 93 TELL ME ABOUT...JOHN CORTES...... 41 DISABILITY...... 94 HEALTH...... 41 EQUALITY...... 94 ENVIRONMENT...... 46 TOURISM...... 96 PROTECTING OUR SENIOR CITIZENS...... 98 TELL ME ABOUT...NEIL COSTA...... 51 HOUSING...... 99 BUSINESS & COMMERCE...... 51 4 ...the strongest foundations for the future Personal message from Fabian Picardo My dear friends, of education and the objective accountability of that sector. It also means ensuring our children get the nutrition they Thank you so much for having trusted us to “make the need whilst in school. change” 4 years ago. We really did usher in a positive “New Dawn” that has transformed Gibraltar for the better. In particular, it means that when we are faced with choices between building new schools or electing to spend taxpayers My own life was turned upside down from the moment I was money on a new football stadium, we will always choose to sworn in as Chief Minister in December 2011. A few months invest in the infrastructure of education and allow the GFA later, my first son was born. Earlier this year, my second to take the funds UEFA is offering for the sporting facility. son arrived. Now, as the proud parents of two Gibraltarian children, my wife and I care deeply for the future of our small And you will also see how we are planning for the short, but proud Nation. I know you all do too. If there is one thing medium and long term. We are not just looking out for today we all have in common in Gibraltar, whatever side we are on without a thought for tomorrow. In fact, our obligation is as politically, it is our love of our homeland. much to protect the interests of future generations of our people as it is to protect the interests of current generations With my talented and dedicated colleagues in the GSLP/ of Gibraltarians. Liberal Government, we have worked every hour available in order to make good the commitments we made to That is why everything we do is carefully designed to improve every aspect of life in Gibraltar. We have put promote and progress our interests as a people. every effort into it. You can now see for yourselves that we We would never risk the safety of any resident or group meant it when we said we would promise only things which of you or the financial health of our Nation. Anyone who we could deliver. says the opposite can unfortunately only be described That is why you know that you can trust us to run Gibraltar as lying. Not one of the ministers in the GSLP/Liberals honestly, efficiently and prudently for the next 4 years. administration would ever support an LNG facility if it were even slightly unsafe. It is true that some of you were not sure about our team in 2011. You did not know whether you could trust me to fill If you do not want to believe politicians on the issue of the the big shoes of former Chief Ministers. Some of you had safety of LNG and the SHELL built and operated storage been concerned by the scaremongering of our opponents. facility at North Mole, then look at the statements from THE world recognised experts at the Health & Safety Laboratory. Yet now so many of you tell me that you have seen we are They were clear and explicit in saying there is no risk or doing a good job of administering the affairs of ‘Gibraltar Plc’ danger to any resident in the area of Waterport Terraces or and that you want us to continue to do so. Thank you for Harbour Views from the LNG facility. These experts even recognising both our efforts and achievements. said that they would happily live closer to the LNG plant And thank you for picking up this manifesto to read about than the current residential areas allow for. the plans we now propose for the next 4 years in the growth Moving to this new, clean fuel to produce power is not of Gibraltar. These are the best ideas proposed to you at this something we would have done if we were not totally and election. completely 100% satisfied that it is entirely safe. Believe me We have given a lot of thought to the things that we when I honestly say that I would rather lose an election by propose to you in this blueprint for the next 4 years in the 100% than risk the life of any Gibraltarian. development of our small but proud Nation. Yet our opponents still insist in raising fear in people. These plans are very carefully costed. I guess they think that is the only way that they can try to You will see that we make detailed predictions about the carve out one or two more votes. I think it is unscrupulous growth of our GDP, the growth of our reserves and the to try to win votes by frightening people with unscientific anticipated further reductions in our debt. Our opponents nonsense. do not have the credibility to do that. At the end of the day, each one of you has to ask yourself, You will also see fascinating plans to positively transform do I believe self-interested Daniel Feetham and Trevor education in our Community. Investment in our schools is Hammond, or do I trust the objective and qualified experts essential if we are to give our children the service that they from the Health & Safety Laboratory of the UK and the deserve and should expect from a prosperous Community reputation, expertise and professionalism of SHELL. It really like ours. That means investing in new building stock and is a ‘no-brainer’ when you analyse it like that. maintaining existing facilities. It means investing in people, And it should be the same when it comes to the including more teachers, learning support assistants and scaremongering about our finances and whether we technical staff. And it means investing in the administration have spent too much money. You hear so much from our

...the strongest foundations for the future 5 opponents about how we have overspent and we are in totally safe and does not endanger anyone. dire straits. Ironically, when you look at the actual numbers, On both the things that they have said they were going the fact is that we have spent £60m less in our first 4 years to make this election about, the GSD have objectively than the GSD did in their last 4. But we have targeted our completely lost all the arguments. spending to the things that are more relevant to Gibraltar This will have seriously affected your ability to have any families. confidence whatsoever in Mr Feetham or his team. That is We have done so much. The University, the 2 new schools, why you will hear Mr Feetham simply hurling insults at me. the 1,000 new homes, the new Bank etc. He has lost the arguments and has nothing left to say. The And our income has grown by almost £800m in the same 4 desperation for votes has pushed them to say anything or year periods. That represents almost £200m more per years do anything. has come in as Government revenue; an average of just In fact, all of our opposing team is made up of parliamentary under £20m more a month in income. novices. So instead of being anywhere near running out of money, We, instead, are a tried and tested team. We have governed we are actually much, much better off than we were under together for 4 years now. We understand Parliamentary the GSD. procedure. And this is another reason why you trust us: our I know that numbers can sometimes be boring, but look at experience. how our rainy day funds and Usable Cash Reserves have And our experience includes having effectively dealt with grown, and how debt has been reduced. the extreme anti-Gibraltarian aggression of the Spanish The Usable Cash Reserve was just £2m at the end of the Partido Popular Government. I have been your international GSD’s last financial year in office. At the end of this financial advocate in fighting off Snr Margallo and his ludicrous year, the Usable Cash Reserve will be £143m. behaviour towards us all. I have been tough when I have Gross Debt is down to £400m (21% of GDP of £1.84b) from had to and have highlighted the Spanish Government’s the £520m (51% of GDP of £1.1b) the GSD left us and will bullying of us when I have had to. fall further before the end of the Financial Year. I have been surprised to see how Mr Feetham has taken Sir Peter Caruana argued the target should be to get Nett to the media to criticise me for being too tough on Snr Debt to 20% of GDP. We have achieved that as Nett Debt Margallo or the Spanish Government. On one occasion he is now also down to less than 19% of GDP. By the end of even suggested that he would be prepared to remove parts our next term in office we expect it will be down to 12.5% of the artificial reef when we were under maximum pressure of GDP. to do so. That would have played directly into Snr Margallo’s predatory hands and would have completely undermined Deposits in the Savings Bank have grown from about £300m British Sovereignty over the waters where the reef was to over £1 billion. created. Just taking the attitude he took presented us with The Savings Bank Reserve has gone up from £1,000 under a setback as Snr Margallo clearly felt emboldened to see the GSD to almost £20m. We predict this will grow to £70m that Gibraltarians appeared to be divided on this important, in the next 4 years. fundamental issue. Community Care’s kitty has gone from £ZERO under the In the past Leaders of the Opposition have tended to GSD to £100m now. We predict this will grow further to criticise the Chief Minister for being too soft on Spain. Mr £230m in the next 4 years. Feetham has taken the opposite approach. That would mean that the combined funds of the Savings Well, taking stock of these brilliantly successful past 4 years, Bank Reserve and Community Care would total the same I feel I got the tone right when dealing with Snr Margallo. as the amount of the Nett Debt we predict for then, also You have seen that, although we will never cede at all on £300m, on a GDP which we conservatively estimate will be Sovereignty, we have been able to talk to all relevant in the region of £2.4b. political parties in Spain except for the Partido Popular (at Our GDP exceeded our expectations for growth by growing least, with Snr Margallo in charge of foreign affairs). That from £1.1b to over £1.84b. This exceeded the prediction to has also served to demonstrate that Mr Feetham was wrong increase the GDP to £1.65b. Our opponents said it could to suggest that I was the impediment to dialogue. The final not be done. How wrong they were! nail in the coffin of that argument came when Snr Moratinos So there is no need to undertake an austerity drive in shared the stage with me in San Roque to advocate for the Gibraltar to cut £50m in recurrent expenditure each year, as return of dialogue under the Trilateral Forum as well as the the GSD is ‘promising’ to do. Such cuts would involve civil agreement by PSOE that the GSLP could start the process of service/public sector job losses, pay freezes and benefits accession to The Party of European Socialists. and services being considerably reduced. And they would We have been particularly active in protecting Gibraltar’s be unnecessary. position in respect of the coming UK referendum on the So when you look at the numbers, you can see that we are UK remaining or exiting the EU. Our strong personal and right about the economy and our public finances and the institutional relationship with UK Ministers and their GSD are wrong. Government has given us the leverage to ensure that Gibraltar has been enfranchised for the first time ever in a And when you ask the professionals of world renowned UK referendum. This is a major achievement in respect of expertise, they clearly tell you that the new LNG facility is

6 ...the strongest foundations for the future this seminally important issue. On “Brexit” we will continue to work to understand the potential economic impact of leaving the EU and/or leaving the Single Market, as well as the potential benefits of acceding to the Schengen Area and/or the Common Customs Union. These are important considerations which have to be informed by data. We are committed to sharing information with any Parliamentary opposition on the terms of a motion which the last Parliament approved. When the time comes, we will do that in Gibraltar’s interest. So if you take a step back, you will see that you can safely entrust the international political defence of our nation in our hands. Faced with the toughest challenge since the Dictatorship of General Franco and the closure of the frontier, we have stood up to and seen off the Spanish Government’s bullying. You can trust us with the international representation of Gibraltar. But trust is a two way street. In the same way that you have trusted us to change Gibraltar and deliver a better future for our children, I also trust you to see through our opponents and give us your support on the 26 November. Remember that this election is about a fork in the road, a junction in history. You can choose to stick with usin the GSLP Liberal team to continue the social and political progress we are delivering. You can continue the economic growth we have made a reality. You can continue‎ to pursue the unrelenting defence of our homeland. This manifesto is your road map for the next 4 years of socio- economic evolution of your nation. A schematic diagram of the strongest foundations you can lay for your future and the future of your children and your family. A blue print for progress and prosperity in the development of our nation. So please go out, come rain or shine, on 26 November and vote to keep us in Government. Our work is not finished yet. Finally, I want to thank you for the privilege of having allowed me to lead Gibraltar these brilliantly successful past 4 years. With your support and confidence, we will once again lead our nation to even greater success in the next 4 years.

Thank you for reading this introduction, Sincerely,

Fabian

...the strongest foundations for the future 7 8 ...the strongest foundations for the future Personal message from Joseph Garcia Dear friends, In the past, the planning process used to take place in secret behind closed doors. The minutes and agenda were not In 4 years the GSLP/Liberals have improved Gibraltar published and the public was shut out of the process. This beyond recognition. We have built strong foundations for has been transformed by the GSLP/Liberal administration. our future and now require a mandate from you to continue The Development and Planning Commission now meets in what we started. front of the press and the public. Objectors and applicants We are contesting this election both on our record and on are given the opportunity to address the Commission. The the policies set out in this manifesto. details of Government projects are all published on-line and Our record is an impressive one. The economy continues Government projects are discussed in public. It was not that to grow and unemployment is at a record low. We have long ago when Government projects, including large ones, delivered 1000 new homes for our people for affordable did not even go to the DPC at all! purchase or elderly rental. We have built two new schools In encouraging public participation and greater democracy, and opened the University of Gibraltar. A small boats marina we have allowed citizens a say in the decisions that affect is already in place at the same time as the schools and the them. The plan to construct additional floors above University have been provided. Sheltered accommodation certain housing estates was not proceeded with after the for the elderly is almost ready at Charles Bruzon House and Government consulted the Commission and the public. A Seamaster Lodge. We have done what we promised to do. plan to reclaim a huge area of sea in front of Tradewinds was I am proud to have been part of a Government that has similarly not proceeded with after the Commission and the achieved so much in such a short period of time. public were consulted. A proposal to construct a new Port Some of what we have achieved is bricks and mortar. Other tower and offices was sent back by the Commission to the successes may not be as visible but there is no doubt that Government several times until the design was improved to their effects can be clearly felt. The reforms we have carried their satisfaction. Indeed, the proposal to create additional out to improve democracy, transparency and accountability office space in Convent Place was sent back to the are a case in point. Government for improvement in the same way. We have carried out a revolution in the way in which This is democracy in action. Gibraltar is governed and we have fulfilled our objective of No system is perfect, but it is unquestionable that Gibraltar bringing Government closer to the people. has progressed in leaps and bounds with the GSLP/Liberals The scale of this transformation cannot be properly in Government. understood without looking back at what existed before. Even the system for answering press questions has The Parliament of Gibraltar now meets for questions ten improved. There was a time when many questions from the times a year. We inherited a system where Parliament met media were simply left on the back-burner and not even two or three times and where in 2003 there had been only replied to. In Government, we have changed all this through one meeting in the entire year. In addition to this, meetings a properly staffed press office that now answers media are now streamed on-line and televised. Our Parliament questions in a timely manner. This is another way in which has moved forward with the times and it is now possible to public accountability has been moved forward. watch the proceedings on your laptop or tablet. Any analysis of the facts will show that the GSLP/Liberals The record of the meetings, known as the Hansard, is now have delivered a revolution in democratic reform and in ready in a few weeks. This process used to take many months, public accountability. We have brought the process of sometimes nearly a year under the previous administration. Government closer to the people. There will always be In effect, we have introduced a series of reforms like this one plenty more work to be done but we have certainly made which makes life easier for the Opposition and allows them a good start. the tools to hold the Government to account. We were not The Select Committee on Parliamentary Reform will be the so lucky when we sat on the Opposition benches. forum in which a second GSLP/Liberal Government will take All this alone is revolutionary. Parliament is now at the these matters forward and implement them. centre of our democracy. Parliamentary Supremacy was re- One area in which I have been closely involved with Fabian established by us! is taking Gibraltar’s message to decision-makers abroad. There is now more information about Government available This is a key policy of the GSLP/Liberals and something on-line than ever before. A whole raft of statistical tables we maintained when in Opposition and have continued are published on the Government website for everyone to to progress in Government. Our project in Europe stems consider. from an idea we developed ever since as two fresh-faced youngsters, we went to Brussels some two decades ago

...the strongest foundations for the future 9 convinced of the importance of getting our message across We also promised to engage young people in our efforts. over there. This has resulted in groups of youngsters visiting the UN in Now older and in Government, we have given effect to our New York and the EU institutions in Brussels. It is essential maxim of taking Gibraltar to Europe and bringing Europe to to focus the attention of our young people on these matters Gibraltar. because they are the future. In line with this policy the number of visits by the Gibraltar Our lobbying efforts in London continue under the direction Government to Brussels has increased. We take the of the Gibraltar office in London. opportunity during these visits to meet the Commission, We have taken a huge leap forward in projecting Gibraltar MEPs and others in order to put across the Gibraltar point in the places that matter. It is important to appreciate that of view. Both Fabian and I have addressed important lobbying takes time - the seed needs to be planted and EU think-tanks, taking advantage of these trips. This is to grow. However, the GSLP/Liberals will leave no stone extremely useful because it allows the Gibraltar message to unturned in defending Gibraltar’s position internationally be delivered directly to Brussels-based diplomats, officials wherever and whenever this is necessary. and others. In this manifesto we pledge to continue with this work on A major step we have taken in Government is to upgrade the these and on other issues. Gibraltar representative office before the European Union. We will continue to provide more homes for our people in The new office officially opened in May. the new schemes at Hassan Centenary Terraces and Bob This means that Gibraltar now has more muscle in Brussels Peliza Mews. These will account for 1700 flats. On health, than ever before enabling us to make ourselves heard. The we are bringing chemotherapy treatment to Gibraltar, doing new office will work together with the United Kingdom away with the need for patients and their families to travel Representation (UKREP) to further our interests. Spain is abroad for this service. We have an exciting raft of policies pushing against Gibraltar across the board on EU matters across all the areas of Government. and we have to be there to push back. Our commitment to you will be delivered by 10 members of In addition to raising Gibraltar’s profile in Brussels, the a team, all of whom have experience of Parliament and of GSLP/Liberals in Government also opened a new lobbying Government. You can count on us to deliver. front in Washington. It is important to develop close links On 26 November, vote for the GSLP/Liberals and allow us between Gibraltar and the United States for obvious to continue to build on the solid foundations that we have reasons. A landmark Resolution supporting Gibraltar’s laid for your future. right to self-determination has been tabled by Democratic and Republican Members of Congress. A branch of the US Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM) has been established in Gibraltar and business links have started to grow. We will continue to encourage this. We promised in our election manifesto to continue lobbying before both the United Nations Committee of 24 and the Joseph Garcia Fourth Committee. We have done so.

10...the strongest foundations for the future this manifesto is designed to secure your family’s future...

...the strongest foundations for the future11 12...the strongest foundations for the future tell me about...Fabian Picardo

FABIAN HAS SERVED YOU AS CHIEF MINISTER OF GIBRALTAR SINCE 9 DECEMBER 2011. HIS RESPONSIBILITIES HAVE INCLUDED THE ECONOMY AND FINANCE, THE CIVIL SERVICE, HM CUSTOMS AND INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS. HE HAS REPRESENTED GIBRALTAR AROUND THE WORLD INCLUDING AT THE UNITED NATIONS IN NEW YORK AND THE EU IN BRUSSELS. HE IS A QUEEN’S COUNSEL BY PROFESSION WHO QUALIFIED FROM OXFORD UNIVERSITY AND IS CALLED TO THE BAR IN GIBRALTAR AND THE BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS. HE IS THE LEADER OF THE GIBRALTAR SOCIALIST LABOUR PARTY. FABIAN WAS PRACTISING AS A COMMERCIAL LAWYER IN A LARGE FIRM BEFORE BEING ELECTED INTO GOVERNMENT WORKING ON INTERNATIONAL COMMERCIAL PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS. HE IS MARRIED TO JUSTINE AND THEY ARE THE PROUD PARENTS OF TWO YOUNG BOYS, SEBASTIAN AND OLIVER.

THE PUBLIC SECTOR - FEETHAM/GSD: PUBLIC SECTOR CUTS? Department and the Industrial AUSTERITY BY THE BACK DOOR! NO TO WASTE & NO TO GSD Relations Advisor. AUSTERITY Daniel Feetham, the Leader of the GSD, has committed his party to cutting This very fruitful approach will continue. Regular meetings (on at least a monthly THE CIVIL SERVICE & GDC recurrent expenditure in the public basis) will continue with the leadership The Civil Service is the backbone of sector. That can only be achieved of all Unions so that the relationship the Public Sector. Together with the with job losses and cutbacks in public between the Government as employer, GDC and the Government Agencies, services. It is not true that there is a on the one hand, and the workforce on Authorities and Companies, they budgetary overspend of £50m a year in the other, remains as strong as it is today provide the environment for the the Civil Service. Controlling Officers in or even stronger. private sector to prosper. the Civil Service do an excellent job of bringing expenditure in almost exactly We will maintain the commitment we 3-YEAR PAY DEAL on target and Mr Feetham should have to preserve the size of the civil know this as he has the Accounts of In the past 4 years we have increased service and to ensure that it is properly the Government which reflect this. Public Sector pay each year. The resourced so that it delivers the results increases have totalled 10.85% (on that are required in order to fulfil our Although we will continue to seek to a simple, not compound basis) as manifesto commitments. deliver better value for money in all follows: public sector spending, we do not agree 2.70% in 2012/13 THE NEW CIVIL SERVICE / PUBLIC with unnecessarily imposing austerity. SECTOR CODE 2.90% in 2013/14 Gibraltar’s economy is performing 2.50% in 2014/15 At the last election we produced a strongly, amongst the best in the Discussion Document on the future world. Public finances are stronger now 2.75% in 2015/16 of the Civil Service and the GDC. That than under the GSD. We say YES to Our commitment for the next two years, has been a useful blue print for the controlling unnecessary expenditure and through to financial year 17/18, is that work that has been done on a new waste. But we say NO to unnecessary Public Sector pay will rise by 2.75% Public Sector Code. austerity which will usher in unnecessary or inflation, whichever is the higher. We have worked with Unite, the GGCA hardship for many. The commitment to rise by inflation at and the GTA/NASUWT on this and least will also apply to the minimum considerable progress has already been INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS wage. An extra 0.25% will be paid to made. Large parts of the Code are In Government we have acted in the RGP, Customs, the Prison Service already agreed, pending consultation consultation and partnership with all and both the Gibraltar & Airport Fire with the membership of the Unions. representatives of the trade union Rescue Service. We will extend that Alongside completion of the Code, we movement. Industrial relations have additional 0.25% also to the Borders & will continue to invest in the public been the designated responsibility of Coast Guard Agency and the Ambulance service and continue to work with the Chief Minister. We have also re- Service as emergency services. Once the employee and business representative established the principle of technical Gibraltar Defence Police passes into the organisations to ensure that investment industrial relations aspects being Gibraltar Public Sector (on the DFRS or is designed to produce the best possible handled by officials including the other model), the extra 0.25% annual value for money for the taxpayer. Chief Secretary, the Human Resources payrise will also apply to them. At the

...the strongest foundations for the future13 end of the two year period, we will again AIRPORT FIRE & RESCUE SERVICE SUCCESSION PLANNING commit to Public Sector pay rising at After lengthy negotiations lasting The absence of proper succession least by the rate of inflation each year as almost 23 years, we achieved the planning by the GSD in the period from financial year 18/19. transfer of the Defence Fire & Rescue 1996/2011 has meant that there have Service to the Government of Gibraltar. been areas where the Public Sector has WORKING & COUNTER HOURS been unable to provide the expertise As part of the Civil Service Review we Now we will properly resource the brigade required. This needs to be reversed. conducted a survey on which would and acquire new fire fighting assets and We will work to bring effective be the best working hours for the equipment. We will develop the necessary succession planning to the Public Civil Service in conjunction with the training to allow the personnel to remain Sector so that suitable candidates who Unions. As a result we implemented trained to the standards required by fit the job profile can be identified for new working hours in keeping with the the Military Aviation Authority in the all posts well in advance of a person’s long term aspirations of most Public provision of airport emergency services. retirement to ensure their availability Sector employees. At the same time We will also properly resource the brigade for the smooth handing over of we achieved longer counter hours, to allow it to be relied on as a “fourth responsibilities and fill all vacancies. starting earlier (08:30) and staying pump” by the GFRS. open longer (15:00) than ever before. JOB EVALUATION & GRADING THE AMBULANCE SERVICE We remain committed to the We will now continue the work to open We have already provided more space for implementation of a system for a Central Government Counter Office in the men and women of the Ambulance objective job evaluation such as JEGS. the centre of town and provide for even Service at St Bernard’s Hospital and We proposed this as part of our Blue more online submission of documents. introduced the Paramedic Service. Print for the Future of the Civil Service We will also seek to further extend & GDC. We will pursue the process counter hours in this central Counter We will now continue the work of of job evaluations with the relevant Office by agreement with the Unions. providing a better facility for our employee representative organisations. Ambulance Crews, support their MANNING LEVELS continual professional development PUBLIC SECTOR OFFICES There will be no cuts in the Civil Service. and continue our investment in their We will maintain and improve the Manning levels will be respected and fleet. It may also be possible to house stock of Government Offices to a new manning levels agreed where the Ambulance Fleet as part of the modern standard in order to ensure appropriate. Emergency Services facilities being developed at Rooke. We will transfer the compliance with modern Health and We will respect the two-for-one, but not third emergency ambulance from the Fire Safety guidelines. We will also seek increase the manning of the Housing and Rescue Service to the Ambulance to consolidate civil service offices Works Agency to the numbers when Service. We will also modernise the which are presently held by the public the Agency was created, as the GSD dispatch system. sector in prime sites and sensitively has promised to do, as this will cost redevelop them. £2.5m per annum. We will increase the FACILITY TIME LONG TERM ABSENCES manning levels of HM Prison staff by We will work with the GGCA to finalise the numbers recommended by the Joint changes to the current facility time We will explore the creation of a Working Group and in the BCA. agreement which is over 25 years old. pool of labour to cover public sector employees on long term absences GIB FIRE & RESCUE SERVICE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION such as Maternity and Sick Leave. We worked with Unite in order to We agree that PSC reporting and NEW CIVIL & PUBLIC SERVICE carry out a full audit and review of selection procedures need to be the fire service in Gibraltar in order to SUPERANNUATION FUND & modernised to provide for greater COMMUTATIONS determine how best to structure the openness, fairness and transparency We have introduced a new pension GFRS for the future. Together we have and providing honest feedback to all scheme for all new entrants after the settled issues relating to claims and to applicants. Continuing Professional Development. 1st January 2012. The Guaranteed We will give effect to the agreement Superannuation Fund has much TRAINING to settle those historic claims affecting better provisions that the existing firemen and control room operators. Training of Civil Servants will also or enhanced Provident Fund No.2, include recognition of relevant including a Government guarantee on We have already started and will professional qualifications. We will the value of the Fund. We have also continue to plan the NEW fire station also provide a “school” for public now introduced, and will continue, that will be located at Rooke as part of servants to encompass all aspects the right of Civil Servants to commute the redevelopment of that area. This will of training and education from basic their pensions when they retire. be in addition to the NEW training area issues to any necessary professional We will continue these excellent being provided in the area of Lathbury training for all grades and posts within developments. and which is already being worked on. Government employment.

14...the strongest foundations for the future as we promised, we have started to ACCRUAL OF ANNUAL LEAVE STRENGTHENING return Government to the people Legislation was introduced in the UK as DEMOCRACY by the implementation of a series of from 5 October 2008, whereby there measures designed to ensure that CABINET GOVERNMENT is no distinction between maternity Ministers are servants of the people. leave (paid) and additional maternity We have demonstrated that a collegiate, leave (unpaid) for the purpose of Cabinet style of Government, is We are going to go further in opening entitlement to the benefit of terms and better for Gibraltar than the GSD’s Government up to you as set out in this conditions of employment other than Presidential style. We were right to road map for the next 4 years. pay. Changes to the Sex Discrimination insist that the Government of Gibraltar Act and the UK Maternity and should always be more than just one GOVERNMENT OF ALL THE Parental Leave regulations came about person, however able s/he might be. TALENTS following a successful case brought by From day one after the last election, In 2011 we committed ourselves the Equal Opportunities Commission we adopted the principles of Collective to working with anyone who had which claimed that the statutory Responsibility and worked on the basis something positive to bring to Gibraltar, maternity leave scheme in the UK did of weekly Cabinet meetings held every irrespective of their political allegiance. not comply with European Law. This Monday morning at No 6 Convent We said we would be a Government signifies that officers continue to enjoy Place. This is one of the essential for all of Gibraltar and not just for a entitlement to benefits during any ingredients of “good Government”. We select, privileged and politically well unpaid maternity leave, for example, will continue this style of Government. connected few, as had been the case annual leave and bank holidays are still The first Cabinet meeting will be held under the GSD. We have been true to accrued, and incremental dates are not the Monday after the election. our word and commitment. No one has deferred. This also applies to unpaid been discriminated against because of We will also continue the practice which adoption leave. We will adopt these their political position. In fact, in many has worked so well of establishing rules in Gibraltar for the Public Sector. instances, we have worked and are Ministerial teams on particular projects. working closely even with individuals PREGNANCY RELATED SICK LEAVE who were elected as GSD Ministers or DECISION MAKING General Order 4.1.10 states that paid GSD Members of Parliament because An important change that we made sick leave related to the pregnancy will they were the right person for a immediately after our election and as not be allowed within the eleven weeks particular job, had specific expertise part of the implementation of Cabinet preceding the week of confinement or because they have brought a Government was the de-centralisation and as a result the commencement client or contact who wishes to make of decision making. Whilst under of maternity leave is triggered. The an investment in Gibraltar which is the GSD most decisions were made UK provision was lowered to 4 weeks good for all of the Community and at No.6 Convent Place by the Chief preceding the week of confinement our economy. That would never have Minister, we have devolved decision in 2003. We propose to amend the happened under the GSD. making to the departments with relevant paragraph in General Orders Heads of Departments taking relevant We will continue to work with everyone to reflect this and in the Public decisions with relevant Ministers in our Community based only on the Service Code. General Order 4.1.11 involved as necessary. common good. defines ‘Confinement’ as the birth of a living child or the birth of a child This will continue. In this process, we are THE GIBRALTAR CONSULTATIVE whether living or not after 28 weeks empowering Public Servants to have the COUNCIL of pregnancy so that in the event of a freedom to do their jobs and deliver value As Chief Minister, Fabian Picardo still birth as from that time, the normal for money to the taxpayers. At the same announced, in his Budget Speech of maternity provisions will apply. The time, we have also delivered ministerial June 2014, the creation of a Council definition from the UK states that this decisions in a quicker manner by making that would be based on the principles is now after 24 weeks of pregnancy. ministers approachable and contactable that govern the UK Privy Council We propose to amend the relevant by email. This will continue and be and allow members to be briefed paragraph in General Orders to reflect enhanced with new technology and confidentially on matters of national this and in the Public Service Code. means of communication being adopted importance. The Council will involve as appropriate. Direct messaging on all former Chief Ministers and Deputy OCCUPATIONAL SICK ABSENCE social media will continue to allow Chief Ministers amongst others. A Bill A provision will be made to allow a members of the public and businesses to to create the Council has already been discretion to extend Occupational communicate with ministers easily. published. Sick Pay where a public officer who It will be republished as soon as possible has exhausted entitlement to full pay INCLUSIVE STYLE after the next election, so that the and half pay due to a long illness or We have also championed an inclusive, Council can be established immediately injury and then falls sick again after open approach to Government, which after the Bill is passed by Parliament. return to duty. we are more committed to than ever. The days of secretive decision making under the GSD are gone. Instead,

...the strongest foundations for the future15 INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS In Government, we have embarked upon the solid defence of the interests of Gibraltar and our wishes as a people. In the process, we have also raised the profile and improved the reputation of Gibraltar in the places that matter.

SELF-DETERMINATION AND DECOLONISATION The right of the people of Gibraltar to determine their own future will continue to be defended by a GSLP/ Liberal Government.

This fundamental democratic principle will continue to be promoted both inside and outside Gibraltar.

UNITED NATIONS as Gibraltar remains on the list of Non- Gibraltar is listed as a Non-Self- Self-Governing Territories. We will also Governing Territory by the United continue to promote Gibraltar’s case at Nations ever since it was included the UN in the following ways: in the list by the United Kingdom in A GSLP/Liberal Government will 1946. The decolonisation of Gibraltar continue to encourage participation by requires that there be a change in NGOs in UN meetings where Gibraltar is the international legal status of the discussed. territory through which it ceases to be a Non-Self-Governing Territory. We will continue to take young people to In 2007, Gibraltar passed from being the United Nations so that they come to a less modern Non-Self-Governing understand at first hand the importance Territory to becoming a more modern to Gibraltar of those deliberations. one, but the international legal status remained the same. This makes it We will continue to attend the annual important to secure the removal seminars organised by the Committee of Gibraltar from the UN list. It is of 24 and to engage directly with the essential that the position of Gibraltar Committee when we can. is explained and updated before the We will continue to press the United international community otherwise Nations to tell us what might be required the views of Spain would be presented to achieve the maximum level of self- unchallenged. government for Gibraltar in order to We will continue to attend meetings of be removed from the list. This is in the the United Nations Committee of 24 context of our positive and historic links and of the Fourth Committee for as long with the United Kingdom, the British 16...the strongest foundations for the future family of nations and with HM the Queen remaining Queen of Gibraltar and as our Head of State.

We will develop a new strategy at the United Nations working in close partnership with the United Kingdom.

POLITICAL LOBBYING In Government, we have conducted a focused lobbying campaign in order to promote the social, economic, cultural and political interests of Gibraltar at key locations. We have designated a Minister with specific responsibility for political lobbying. We have been determined to make sure that the Gibraltar point of view reaches as many decision-makers as possible.

...IN LONDON We have strengthened Gibraltar House in London in order to make sure that it serves the best interests of our people.

We will continue the lobbying work in London in order to ensure that there is always a strong membership of the All-Party British Gibraltar Group in Parliament. We will also make greater use of Gibraltar House in London to promote Gibraltar commercially. We will seek to increase its effectiveness even further. We will reassess the value of Gibraltar Day in its present format and establish how this can be changed to make it more focused and cost-effective.

...IN WASHINGTON We have conducted an effective lobbying campaign in Washington in order to explain our position to key decision-makers. The success of this policy is reflected in a Resolution tabled in the US House of Representatives in support of the right of self-determination for the people of Gibraltar.

We will continue to work to raise awareness of Gibraltar in Washington and throughout the United States where possible, particularly in New York. This will include continuing to send students to take up post-graduate placements through the Washington Centre.

… AND IN BRUSSELS We have opened Gibraltar House in Brussels which has become the focus of our operations in the European

...the strongest foundations for the future17 Union. The importance of this move RELATIONSHIP WITH THE UK has already become apparent in the The relationship between Gibraltar and short time since the office opened the United Kingdom is as fundamental in May and the rewards are already to us today as it was 4 years ago. As apparent behind the scenes. As part a result of our work in the past your of that expansion the services of Sir years, that “special relationship” is now Graham Watson were then engaged. better and stronger than ever. The This office now serves the function Prime Minister and the Chief Minister of Gibraltar’s representation in the of Gibraltar have met several times capital of the EU, in the same way over the last 4 years. as many territories and regions have their own offices. It is the base from We will continue to do our utmost to which all Brussels and EU initiatives ensure that our relationship with the are directed. The opening of the office United Kingdom Government remains was attended by a wide cross-section positive in all respects. We will continue of MEPs, officials and Ambassadors to work with the United Kingdom as a and others, which is a reflection of the partner and facilitator in the wider world interest that Gibraltar generates and outside, including making use of the the reach of our representation. network of UK Embassies for commercial, cultural, and political purposes. We will continue to raise the profile of Gibraltar in Brussels. As the “BREXIT” CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT : referendum in the UK gets closer, it will A REVIEW CONFERENCE be even more important to have a strong Next year will be 10 years since the representation in Brussels. “new” 2006 Constitution. We believe it is important that we should review … WHILST WORKING the 2006 Constitution with the United COMMERCIALLY IN CHINA (HONG Kingdom to assess what further KONG), INDIA, MOROCCO & SPAIN progress or changes are necessary and We have also established a Gibraltar appropriate. This should be done from office in Hong Kong which works various angles. One is the review of the commercially in Hong Kong. This is human or fundamental rights angle. sourcing investment into Gibraltar These may need to be added to (for from that region. example, to include the rights of the disabled) and there is provision to do We are now considering the possibility of this. The issue of actual decolonisation marketing Gibraltar’s tourist and financial must also be foremost in this review, to services products in India, principally ensure that any progress that could be in Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore. We made in respect of Gibraltar’s removal will also continue to make the case for from the UN list of Colonies is not in investment in Gibraltar worldwide, in any way hindered by any provisions particular in Morocco, where we have of the Constitution that Gibraltar and already been very well received. We will the UK can agree to amend and which also hold annual Gibraltar lectures and retains undisputed British Sovereignty. events in Spain. This is a process that will involve the Government and the whole TRILATERAL FORUM Parliament, as well as individuals Our position on the participation outside Parliament, who can form of Gibraltar in the Trilateral Forum part of the Gibraltar team at such a remains unchanged. Constitutional Review Conference. For the Government, the representatives A GSLP/Liberal Government will remain will include Fabian Picardo QC, Joseph firmly committed to the Trilateral Forum Garcia and Joe Bossano. on the basis that its terms of reference are that it is a process of dialogue, REFERENDUM ACT not negotiation. The participation of We are proud to have delivered on our Gibraltar in that Forum would be on commitment to pass a Referendum the basis that any tentative agreement Act in order to govern the conduct between the three sides would require of Referenda in Gibraltar. Any future wide consultation in Gibraltar. Referenda will be held in keeping

18...the strongest foundations for the future with the provisions of this law and By staying ahead of transposition DESIGNATION OF will prevent any third parties from deadlines, we are ahead of many other GIBRALTAR WATERS suggesting, as they did in 2002, that larger EU jurisdictions and we show that Before the GSLP/Liberals came into the referendum was illegal. Gibraltar does not just seek to enjoy the office, the waters around Gibraltar fruits of EU membership, but that we were designated by the European GIBRALTAR AND THE also play by the rules, thereby depriving Commission on a proposal from Spain EUROPEAN UNION our detractors of any valid or reasonable as part of the Spanish site “Estrecho In the GSLP and in the Liberal Party arguments with which to attack us. We Oriental” under the Habitats Directive. we believe that the future of Gibraltar will therefore continue to ensure that the This overlaps the UK site “Southern lies within the European Union. In resources are available so that Gibraltar Waters of Gibraltar”. We have raised Government, we set ourselves the does not fall behind in the transposition this matter with the Commission at target of promoting Gibraltar in Europe of EU Directives again. the highest level and pursued litigation and explaining Europe in Gibraltar. We to reverse this illegal designation by have achieved this. In fact, the 2006 FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT Spain. Constitution of Gibraltar makes it clear The GSLP/Liberals have defended the that, without prejudice to the United We will continue to pursue every legal right to freedom of movement of EU Kingdom’s responsibility for Gibraltar’s and political avenue available to undo nationals through the internal EU and compliance with European Union law, this illegal designation. frontier between Gibraltar and Spain. matters which are the responsibility We have cooperated fully with the of Ministers shall not cease to remain WESTERN BEACH European Commission investigation so, even though they arise in the There was a complaint made about into the border delays and with the 3 context of the European Union. the discharge of sewage from a visiting missions that have taken place This means that the conduct of EU Spanish storm drain into the Western to date, the most recent of which was matters as they affect Gibraltar are for Beach basin several years ago by the on 27 October. This process followed Gibraltar Ministers to determine. This Environmental Safety Group and Sir the Prime Minister David Cameron’s was reinforced by the appointment Graham Watson. The complaint was request to then EU Commission of Gibraltar’s first ever Minister for stalled for many years and, as a result President Barrosso. In Government, European Affairs by a GSLP/Liberal of pressing for a resolution, Spain has the GSLP/Liberals have met the Government and upgrading Gibraltar’s finally admitted liability and agreed to deadlines set by the Commission presence in Brussels. address the problem. for their recommendations to be implemented. The same cannot be said We will nonetheless continue to press LOBBYING ACTIVITIES for the Spanish authorities. the EU Commission and the regional We have met as a Government over the Spanish Authorities on this matter until We continue to supply statistical last 4 years with EU Commissioners, it is finally resolved. Director-Generals and officials across data and photographic evidence to a whole range of portfolios as they Brussels every month to ensure that TAX/STATE AID MATTERS affect Gibraltar. It is important to put the fundamental EU right of freedom across the Gibraltar point of view of movement of people is respected at Gibraltar has nothing to hide in respect directly and at the highest level. In the the international, EU frontier between of the functioning of our tax legislation same way we have targeted Members Gibraltar and Spain. which is based on the same territorial of the European Parliament of different principles of taxation as the UK’s tax laws. The GSLP/Liberal Government nationalities and political groups EU AVIATION therefore asked to appear before the The view of the GSLP/Liberals remains TAXE Committee of the European EU LAW that the exclusion of Gibraltar Airport Parliament in order to explain our tax from EU civil aviation legislation is a We said we would prioritise resources position and refute the misinformation breach of our terms of membership for the then EU and International being put forward by Spain. Department so that as a matter of of the European Union and policy Gibraltar would be as up to date therefore illegal. The present Spanish We will continue to engage with the as possible in the transposition of EU Government has sought the exclusion TAXE Committee of the EU Parliament Directives and we have done this. On of Gibraltar Airport from a number of and other EU entities (such as the Code 28 February 2013 the GSLP/Liberal EU Aviation measures over the last Group and DG Competition (which Government announced that for the few years and these are held up for the is responsible for matters related to first time ever since our accession to whole of Europe because of Madrid. allegations of State Aid)), in order to the European Economic Community The UK Government has publicly said provide clarity and information as to the in 1972, Gibraltar was completely up that Gibraltar is entitled to be included functioning of our tax statutes. to date in this area. The backlog was in these measures as of right and we If the people give us the privilege eliminated by investing in increasing welcome this position. of serving them in Government we the number of law drafters and will be proud to defend our interests We will steadfastly maintain the the outsourcing of law drafting to in the European Union via Gibraltar position that Gibraltar airport cannot specialists in the private sector. House in Brussels. We will do this in be excluded from applicable EU civil aviation legislation. ...the strongest foundations for the future19 the following ways, amongst others, protect Gibraltar’s fundamental interests namely: in this respect. We will also involve the An experienced, Gibraltar Consultative Council in this A new GSLP/Liberal Government will matter. tried and tested continue to lobby for Gibraltar in the European Union and maintain close We will complete a study into the team that contact with Members of the European economic impact of Gibraltar joining the Parliament. Customs Union and into the impact of works together, BREXIT. We will address the main think tanks in the EU on the position of Gibraltar. We will explore further the possibility delivers together of Gibraltar joining the Schengen area We will continue holding an annual even if the United Kingdom remains & sticks together exhibition in the European Parliament. outside, given that unlike the UK we are physically part of the geography of the We will continue to send Gibraltar European mainland. students to the College of Europe in Bruges.

We will put across the Gibraltar point of view to the European Commissioners whose remit covers Gibraltar.

In principle, we will recommend, as political parties, a vote in favour of the United Kingdom remaining inside the European Union whenever the referendum takes place. We will work with the Opposition on these issues to

20...the strongest foundations for the future these matters that the men and women and below inflation for some years of the Regiment deployed around the now. This is unacceptable and we world as required alongside colleagues have expressed our support for their in other regiments of the British arguments already and will continue to Army and the fact that they are not do so. We will continue to work with remunerated with ‘X-Factor’ payments the Trade Unions on this front. like the rest of their colleagues is clearly discriminatory and unfair. MOD LEC WORKFORCE: JOB SECURITY

THE ROYAL GIBRALTAR REGIMENT: We will work to ensure that the end HOUSING of the initial period of operation of the Global Agreement, in 2017, does not We have introduced a new agreement result in any job losses or in any further for members of the Permanent Cadre deterioration of terms and conditions of the Regiment to be eligible to THE REGIMENT & for the LEC workforce. We have purchase affordable homes in the THE MOD already engaged with the Secretary housing initiatives of the Government of State for Defence and successive of Gibraltar. These arrangements will THE ROYAL GIBRALTAR REGIMENT : Ministers for the Armed Forces on this permit eligible Regiment soldiers, PENSIONS important subject. We have already inclusive of non-Gibraltarians, to go We have demonstrated that the men made clear that job losses would be onto the Gibraltar Housing Allocation and women of the The Royal Gibraltar unacceptable to us in Government. We Schemes waiting lists, subject to Regiment can count on the full support will defend every job and all terms and defined conditions. Gibraltarians will of a GSLP/Liberal Government. We conditions of employment. We remain be eligible upon enlistment whilst have made the same provisions on committed to each and every individual Non-Gibraltarian registered soldiers tax free pensions at 55 for RGR employed by the MOD in Gibraltar as will only be permitted to benefit from pensioners as already exist for the an LEC and to their families to provide the housing stock after they have other uniformed bodies which are a post 2017 safety net. Gibraltar is served for 4 1⁄2 years. We have also forced to retire at age 55. We will work clearly a key strategic asset for the UK introduced provisions to assist RGR on lowering this further for those who MOD and the operation of a Forward PC personnel who are posted away are not in employment after they leave Mounting Base here is welcomed by from Gibraltar with their dependants. the services. We have taken up with all of Gibraltar. In the staffing of that These provisions include rent relief the UK the fact that RGR pensioners tactically important facility the MOD on Government rental stock, the are being taxed at source on their army must be required to be an exemplary retention of their property and pension even though they have never employer to reflect the exemplary relaxation of rental rules for soldiers lived in the UK and have completed service and commitment which the who are private home owners to allow their entire career in Gibraltar. We people of Gibraltar as a whole and in them to rent their property, should have progressed this considerably particular the MOD’s LEC workforce they wish to do so, for the period that and trust that it will be addressed in a has been throughout. Loyalty and they are posted outside of Gibraltar. Double Taxation Agreement with the commitment must flow in both These new arrangements will ensure United Kingdom. directions; it is not an exploitative, one that the brave men and women serving way street. within the Regiment are given housing THE ROYAL GIBRALTAR REGIMENT: LEGISLATION provision that secures their future and is a tangible demonstration of the Homes for the We have worked with the Ministry of commitment by the GSLP/Liberals in Defence to ensure that we have been Government to the future role and RGR and fighting able to create an Act of Parliament development of the Regiment. which updates the rules governing the Regiment. We will continue to for the X-factor MOD LEC WORKFORCE: work with the MOD to ensure that all PAY & CONDITIONS legislation necessary to keep terms and We are supportive of all arguments put conditions current and enforceable is by the representatives of the Locally pursued diligently. Employed Civilian workforce within the MOD on the erosion of terms and THE ROYAL GIBRALTAR REGIMENT: X FACTOR conditions of service, in particular the application of the UK pay freeze to We will continue to support all them. Whilst some MOD employees arguments put in support of the award who are deployed to Gibraltar are of the full ‘X-Factor’ payment to the awarded a Cost of Living Allowance, members of the Regiment. It should be this is not being reflected in payments clear to those who make decisions on to LECs who have seen their pay static

...the strongest foundations for the future21 22...the strongest foundations for the future tell me about...Joseph Garcia

JOSEPH HAS SERVED YOU AS DEPUTY CHIEF MINISTER OF GIBRALTAR SINCE 9 DECEMBER 2011. HE HAS ALSO HAD SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITY FOR EUROPE, CIVIL AVIATION, LANDS AND PLANNING. HE IS A HISTORIAN, HAVING TAKEN A BA AND A DOCTORATE FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF HULL. HE HAS BEEN THE LEADER OF THE LIBERAL PARTY SINCE 1992 AND WAS FIRST ELECTED TO THE THEN HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY IN 1999. HE IS THE AUTHOR OF “GIBRALTAR, THE MAKING OF A PEOPLE” WHICH IS RECOGNISED AS ONE OF THE MOST AUTHORITATIVE MODERN HISTORIES OF GIBRALTAR. HE WAS A MEMBER OF THE DELEGATION THAT NEGOTIATED THE 2006 CONSTITUTION WITH THE UNITED KINGDOM. HE HAS SERVED ON THREE PARLIAMENTARY SELECT COMMITTEES ON CONSTITUTIONAL AND PARLIAMENTARY REFORM. HE IS MARRIED TO PENNY AND IS THE PROUD FATHER OF JOSEPH AND LAUREN.

DEMOCRATIC & of Sir Peter Caruana, we referred Members of Parliament have been PARLIAMENTARY REFORM the Report to a Select Committee able to know when matters were going of the Parliament, which is currently to be discussed. We have delivered a root and branch considering some other aspects reform of the way that our democracy of their recommendations. The Progress still has to continue to be made works. We have given people a greater Commission REFUSED the proposals in modernising the style of Parliament. voice in the way Government and of Robert Vasquez which the GSD has We will further develop the frequency Parliament function and modernised now adopted. and substance of meetings in keeping and brought into the 21st Century with the recommendations that the the many arcane procedures that We will reconstitute the Select Select Committee that is considering made the Government and Parliament Committee immediately after the the Report of the Commission on remote from people. Immediately election with a remit that it should Parliamentary & Democratic Reform. after our election we gave Parliament report back to the Parliament before We will maintain the monthly frequency the resources to refurbish, to add the end of September 2016. We remain of Parliamentary meetings and will technology that now allows people open to the implementation of further legislate to provide for it. quick, online access to Hansard of reforms, but will not prejudge the work the debates. The Parliament now of the Committee. We will further DIRECT DEMOCRACY has its own website. In particular, we modernize the technology available to As further incontrovertible evidence introduced cameras into the Parliament Parliament to enhance the ability of of our commitment to openness Chamber and changed the rules in citizens to communicate with Members and candour with you, we have order to allow the streaming of video of of Parliament. implemented a system of direct the proceedings. This is also available democracy. The Chief Minister now on GBC during the day. As we had INCREASED FREQUENCY OF answers questions directly from the committed ourselves to do, within 100 PARLIAMENTARY MEETINGS electorate once a quarter on television days of being elected, we created an The GSD had held a total of 12 or radio. Independent Commission under The meetings in the whole of the life Hon Adolfo Canepa (who was selected of the 2007/11 Parliament. As we We will continue this very positive for his expertise in Parliamentary and promised to do, we have held monthly mechanism to allow you to question your democratic affairs and his respected meetings of Parliament when it has elected political leader. By doing so we political impartiality before he became been possible (save for the summer are demonstrating our commitment to Speaker for the same reasons). The and Easter break which is normal in the transparency and to direct accountability Gibraltar Commission on Democratic rest of Europe). We have therefore held to you. In addition, we will live stream and Political Reform was made up also a total of 33 meetings of Parliament press conferences and other public of Mr Charles Gomez, Hon George since the last election. In each one the events held by the Government where Mascharenhas, Mr Robert Vasquez Opposition have had the chance to possible. and Hon Fabian Vinet. They consulted ask questions. That demonstrates we widely with the whole Community and are more accountable and transparent KEEPING YOU FULLY INFORMED reported to MPs in January 2013. We than any Government ever before. As a tax payer, you now know more have already adopted many of their We have also published a timetable about what is happening with your recommendations. At the suggestion of every session so that the public and money than ever before. You have

...the strongest foundations for the future23 available to you detailed breakdowns the use of public money in government are no longer the responsibility of the of expenditure online which are departments and other specified Board of GBC. We have also funded updated every month. The things we authorities, agencies and bodies. The the expansion of news and current used to have to ask questions about new law will also make the Office of the affairs programming and the funding of in Parliament (and very often not get Principal Auditor accountable by having GBC generally to allow better output answers to) are now provided for on an independent auditor audit the Office through more quality, nationally the Government website. The only of the Principal Auditor itself. produced programmes. We also information we cannot provide relates immediately we were elected funded to lending done by Government MINISTERIAL CODE the move to digital and HD which the companies in order to produce income We have already submitted to the GSD had failed to do and published which is naturally confidential or Select Committee on Reform of the King Report into the future of GBC information like spending in Spain, Parliament a draft Ministerial Code which the GSD had refused to publish. which it is not in the common public based on the one applicable to We remain committed to GBC’s future interest for us to disclose (although we Ministers in the United Kingdom (with as our national broadcaster, and to have repeatedly offered to brief the modification necessary to adapt it for providing such further funding necessary Opposition confidentially, something the circumstances of Gibraltar). The to deliver that. We believe that we which they have refused). Code is based on respect for the 7 core should continue to explore options for principles of public life accepted in We will continue to be totally transparent GBC to exploit commercial opportunities the UK, namely selflessness, integrity, about spending and debt. Information that will have the benefit of creating objectivity, accountability, openness, which was previously not disclosed by greater outlets for staff creativity and honesty and leadership. A similar the GSD and information which they development. We will invest in the Parliamentary Code has also been only disclosed when questioned by us current premises whilst we create new, drafted and sent to the same Select in Parliament will continue to be made bespoke facilities alongside the new Committee. Once approved this Code available online on a monthly basis. National Theatre which will be the new will apply to all Members of Parliament home of GBC. (Ministers and Opposition members, A FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT as well as the Speaker). As we promised to do, we have now CITIZENS’ CHARTER (in May 2015) published a Bill for We will continue to pursue this important Although we have worked hard to try A Freedom of Information Act. A improvement in the regulation of those to ensure that all correspondence with Command Paper for public consultation in Public Life to make the political class Government is responded to within and comment had been published more accountable. We will press for both defined time limits, in some instances earlier (in February 2015). We had these Codes of Conduct to be approved this has not been possible. The many wanted to have such an Act in place by Parliament in the first quarter of 2016. thousands of online communications sooner (in our first 100 days in office), via email or direct messages on social but non-political, administrative issues TRANSPARENCY & DISCLOSURE media are also responded to as soon as well as UK concerns about sensitive We have implemented a rule to disclose as possible. UK/Gibraltar information prevented historic Government documents under We will continue to work so that publication earlier. a 20 year rule. That means we can acknowledgements of letters go proudly show that we have gone from The Bill will be re-published within 21 within 14 working days of receipt and not having such a rule until we were days of our return to Government. It will substantive replies to be sent within 21 elected, to being ahead of the United become law in the first quarter of 2016. working days. Kingdom where there is a 30 year rule. STRENGTHENING AUDIT LAWS We will now work on storing as many ANTI-CORRUPTION AUTHORITY We are working to give effect to the historic Government documents In our last manifesto we were Principal Auditor’s review of audit electronically as possible. This will committed to the establishment of an legislation to secure a more modern make them searchable more easily for independent Anti-Corruption and Anti and efficient public audit service that is research or disclosure purposes. This is -Bribery Authority with jurisdiction fully independent of the Government. also an important part of the exercise to investigate complaints starting in of modernising the archived material 1988. Following discussions with and We expect to be ready to make the available to all. necessary changes in keeping with the on the recommendation of the RGP, the Auditor’s recommendations before GBC (GIBRALTAR BROADCASTING Government agreed with the RGP that the Budget Debate in 2016 in order to CORPORATION) the RGP itself would carry out the role modernise and strengthen the control We have made the news and of the anti-corruption authority which and supervision of the expenditure current affairs output of GBC truly the Government intended to create. of taxpayers’ money by making new independent of Government by giving As a result of those discussions and provision for securing the independence responsibility and oversight of issues arrangement, the Government is satisfied of the Principal Auditor and for promoting as to balance and bias to the Gibraltar that the RGP has the necessary expertise economy, efficiency and effectiveness in Regulatory Authority. Those issues and resources and can work with the

24...the strongest foundations for the future AG’s chambers on the investigation and their employment. Much of this work is prosecution of all corruption allegations almost complete as part of the review More openness, going back as far as may be necessary. of General Orders. A GSLP /Liberal Government will therefore continue to more accountability PUBLIC INTEREST DISCLOSURE ACT be an explicit promoter of the freedom We have legislated to protect people of citizens to express themselves without and more who come forward to provide fear of retribution from the Government information about abuse or other or any of its agencies. transparency than wrongdoing. UPDATED ID CARD FORMAT ever before We will continue to protect those who We have updated the format of “whistle blow” about such behaviour. Gibraltar ID card. The new e-ID cards now include a chip and pin system FREE SPEECH and will enable you to interact online We have defended freedom of speech with the e-government services in a which is an essential ingredient secure manner - as in most other EU in democracy. The GSLP/Liberal countries. Government has not discriminated against anyone just because they may We will now start to roll out the e-govt have spoken out against Government functions which can be enjoyed with and have taken legal proceedings only these cards, including granting access to where scandalous allegations have all services which residents can enjoy at been made against Ministers which are no or reduced cost where non-residents libellous in nature. will have to pay, in particular, parking.

We will continue the process of clarifying rules which govern pubic sector employee’s rights to speak freely in areas where they are not compromised by

...the strongest foundations for the future25 26...the strongest foundations for the future tell me about...Joe Bossano

JOE HAS SERVED YOU AS MINISTER FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT WITH RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE SAVINGS BANK AS WELL AS MINISTER FOR EMPLOYMENT UNTIL LAST YEAR. HE IS AN ECONOMIST. HE WAS FIRST ELECTED TO THE THEN HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY IN 1972 WITH THE INTEGRATION WITH BRITAIN PARTY. HE HAS SERVED AS CHIEF MINISTER FROM 1988 TO 1996 AND AS LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION FROM 1984 TO 1988 AND FROM 1996 TO APRIL 2011. JOE WAS BRANCH OFFICER OF THE TGWU UNTIL HE BECAME CHIEF MINISTER AND HIS ROOTS IN THE TRADE UNION MOVEMENT GO BACK TO WHEN HE FIRST LEFT GIBRALTAR IN THE MERCHANT NAVY. JOE IS ALSO FLUENT IN ITALIAN. HE IS MARRIED TO ROSE, THEY ARE GRANDPARENTS AND BETWEEN THEM THEY HAVE 6 CHILDREN.

I have served our country in Parliament now for 43 years. This is my 12th general election. Throughout these 43 years I have, either in government or opposition, been closely involved in the parliamentary debates on our public finances and the state of our economy. The detailed knowledge of the structure and composition of every part of the economy that I have built up over these years is what enables me to produce estimates of the potential and predictable growth over an economic cycle of 4 years, a term of office. In 1988, our adversaries rubbished our economic plan. Even our detractors admit that in those first 8 years of government, with six core policies, we transformed Gibraltar’s economy and laid the foundations that have served us well up to 2011. Now, we have once again proved the accuracy of the projections we made in 2011 and our ability to deliver a rate of growth which others thought impossible and no one else in Europe is capable of delivering. Our opponents said we could not achieve our target of growing the GDP from our estimate of £1.1 billion to our predicted £1.65 billion. In fact, we exceed that expectation and our GDP has grown to an estimated £1.84 billion in 4 years. On this occasion, I am once again able to analyse and predict what the performance of our economy will be for the next 4 years. And I am going to go further and include in our manifesto greater detail of our National Economic Plan for this term of office. This is greater detail than we have provided in previous elections. I would not be putting my name to it if I was not totally convinced that in 4 years’ time, the figures in the book will turn out to be, if anything, conservative. That should demonstrate to you the confidence I have that these economic forecasts will be achieved if not exceeded. Of this I have no doubt. And when it comes to our economy and the prudent management of our public finances, you know that you can trust me and my track record to deliver. The level of economic growth we have enjoyed, as planned, has enabled us to maintain the Craft Apprentice and Vocational Skills Training levels since February 2012. The projections in the National Economic Plan will enable us to continue to do so in the next four years. This investment in skills is the result of growth, but it also contributes to promoting growth as a greater number of resident workers in employment following training and the opportunities for higher earnings feed into the economy through the higher multiplier effect and is reflected in the rate of economic growth. Our growth has also made possible the restoration of strong reserves for both Community Care and the Gibraltar Savings Bank and further growth will take place in the next four years, ensuring security for our senior citizens and ring fenced reserves, kept there for a rainy day, for as long as our policies prevail, which are tried and tested and shown to be in the best long-term interest of our country. Your support for our economic programme can make it happen. the father of Community Care

Joe Bossano

...the strongest foundations for the future27 THE NATIONAL approximately the sum achieved in the INWARD INVESTMENT ECONOMIC PLAN last 4 years. The inward investment programme 2015/16 -2019/20 The increase in National Income from includes a number of projects. These 2015/16 to 2019/20 is targeted at potentially would require to be Economic growth and the efficient around £600m, bringing the GDP in at implemented over the next 8 years use of our resources are the central £2.4b by March 2020, an increase of and are the result of the contacts and elements in the management of one third in the size of the economy, discussions which have been held with our economy and assuring the in 4 years. investors in the last two years. future of Gibraltar. If some of the potential inward An important part of these investments investment currently under discussion will be in the area of renewable The foundation stone of all materialises, then the above target is energy and would create new export the things we set out to do in likely to be exceeded by at least another industries for Gibraltar. Government is the rate of growth £100m, bringing our 4 year economic The evaluation of the feasibility of in our National Income which growth to £700m, representing an the first of these projects will take determines what we can afford. increase close to 40%. place early in 2016, and if the result is This is why we have always been positive, it would be completed within RECURRENT GOVERNMENT the financial year 2016/17. committed in every election to REVENUE The feasibility studies for the other above-average economic growth In 2011 we calculated that the projects in the package will be regardless of what is happening in recurrent government revenue was conducted in parallel in the next the global economy. running at £400m and targeted the financial year and if the second of 4 year increase from 2011/12 to We have always spelled our the feasibility studies results in a 2015/16 at 50%, to reach £600m, targets for GDP growth, in our 4 positive outcome, commencement of mirroring the GDP 50% growth that the project will be in 2016/17, with year National Economic Plan, in we had also targeted. completion before 2019/20, followed advance. The revenue estimate for the current by commencement of phase two of the In 2011, our political opponents year prepared for this year’s budget is same project. ridiculed these targets and in the £560m, £40m short of the target. first public debates in 2012 they Our target for this term of office will be GOVERNMENT NETT DEBT to grow revenue over the next 4 years said that against the background Government nett debt has to be kept at a lower rate taking into account the within the limits set out in the law which of the world economy 2.5% annual lower rate estimated for GDP growth. are 80% of recurrent revenue or 40% of growth would be realistic and 5% The projected revenue to be reached GDP, of the preceding financial year. annual growth would be doing in the financial year 2019/20 will be The level of nett debt had almost £710m, an increase of £150m over the very well. We have not just met our reached the limit in December 2011 estimate for this year. targets, we have surpassed them. and was therefore higher than had The policy of the government will Our track record is unique; no-one been anticipated at the time of the last continue to be to keep recurrent election. else in any election has ever set expenditure below recurrent revenue. out targets for economic growth The previous administration argued The annual recurrent surplus will consistently that it was economic or provided details for different be devoted to funding government illiteracy to assess the level of debt aspects of the economy. company losses which prior to 2011 in cash terms as opposed to as a We are the only ones who have were covered by advances from the percentage of the size of the economy, Consolidated fund. ever done it, and we have always as is done in UK and every other country. The size of the economy in met our targets and delivered. The balance left over would be utilised to fund capital projects through the 2011/12 would have allowed a higher GIBRALTAR’S NATIONAL INCOME Improvement and Development level of debt without exceeding the limit of 40%. However, the level was The GDP in 2015/16 is expected to be Fund and to increase the reserves of such that even a small increase would in excess of £1.8b, a 50% increase on Community Care Ltd. have been in breach of the other the £1.2b achieved in 2011/12. The threshold in the law, which is 80% of figure predicted by us in 2007. The TAXATION revenue. This breach could only have figure for this year will therefore be There will be no changes to the rates of happened if it had been sanctioned by higher than the target set in the 2011 company or personal taxation in general. the approval of Parliament and that manifesto, which was £1.65b. Personal Allowances and tax bands will is what was planned by the GSD, had be revalued in line with inflation. Possible For the 4 years ahead, the growth in they been returned to office. National Income is being targeted at incentives for inward investment both In Government we did not proceed a conservative level repeating in cash for companies and individuals will with the planned relaxation of the debt terms, rather than percentage terms, be considered in consultation with professionals in the private sector. limit because it was against the policy

28...the strongest foundations for the future commitment in our manifesto. The reserves in December 2011 of was not withdrawn but the same effect This meant that by March 2012 the £1,445 represented 0.000005% of was achieved by stopping the capital usable available cash was limited to deposits of £270m. In March 2015, the funding and allowing the reserves to some £2m. reserves had reached 2.1% of deposits. run down. By March 2020 the expected level of In this next term the targets for The Rainy Day Fund concept was reserves and the expected level of Government debt will be set at the reinstated in 2011 and the accumulated deposits will represent a ratio of 4.4%. nett debt level, in keeping with past funds have been rising since then. views that this is the economically The portfolio of investments of the The biggest component of the Rainy correct measurement and the fact that savings bank fund will continue to Day Fund in 1996 was the Reserves this is what the law provides. be deployed both in Gibraltar and of Community Care, a registered abroad to ensure that the Special Fund At the 80% of last year’s Revenue this charity that provides support for produces sufficient returns to cover gives a maximum nett debt of £457m the household costs of resident payments to savers and a surplus and the target for this year is below pensioners. This had reserves of £63m retained in the Fund, which constitute that at £314.2m. in 1996 which were reduced to zero the reserves of the Savings Bank Fund. by the GSD Government policy. In The maximum limit based on 40% of The Gibraltar Savings Bank does not 2010 the GSD revealed that in breach last year’s GDP is £660m nett debt, on exist for people to place their money in of continuous commitments given in this basis the projected £314.2m nett it for safekeeping, as if it were simply a parliament over 15 years to protect debt for this year is 19 % of GDP. deposit box. If that were the case then the Reserves of the charity, they had Nett debt will be targeted at £300m no interest would be paid on monies in fact been deliberately run down. for the end of the next 4 years, well kept for safekeeping. However, the The Reserves were run down in order below the maximum limits of the ratios bank may, in future, consider accepting to close down Community Care and provided in the law of 80% of revenue such deposits provided that there is no provide instead comparable payments and 40% of GDP. interest payable and the depositor is through the social security system. By reference to the projected GDP charged a small fee for the safe keeping Although this was promised by Mr figure for 2019/20 of £2.4b the nett of this money. Such money would then Feetham in his Election campaign of Government debt will fall to 12.5% be kept in cash in the savings bank and 2011 as something that would be of GDP. not reinvested. brought into effect 2012 if elected, his This will be lowest GDP/Debt ratio Gibtelecom is an important investment, new version of the GSD now claim that since 1995/96 when the GSLP left it at providing a healthy return on the cost they will do longer do this. In 2010 in zero, using the measurement methods of the shares purchased by the Savings government he rejected continuing adopted by the GSD since 1996. Bank Fund. Any future disposal of with Community Care describing this part of the shares in the near future is policy as irresponsible and un-thought THE GIBRALTAR SAVINGS BANK expected to result in a capital gain. through. Now he will keep Community Care but stop the annual capital grants The Gibraltar Savings Bank has THE RAINY DAY FUND that increase the reserves of the achieved a growth in deposits from charity, and instead run them down to £270m in December 2011 to almost The ‘Rainy Day Fund’ was a concept zero like he did the last time. £1b by March 2015. developed by the GSLP prior to 1996. It consisted in retaining reserves in a In 1996 the Rainy Day Fund During the current financial year number of ring-fenced funds which component that consisted of Reserves deposits are likely to reach over £1.1b. were not available to the government of Community Care and the reserves The target growth for the Savings Bank to meet the recurrent running cost of of the Savings Bank Fund came to over mirrors the target set for the growth in the public administration. £76m. National Income, an increase of £500m The idea was and is that the Rainy In 2011, there was a Manifesto to reach a deposit base of over £1.6b Day Fund should be available to commitment to restore the Reserves by the end of the term, that is financial meet additional funding requirements which had been run down in both year 2019/20. Profits are currently if there were unexpected calls cases to zero. running at around £10m a year and are on government expenditure or As of March 2015 the combined expected to grow to £14m a year by unpredictable drops in revenue. Other Reserves stood at £120m, £100m in 2020. than that, these reserves would be Community Care Reserves and £20m In Government, we are committed to kept for the protection of future in the Savings Bank Fund. retaining the profits as reserves in the generations. The target in the next 4 years is that Savings Bank Fund, although there is The GSD after 1996 announced the the Rainy Day Fund, in respect of these no legal obligation to do so. This policy policy decision to do away with the 2 entities, will increase to £300m by has seen the reserves rise from £1,445 Rainy Day Fund, and transferred the 2019/2020, and would be split with in 2011 to over £19m by March this accumulated balances from the special £70m in the Savings Bank Fund and year. In 2015/16 the reserves are fund to the consolidated fund account £230m in Community Care Reserves. expected to reach £28m and in 4 years’ to meet recurrent expenditure. In the time, by 2019/20, the level of reserves case of Community Care the money is planned to reach £70m.

...the strongest foundations for the future29 be proud of...The Gibraltar Savings Bank

THE OLDEST BANK IN GIBRALTAR HAS PERFORMED BRILLIANTLY IN THE TIME WE HAVE BEEN IN OFFICE. DEPOSITS HAVE GROWN FROM £300M TO OVER £1B. AND RESERVES HAVE GONE FROM ALMOST £ZERO TO £20M IN JUST FOUR YEARS. WE PREDICT RESERVES WILL BE UP AT £70M BY THE END OF THE FINANCIAL YEAR IN MARCH 2020 IF YOU STICK WITH THE GSLP/LIBERALS.

30...the strongest foundations for the future SUMMARY TARGETS OF THE NATIONAL ECONOMIC PLAN 2015/16 - 2019/20

NATIONAL INCOME Minimum increase 33% from £1.8b to £2.4b, £600m

Probable increase 40% to £2.5b, £700m

TAXATION Allowances & Tax bands inflation index linked annually

INWARD INVESTMENT 2 Major projects in renewable energy fields

Evaluation of 2015/16, Implementation 2016/17

SAVINGS BANK 2015/16 £1.1b deposits; £28m reserves

2019/20 £1.6b deposits; £14m profits, £70m reserves

GOVERNMENT NETT DEBT £314.2m in 2015/16 equal to 19% of GDP

£300m in 2019/20 equal to 12.5% of GDP

COMMUNITY CARE 2014/15 reserves £100m grow to £230m in 2019/20

RAINY DAY FUND

Combined Reserves of Community Care Ltd. 2014/15 £120m grows to £300m 2019/20 and Savings Bank Fund

...the strongest foundations for the future31 VOCATIONAL and those already in the discontinued every year until 2011. Of the 493 APPRENTICESHIPS & scheme were taken on during trainees who joined up during the 15 February. years of the GSD, 105 obtained with TRAINING qualifications at one or more levels, 11 The Ministry for Economic There were two elements in the left with a level I, 90 completed level II Development has in the last 4 years strategy: and 23 level III. been responsible for ensuring that the These 90 at Level II are, have been Training for Employment programme is The first was that trainees were and will continue to be accepted as demand-led and reflects the delivery placed in the private sector with the level at which they can obtain of skills that the labour market requires employers who entered into a employment and be entitled to Craft in terms of the distribution of labour in business partnership agreement with Grade pay. The Level III involves the the different sectors of the economy. the training company. This requires the placement provider to commit to ability to undertake supervision or The analytical approach has, as its employment at the end of the training technical roles in the Industry. Level starting point, the premise that period. The training contract and III training continues to be available to our human resources and our land placements have been subject to a one those who have already obtained Level resources, are the foundations on month probationary period followed II qualifications and are engaged in the which our economy has to be based. by a number of months of training, Industry as craftsman, and is organised This in turn means that we aim to dependent on the nature of the work on a day release basis combined with see our targets in economic growth and its complexity, and the level of work based experience. reflected in the reliance on our resident prior experience of trainees. In 2012, of those who had completed workforce and therefore provides the level II, 48% were still employed in required training to meet the changes The second element in the new construction whereas at level III the in the structure of our economy. approach has been that the nature of the training is demand led, indeed figure was only 17%. This approach forms part of the link without this factor it is difficult to see The Introduction of City & Guilds as between the labour requirements that how employers could be required to the awarding body alongside CITB result from both inward investment commit to employment on completion was the result in 2012 of a number of and internal investment in the organic of training. construction employers expressing a growth of existing sectors, as well preference for this qualification. as the creation of a new ones. The These two aspects were to secure the efficient use of our manpower in both success of the training in achieving Since the introduction of the additional the public and the private sector is an employment. system a total of 209 trainees have important tool in the achievement of On the supply side, the payment of successfully completed their craft the target of consistent, above average the national minimum wage has meant apprenticeship and were awarded or economic growth, without which it is that it was much more attractive than are awaiting their certificates. not possible to provide improvements its predecessor, and could be offered This total of 209 in fewer than 4 years in the quality of life for all citizens and to unemployed persons across the compares with 124 in the previous 15 to sustain a balanced economy. spectrum, given that the national years. The support provided by EU funding, minimum wage is in fact the private In the last 4 years greater numbers both in terms of the ESF for training sector rate of pay for most semi-skilled were recruited to undertake wet trades and the ERDF for capital cost will be jobs on offer through the employment craft training, in bricklaying, plastering utilised over the next 4 years to help service. and tiling because a Construction Skills achieve our Training and Economic The Construction Sector has been and Audit carried out in 2012 showed that Development targets. will continue to be, for some years, this was where the greatest shortages We have delivered excellent results for the main area for Craft Training and of skills existed in terms of resident those of our young people who are not Apprenticeships. workers in the Industry. academic in their skill set. The Future The reason for this is that it is the Since 2012 the number of Craft Job Strategy has delivered important area where there has been the biggest Apprentices obtaining qualifications, progress for people by training them at decline in Craft Skills in respect of the the 209, have obtained qualifications work and producing excellent results resident workforce in the 15 years of in the wet trades, carpentry, painting which were unheard of under the the GSD administration between 1996 and plumbing at levels 1, 2 and 3, previous administration. and 2011. The number of Gibraltarians totalling in all 233. Our manifesto commitment was that in the construction industry in 2011 In all the above areas there are the Training for Employment initiative fell below the level of 1996. This trend continuing Craft Apprentices in would be introduced by no later than has been reversed with a 24% increase placements. between 2011 and 2014. February 2012; demanding as the Private sector employment for target date was, it was met and those The Construction Training Centre construction workers covers 2 aspects; previously on the £400 a month VTS which was initiated by the GSLP took those engaged in small new works and were offered training employment in the greatest number of trainees on maintenance of existing buildings contracts on the national minimum in 1996 when it was opened and provide employment all the year wage. All those on the waiting list progressively less under the GSD since,

32...the strongest foundations for the future round and those in large construction no local employees. number has grown to 9,293 in October projects where employment is limited Other training courses were provided 2014, 749 more Gibraltarians with jobs to the duration of the project. The in the following areas. in 3 years, an average of over 20 extra latter is where the bulk of the imported Gibraltarians in full time employment Courses/Training workforce should be concentrated. Participants for every single month of those 3 years. available The emphasis of the training has More Gibraltarians employed in each therefore been to supply the City Hairdressing NVQ L1 5 month from 2011 to 2014; than the & Guilds qualifications that provide GSD managed to employ in each maintenance, construction, craft skills Literacy/numeracy 15 year of the 14 years they were in and the Apprenticeship Training has government, from October 1996 to been developed in these areas. Bookkeeping OCR L1 80 October 2010 when the average was This is the philosophy that will continue 18 to19 a year. Police Cadets 18 to be implemented in the next 4 years In 15 years, the number of Gibraltarians and it is the area where employment Chartered Insurance in full time employment went up from 188 can be guaranteed on completion of Institute Exams 8,207 to 8,544; a miserly 334 increase training. in Gibraltarians employed in 15 years. Consideration will be given to Further Training work Up to 2010, when challenged on 63 developing in addition qualifications, placements this abysmal performance, the GSD which are local and therefore provide excuse was that we had run out of Bus and HGV Driving an equivalent level of manual skills 56 employable Gibraltarians, that we but without the academic element Licences had full employment and that we had that is required which involves written exhausted the economically active ASDAN 22 descriptions of the work undertaken population. in English in order to satisfy UK, City Customer Care 84 We have proved this was not true & Guilds requirements. This would and we will continue to enhance the be done on the basis that the local vocational training available in all craft award would rank equal to In addition the department has been skill areas. other certificates for employment funding a permanent counsellor purposes. In addition, the scope and service to re-integrate offenders desirability of also providing IVQ’s will into the labour market linked to craft Real training be considered. training provided within the prison In respect of Engineering Craft premises. All persons completing a Real jobs Apprentice Skills, obtained through sentence are contacted on release and the Gibdock Training Centre, a total of offered support through one of the Real progress 22 at level 2 and 27 at level 3 NVQs training companies. have been achieved in Fabrication The total effect on the labour market of and Welding, Mechanical Engineering, the Training for Employment initiative Electrical Engineering and for the first in the 3 1/2 years from February time, Motor Vehicle Mechanics 2012 to August 2015 has been, a Other than Craft Training linked to total of 1242 previously unemployed Apprenticeships, training has been persons obtaining employment, after provided in the following areas: completing a period of employer based training or on completion of a course CARE TRAINING in Craft Apprentice Training or other Training was initiated in order to Vocational Training. provide resident unemployed workers As well as reducing the average with the opportunity to apply for jobs unemployment figure to almost half in the Care Agency, which previously the 300 (which the GSD had said had been predominantly taken by represented full employment), a frontier workers. quarter of the jobless at the start of Following on-the-job training for up to 2012, we have reduced the numbers of 11 months, a total of 58 care workers persons on social assistance from 533 obtained full-time employment. in December 2011 to 401 in August 2015, a reduction of 132 in the number In addition, a total of 216 unemployed of persons relying on social assistance persons completed a short course in as their only source of income, which Elderly Care and Dementia Training, in represents a 25% decline. order to be able to obtain employment in the domiciliary care service which From 8,544 Gibraltarians in full time previously, before 2012, had virtually employment in October 2011, the

...the strongest foundations for the future33 34...the strongest foundations for the future tell me about...Paul Balban

PAUL HAS SERVED YOU AS MINISTER FOR TRAFFIC, TRANSPORT, TECHNICAL SERVICES AND THE PORT. HE WAS ALSO MINISTER FOR HOUSING FOR 2 YEARS. HE READ NUTRITION & FOOD SCIENCE AT OXFORD BROOKES UNIVERSITY COMPLETING A POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA IN DIETETICS AT KING’S COLLEGE, UNIVERSITY OF LONDON. HE WAS TRAINED AT A NUMBER OF BRITISH HOSPITALS. HE RUN A SUCCESSFUL DIETETIC CLINIC FOR 9 YEARS. PAUL WAS ALSO A DRIVING INSTRUCTOR AND LATER A TAXI DRIVER FOR 7 YEARS. HE MET HIS PARTNER, GINA 18 YEARS AGO AND THEY ARE THE PROUD PARENTS OF 3 BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTERS.

TRAFFIC, PARKING AND TRANSPORT The GSLP/Liberal Government, as a matter of priority, wasted no time in commencing the process of preparing an in-depth Traffic Plan, known as the Sustainable Traffic, Transport & Parking Plan (STTPP). This is the first time that something of this magnitude has been conducted in Gibraltar. It has been a very carefully researched piece of work that has taken into consideration the needs of the whole community and stakeholders. This thorough and comprehensive traffic plan encompassing the whole of Gibraltar has been the result of a major review of existing traffic arrangements. The draft plan already published has succinctly placed into the public domain the set targets and objectives of the plan itself. We are now in the final stages of making public the final plan, which will be the full and final document. A document that will serve Gibraltar for at least the next 5-10 years after which it will form the building blocks for future work in the field of sustainable traffic and transport in Gibraltar. The Plan incorporates a tool that will be able to ascertain the effects of changes to our road network via modern digital modelling techniques. This useful tool will help predict the effects of many things that the Department will do before a single building block is laid. The Plan has already seen changes to our roads. Several pilot schemes have been operational and everything that is done now is as a result of the policies of the plan itself. If elected back into Government, we have exciting plans to make real inroads into the traffic and parking situation within Gibraltar. Things that will really make sense as we start to build the way forward to a better, more environmentally conscious Gibraltar. A plan that will help improve the environment will see real improvements to Public Transport and the availability of parking throughout Gibraltar and will respect not only the needs of the user, be they residential or commercial but also the whole community.

PARKING ENFORCEMENT of blue badge holders and road users it could be analysed on the ground, It is well recognised that a Traffic have been looked at and considered. yet opting not to extend the flawed Plan without adequate enforcement Clearly there is a need to extend and scheme any further until we had will simply not work. Government regulate the provision of parking bays undertaken a detailed analysis of all of has already been considering for disabled persons in all areas. The its attributes and had a clear picture of different options to ensure that final plan will shortly set out clear ways how to proceed, if at all. In principle, forward to make the scheme fair to all there is adequate value for money residential parking schemes are a good users while addressing the real needs enforcement that will ensure that the idea and they exist in many cities but its of this sector of the population. policies set see fruition. Control of first incarnation during the GSD’s final illegal and indiscriminate parking will year in office had clearly been rolled RESIDENTIAL PARKING SCHEME be tackled head-on as will the issue out in haste and was seriously failing of derelict vehicles on our highways On taking Office in December 2011, some residential areas. After careful taking up valuable parking spaces. it was clear that the GSD’s Residential analysis, the STTPP has shown that if Parking Scheme that was in motion careful consideration is given to all the in the North District was flawed and potential users within a given area and PARKING BAYS FOR THE DISABLED the decision was taken to continue the zones are carefully developed in a As part of the STTPP, the concerns the North District scheme so that comprehensive yet malleable manner,

...the strongest foundations for the future35 then such a scheme can work. A GSLP/ Gibraltar daily through our Frontier during set dates, events and during the Liberal Government, if re-elected and Cruise Liner Terminal at the Port. summer months, the usage was much would in the next term of office better. The service will continue to progress with a Residential Parking NEW RENTAL BICYCLE SCHEME be reviewed and all factors such as scheme for the whole of Gibraltar. Following on from the fracas of the frequency and choice of routes will be This will be rolled out slowly yet within ill-fated GIBI-Bikes scheme, the constantly assessed to see how the a clearly defined period of time as it STTPP strongly recommended the service may best continue. The STTPP will not be possible to truly appreciate implementation of a bicycle-rental has illustrated and proposed a number the full extent of the scheme until it scheme as seen and as is common in of improvements to the current bus encompasses the whole of Gibraltar. most major European cities today. service, which will help, improve Additional parking facilities will be More than a pledge to you, the punctuality and user acceptability. The developed, in particular in the South electorate, this scheme will shortly bus service and routes is something district. become a reality. Final logistical and that is and will be under constant technical arrangements have been put review. In addition, we are exploring PAY CAR PARKS into place to ensure that Phase one the potential for a school bus service The new e-ID Card will allow of the new scheme can be rolled out to be introduced. residents of Gibraltar privileged shortly after the elections. Bicycles access to pay car parks operated by and bicycle stations are already in GPS BUS TRACKER the Government. Residents will enjoy Gibraltar. This scheme promises to For the first time, very shortly the free or discounted parking (depending make a long-lasting bicycle scheme a first pilot bus tracker will become on the area) in this way. reality. As a Government, new bicycle operational. Soon you will no longer lanes have been planned to run along have to wait for the bus. You will be ENVIRONMENTALLY-FRIENDLY the length of Wellington Front and able to go and meet the bus. With VEHICLES the Saluting Battery along Rosia Road. the new bus tracker app, the user will Remember when the Chief Minister’s Every effort will be made to ensure be able to know exactly where the official car was the most consuming that we will be able to encourage safe bus is and will be able to plan their vehicle in its class? Now the G1 is a cycling throughout as many roads in day accordingly. This will help save TESLA, one of the most advanced Gibraltar as possible. valuable time waiting at bus stops. As examples of electric vehicles on the the scheme develops and if successful, market. Fulfilling our commitment to NEW BUSES the plan is to roll this out to the bus improve the emissions standards of When we acquired the new red EURO6 stops themselves where this real-time the government’s fleet of passenger buses that are in circulation, we had a information will be available to persons vehicles, today the fleet is already guaranteed buy back. We will exercise without mobile devices. either electric or hybrid in nature. It is that guaranteed buy back so that we the intention to increase the number can once again acquire new buses that PEDESTRIAN SAFETY of electric and hybrid vehicles within will be more accessible and usable by The STTPP is very clear that in order the government fleet in the future the elderly and disabled. to encourage persons not to use especially in view of falling prices. As cars, efforts must be made to make the pioneers in this policy, a GSLP/ NEW UPPER TOWN BUSES the pedestrian experience safe and a Liberal Government, if re-elected We expect to receive new buses for pleasurable one. It is our intention to will continue to try to incentivise the the Upper Town and Mount Alvernia keep progressing down this avenue. purchase of these green vehicles. towards the end of this year. These buses are much needed and this SPEED CAMERAS LOADING BAYS has been something that the STTPP Speed cameras along our most Government, as part of the plan recommended. The service being treacherous stretches of road are will address the recommendations provided to these areas will also already in position. The concerns as set by the plan and the views boast of wheelchair friendly facilities of many people about the reality of the residential and commercial and be accessibility friendly. A much- of speeding motorists will now be communities in order to find ways improved service for the Upper Town addressed. As part of our STTPP, of improving short stay, loading and is also being drafted which will see making roads safer for all is of main unloading bays for both residents and better punctuality and frequency. concern. Pending final adjustments and commercial entities. Working closely drafting of the necessary legislation with the interested parties, including NEW BUS ROUTES it is expected that these cameras traders, the Chamber of Commerce The night bus service N8A and N8B is will go live very shortly. The speed and the GFSB, potential solutions to still under a trial phase. Unfortunately, cameras will go hand-in-hand with the the early morning delivery of goods although, many people were in favour implementation of a speed limit review in Main Street will be considered to of a night bus service the trial during already carried out. help improve the shopping and tourist the weekends until close to 2.00am has experience to the local shopper as seen a very poor take-up. Nevertheless, well as the thousands who come into

36...the strongest foundations for the future MOTORCYCLE SAFETY FACILITIES FOR PEDESTRIANS DUDLEY WARD TUNNEL The GSLP/Liberals Government have Pedestrians in the past have not been Fire hydrants and mobile phone pioneered and have been at the given sufficient consideration. This was repeaters were placed along Dudley forefront of a number of very positive clear at the Trafalgar Interchange where Ward Tunnel. Telephone call points campaigns and initiatives with regards pedestrians would have to walk out were also installed throughout the motorcycle safety. Our commitment to onto oncoming traffic at Ragged Staff. length of the tunnel itself increasing you, to outlaw “quita multa” helmets was Within this same area, 2 new crossings the safety of the tunnel in case of done very early on in our first months of have been completed and new road an accident or emergency. Providing office. We had the support of Gibraltar’s signs and pedestrian signs help guide ventilation to the tunnel is still Motorcycle Club as the umbrella club pedestrian and especially tourists to underway. This will be completed in together with their affiliated clubs town via the more direct route. Other the term of office should a GSLP / and other smaller motorcycle interest crossings were placed in the Europort Liberal Government be re-elected. groups and enthusiasts. area and at the Brympton Crossing These essential works should have at Europa Road. The very successful been done by the GSD Government at CHILDREN’S SAFETY countdown timer pilot scheme at the the time they originally carried out the Furthermore, amendments to the Haven crossing has made crossing works on the tunnels. law also saw the successful “Reach at this particular location safer for pedestrians and less confusing for for Life” Campaign take place. Now AIRPORT TUNNEL it is illegal for children to be taken as motorists as there is not a clear and Now that the OHL litigation is over pillion riders where their feet are not segregated period for each. This pilot and we have won it, we will seek to securely placed on the appropriate scheme, having been successful, has finalise the ongoing tunnel works as footrests. Members of the community become policy and in the future and soon as possible. and motorbike users have also taken where applicable further countdown timers will be placed. The Upper Town this measure extremely positively. TAXI SERVICE escalator was another innovation that materialised facilitating pedestrian We have been able to work in the COMPULSORY BASIC TRAINING access to the Upper Town. The interests of taxi drivers, something The success of the ongoing escalator has made the walk to this which was not the case in the 16 Compulsory Basic Training has been more remote yet highly populated part years of conflict which this collective immeasurable. Only 3 years ago, of Gibraltar much easier. Government endured under the GSD. We will when a person became 17 they went is working closely with the Police continue to work closely with the to the MOT Centre, and took out a to try to curb the incidence of anti- Gibraltar Taxi Association to resolve Learner’s Licence and was simply let social behaviour and vandalism in this their many concerns and improve the loose on our small, busy roads. Roads, area that has unfortunately caused a service available to the community which see an influx of foreign vehicles number of maintenance issues and has as a whole. We have been unable to joining local vehicles into one melting led to occasional breakdown of the progress down the route of introducing pot of driving styles. There have been escalators. Black Cabs due to the unavailability numerous accidents recorded as a of these vehicles at source in left- result of immature and inexperienced ROAD TO SOUTH hand drive until next year. Those that motorcycle riders. Riding technique, are available are not of the required A detailed study was carried out use of mirrors, indicators, brakes and standard environmentally. We remain as part of the STTPP. Professional road positioning was something that committed to the implementation of advice was sought from the STTPP was learned the hard way and over this proposal and are working with Consultants who confirmed that time, if ever correctly at all. Today, the GTA on it. We will also ensure although the Road to the South via thanks to a GSLP/ Liberal Government’s the operation of Transport Inspectors New Harbours would help reduce initiative, this is something of the continues to deliver compliance with traffic congestion, the fact that the past. Our children, by now young established rules so that the majority road could not be bi-directional would adults receive proper instruction by are not unfairly disadvantaged because mean that its benefit would only be well qualified staff having to pass 3 of a minority who do not comply with marginal and would not provide a modules including driving theory, off- their obligations. We are also providing real cost efficient improvement. We road driving until they are allowed to free, covered parking for taxi vehicles continue to explore the possibility of ride on the street with the assistance at the new Coach and Car Park in the opening new arteries to carry traffic in of a qualified trainer. Only then and if Midtown Development. In addition, both directions in the South District the necessary level of competence has we have worked with the GTA to which has become more populated in been reached will a learner’s licence be provide shelters for passengers at the recent years. granted. This is of immense comfort to taxi stands in the town area. Working parents especially and the feedback with other transport operators, we of those who undergo the scheme will amend the Transport Regulations and their parents is testament to the to update the “quota system” which success of the initiative. has not kept up with inflation and the increasing size of cruise liners.

...the strongest foundations for the future37 THE PORT Practice for their very own bunkering port that can supply LNG bunkers and industry. carry out Ship-to-Ship transfers of this Today, Gibraltar’s Port is being fuel of the future. We are actively marketed internationally to ensure February 2015 saw the hosting of the pursuing both of these requirements. continued success as a port to do IBIA Regional Conference in Gibraltar We have already signed the agreement business in. This has successfully for the very first time and the Gibraltar with Shell for the establishment of increased the profile of the Port. In Port Authority has hosted visits from the totally safe LNG storage facility at Government the GSLP/ Liberals have Kuwait Maritime Authority, Dubai North Mole. actively encouraged staff to keep Maritime and Bintulu Port Authority of abreast of current best practice seeing Malaysia. The Port of Gibraltar has also received an active training programme in Health An increase in all areas of Port activity EcoPort Status recently, fulfilling our & Safety, training in Oil Spill Response has been seen across all sectors under commitment to become a “green and Crisis Management. In this way, a GSLP /Liberal Government. shipping hub”. staff can be kept up to date and ahead The statistics show that the supply of A GSLP/Liberal Government will ensure of the game which is critical in such a bunkers from Gibraltar is once again that the professional standard of the competitive market as shipping and growing steadily whilst it is declining Port is maintained and encouraged to bunkering. in neighbouring ports. We must stay continue to grow. Every effort will be This cannot be better illustrated than ahead of our competitors in this field made to keep the Port competitive in a by recognising that the Gibraltar and the onshore storage of bunkers is constantly evolving market. Port Authority is currently assisting essential. Also essential in this respect Mauritius in implementing a Code of is the establishment of Gibraltar as a

38...the strongest foundations for the future NEW MANIFESTO COMMITMENTS We remain committed to a new Port We have conducted studies in Miami We are in contact with investors who Launch being acquired and a working which demonstrate that the Extension wish to redevelop parts of the Port committee has been established Jetty can be used by large cruise ships. area to provide for new offices and between the Captain of the Port and We will therefore invest in the upgrading onshore storage of bunkers. We will Unite the Union for the purpose of of this asset. continue to pursue this huge potential making recommendations as to the best We will continue to work towards the investment. asset to purchase. implementation of compulsory towage The Port Look Out will be re- The new Port Mess will be maintained to in certain circumstances. established in the new facilities of the the standard we have established in the Port Office on the site of the old Navy facility we have recently inaugurated. Signal Station above Lathbury. Growing port We remain committed to the services We will provide a new workshop for of the Reporting Berth being re- mechanics and a scheme to train services established for reasons of security. youngsters in maritime skills. Deficiencies in the infrastructure of We will introduce even more effective the sewer system within the Port will CCTV monitoring of BGTW. be dealt with. Resurfacing of the Port road and sewage connections will be We will continue to consult the industry undertaken. on the level of port fees.

...the strongest foundations for the future39 40...the strongest foundations for the future tell me about...John Cortes

JOHN HAS SERVED YOU AS MINISTER FOR HEALTH AND THE ENVIRONMENT SINCE 9 DECEMBER 2011 AND ADDITIONALLY AS MINISTER FOR ENERGY, CLIMATE CHANGE, UTILITIES AND ELDERLY RESIDENTIAL SERVICES SINCE DECEMBER 2013. HE QUALIFIED IN ECOLOGY IN LONDON AND GAINED HIS DOCTORATE AT OXFORD. AS A STUDENT HE FOUNDED THE GIBRALTAR UNION OF STUDENTS. HE WAS DIRECTOR OF THE GIBRALTAR BOTANIC GARDENS FOR 20 YEARS FROM 1991 AND GENERAL SECRETARY OF GONHS BETWEEN 1976 AND 2011. JOHN WAS ALSO THE GENERAL MANAGER OF THE OLD ST BERNARD’S HOSPITAL BETWEEN 1988 - 1991 AND WAS A MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF THE GHA BETWEEN 1992 AND 2007. HE HAS REPRESENTED GIBRALTAR INTERNATIONALLY AND HELD POSTS IN SEVERAL INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS IN THE UK AND IN SPAIN. HE HAS LED RESEARCH PROJECTS IN GIBRALTAR AND MOROCCO. A MAGISTRATE FOR 17 YEARS, HE HAS ALSO BEEN ACTIVE IN YOUTH WORK AND THE PERFORMING ARTS. HE IS MARRIED TO VALERIE AND THEY HAVE TWO CHILDREN, ZOE AND MARK, AND TWO GRANDCHILDREN, RYAN AND LEA.

HEALTH The improvements we have made in the past 4 years in this area which is so fundamental are palpable. Chemotherapy being brought into Gibraltar. The introduction of Gibraltar into the UK transplant network. The new kitchen facilities which make for better meals for patients. The repatriation of services to Gibraltar and the introduction of new services has made a big difference to many people. Of course that there is still much to do and things still go wrong. You know we are committed to continuing to fix things, improve things and introduce new services. You know you can trust us with the management of the Health Services of our Nation.

HEALTH CHARITIES CANCER SERVICES TRANSPLANT SERVICES We will work together with all health We will continue to develop services We have worked very hard to related charities to improve awareness, for cancer patients and survivors, introduce the transplant service with prevention and treatment across the completing facilities for chemotherapy, the United Kingdom, which has even range of healthcare and will create a hospice (with the Society for Cancer required direct contact between the a health users’ council with wide Relief), support for the hospice at home offices of the Chief Minister and the representation to assist in developing service, extending the Lymphoedema Prime Minister. We will continue to progressive health care policies. We service and providing additional expand this service. This will include will listen to all these groups’ ideas, and support to the breast clinic and the continuing to pursue the possibility will wherever possible take steps to prostate clinic. We will continue to of also being included in the Spanish implement all those that are feasible. provide screening services, including system of transplants and the setting up a full, systematic cervical possibilities for Gibraltar residents to cancer screening programme. donate organs. DIABETES We will provide free diabetes-related medication to all diabetics and CHEMOTHERAPY HEALTH PROMOTION introduce regular eye screening for We will establish Chemotherapy as a We will strengthen our health diabetic retinopathy. We will increase service offered in Gibraltar in all cases promotion initiatives, including access to foot care for diabetics. in which it is possible to administer this lifestyle improvement, and we will here. The facilities are being prepared work towards establishing a one-stop PATIENTS ADVOCATE already at St Bernard’s Hospital. screening programme, or ‘Health MOT’ covering a wide range of tests. We will create a role of ‘patients’ advocate’ who will assist and guide HOSPICE health service users throughout the ANTIBIOTICS We are working with Cancer Relief patient experience. We will increase awareness of the Gibraltar for the provision of Hospice dangers of excessive use of antibiotics services by that charity at the Cancer and work towards reducing this. Relief Centre with which we enjoy a very close working relationship.

...the strongest foundations for the future41 SEXUAL HEALTH STRATEGY support such as in elderly and stroke We will enhance healthcare Our sexual health strategy will include care and diagnostics (e.g. radiology). administration at St Bernard’s, making more confidential advice Following the recent agreement on introducing further improvements available, education initiatives in their contract, we will work with the to the Medical Secretarial Service, schools, and the introduction of a Consultant body to develop job plans appointments system and Sponsored Chlamydia screening programme. and will also develop a new contract Patients’ Department, and provide an We will also extend well woman and with Staff Grade hospital doctors. improved working environment for all, well man services, to include readily including administrative, domestic and accessible clinics covering the full MEDICAL REGISTRATION IT personnel. range of sexual health issues. We will fully support all doctors in We will continue to work on achieving the community, both within the GHA single-sex areas in the hospital. and in private practice, in improving EASIER ACCESS TO CARE We will ensure that the Laboratory and standards across the board and the Public Analyst are well resourced We will ensure improved access to care achieving registration and a licence to and accredited, and able to introduce by facilitating appointments, including practise, always ensuring that no bona the latest diagnostic procedures. on-line facilities, and increasing the fide doctor of longstanding loses the We will regularise the warfarin clinic possibility of self-referrals. right to practise in Gibraltar. to ensure efficiency and safety in the long term. AMBULANCE SERVICE CLINICAL GOVERNANCE We will continue to enhance our We will update all policies, protocols OPERATIONS ambulance service by ensuring the and pathways and introduce safeguards We will continue to maximise theatre timely replacement of ambulances, a and checks in order to ensure the time, provide an additional operating move to a purpose-built emergency maximum level of Clinical Governance theatre and rationalise anaesthesia to services hub, and transferring the within all areas of healthcare. third emergency ambulance to the allow greater concurrent use of theatre GHA Ambulance Service. We will also space and provide a second on-call STROKE PATHWAY modernise the dispatch system. intensivist. Building on the success of We will complete the work already the last few years, including the Day started in setting up a dedicated stroke SPECIALIST NURSING Surgery Unit, we will continue to aim service. at maximising day surgery, reducing We will introduce an enhanced waiting lists and waiting times, and specialist nurse service, including ST BERNARD’S HOSPITAL aim at zero cancellations due to bed advanced nurse practitioners and availability. others who will be specialised We have greatly expanded the facilities in such areas as Crohn’s disease at St Bernard’s Hospital already. This ACUTE CARE and Inflammatory Bowel Disease, has meant that the care given to paediatrics, prostate disease, stoma patients has been greatly enhanced. We will engage a Resuscitation Officer care, dermatology, accident & From better meals cooked in a bespoke and continue the deployment of emergency and others. kitchen at the hospital to a new defibrillators around Gibraltar. day surgery suite, we have targeted improvements to the quality of the VACCINATIONS VISITING CONSULTANTS patient’s experience at the Hospital. We will continue to improve on the We will continue to keep fully up There is a lot still to do. Some of the range of disciplines and frequency of to date with new vaccination and things we will do next are as follows: immunisation programmes and will visits of visiting consultants, including We will introduce a Magnetic introduce Human Papillomavirus neurology (and MS), nephrology, Resonance Imaging (MRI) facility. (HPV) vaccination for both boys and paediatric surgery and others, and will girls. We will improve mortuary facilities continue to work towards repatriation (and explore taking these facilities of services that can be provided in DERMATOLOGY out of St Bernard’s to an area near Gibraltar. the cemetery) and will expand the We will build on the successful Accident & Emergency department. PROFESSIONS ALLIED TO dermatology service to ensure rapid MEDICINE access for all patients with skin We will expand areas such as We will strengthen the contributions conditions. radiology, cardiac rehabilitation, sponsored patients, physiotherapy and made by the Allied Professions, such as Speech and Language Therapy, MEDICAL STAFF occupational therapy. Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy We will improve access to medical We will continue to support the and Dietetics in health and care, investigations such as endoscopy by involvement of medical staff in running including such areas as sports injuries, enhancing the Medical Investigations the health service, and will provide hydrotherapy, neurology and support Unit, and expand services such as foot additional Consultant, Staff Grade for the elderly, and will ensure that care. Doctor and/or General Practitioner they are provided with the proper facilities for all their activities.

42...the strongest foundations for the future PRIMARY CARE CENTRE We will review and improve the way We will create a centralised Children’s We will provide enhanced facilities that services are provided to the Services Hub to improve access to for Primary Care, in order to be able elderly in Gibraltar, both at home and doctors and other practitioners for to develop the services further and in residential facilities. parents and children. will improve access to appointments We will open the Elderly Day Centre We will subsidise dental check ups for with doctors and other professionals. and the Dementia Residence at pregnant mothers This will include looking at innovations the Royal Naval Hospital Site, with We will introduce the possibility of in dealing with requests for repeat provision there for a whole range of preserving umbilical cells for all babies prescriptions and medical certificates. medical and health care. born in Gibraltar. We will refurbish Mount Alvernia to We will improve all aspects of COMMUNITY the standard of the new facilities we maternity and neo-natal care and We will enhance our Community are opening. This will add facilities make the process of registration more Health Services, and increasingly for residents and staff, providing user-friendly. aim at monitoring and treating the Dementia friendly areas where these We will look at the possibility of chronically ill at home for as long as are needed. providing the opportunity for mothers they want to be there. We will complete the refurbishment to use birthing pools where this is and re-open the Jewish home for the possible. Elderly. ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORD We will increase the access of children We will complete the rolling out of the We will work on the Dementia Strategy, to dental services by increasing full electronic health record system to increasing awareness, removing the resources available. stigma, and assisting suffers, families cover all areas of health care in this We will promote breast-feeding and carers. way making access to information safe awareness. and efficient for both patients and We will immediately introduce We will introduce Advanced Paediatric practitioners. We will also introduce a any new treatments and tests for Nurse Practitioners. virtual platform for users of the health early detection of Alzheimer’s and We will continue to improve diagnosis, service to obtain factual, reliable Dementia. care and support for children with information on their conditions or We will work with GADS to make autistic spectrum disorders, and their concerns and to obtain on-line support. Gibraltar a ‘Dementia Friendly families, as well as young adults. Community’ and to introduce the concept of ‘Dementia Friends’. We will continue to support the TELEMEDICINE hyperbaric chamber and its work. We will provide the latest technology We will introduce free house calls for elderly and exempt patients, and in telemedicine, to allow multi- DENTAL SERVICES disciplinary medical assessments and subsidised eye and dental checks. We will review the provision of conferences with centres outside dental services to the community, Gibraltar, and to allow the monitoring MENTAL HEALTH especially children and the elderly, to of patients at home in a ‘virtual ward’ We will consolidate and expand the improve both education to prevent scenario. new Mental Health Legislation to cover dental disease, and better access to mental capacity. We will improve examination and care. THE ELDERLY dedicated mental health provision for We have an aging population that peri-natal mothers, children and young SELF CARE APPROACH needs to be looked after. The people, with reference too to drug and Through our health promotion, pressures on families today very often alcohol abuse in the young. We will screening and other activities, we will mean that their working lives prevent provide Community homes and will encourage all citizens to take control families from looking after their elderly continue to support the activities of of their health and develop a self- relatives, however much they wish to mental health charities. care awareness, which will benefit the do so. Already, we have done a lot to whole community. help and with the opening of the new NEW INITIATIVES Alzheimer’s and Dementia residential We will look at making evidence- JOINED UP WORKING and day care facilities, we will be going based therapies such as acupuncture, further than any other Government We will ensure joined-up working of all available to health service users as an before. In doing so we have worked health and care departments, agencies additional option in certain cases. and will continue to work with the and authorities, bring closer together Gibraltar Alzheimer’s and Dementia the GHA, Elderly Residential Services, MOTHERS, FATHERS, CHILDREN the Care Agency, Social Services and Society who have done excellent work AND BABIES in leading awareness and fund raising the Drug Rehabilitation Service, with In Gibraltar, we all care about our in this area of growing concern. We the aim of setting up an integrated families. In Government we will care need to do more. We will therefore health and social care system. about all our families. The GHA will do the following if we are returned to provide care for all your family. Government:

...the strongest foundations for the future43 44...the strongest foundations for the future tell me about...Midtown Park

TO THE NORTH OF THE KINGS BASTION LEISURE CENTRE AND TO THE SOUTH OF THE MIDTOWN DEVELOPMENT, YOU WILL SOON FIND MIDTOWN PARK. THIS AREA WILL BENEFIT FROM THE MOVEMENT OF THE ROAD SO THAT YOU WILL BE ABLE TO ENJOY A GREEN AREA JUST DOWN FROM THE STEPS UP TO LINE WALL ROAD AND AT AREA WHICH MARKS THE ENTRANCE TO THE KINGS BASTION FACILITY.

...the strongest foundations for the future45 ENVIRONMENT In the past 4 years we have judged every decision through the prism of its potential effect on the environment. We have sought to ensure that our actions are designed always to protect the natural environment or to damage it as little as possible when there is no alternative. We will continue to strengthen this ‘green filter’ so that all Government Departments and other Authorities and Agencies in the public service work within the highest standards of environmental governance and sustainability, guided by the Environmental Action and Management Plan. We will promote environmental concepts in a vigorous and pro-active manner in order to involve all sectors of the community. Indeed, the policies in this is only a sample of the Government’s commitment on the environment, and we will continue to take every opportunity to improve our environment, quality of life, and natural heritage.

CARBON FOOTPRINT & exceed all EU and other international which is already being built at North CLIMATE CHANGE requirements on air quality. We Mole. The new power station will We will continue to work to reduce will introduce real-time air quality be completed and operating in the Gibraltar’s carbon footprint with the monitoring in the northern part of next 24 months. Stopping it now aim of achieving carbon neutrality Gibraltar. The best thing we can do to and going back to Lathbury Barracks at the earliest possible time. We promote better air quality in Gibraltar would delay the operation of the new will continue to review Gibraltar’s is to move from burning diesel to using power station for years. We will renew Climate Change Strategy and provide LNG in the generation of electricity. the electricity distribution network incentives towards Gibraltar’s Climate to make it modern, intelligent and Change programme. Energy efficiency CYCLING reliable, and able to accept renewable will be a top priority and all Government We will create cycling lanes, secure energy and micro-generation, which projects will continue to use low bike parking, and road safety will be encouraged. We will seek energy devices and incorporate solar measures to keep cyclists safe. to establish a feed-in tariff to allow and other renewable/energy efficient feeding in of renewables into the technology. We will continue to replace RECYCLING electricity network. We will complete the Government fleet with hybrid and and operate the new power station We have promoted a programme electric vehicles and promote their with the cleanest possible fossil fuel, of education in respect of recycling use, which will include the installation which is Liquified Natural Gas. We will facilities and established a recycling of public charging points. Incentives CONTINUE the work we have been “eco park” in an appropriate location will be provided to the private sector doing already, as already announced and this will include facilities for to follow the lead in these initiatives. by the Chief Minister in Parliament, to recycling of paper. There will We will establish a low carbon/energy pursue the possibility of a cable across continue to be increased facilities for efficiency fund to promote efficiency, the Straits to purchase electricity for recycling and proper environmentally- community energy and low carbon resilience/redundancy purposes. The friendly disposal of waste, which innovation. electricity sourced in this way would will be strongly promoted. The be produced from renewable sources. manufacture and use of biodiesel will RENEWABLE ENERGY The capital expenditure would be met be encouraged, as will the collection by third parties. We will promote and incentivise the of cooking oils for use as fuel. development and use of renewable LNG STORAGE & SUPPLY energy and aim at producing at least WASTE DISPOSAL 20% of Gibraltar’s energy needs from We have already signed an agreement We will complete the solid urban waste renewable sources by 2019. We will with Royal Dutch Shell for the building and sewage treatment facilities to continue to explore the deployment of and operation of an LNG storage the highest environmental standards solar, marine current, wind and other facility at the North Western end of ensuring the latest low emission and forms of renewable energy as well the North Mole. This facility will not energy generating technologies are as the use of biodiesel. We will also cause any danger to any residential used. The Waste Water Treatment continue to look at ways of achieving area. It will also facilitate the supply of plant has already gone through the carbon neutrality, such as linking to LNG as a bunker fuel from Gibraltar. procurement process and the tender the large renewable energy capacity There is incidentally less danger from a can be awarded soon after the of North Africa. spill of LNG than from diesel! election.

AIR QUALITY DOG PARKS POWER GENERATION & We will work on all fronts, including DISTRIBUTION We have done a lot of work to provide more than one ‘dog park’ in Gibraltar. power generation, traffic and shipping, We have done a huge amount of We are ready to start work on two to attain and wherever possible work on the new power station such parks shortly after the election.

46...the strongest foundations for the future BARBARY MACAQUES BIODIVERSITY pool will be open to the public at no We will continue to manage our We will carry out work to improve fee as part of the facilities available to macaques with a view to ensuring their the range of habitats available for all bathers in the area of Camp Bay and well-being while keeping them away wildlife, particularly within the Nature Little Bay. from built-up areas. We will improve Reserve, including birds, bats, reptiles interpretation and educational aspects and plants. GULL CONTROL and develop a positive image as part We have enhanced the programme of both of Gibraltar’s heritage and our REINTRODUCTIONS control of gulls and it is now handled tourist product. Building on the hugely successful nationally by experts in the field. reintroduction of the Barbary CEMETERIES Partridge and the wild rabbit, we will PAVING STONE GAPS We will update the Cemeteries Act aim to reintroduce other wildlife which We have already commenced a and Rules and improve and landscape has either been lost to Gibraltar or is programme to ensure that the spaces the North Front Cemetery to provide threatened, including such species between the paving stones in Main a resting place of dignity and beauty. as the black wheatear, lesser kestrel, Street and Irish Town are properly osprey and other birds of prey. filled in order to prevent accidents. The MARINE CONSERVATION work has been successfully completed We will continue to improve on NON-NATIVE SPECIES on a section of the northern part of regulations to properly and sustainably We will continue to work towards Main Street and will now be rolled out regulate fishing and other use of the the eradication of non-native plant through the rest of the area. sea in order to ensure the enjoyment of species from ecologically sensitive these activities as well as of our diverse areas, so as to allow Gibraltar’s unique ENVIRONMENTAL marine life for future generations. To plant communities to re-establish ENFORCEMENT TEAM this end we will also further strengthen themselves. We have established an Enforcement the Department of the Environment’s division of the Ministry of the Environmental Protection Unit. We NGO’S Environment which works at sea protecting our natural habitat from will continue to work with interested We will continue to work closely with those who do not respect our parties through the EU to resolve the non-Governmental Organisations, and environment and the biodiversity problem of sewage at Western Beach. with professional and academic bodies, in the waters around Gibraltar. This who, we believe, have a vital role in is working very well indeed. Their RESEARCH good environmental governance. Even excellent work includes the protection We will continue to promote research when we do not agree with NGOs, we of the Artificial Reef in North West into our natural environment. continue to work with them in areas of BGTW. contention in trying to ameliorate their NATURE RESERVE concerns. HYBRID VEHICLES We will roll out the Nature In successive Budgets, we have Reserve Management Plan after a PARKS AND GREEN AREAS enhanced both the tax and cash full consultation process with all New parks will be developed at the incentives for people who buy hybrid stakeholders. Importantly, we will former Naval Ground (at Midtown) and electric vehicles. We will continue continue to invest in the Upper Rock, and in the area of Governor’s Parade. to do so where possible. completing the improved network of We will continue to plant trees around paths, restoring more historical sites, Gibraltar and increase protection of introducing more interpretation of and investment in green areas. We will NAVAL GROUND PARK nature and other heritage, and an refurbish and upgrade the Alameda Having completed the magnificent educational resource centre within Open Air Theatre. Commonwealth Park we will also the Upper Rock to encourage young provide for a further, new, green area people to learn about Gibraltar’s URBAN RENEWAL in the City Centre in the area to the south of the reduced Midtown Project. rich natural heritage. This will be We will continue to promote projects expanded into a network of nature in built-up areas as part of our urban observation viewpoints which will renewal strategy. THEATRE ROYAL PARK enhance the experience of visitors We finalised the works for an and residents alike. LITTLE BAY & NUFFIELD POOL underground car park and park in the area of the demolished Theatre Royal At Little Bay we have improved access BIOSPHERE RESERVE and have already finished developing to the sea and remain committed to the part of the area as a new area for We will aim to include Gibraltar in the creation of a biodiversity park that will community use. We will extend this Intercontinental Biosphere Reserve allow young children to see our marine area to the boundary with St Andrew’s that includes both sides of the Strait of environment close up. And when the Church to the South. Gibraltar. Nuffield Pool is handed back to the Gibraltar Government by the MOD a

...the strongest foundations for the future47 SOUTH BARRACKS PARK EAST SIDE DEVELOPMENT : CATALAN BAY BLUEWATER RESORT As GBC moves out of South Barracks We have made changes to the street Road, we remain committed to When we were elected we bought out cleaning and lighting of this area considering with residents the the previous owners of the east side already and provided the children’s redevelopment of their existing who were not actively pursuing the park we promised. We think Catalan premises as a car park and green area. development of the site. We expanded Bay can be the jewel in the Crown the site further. We then put the plot of the east side, the focal point MASTS out to expressions of interest and for the whole eastern seaboard of recently appointed a preferred bidder We will ensure that the deployment Gibraltar. We need to do more to with whom we are finalising the of masts and other sites that generate make that jewel shine. As part of the terms of a Framework Development electromagnetic radiation are properly redevelopment of the east side we Agreement. The area will be developed regulated and monitored to the highest will upgrade the whole of Catalan Bay, in keeping with the conceptual standards repainting or recladding our buildings drawings for “Bluewater Resort” which there and incentivising private have been published. Exploratory work landlords to do so also in respect of INTERNATIONAL on the site and its subsoil as well as on their properties. We are organising We will continue to promote Gibraltar the sea bed has already been carried for the developers of the Bluewater and its environmental credentials out by the developer so that works can Resort to work with the residents of on the world stage by participating start during the month of December as Catalan Bay on the development of in the major initiatives, conventions originally envisaged. the marina arm in order to ensure that and agreements. We will promote this is done in a way that is sensitive Gibraltar and its environment on to the needs of the Bay. Catalan Bay regional and global platforms and £1.1 Billion will be even more attractive by the will join environmental international time that we have finished this in- organisations and initiatives. project depth refurbishment work.

48...the strongest foundations for the future ...the strongest foundations for the future49 50...the strongest foundations for the future tell me about...Neil Costa

NEIL HAS SERVED YOU AS MINISTER FOR TOURISM AND BUSINESS SINCE DECEMBER 2011, SWAPPING TOURISM FOR EMPLOYMENT IN THE LATE 2014 RESHUFFLE. HE IS A BARRISTER. HE HAS BEEN A MEMBER OF THE LIBERAL PARTY SINCE 1999 AS A MEMBER OF THE PARTY’S YOUTH WING. SINCE THAT TIME HE ATTENDED VARIOUS CONFERENCES OF LIBERAL INTERNATIONAL AND DELIVERED PRESENTATIONS ON GIBRALTAR’S POLITICAL SITUATION. HE HAS BEEN A MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT SINCE 2007. NEIL READ LAW AT THE UNIVERSITY OF WALES IN CARDIFF. HE SUBSEQUENTLY PRACTISED LAW IN THE LITIGATION DEPARTMENT OF A GIBRALTAR LAW FIRM OF WHICH HE BECAME A PARTNER. HE IS THE PROUD FATHER OF APRIL.

BUSINESS & COMMERCE ECONOMIC ADVISORY COUNCIL BUSINESS NURTURING (GIBRALTAR 2025) SCHEME AND TAX BREAKS FOR INNOVATION FAIR TRADING ACT An economic advisory council is being set up to assist the government Given the popularity of the business The Fair Trading Act has been a in developing policy for the future nurturing scheme and the difficulties revolutionary piece of legislation, economic development in Gibraltar. which start-ups have in accessing which has modernised the way that finance, we will continue the nurturing businesses get off the ground. We are The aim of the GSLP/Liberal Government will be to have a vision scheme for small businesses and start- committed to reviewing the effect of ups. We will also introduce tax breaks the Act six months after it has come for where Gibraltar is going to be economically in the next decade for the use of Gibraltar as a jurisdiction into force, to ensure that its aims are for research and development in being achieved. To this end, we will and for that to have been developed jointly by representatives of all sectors. software and IT industries, as well as engage with the Gibraltar Federation production by television, cinema and The Board of Gibraltar 2025 will be of Small Businesses and the Chamber the music industry. of Commerce and consider whether appointed within 90 days of our return any changes are necessary to the Act. to Government. UTILITIES AND BUSINESS RATES ANOTHER RETAIL BANK FOR We maintain our pledge to keep the E-GOVERNMENT GIBRALTAR cost of water and electricity frozen for We have made huge strides to meet We have done great work in opening the the next 4 years. We will also continue our commitment to e-Government Gibraltar International Bank as quickly to offer discounts for early payments which is now a reality and makes life as we did in light of the reduction in on rates. easier for citizens and for businesses services offered by Barclays Bank Plc. alike. To do this we have massively GIB is operating well and has exceeded PENSIONS FOR THE PRIVATE SECTOR increased the IT resources made the expectations set out in its business available to the ITLD. Businesses can plan. In order for business to have an Pensions will be introduced for now register employees online and even wider choice, we will continue to employees in the private sector. This renew (and pay for) their Business seek to encourage that another retail will not, however, be done without Licence online. Now that the new bank be set up in Gibraltar. a thorough consultation with the e-ID cards are available, we are able business representative organisation, to go further and finalise the process namely the Chamber of Commerce and INCUBATOR FOR START-UPS of delivering full e-Government. By the Federation of Small Businesses and 2019, we will have a fully functioning We have already introduced a number the relevant trade unions, in particular e-Government platform, where all of schemes to assist and encourage Unite the Union which has led on services that businesses require start-ups. We will work with the this policy area. We acknowledge (including the payment of taxation) can Federation of Small Businesses and that there are some sectors which be performed online. the Chamber of Commerce to set up have a very high turnover of staff, an incubator for start-ups, where start- for which pensions may not be SMALL BUSINESS ups can be nurtured for the first year of appropriate for their workers. We also ADVISORY BOARD their existence. It is during this period acknowledge that this is an additional In the past 4 years we have worked that most businesses will fail, and it is cost to businesses, which many small closely with the business community. therefore during this period that we businesses may not be able to bear and We will continue to do so and to meet will look to support them. This will be which we have to ensure is ameliorated members of the business associations particularly useful for start-ups in the in order to keep Gibraltar attractive as regularly, to tackle issues as they arise. software industry which we will seek a place to do international business. We pledge to engage in meaningful to further nurture in the future. Working together with all sectors, we consultation with the Chamber and believe we can get the balance right. the Federation of Small Businesses.

...the strongest foundations for the future51 COMMERCIAL MATTERS at the Department of Employment. LIVING WAGE In relation to commercial matters, It goes without saying that a critical We will consult Unions and business on 4 March the Business Support part of this reform was to place all representative organisations on the Unit announced a programme of new systems online. In this regard, potential to introduce a living wage. free seminars to provide guidance the digitisation of the relevant forms It is important that Gibraltar remains and support to interested members was completed and a new website was competitive and our job market of the public with information on a developed and activated. The website attractive to international businesses. range of business-related topics. The and on-line portal facilitates the access We will nonetheless consider this issue first of these tutorials started on 18 to information by employees and with our nation’s largest employers. March 2015 and 2 seminars are being employers and also empowers staff at held each month, up to and including the Employment Service to better focus October. To date, all the seminars have the services they provide to the general A vibrant, been extremely well attended and have public, especially, the unemployed. generated interest from a wide cross- This online functionality will eventually dynamic and section of the business community. extend to the introduction of a system The seminar topics vary within the where the ETB, in conjunction with field of business and entrepreneurial the Department of Social Security and responsive guidance, ranging from topics such as the Income Tax Office, will become The Office of Fair Trading, the GBNS, a one-stop shop for new employee approach to Consumer Rights, Tax and Customer registration. Service to Bullying in the workplace, business Preventing Online Fraud and Thinking HEALTH & SAFETY INSPECTORATE Green. These seminars are advertised At present, the Health and Safety regularly on GBC, Facebook and Inspectorate is being reorganised Twitter. with additional resources being made available. The revamped team will ILLEGAL LABOUR ensure systematic and therefore improved enforcement of the statutory In relation to Employment, a zero- provisions of the occupational health tolerance policy on illegal labour is and safety legislation. The Health and being vigorously pursued by providing Safety Inspectors are currently working adequate and necessary resources to on a new programme of inspections, the Labour Inspectors. The Business including methods and procedures. Ministry and the Department of Employment have attended to fully resource the Labour Inspectorate INDUSTRIAL TRIBUNAL section. The revamped team has The GSLP/Liberals are undertaking produced a new programme of a wholesale review and substantive inspections, including methods, reform of the existing Industrial objectives, performance standards Tribunal dispute resolution and and targets. This newly approved adjudication process. A review of the programme enables the Inspectorate current system is almost complete to assess compliance of annual leave, and the main purpose is to simplify sick leave, redundancy pay, notice and speed up the Industrial Tribunal periods and minimum wage, amongst and Appeals process and also to bring other statutory requirements. down costs. Arrangements have also been made to reduce the backlog of THE EMPLOYMENT SERVICE cases pending before the Industrial Tribunal. The Minister, together with In respect of Employment, the the Ministry’s Legal Counsel, John Paul GSLP/Liberals can also and most Fa, have visited the UK. The purpose of certainly is proud of its record. The the visit was to familiarise themselves lowest numbers ever of Gibraltarians with the Employment Tribunal and unemployed was registered in August Employment Appeal Tribunal processes of this year at 164. In addition to in the UK. The Minister and Mr Fa had the urgent and priority objective of the privilege to learn first-hand about assisting the unemployed to find the main judicial and administrative gainful employment opportunities, processes from senior judges involved the aim of the GSLP/Liberals has in the day-to-day management of been to modernise the employment Employment Tribunals and Appeal and business registration processes Tribunals in the UK.

52...the strongest foundations for the future ...the strongest foundations for the future53

be proud of... Commonwealth Park

THE BEAUTIFUL TEXTURES OF THE PARK ARE REFLECTED IN THESE IMAGES. THE POND. THE LEAVES. THE WOOD. THE FLOWERS. THE GRASS. ALL OF THESE ELEMENTS MAKE UP GIBRALTAR’S OWN CENTRAL PARK

56...the strongest foundations for the future ...the strongest foundations for the future57 58...the strongest foundations for the future tell me about...Albert Isola

ALBERT HAS SERVED YOU AS MINISTER FOR FINANCIAL SERVICES AND GAMING SINCE 4 JULY 2013 WHEN HE WAS ELECTED IN A BY-ELECTION FOLLOWING THE PASSING AWAY OF CHARLES BRUZON. SINCE DECEMBER 2014 HE HAS ALSO HAD RESPONSIBILITY FOR COMMERCIAL AND MARITIME AFFAIRS AT THE PORT. HE HAS TRAVELLED AROUND THE WORLD MARKETING GIBRALTAR SINCE HE WAS ELECTED. BEFORE THEN ALBERT WAS PRACTISING AS A BARRISTER AND SENIOR PARTNER AT ONE OF GIBRALTAR’S LEADING LAW FIRMS WHERE HE LED THE FINANCIAL SERVICES AND COMMERCIAL PROPERTY TEAMS WORKING WITH DEVELOPERS AND BANKS ON MAJOR PROPERTY DEVELOPMENTS. HE HAS REGULARLY ADDRESSED INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES AROUND THE WORLD IN FINANCIAL SERVICES. HE WAS PREVIOUSLY A MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FROM 1996-2000 AND HAS BEEN A MEMBER OF THE GSLP SINCE 1987. HE IS MARRIED TO GRAZIELLA AND HAS A SON AND 3 DAUGHTERS.

THE GIBRALTAR GAMING Government we announced that no INTERNATIONAL ACTION PROPOSITION - MOVING changes will be introduced until a full We have defended Gibraltar’s position and complete consultative process had TO THE NEXT LEVEL in the GBGA cases against the United been undertaken with the Industry, Kingdom Government’s introduction Gibraltar’s Gaming community has with individual Operators being of the Point of Consumption Tax. faced many challenges these past directly consulted. We have made it clear that we have years and yet we have grown from intervened in these proceedings not strength to strength. There will SPECIFIC GAMING LIAISON to take sides, but to ensure the Court undoubtedly be further tests in the In order to demonstrate our has the benefit of understanding our future but our management of this commitment to the Gaming Sector, position as a Jurisdiction first hand. sector has confirmed our ranking as we introduced in 2013 a Liaison the World’s premiere online Gaming Department within the Ministry to GAMING (ILS) Jurisdiction and preparations are well provide real time support to the We have succeeded in having the first under way to move Gibraltar to the sector in all their engagements with ever Gaming Insurance Linked Security next level as a centre of excellence, Government and to monitor and ensure transaction launched in Gibraltar raising and a real hub for this industry. We that their businesses were being dealt some $100m from the markets for a have worked tirelessly with the sector with speedily and efficiently. Gibraltar Licensed Gaming Operator. to meet the challenges and explore We will continue to work to support the possibilities that the future holds, NEW LICENCEES innovation in the sector. always working closely with the sector Since 2011, 17 new licencees have and the Gibraltar Gambling & Betting been welcomed to Gibraltar, including Association (GBGA). We firmly believe THE FUTURE OF GIB GAMING the new land based casino and over that a close working relationship 1000 extra employees have joined the Building on our foundations to move between Government and the sector sector. In addition existing licencees to the next level has been instrumental in our success have been granted a further 8 licences The work that we have done in the past as an online jurisdiction. during this period. However we are 4 years, building on the now 20-year clearly in a process of consolidation with history of the sector, enables us to look A DETAILED REVIEW & many of our Operators in negotiations forward to the future with confidence. CONSULTATION or processes that will lead to mergers In order to continue to develop the In Government we commissioned and acquisitions. This consolidation will industry, we are committed to taking a complete review of our Gaming continue for some time. the following steps proposition; Gibraltar’s 4 leading We will engage in detailed consultation Gaming lawyers and our Gambling GAMING EVENTS with all Operators to consider our Commissioner were tasked to advise We hosted our first Gaming Event in proposals for the future as contained in on a blueprint for the future of Gaming London in October 2014, and in 2015 our Gaming Review, because standing and betting in Gibraltar, in respect of sponsored and supported the KPMG still is not an option both online and land-based. This review eGaming Summit in Gibraltar where considers all aspects of the existing we announced the Gaming Review. We will work with all Operators to licensing, supervisory and regulatory The Gambling Commissioner hosted ensure the Gibraltar Proposition remains regime for all types of gaming and a panel discussion with our Review fit for purpose for the next decade, betting in Gibraltar, and proposes a Team. We have also attended the welcoming innovation and promoting better way forward. The review was largest Online Gaming Conferences further support services for this industry; long overdue for a jurisdiction that in London (The International Casino wishes to stay ahead of the pack. In Exhibition, ICE) and the United States. ...the strongest foundations for the future59 We will continue with our cautious London, Geneva, Zurich, Hong Kong, rating achieved by Gibraltar in the policy in respect of new entrants and Singapore and Bermuda engaging 2014 Phase 2 Review, and instrumental new business in order to preserve and directly with professionals in each in all our engagements with the UK strengthen our reputation as a first class of these and expanding the London Government in these areas of business. jurisdiction; events to include Funds and other events focused and targeted at specific INTERNATIONAL COMPLIANCE & We will ensure our regulatory areas within the same week. INFORMATION EXCHANGE: environment is robust and responsive, HUGE PROGRESS IN A SHORT TIME with a solid and experienced GIB FINANCE BUSINESS PLAN We committed on our election to understanding of the business model; We produced in 2014 and again in ensure Gibraltar was compliant with EU and International standards. We will continue to work to ensure 2015 the first ever Gibraltar Finance This meant immediately working on there are no unfair barriers to entry Business Plan in conjunction with transposing all EU Directives that of our Operators into other European the Finance Centre Council (FCC), were outstanding and committing to jurisdictions; and identifying and detailing every event in the year where Gibraltar the International agenda. We entered We will continue to listen, work with and Finance was attending, supporting or into further bilateral Tax Information support our Operators and the GBGA in sponsoring and enabling private sector Exchange Agreements, and then Inter the further growth and development of professionals to plan which events Governmental Agreements with the this sector. they will support and join the HMGOG United Kingdom (UK FATCA) and team in promoting Gibraltar. This has the United States of America (US led to more private sector firms than FATCA), as well as the Berlin Accord ever before supporting events across for the Early Adopters of the Common the world. Reporting Standard (Global FATCA) in FINANCIAL SERVICES October 2014. In October 2013 the Multilateral Convention was extended REBRANDING A NEW WAY FORWARD to Gibraltar, and in October 2015 We rebranded and launched the These past 4 years have seen the Gibraltar was accepted into Moneyval. new Gibraltar Finance Websites and biggest investment in time, cost We believe that international social media assets enabling us to and resources that this sector has compliance is essential to preserving communicate directly with all those ever received. There is no question and enhancing our reputation and professionals on our data base cheaply that there is more to be done, but a maintaining a level playing field for our and efficiently updating them on comprehensive strategy was outlined sector. We have succeeded in directly developments in Gibraltar and engaged in 2011 which has been implemented engaging with countries to remove us with London PR specialists to assist and developed. Our project has from their blacklists with the support us in communicating the message to focused on identifying potential of HM UK Government and this work specific trade media. markets for business, a review of continues. our product line, investment in our WORKING GROUPS regulatory regime and legislation, and FOUNDATIONS FOR NEW most importantly working hand in We set up a series of individual working BUSINESS hand with the private sector in every groups managed by Gibraltar Finance We have introduced legislation to single area, representing a real and to assist and advise HMGOG on all create new products, improve existing genuine partnership. aspects of financial services; these ones and consolidate others, always include those set up on Insurance in close consultation with the private SENIOR EXECUTIVES Linked Securities (which led to their sector and the Finance Centre Council successful launch), Virtual Currencies, We immediately engaged in recruiting (FCC). This has included; the Category 2 product, the Income the specialist Senior Executives we i) Introducing legislation in conjunction Tax Act, Pensions and Insurance. believed were essential to work within with the Society of Trust and Estate Gibraltar Finance to properly promote Practitioners requested in 2007/8 on FUNDS CONFERENCE our jurisdiction and develop new private client products business for Gibraltar. They have been We have organised and launched the ii) Introducing the updated and fit for at the forefront of the new energy and first Gibraltar Funds Conference in purpose consolidated Companies Act drive in promoting Gibraltar jointly Gibraltar, and attracted the first ever and Insolvency Regulations with the private sector by attending Swiss Funds Conference to Gibraltar, iii) Introducing legislation to facilitate individual meetings and conferences/ in conjunction with the Private Sector. QROPS & QNUPS events across all jurisdictions. OECD PROGRESS iv) Introducing Insurance Linked Securities FLAGSHIP EVENTS Gibraltar Finance has also been the We extended the Gibraltar Day central point for all initiatives on LEGAL REFORM PROGRAMME Flagship events to include new Information exchange and the OECD, We have launched, together with the markets and now hold these days in leading to the “Largely Compliant”

60...the strongest foundations for the future Financial Services Commission, the GIBRALTAR INTERNATIONAL BANK NEW MARKETS OUR RETAIL BANK FOR OUR Legal Reform Programme (LRP) which We will continue to plant the seeds in COMMUNITY will result in the production of a single the jurisdictions we have identified with Financial Services Act consolidating In Sept. 2013, Barclays announced the sector and consider introducing and modernising our entire legislation their withdrawal from retail banking. further focused visits to London and in a user-friendly and accessible set We were able to avert a total closure other regions of the United Kingdom of rules and requirements replacing but had to seek alternative banking exclusively for this sector in a format the 80-odd pieces of legislation we solutions for our community. We to be agreed with the FCC. currently have and ensuring all aspects worked with the GBA and set up a Working Group to advise us on of our regulatory legislation are fit for NEW CROWD FUNDING purpose. We have also worked with the potential solutions for our community. We will also examine the regulatory LRP in transposing all EU Directives in The Bank has already exceeded the landscape to encourage Crowd Financial Services including CRD IV, expectations in its business plan many Funding business from Gibraltar and Solvency II, Mifid II, AMLD 4, Deposit times over, even before the end of its engage with the Sector and Regulator Guarantee Scheme, Resolution first year of operations. We delivered to ensure a safe and sustainable new Authority and the Mortgage Credit exactly on what we promised, in record area of business for this sector. Directive. time and to a standard and quality that few believed was possible. NEW BUSINESS PLANS FINANCIAL SERVICES OMBUDSMAN THE FUTURE - BUILDING ON THESE We will, with the FCC, review our We have consulted and completed the FOUNDATIONS FOR 2015-2020 business plan each year and ensure it draft legislation for the Introduction of There is much still to be done, but continues to provide real and effective the Financial Services Ombudsman. we have established a new level of value for money. We will continue The legislation can be published very support and commitment to this to work to raise the profile of our quickly after the election. sector by our work over these past 4 jurisdiction and enhance our reputation. years. This must continue stronger and REGULATION: ROBUST & harder than ever before, hand in hand EFFICIENT & RESPONSIVE RESPONSIVE with the private sector. We must never REGULATOR We have worked closely with the return to the previous Government’s We will work with the FSC to ensure our CEO and Board of the Financial style of managing this sector with regulator remains robust, competitive Services Commission (FSC) to support little, if any, serious commitment and effective providing the sector with the introduction of the 2014-2017 to its development. Our project for an efficient and responsive regulatory Strategic Review leading to the the next 4 years will continue as we environment, that is business sensitive strengthening and resourcing of the have started but will focus further on and business friendly. FSC to enable it to keep apace with important new areas. the changing regulatory landscape, FURTHER LEGAL REFORM and able to deliver a more speedy and AHEAD OF THE INTERNATIONAL We will through the Legal Reform responsive system of regulation whilst AGENDA Programme introduce changes to the maintaining a robust and risk based We must continue to stay ahead of FSC and its decision making process system of regulation. We have teamed the International agenda meeting our providing a more transparent and open up with the FSC and the FCC to monitor obligations and working to deliver process for the review of decisions taken. and review the implantation of the a level playing field for our sector. Strategic Review and have also teamed It is unacceptable for a compliant CENTRAL REGISTER OF BENEFICIAL up to carry out a comprehensive review jurisdiction like ours to be discriminated OWNERSHIP of the methodology of the calculation against in any way and we enjoy the We will introduce the Central Registry for licencees in their applications and full support of HMGUK to continue of Beneficial Ownership under the annual licence fees. We have worked to eradicate this. We will, in particular, direction and supervision of Gibraltar with and supported the FSC in their continue to see unrestricted access to Finance in the manner required by the efforts to engage with Regulators EU markets and will continue to work 4th Anti Money Laundering Directive. across the world to enter into MMOU’s to inform the EU Commission of the to facilitate the growth of our Funds reality of the Gibraltar taxation model DOUBLE TAXATION AGREEMENTS sector with those jurisdictions. We and its non-infringement of EU rules. We will continue to work to deliver, have also worked closely with the FSC where appropriate and in close on new areas of business including UPDATE OUR PRODUCTS consultation with the sector, Double ILS’s, Part VII Insurance business and We will review and update our products Taxation Agreements with jurisdictions Pensions all aimed at facilitating the in partnership with the sector, through across the world, including the United entry of Gibraltar into these markets working groups, to ensure they are Kingdom. A lot of work has already and this work is ongoing. modern and fit for purpose in an ever- been completed in this respect and changing world environment, and will agreements could be finalised very introduce a regulatory environment for early in 2016. Virtual Currencies.

...the strongest foundations for the future61 62...the strongest foundations for the future be proud of...The Gibraltar International Bank

DELIVERED IN RECORD TIME, THE BANK BECAME A REALITY EARLIER THIS YEAR. IT HAS ALREADY EXCEEDED THE EXPECTATIONS SET OUT IN ITS BUSINESS PLAN. WE ANTICIPATE THE BANK WILL GROW STEADILY. WE ARE GRATEFUL TO THOSE WHO HELPED PUT “ALL HANDS ON DECK” TO MAKE THIS FANTASTIC PROJECT A REALITY IN RECORD TIME. LIKE THE UNIVERSITY, ANOTHER BUILDING BLOCK OF NATIONHOOD FIRMLY IN PLACE. ANOTHER FOUNDATION SOLIDLY LAID.

...the strongest foundations for the future63 64...the strongest foundations for the future tell me about...Gilbert Licudi

GILBERT HAS SERVED YOU AS MINISTER FOR JUSTICE AND EDUCATION SINCE 9 DECEMBER 2011. HE ALSO SERVED AS MINISTER FOR FINANCIAL SERVICES & GAMING FROM DECEMBER 2011 UNTIL JULY 2013 WHEN HE TOOK ON RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE GIBRALTAR FIRE & RESCUE SERVICE. AS MINISTER FOR EDUCATION, HE HEADED THE PROJECT LEADING TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE UNIVERSITY OF GIBRALTAR. ADDITIONALLY, HE HAS DELIVERED THE 700 BERTH MARINA FOR SMALL BOATS. HE IS A BARRISTER AND A QUEEN’S COUNSEL AND IS CALLED TO THE BAR IN GIBRALTAR AND IN ENGLAND AND WALES. BEFORE BEING ELECTED, GILBERT PRACTISED AS A PARTNER OF ONE OF GIBRALTAR’S LEADING LAW FIRMS WHERE HE HAS ADVISED ON ALL TYPES OF COMMERCIAL TRANSACTIONS AND REGULARLY ADVISED BANKS, TRUSTEES AND PRIVATE CLIENTS ON GIBRALTAR COMPANY AND TRUST LAW. GILBERT HAS BEEN A MEMBER OF THE GSLP FOR OVER 30 YEARS, HAVING CHAIRED THE FIRST PUBLIC MEETING IN THE RUN UP TO THE GSLP’S FIRST ELECTION WIN. HE IS MARRIED AND HAS 2 SONS.

EDUCATION We have done a lot in respect of education. We have opened 2 new schools and the new University of Gibraltar. We employed more teachers and more learning support assistants. We now provide mandatory grants for postgraduate degrees. Huge changes, but much still to do. Bayside, Bishop Fitzgerald and Governor’s Meadow schools need urgent rebuilding. St Martin’s needs to move from its current location, which it has outgrown. Notre Dame school also needs to grow. A review of education in Gibraltar generally and of the work of the Department of Education is necessary to understand where we are going in education. Is co-education a good or a bad idea for the Comprehensive schools, especially given the coming advent of a co-educational private school for that age group? This must also be reviewed dispassionately and on a non-partisan basis by experts. One thing is clear, the merger of the 2 comprehensives at Rooke is a bad idea. We will not pretend to know better than the teachers and professionals who are trained in this sensitive field. That is why in Government we signed a Social Partnership Agreement with the Gibraltar Teachers’ Association/NASUWT. We will continue to work with them - even more closely wherever possible - on all matters of mutual concern, including teachers’ career issues as well as the educational aspects. There is still much to do and below we set out more of what we have done and will do next.

MORE HUMAN RESOURCES increased, from 49 to 78 (with 17 part- and Bayside schools. This removed In September 2012, the complement time learning support assistants also some of the administrative load from of teachers was increased from 333 to made full-time). This was an important the senior management team at these measure to provide additional support schools allowing Heads and Deputy 380, an increase of 47 teachers. This for children with special needs. Heads to dedicate more time to the provided much needed additional The supply list for learning support teaching or pastoral care of students. teachers for all of our schools. It assistants was also increased from 15 provided new opportunities for those There had also been a lack of support to 47 so that cover could be available on the supply list and allowed us to for the IT needs of our schools. 5 not just for absences but also to meet eradicate the practice of teachers additional technicians were engaged the temporary needs of any particular remaining on permanent supply for to deal with all IT issues that might child or school. many years with no employment rights arise. at all. In addition, we implemented In addition, administrative support for a system of contracts for any supply all schools has been increased. ADDITIONAL FACILITIES FOR teacher engaged to cover temporary Secretaries were invariably employed SCHOOLS needs for three months or more. The on a part-time basis with some schools As part of the programme of contracts provide for full employment sharing a part-time secretary. We have refurbishment of schools, new facilities rights for these teachers. ensured that each school has its own have been built. An extension, in The complement of Learning Support full-time secretary. collaboration with the Kusuma Trust, Assistants (classroom aides) was also We have engaged an EO for Westside was built at St Martin’s school. This created a speech therapist’s office,

...the strongest foundations for the future65 be proud of...The University of Gibraltar

WE TAKE HUGE PRIDE IN BEING THE PARTIES THAT IN GOVERNMENT DELIVERED THIS PROJECT THAT HAD BEEN A DREAM FOR SO MANY. THE UNIVERSITY WILL BE A PLACE OF ACADEMIC LEARNING AND SO MUCH MORE. IT WILL BE A MAGNET FOR NEW ECONOMIC ACTIVITY. IT WILL ATTRACT PEOPLE TO GIBRALTAR. IT WILL DELIVER COURSES BEYOND THE ACADEMIC. WE ALSO EXPECT THAT IT WILL GROW IN WAYS WE CANNOT PRESENTLY IMAGINE. NOW, AT LAST, WE ARE A UNIVERSITY CITY. ANOTHER BUILDING BLOCK OF NATIONHOOD FIRMLY IN PLACE. ANOTHER FOUNDATION SOLIDLY LAID.

66...the strongest foundations for the future ...the strongest foundations for the future67 an exercise therapy room, one extra ADDITIONAL GRANTS FOR HIGHER NEW EDUCATION EDUCATION classroom, a quiet room and an art POLICIES room. In 1988, the then GSLP Government The next GSLP/Liberal Government introduced a system of mandatory An extension was also built to Notre will do the following: Dame school. This was composed of 6 scholarships for all who were able additional classrooms. In particular, it to secure a place for undergraduate GIBRALTAR STUDIES allowed the expansion of the Learning study at a recognized institution. Support Facility, 2 further classrooms Notwithstanding the trebling of tuition We will introduce ‘Gibraltar studies’ for special needs education and a fees by UK universities, we have into the curriculum for all First and music room. A new floor was built in continued to fund scholarships for Middle Schools as from September an existing building at St Joseph’s First all those who attained a place for an 2016 so that this is taught in a and Middle Schools. This provided 3 undergraduate course in a recognized cohesive and properly structured way new classrooms and a library for the institution. Maintenance grants have across all schools. This will include First School and two new classrooms also been increased in line with the local history but will not be limited to for the Middle School. It also provided rate of inflation in the UK. We will historical topics. It will also include the additional facilities for the lunch hall. continue our commitment to funding geology of Gibraltar, the Neanderthals, tuition and maintenance grants for natural history (including outings to learn about the macaques in their NEW SCHOOLS undergraduates. In 2012, we expanded the scheme to include postgraduate natural environment), flora and We committed ourselves at the last studies, including doctorates. We fauna, Gibraltar as a major point for elections to relocate Sacred Heart are proud to have almost 900 fully- bird migration between Europe and Middle School. However, a visit funded students studying at higher Africa, the environment (including by the Minister for Education very education institutions abroad. This is a the marine environment), industry, shortly after the 2011 elections to St remarkable achievement. tourism, culture (including Gibraltar as Bernard’s First School convinced us a multi-cultural society), food and the that it would not be sufficient to carry UNIVERSITY OF GIBRALTAR economy. out a refurbishment programme for Gilbert Licudi: ‘There is so much to this school and that a new St Bernard’s The University of Gibraltar is now learn about Gibraltar and we want it to First School was also needed at a open. It has 4 faculties, an Institute be taught in a structured manner.’ different location. The site of the old St of Professional Development and

Continuing Education and a Language Bernard’s Hospital was chosen for the INTERACTIVE TECH BASED new schools. An imaginative design Centre. TEACHING was created to bring these historic The Faculty of Hospitality will include a We will establish an interactive buildings back to life whilst allowing restaurant at the best location and with technology-based project to improve for modern educational facilities to be the best views in the whole of Europe. the learning experience of our children built. The facilities include a gym and This ambitious and exciting project with the introduction and use of iPads sports hall which will be available for will generate jobs and economic in the classroom starting with Middle the community to use. activity for Gibraltar. It will provide a Schools. centre for research in areas which will HEALTH AND SAFETY AUDIT substantially benefit Gibraltar. SCHOOLS’ ADVISORY SERVICE A much needed health and safety audit The opening of the University was a We will restructure and improve, of all schools was carried out during milestone in Gibraltar’s history. The in consultation with the Gibraltar the course of 2012. This identified University will connect with the whole Teacher’s Association, the works which needed to be carried out community and will be an institution Schools’ Advisory Service of the and systems which were required to which we will all be proud of. Department of Education. This will be put in place. A programme of works include the upgrading of the Assistant was put in place to address the issues Educational Advisor post so that there identified in the report produced as a Working in will be 4 Educational Advisors with result of the health and safety audit. specific responsibility for the following social partnership areas: technology and learning; student MAINTENANCE FOR SCHOOLS welfare; curriculum development and Our schools had suffered from a lack human resources. with the GTA of proper maintenance for many SPECIAL EDUCATION NEEDS years. This needed to be redressed. A We will further improve the assistance team of 8 workers dedicated to the given to children with special education maintenance of schools was put in needs with specific attention given to place. The team works exclusively for mental health issues. We have already the schools and is able to respond in increased the number of Learning a more rapid and effective way to all Support Assistants (LSAs) from 49 to maintenance requirements. 78, have converted 17 part-time LSA’s

68...the strongest foundations for the future to full-time and are providing additional Washington internship programme for SCHOOL TRANSPORT LSAs to schools to cover any temporary a further 3 years. A new minibus was purchased by the needs of children which may arise. We Department of Education. In addition, have also increased the complement PROMOTING RESPECT AND arrangements were made between of education psychologists from one PROTECTION the Department of Education and the to two. We will engage a further Cases of abuse or violence towards Gibraltar Bus Company for additional education psychologist so that the teachers are few and far between. We buses to be laid on where necessary. complement is increased to 3. nevertheless reiterate our commitment In particular, an extra bus was laid to protect teachers from any abuse or on at peak times between the Mid- MORE NEW SCHOOLS violence. Harbour Estate and Sacred Heart We will build a new first school to Middle School. This arrangement will continue. We are also considering the house Governor’s Meadow School HOMEWORK SUPPORT GROUPS on the Rooke site as part of a wider possibility of including new School Bus Homework support groups have project. Bishop Fitzgerald School arrangements with the Gibraltar Bus been established and are proving to will be rebuilt and expanded to take Company. be popular. In particular, the sessions over the space vacated by Governor’s at the John Mackintosh Library are a Meadow. Bayside School will be SUPPLY TEACHERS great success. In addition, students are rebuilt and upgraded with additional receiving assistance in schools and in The increase in the complement of classrooms and facilities created in the Department of Education. teachers provided new opportunities a redevelopment which will include for those on the supply list and allowed St Anne’s School. We will relocate us to eradicate the practice of teachers MIDDLE SCHOOLS: EQUALLY SIZED St Martin’s School to a new site remaining on permanent supply for We have relocated Sacred Heart beside Notre Dame, which will also many years with no employment rights Middle School to the site of the old St be refurbished and rebuilt in part. at all. In addition, we implemented Bernard’s Hospital where it has become This will also enable Social Services a system of contracts for any supply St Bernard’s Middle School. Additional Ministry to expand and if necessary re- teacher engaged to cover temporary classrooms and facilities have been site St. Bernadette’s and/or Dr Giraldi needs for three months or more. The built so that it is now capable of being Home. We will refurbish the College of contracts provided for full employment of equal size to other middle schools. Further Education. rights for these teachers including We have also relocated St Bernard’s contributions to pensions. The period First School to this site providing it HOT SCHOOL LUNCHES worked as a supply teacher is also now with spacious and modern educational A full process of consultation with taken into account in calculating their and sporting facilities. parents, headteachers, teachers and years of service. their unions will take place so that we SECOND CHANCE EDUCATION can start the provision of hot school CLASS SIZES We have established the Institute meals to all children whose parents The increase in the complement of of Professional Development and agree. teachers also allowed the introduction Continuing Education at the University of optimum class sizes for all schools. of Gibraltar. This, along with the other LONG DISTANCE LEARNING This will continue to apply. faculties of the University, allows Funding is being provided for long those who might not have been able distance learning courses. This has to go to study previously or those INCLUSION allowed many who would otherwise who have but want to continue with A policy of inclusion was introduced so not be able to do so to embark on a their education to do so in a first-class that children with disabilities, where course of study leading to a recognized setting. possible, are included in mainstream qualification. This will continue. education. We will continue to promote this policy. FREE NURSERY EDUCATION COUNSELLING IN SCHOOLS All children are offered a place at a We have already increased Government nursery. the complement of Education A ‘Mega school’ Psychologists from one to two. We UNIVERSITY EXCHANGES recognise that many children need at Rooke is a The opening of the University of support, particularly when they are Gibraltar now allows exchanges to be facing mental health issues. We bad idea carried out with other universities and will further increase the number of colleges. We have also established an education psychologists from two to 3. internship programme in Washington. 60 students have already benefitted from this programme in the last three years. We will continue the

...the strongest foundations for the future69 tell me about the new...Bishop Fitzgerald School

MOVING AWAY FROM AN OLD PRE-FAB STYLE CONSTRUCTION AND INTO A MODERN, PURPOSE BUILT EDUCATIONAL FACILITY WILL TRANSFORM EDUCATION FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL PUPILS IN THIS CATCHMENT AREA. AT LAST THE SCHOOL WILL BE OF THE STANDARD THAT OUR CHILDREN IN THIS AREA DESERVE. IN ADDITION, THE SCHOOL WILL BOAST TWO FIVE-A-SIDE FOOTBALL PITCHES AS PART OF THE CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA WHICH WILL BE IN THE AREA WHICH IS PRESENTLY OCCUPIED BY GOVERNOR’S MEADOW. THESE WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE COMMUNITY USE IN THE EVENINGS AND WEEKENDS.

70...the strongest foundations for the future tell me about the new...Notre Dame and St. Martin’s Schools

ST MARTIN’S HAS OUTGROWN ITS CURRENT SITE AND MORE AND MORE CHILDREN ARE BEING CARED FOR AND EDUCATED BY THAT BRILLIANT SCHOOL AND ITS STAFF. WE WILL RELOCATE IT SO THAT IT IS CLOSER TO NOTRE DAME SCHOOL, WHICH WILL ALSO BE EXPANDED AND REBUILT TO CATER FOR THE ADDITIONAL NUMBER OF CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS THAT USE ITS FACILITIES. IF WE HAVE TO CHOOSE BETWEEN A STADIUM OR A NEW ST. MARTINS WE CHOOSE A NEW ST. MARTINS. WITH OUR PLANS WE CAN HAVE BOTH!

...the strongest foundations for the future71 tell me about the new...Bayside School

IT IS CLEAR THAT BAYSIDE NEEDS TO BE REBUILT. IT HAS SUFFERED CHRONIC UNDERINVESTMENT. THE TIME HAS COME TO BUILD A NEW COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL AND TO DESIGN IT IN A WAY THAT MAKES FULL USE OF THE SPACE AVAILABLE. OUR PLANS WILL ALLOW FOR BAYSIDE TO HAVE ITS OWN FULL SIZE RUGBY AND FOOTBALL GROUND AS WELL AS PLAY AREAS. THERE WILL BE A NEW GYM AREA. AGAIN, THE FACILITIES WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR COMMUNITY USE DURING THE EVENINGS AND AT WEEKENDS. BEING NEXT TO THE VICTORIA STADIUM, THIS WILL GREATLY ENHANCE THE FACILITIES FOR TRAINING WHICH THE CLUBS THAT MAKE UP THE GFA ARE ABLE TO ENJOY.

72...the strongest foundations for the future tell me about the new...St. Anne’s School

ST ANNE’S SCHOOL WILL ALSO BENEFIT FROM BEING REBUILT AS PART OF THE BAYSIDE REDEVELOPMENT SO THAT ITS FACILITIES WILL ALSO BE MODERN AND STATE OF THE ART

...the strongest foundations for the future73 be proud of...St. Bernard’s School

THE WORK DONE BY GILBERT LICUDI IN THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION HAS BEEN GROUNDBREAKING. DELIVERING THESE TWO NEW SCHOOLS IN LESS THAN 4 YEARS HAS TURNED AROUND THE INFRASTRUCTURE OF SCHOOLING IN THE UPPER TOWN AREA. A PERFECT MARRIAGE BETWEEN THE HERITAGE VALUE OF THE BUILDINGS THAT HOUSED OUR OLD HOSPITAL AND THE FUTURE SHAPE OF EDUCATION IN GIBRALTAR. ST BERNARD’S NOW INCLUDES A TOP QUALITY GYM WHICH CAN BE USED FOR MANY SPORTS AND WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR COMMUNITY USE IN THE EVENINGS AND AT WEEKENDS.

74...the strongest foundations for the future ...the strongest foundations for the future75 SPECIAL EDUCATION NEEDS (SEN) TEACHERS’ CONTINUING COMPUTER RESOURCES : TECH PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT TEACHING A register of children with special education needs is kept by each There have been numerous changes Education has to keep up with school. This enables the school in the last few years in education in technological development. There are to monitor progress made by the the UK, particularly with regard to the now new tools which can be used in particular child and to provide such curriculum. It has been important and the classroom to assist both teachers resources as may be necessary to necessary for our teachers to be kept and pupils. We will establish an assist with the child’s education. up-to-date on those changes so that interactive technology-based project The increase in Learning Support they can be introduced seamlessly in to improve the learning experience of Assistants and the expansion of the Gibraltar. This is a continuing process. our children with the introduction and supply list allows those additional use of iPads in the classroom starting resources to be deployed as and when with Middle Schools. necessary including to provide for any Investing in temporary needs which a child may have. law enforcement assets

76...the strongest foundations for the future LAW & ORDER RESPECT FOR THE RULE OF LAW We believe that the first duty of Government is to ensure the safety and security of our people and our Community as a whole. That is why we have fully supported our law enforcement agencies, as they are the vital instruments that guarantee that Gibraltar remains a safe, peaceful place in which to live and bring up our children. Our commitment to the Rule of Law is unquestionable.

JUDICIAL SERVICE outstanding when we were elected into LEGAL AID AND ASSISTANCE Following a process of consultation office, including 8 that were subject to Following a process of consultation with relevant stakeholders, a Bill was infraction procedures. This backlog was and agreement with the Bar Council, published which would make the Chief eliminated by investing in the number the Legal Aid system (which deals with Justice the Head of the Judiciary. of law drafters. We will continue to stay financial help in criminal cases) was That Bill has now lapsed following ahead of the transposition deadline reformed with new rates published. We the dissolution of Parliament and we for EU Directives. This is important in have embarked on a process of further will re-publish the Bill and pass this respect of our relationship with the rest consultation with the Bar Council on legislation at the earliest opportunity. of the EU. improvements to the Legal Assistance system (which deals with financial PRIVATE LEGAL WORK CCTV help in civil cases). In particular we will We have properly resourced the newly A public CCTV system has been make it easier for people to become created Government Law Offices. established in various public areas. eligible for legal assistance given that This means that substantial civil legal This is a continuing process with the current rules set the financial work is now undertaken “in-house”, in further CCTV cameras to be installed qualification criteria too low. This is particular in the area of legal drafting. in residential areas such as Laguna unfair and has to change. We inherited Where it is necessary to “buy-in” legal Estate, Glacis and Moorish Castle the present system from the GSD and advice, we have ensured that the Estate. We have also introduced their draft reform proposals were not recognised experts in each field have a system, which will continue, to workable. That is why we have taken been instructed. Legal work has also subsidise the installation of CCTV in longer than we would have wanted to been shared around all eligible law private estates. in being ready to make the necessary firms in Gibraltar in a marked change changes. We expect the necessary from the previous practice under the THE REHABILITATION OF work to be concluded with appropriate GSD. We will continue to ensure that OFFENDERS ACT changes to legislation made before the we act fairly in the distribution of legal The rehabilitation of offenders end of 2016. work in the private sector, as we have provisions in the Criminal Procedure done to date. and Evidence Act 2011 was introduced REDUCING SERIOUS CRIME as a matter of priority. This was an The introduction of new computer PROSECUTIONS important measure in helping offenders facilities for the RGP, which fulfil our to put their past behind them. We We will seek to appoint a specific obligations to provide online access to have also put in place measures to get office holder to carry responsibility our database for other police services individuals leaving prison back into for public prosecutions. This is the around the EU, will also have the work. These will be further enhanced position in the United Kingdom and in benefit of providing extra analysis of to ensure that people are given a other Overseas Territories and allows crimes being investigated. This will chance to re-integrate themselves into the Attorney General to concentrate help in the work of reducing serious society once they have served their on advisory work as is the norm in crime in our community, something we sentences and not fall back into a life most other Common Law jurisdictions. are keen to ensure the RGP is fully and in crime. properly resourced to do. EU DIRECTIVES EAST SIDE LAW ENFORCEMENT NEW CRIMES LEGISLATION We said we would prioritise resources As part of the east side redevelopment for the then EU and International We have introduced new measures known as Bluewater Resort there will Department so that as a matter of which criminalise hate crimes and will be a facility provided for RGP and policy Gibraltar would be as up to date continue to address the need to make HM Customs vessels to ensure that as possible in the transposition of EU changes to our laws where necessary. our maritime laws are enforced on directives and we have done this. On This will include making changes to the east side. The purchase of new 28 February 2013 the GSLP/Liberal criminalise “revenge porn”. larger vessels (which we have already Government announced that for the delivered to both of these maritime first time ever since our accession to THE ROYAL GIBRALTAR POLICE law enforcement agencies) has allowed the European Economic Community in We have completely supported the RGP to base one there during peak 1972, Gibraltar was completely up to the Royal Gibraltar Police and have hours in the summer. date in this area. There were 43 directives ensured that they have been better

...the strongest foundations for the future77 resourced than ever before. Fabian HER MAJESTY’S CUSTOMS: LAW previous administration. These have Picardo moved the motion on behalf ENFORCEMENT now been discussed between Union of the GSLP/Liberal Government to By working together with all relevant and Government and will result in the award the RGP the Freedom of the Unions and with Customs Department Collective Agreement being amended City. That honour was backed up with representatives, we were able to in parts to ensure that all sides have our actions in Government, delivering renew and grow one of the highest certainty on what the Agreement the resources required by the Police grossing departments in Government provides. A number of items are still when necessary. Whilst the RGP, in a way that was acceptable to both being discussed and agreement is likely historically, had to rely on confiscated the Government and to officers. to be reached very quickly, perhaps marine assets, we have acquired state We grew the Department by over even before the date of the election. of the art marine assets for them, which 60 officers. We have also properly also better protect the officers who are resourced the Department with marine SEX OFFENDERS REGISTER involved in operations at sea. We have assets and vehicles. HM Customs is A sex offenders register has been fully respected their independence, now respected within Government, as established. This allows the monitoring even when the GSD have said that well as outside, as one of our key Law of those who may have committed they would not. We have worked with Enforcement Agencies. sexual offences. Officers from the the Police Association on all the issues RGP have been specifically trained in Next we will finalise plans for a new they have raised with us including this area. We will continue to maintain home for the Department as well as issues of erosion of differentials, this register and work with all relevant implementing the proposed changes increasing the rent allowance that has agencies to ensure that no-one on to the parts of the airport terminal been static for years and introduction it is free to come into contact with which they use for commercial entries of an “On Call Allowance” as well as children. the removal of abatements on salary. by the frontier. Those employed in the Department will enjoy an addition As with other areas of the public DRUG TRAFFICKING administration, we have dramatically 0.25% lead in the annual, Public Sector We have been and are totally improved the IT resources available pay rise. committed to taking the toughest to the RGP. We have worked with possible action against drug traffickers. the Police Association and the senior THE BORDERS & COASTGUARD We have provided the tools for the ranks of the RGP to establish a Police AGENCY AND THE HIGHWAYS ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS RGP and HM Customs to have the Federation to replace the Association. maritime assets necessary to deal This has already been agreed, with We have invested heavily in the BCA with his issue in BGTW where both an increase in the manning level as in the time since we were elected. agencies have done a great job of a result, and should become a reality The Highways Enforcement Officers confiscating huge amounts of drugs. very soon. were all given permanent contracts when they came to the end of their We have also provided resources We will now move ahead with the original employment period so that that allow intelligence led policing to relocation of the Police Headquarters. all employees would have security of further thwart drug traffickers. The New Mole House will be redeveloped. employment. We are now pursuing next GSLP/Liberal Government will The new Police Headquarters will be part the integration of the HEO’s into continue to take the very toughest of the redevelopment of Rooke in respect the BCA. This will add required possible position against drug of which we are already dealing with a additional manpower to the Agency. traffickers and drug pushers. We will preferred bidder. We will also continue Additionally, a further number of act to ensure that our law enforcement to properly resource the RGP. women will be employed in the BCA, agencies can be properly coordinated, given that the intimate nature of some with the necessary further resources THE GIBRALTAR DEFENCE POLICE of their work requires gender specific they may need, to keep Gibraltar as drug free as possible. A lot has been We have been meeting regularly with recruitment. When we were elected done, but we believe a lot more can be the Federation that represents GDP there were 69 officers employed by done if we give our Police and Customs Officers. the BCA. There are now 96 officers employed. In 2011 there were a total the necessary resources. We will work with them and the Ministry of 4 management/admin staff at the of Defence to seek to finalise a transfer BCA. There are now 9 management/ LEGAL REVIEWS to Her Majesty’s Government of administration staff. We also provided As we had committed ourselves to Gibraltar, directly or into a wholly owned over £350,000 for the refurbishment do, we have already amended the company of the Government, by the end of the BCA HQ next to the Air Traffic Limitation Act to allow claims against of 2017 at the latest. We do not rule out Control tower. In addition, we have the Government in cases of child abuse a complete amalgamation with the RGP been engaged in lengthy discussions whilst under the care of social services if this is acceptable to both. with Unite and their representatives and in respect of Mesothelioma. We will in the BCA to finalise issues which further review legislation on our statute had been of concern to the work book which has not been revised for force since the rushed completion some time. This will include a review of of the Collective Agreement by the the Landlord and Tenant Act.

78...the strongest foundations for the future ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR EMERGENCY SERVICES HONOURED We have tackled many of the root We remain committed to moving We respect the causes of anti-social behaviour. There motions in Parliament to honour all our are still, nonetheless, many instances Emergency Services with the award of rule of law and of vandalism and anti-social behaviour the Freedom of the City of Gibraltar, that must be addressed. In this support our law respect, we will make such legislative EMERGENCY SERVICES HUB changes as may be necessary to ensure enforcement that Government agencies, including We will caveat our commitments in but not limited to the RGP, have the respect of Rooke to include taking agencies jurisdiction, authority and power to detailed advice on whether all act and prosecute where necessary emergency services should be housed and appropriate. on one site or if we should explore different plans.

...the strongest foundations for the future79 80...the strongest foundations for the future tell me about...Steven Linares

STEVEN HAS SERVED YOU AS MINISTER FOR CULTURE, HERITAGE, YOUTH AND SPORT SINCE 9 DECEMBER 2011. HE WAS A TEACHER FROM 1987 UNTIL HE WAS FIRST ELECTED TO THE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY IN 2000. HE ALSO SPENT SOME TIME IN PRIVATE PRACTICE AS A BARRISTER WHEN HE FINISHED HIS LAW DEGREE. HE HELD VARIOUS POSTS IN THE GIBRALTAR TEACHER’S ASSOCIATION, BECOMING PRESIDENT IN 1995. HE ALSO BECAME PRESIDENT OF THE GIBRALTAR TRADES COUNCIL. HE SERVED AS OPPOSITION SPOKESPERSON ON EDUCATION, CULTURE, YOUTH & SPORT UNTIL 2011 WHEN HE WAS ELECTED INTO GOVERNMENT. STEVEN IS THE PROUD FATHER OF LAUREN, CHRISTINA AND STEVIE.

ART & CULTURE GIBRALTAR ACADEMY OF MUSIC to work with the committee of local AND THE PERFORMING ARTS drama experts to finalise the internal ART COLLECTION We have established The Gibraltar designs and facilities required for the Academy of Music & the Performing theatre and with GBC to ensure that We have made a lot of progress in Arts. The Academy already has its the best possible design features are exhibiting the Government’s extensive own premises and funding. We will incorporated. We will also explore the collection of artworks. Many of these continue to develop the work of the possibility of commercial use of the are now on display at the Mario Academy and support and nurture its theatre complex facilities. Finlayson Gibraltar National Art development and expansion. Gallery. We will continue the process JOHN MAC HALL EXTENSION of exhibiting this impressive collection to the public in both art galleries and QUEEN’S NATIONAL THEATRE We are considering an extension to the John Macintosh Hall complex. This in the museum so that they can be We have made a lot of progress on the would provide additional venues for enjoyed by all. design of the new Queen’s National cultural activities. Theatre on the site of the existing INCE’S HALL Queen’s Cinema. This will be a venue INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL for touring productions and will also We have already carried out minor allow GBC to fully exploit its use In addition to our Music, Jazz and works at Ince’s Hall. We are now ready as an additional studio facility. This Literary Festivals, we are already in to undertake a full refurbishment of will also make it possible to produce discussions to establish a Gibraltar both the interior and the exterior of better quality broadcasts of important International Film Festival. the Hall. This will completely upgrade events such as Miss Gibraltar. Now the facilities available to drama groups that preliminary land use designs in this important theatre. have been finalised, we will continue

PLANNING & HERITAGE to maximise the use for the benefit of our own policies and ideas. our people and to deliver economic The GSLP/Liberals have revolutionised progress and prosperity. the planning process with the advent DEVELOPMENT AND PLANNING COMMISSION (DPC) of democracy and transparency. Heritage considerations have been at AFFORDABLE DEVELOPMENTS We have opened up meetings of the forefront of policy decisions. The The GSLP/Liberal Government has the Development and Planning closed and secretive decision-making made land available to developers at no Commission to the press and public. which was the hallmark of the previous cost for the construction of affordable These meetings take place once administration is now firmly a thing of housing. We have controlled the price a month. A whole raft of positive the past. In the past year alone, we were and quality of these apartments as well changes were made immediately awarded two heritage awards for our as the allocation criteria. after our election. Sir Peter Caruana work on the Ince’s Hall complex which spoke out in Parliament against some now houses the Gibraltar International DEVELOPMENT PLAN of these reforms, although the GSD appears to have now turned its back Bank and the work on the University The process has already been set on his views in this respect. There have of Gibraltar. Our management of our in motion to review the existing been additional special meetings to land resources has also been designed Development Plan in the context of

...the strongest foundations for the future81 82...the strongest foundations for the future tell me about...QUEEN’S NATIONAL THEATRE FULLY ACCESSIBLE AND EQUIPPED FOR TELEVISION USE, THE NEW THEATRE WILL PROVIDE THE VENUE GIBRALTAR NEEDS AND WILL ATTRACT TOURING PRODUCTIONS . IT IS THE THEATRE GIBRALTAR DESERVES, HAS BEEN PROMISED AND THAT WE WILL DELIVER.

...the strongest foundations for the future83 deal with specific applications of great entities and the Heritage Trust which GBC ‘IN CAMERA’ SERIES public interest such as the proposal is tasked with leading on this issue. In Government we have worked for a stadium at Europa Point. In an Empty Government properties, like with GBC in order to transcribe the exercise of absolute transparency Police Barracks, have been put out “In Camera” series and this will be and accountability that meeting to tender for re-development. The issued as a book which will contain was televised ‘live’. Can you imagine provision of two new schools into the an invaluable insight into the past that happening under the GSD? The old St Bernard’s Hospital complex will provided by historical personalities. following additional changes have breathe life into the area. already been implemented. POLICE BARRACKS The Town Planner is now the Chairman TOWN PLANNING ACT A tender was advertised for the re- of the DPC. A new Town Planning Act was development of Police Barracks. This published as a Command Paper on was awarded and the applicant has The Environmental Safety Group (ESG) 2 July 2015 with a closing date for planning permission to convert Police has been allocated a seat on the DPC. comments of 30 September. Barracks into apartments for home- owners which will retain the look of Objectors are now entitled to be heard the existing buildings. by the DPC and have come forward with HERITAGE AND ANTIQUITIES ACT their views in public over the last 4 years. A new Heritage and Antiquities Act WELLINGTON FRONT was published as a Command Paper AND OTHER SITES The minutes and agenda of the DPC are on 13 July 2015 with a closing date for now published. These used to be secret comments of 3 August. We have progressed with the documents under the GSD. refurbishment of Wellington Front in order to expose the historic HERITAGE TRUST The whole planning stage of any bastion and enhance the area for application is now available on-line We have re-established a relationship clubs, associations and others. New through the e-planning portal. of respect and co-operation with the pumps have been installed in order Heritage Trust and have not interfered to improve the infrastructure in place An expedited procedure has been put in in the business of the Trust. to better deal with wet weather. The place for internal or minor works through refurbishment of Harding’s Battery a sub-committee of the DPC which GOVERNMENT ARCHAEOLOGIST at Europa Point was completed and meets every week. Reflecting the commitment of the opened to the public. The part of Government projects have been GSLP/Liberals to Heritage matters, Montagu Bastion behind the Youth subjected to the planning process the post of Government Archaeologist Centre has been restored in order to for guidance and advice. They will be has been created and an Archaeologist allow it to be used for art exhibitions. subjected for approval once the new employed. Town Planning Act comes into effect. NORTHERN DEFENCES THE ARCHIVES We have commenced the refurbishment The decisions taken by the DPC are The digitisation of the Gibraltar and restoration of the Northern already published and made available Archives has already commenced. The Defences. There are 1000 years of on-line. Archives now have their own website military history concentrated in this where much of this material has been world class site. These works are now TOWN PLANNING AND BUILDING posted. This includes data, photographs in their third phase and when they are CONTROL DEPARTMENT and registers of population. completed will provide a new heritage We respect the views of the site, tourist attraction and leisure area. professionals in the Town Planning and THE MOUNT Building Control Department. They We have invited Expressions of THE NEXT 4 YEARS… are involved in discussions of projects Interest for the Mount to enable us to Your new GSLP/Liberal Government at an early stage and their input is establish a use which will benefit the will continue with the same successful welcome throughout the process. whole community. approach for the next 4 years. We will The GSLP/Liberal Government has continue to act in the best interests doubled the number of Town Planners of our Community; ensuring that and increased the resources available NEANDERTHAL PARK planning and heritage decisions are to the Department. The GSLP/Liberals in Government made with the benefit of the whole have studied detailed proposals on of Gibraltar in mind, not just a few UPPER TOWN RENEWAL the concept of a Neanderthal Park as wealthy developers, as was the case We are progressing with the renewal of a new tourist attraction. before! the Upper Town and have worked with private landlords in this respect. There is now an Urban Renewal Committee, comprising all relevant Government

84...the strongest foundations for the future ...the strongest foundations for the future85 tell me about...ORANGE BASTION The plans for the restoration of this central bastion in the centre of town are exciting and will allow for sensitive mixed use. The restoration is designed to make this long-abandoned area enjoyed by the whole community.

86...the strongest foundations for the future PLANNING PARTNERSHIP HERITAGE TRUST APPOINTMENTS SPECIFIC PROJECTS We will continue to work in We will change the manner of We will explore the possibilities partnership with the professionals appointment of members of the Trust of opening up some previously in the Town Planning and Building so that the majority are not appointed abandoned heritage sites that can be Control Department. by the Government, as is presently adapted for modern use. We would do the case. this with the Heritage Trust working PUBLIC PLANNING PARTICIPATION with us on the refurbishments. The We will provide an opportunity for HERITAGE SITES ENHANCED projects could include the following: public representation, comment and We will continue to refurbish 19 Fish Market Road – refurbish the input into the new Development and restore heritage and historic sealed gate in the wall, which was the Plan. Green areas will be enhanced fortifications as we have done over the original entry into the area and environmentally sensitive areas last 4 years. This includes Wellington will be protected. The question of Front and the Northern Defences. ARP shelters being opened up at John the protection of vistas will also be Mackintosh Square, Engineer Lane and taken forward holistically as part of HERITAGE SENSITIVE Governor’s Parade the new plan. REDEVELOPMENT As a Government we have won 2 Hesses Battery, potentially a lovely space PLANNING APPEALS OPEN heritage awards this year for the for local artists to use as a workshop redevelopment of Ince’s Hall and the We will open up meetings of the Landport Ditch - underground cistern University of Gibraltar. Our work in Development Appeals Tribunal to refurbishment and conversion the press and public, in a further the redevelopment of the 2 new St demonstration of our commitment to Bernard’s schools also shows how we The restoration of the historic gates to complete transparency and democratic always endeavour to be sensitive in Gibraltar, in particular, Landport Gates, accountability. the way in which we redevelop areas Casemates Gates, Southport Gates and for modern use, whilst preserving and Ragged Staff Gates LIVE STREAMING OF DPC enhancing their important heritage value. Europa Point below Harding’s Battery – Meetings of the Development and restoration Planning Commission will be streamed ‘live’ online, as we did with Parliament. OUR DIGITAL ARCHIVE Prince Albert’s Front and Zoca Flank – This innovation will enable the public The programme of digitisation of the restoration of fire steps and inclusion as to see what is happening and what is records held at the Archives and at part of Bike Lane being discussed. the Garrison Library will continue, as a Ragged Staff – refurbishment necessary prelude to the relocation of NEW TOWN PLANNING ACT the Archives. Charles V Wall – restoration We will assess the comments received UPPER TOWN TENDERS Polynomial texture mapping to record in relation to the Command Paper on 18th century graffiti at Hay’s Level the new Town Planning Act and take We will proceed with identifying this forward to Parliament as a Bill. Government properties in the Upper All’s Well observation point Northern This will modernise this important Town that can be put out to tender in Defence – Palaeolithic hearth restoration piece of legislation and make it more order to continue to push forward with user-friendly. urban renewal. BLUE PLAQUES HERITAGE PARTNERSHIP THE FUTURE OF THE MOUNT We will also introduce a ‘Blue Plaques Initiative’. This will see the erection of We will continue to work in close The GSLP/Liberals will commence blue plaques of famous local people partnership and in mutual respect with the assessment of the Expressions and historical figures who may be of the Gibraltar Heritage Trust. We will, of Interest for The Mount in order to interest to locals and tourists alike. if they so wish, assign the lease of the determine the next step. There will be Main Guard building to them. close consultation with stakeholders.

NEW HERITAGE & ANTIQUITIES ACT GORHAMS CAVE WORLD Heritage is HERITAGE BID We will assess the comments received protected, in relation to the Command Paper on We remain committed to support the new Heritage and Antiquities Act the bid for World Heritage status for enhanced and and take this forward to Parliament as Gorham’s Cave and its surroundings. a Bill. respected

...the strongest foundations for the future87 SPORTS AND LEISURE have been made in the running cost EUROPA POINT : RUGBY, CRICKET as a result of the installation of solar AND FOOTBALL During the last 4 years we have panels which heat the water in the Together with the Gibraltar Rugby delivered extensive developments boilers, control the air treatment of Football Union, we will develop in the field of Sports and Leisure. A the ambient atmosphere and keep the the Europa Point area. The rugby programme has been undertaken of pools at the required temperatures. facility will be operated by the GRFU. updating many of our facilities that had Facilities will also be provided for the been abandoned for years. We have We recognise that there are additional Gibraltar Cricket Association and 2 carried out an extensive refurbishment health benefits when people five-a-side training pitches. A GRFU programme within the Victoria Sports participate in sporting activities. Club House and a Cricket Club House Hall. All the facilities in the Sports Participation levels in these activities will be developed. The University Hall have been refurbished with new have increased and there is therefore will also benefit from use of these showers, changing rooms and toilet a need to provide for more facilities for facilities, adding to a fantastic campus facilities. The Hall’s problem of water our community. feel. Facilities for coaching courses ingress has been resolved. IN THE NEXT 4 YEARS WE WILL: and training will benefit, not only our The east side of the Stadium, which BUILD A NEW GYMNASIUM Sporting Community, but will also be had been completely abandoned, now We will build a new gymnasium available for the learning and teaching boasts toilet, storage and workshop of Sports Science. Other areas within facilities. specifically for the use of Futsal and Netball. These 2 sports have recently Europa Point will also be restored, The area of the stadium that faces the seen a surge in participation and will sensitive to the heritage value of this CEPSA petrol station has been re-fitted therefore benefit from having their area. with new changing rooms. Covered own space, which will free up other stands have been fitted for spectators, facilities for other indoor sports. HELP GFA TO BUILD A NATIONAL players and managers to protect them STADIUM from adverse weather. Pitch No 2 was REFURBISH THE GARRISON The area of the Old Lathbury Barracks re-laid with FIFA approved astroturf GYMNASIUM has, subject to planning, been and lights installed for evening use. The Garrison Gymnasium will be identified by both the GFA and UEFA The hockey pitch has now been fitted totally refurbished so that Basketball officials as being suitable to build our with floodlights that comply with and other sports can use this space for National Stadium. That would not have international standards for hockey fitness and training. been possible for the large numbers teams to be able to hold training of spectators initially required - it is sessions and matches during the possible for 4,000 spectators. We will DEVELOPMENT OF NEW SQUASH evening especially during the darker, COURTS work closely with the GFA for them winter months. We are building a to be able to fulfil the objective of We will work closely with the Squash number of offices above the changing developing the new National Football Association with a view to assisting rooms behind the hockey stands, Stadium. This will enable the GFA to them to increase their Squash and which will be allocated to associations host all international competitions in Training Facilities within and around that use the Victoria Stadium complex our homeland and not have to travel to their premises. on a regular basis. Faro or elsewhere to support our team in their home matches. UEFA has been Works are to be completed soon on CONSTRUCTION OF A 52M all other upgrades necessary to make SWIMMING POOL clear in its statements that it will not this stadium ‘UEFA approved’ for fund the redevelopment of Victoria A new 52m Swimming Pool will be Champions League and Europa League Stadium. Allowing the stadium to be made available for the general public football matches. There will be Media developed at Lathbury means that it and the swimming fraternity. This Rooms, Officials’ Changing Rooms, VIP will not cost the Gibraltar taxpayer will allow us to hold international areas and storage in a magnificent new one penny. The GSD proposal is to competitions regularly and will attract build on the north side of the western be funded by the Gibraltar taxpayer. more sporting groups to come to stands. This will benefit all sports. We will save the money, allow UEFA Gibraltar. to fund the GFA stadium and use the A purpose built “Stay and Play Facility” funds available for football and all is now complete. It was used this BUILD NEW PADEL TENNIS COURTS other sport. summer by children with special Padel Tennis has become a very popular needs to be able to integrate with all sport amongst sportsmen and women the children in the Summer Sports VICTORIA REDEVELOPMENT of all ages. Many presently have to rely Programme. The closure of Winston Churchill on allocations in Spain. Therefore two Avenue once the new tunnel under A new cafeteria and reception areas new Padel Tennis Courts will be built the runway is built, will allow for the will soon be completed at the entrance for public use. to the Tercentenary Hall. relocation of the CEPSA petrol station and the use of the whole area for Both pools in the old GASA area that additional sporting facilities at the were in a state of total neglect have Victoria Stadium. We will add at least now been refurbished. Great savings

88...the strongest foundations for the future 2 more football training pitches and Fitzgerald School will have 2 football DEVELOP SPORTING FACILITIES additional running tracks. Additionally, training pitches as. well Notre Dame WITHIN OUR TUNNEL NETWORK more areas will be made available for will also provide a football training pitch. We have identified a number of clubs and associations. This is an When added to the facilities at Europa areas within our tunnel network that exciting potential redevelopment of already described and the new National could be developed into innovative the stadium to provide more of what is Stadium at Lathbury and the additional sporting facilities. We are committed immediately needed: training facilities. facilities at the Victoria Stadium, these to exploring these possibilities, to are undoubtedly the most exciting potentially establish very exciting FACILITIES IN SCHOOLS : plans that sportsmen and women have new sporting venues, which would be COMMUNITY USE been presented with! unique to Gibraltar. The new facilities at St Bernard’s already include a new gym. In addition, the RIFLE SHOOTING A NEW SKATE PARK redevelopment of schools programmed We will continue to work with the A number of areas have been identified in this manifesto provides new sporting Gibraltar Target Shooting Association to house a purpose built skate park. facilities for community use. The at Europa to redevelop or relocate This sport is becoming more and more new Bayside School will have its own their facilities. popular in urban areas. We will build football /rugby pitch. These can double this skate park within the first 2 years up as 2 five-a-side pitches. Additionally of our second term. the new sports hall at Bayside will provide for more basketball, badminton and futsal facilities. The new Bishop

tell me about...EXTENSION OF THE VICTORIA STADIUM AS WINSTON CHURCHILL AVENUE IS PARTLY CLOSED OFF WHEN THE TUNNEL UNDER THE AIRPORT IS BUILT, WE WILL REDEVELOP THE AREA WHERE CEPSA IS NOW. THIS WILL PROVIDE FOR ADDITIONAL FOOTBALL AND ATHLETICS TRAINING FACILITIES AS WELL AS ADDITIONAL PADEL TENNIS COURTS AND CLUB HOUSES FOR SPORTING ASSOCIATIONS. THIS IS A REALISTIC AND AFFORDABLE PROPOSAL FOR THE FUTURE OF THE VICTORIA STADIUM FOR ALL SPORTS.

...the strongest foundations for the future89 be proud of... a new 700 berth marina WE PROMISED WE WOULD DEVELOP THIS FACILITY AND IT IS NOW ALMOST COMPLETELY READY. A GREAT DEMONSTRATION OF OUR ABILITY TO DELIVER PROJECTS ON TIME AND ON BUDGET - A GREAT AMENITY FOR BOAT OWNERS

700 BERTHS FOR SMALL BOATS DEVELOP A BICYCLE LANE FROM identifying premises to ebnable us to NORTH TO SOUTH. We are finalising works on the small allocate further premises. boat marina to provide 700 berths for The Wellington Front refurbishment small boat owners. The allocation of will soon to be completed. This already CHESS, BACKGAMMON, SNOOKER these berths will be done in an entirely provides a walk and bicycle lane along We will continue our support and transparent and fair manner based on the top, all the way to the entrance of commitment to assist the organisers of the waiting lists maintained by the Port the College Of Further Education. We the Chess Open Championship, who Department. will extend this lane from Wellington have done Gibraltar proud! We will Front all the way through the Boulevard also continue to assist the organisers REFURBISH GIRL GUIDES HUT AND and through the top of Kings Bastion, of the new Backgammon Open GOVERNORS LOOKOUT continuing through the back of Zoca Championship. We will also support We believe we should encourage Flank to the American War Memorial. the establishment and organisation of children to engage in healthy Southward it will link through Ragged an international snooker tournament. outdoor pursuits to enhance their life Staff Bridge and behind the GEA experiences and keep them active workshop via Saluting Battery up to ROWING CLUBS and healthy. There are a number of the Dockyard Clock Tower and beyond. Now that the 700 berth marina is associations such as the Scout and This will create a North/South Avenue a reality, it is possible to develop a Guide Movement and the Duke of for bikers and walkers alike, which will decking area along the revetment at the Edinburgh Awards Scheme that work not only encourage a healthy walking front of the Calpe and Mediterranean closely with the Youth Service. The and cycling experience, but will have a Rowing Clubs which we will undertake Sea Scouts and the Duke of Edinburgh positive effect on traffic flows. have had new purpose-built facilities in compensation for the creation of the marina. developed for them. If we are returned MORE PREMISES FOR CLUBS AND to office we will refurbish, enhance and ASSOCIATIONS make accessible both the Governors In the last 4 years we have been Look Out Areas and Girl Guides Hut in able to give premises to many clubs the Upper Rock. and associations. Others still require them. We will continue the process of

90...the strongest foundations for the future YOUTH our commitment to funding the the professionals in our Youth Service scholarships of students who attain to add to what they offer our young HOUSING places of study at overseas universities. people. This will include working to We will continue to provide land at We will continue to ensure that the find rehearsal space for bands. no premium for developers who are maintenance grants paid to such willing to develop affordable housing students are increased annually by at GIBRALTAR MUSIC FESTIVAL so that our young people in particular least the rate of inflation in the UK, as The Gibraltar Music Festival has are able to purchase homes in Gibraltar. we have done in these past 4 years, been a great success. It has been We will also seek to develop small so that the grant keeps pace with recommended for awards. Importantly, areas of housing as halls of residence inflation. it attracts tourism to Gibraltar as well for the University. as being a draw for large corporations STUDENT SUMMER PLACEMENT to bring clients to Gibraltar or organise SCHEME EMPLOYMENT PROSPECTS their own corporate events around We have set out extensively what our We have and will continue to the date in early September. We will aims are for education at an academic operate a scheme to provide summer continue to grow the GMF. and vocational level, together with the employment for students who are opening of the University of Gibraltar. unable to secure private sector jobs in These provide the best routes into all the industries relevant to their studies. areas of non-graduate, graduate and This helps students to subsidise their A better youth post-graduate employment. We are income in the summer months. committed to equipping our young service people with the necessary skills THE YOUTH SERVICE & CLUBS to make them the first choice for We have invested in our fantastic Youth employers in Gibraltar. Service. We have properly resourced them. As a result we are able to offer STUDENT MAINTENANCE GRANTS more services to young people who The opening of the University of are the important end users of these Gibraltar will not in any way diminish services. We will continue to work with

...the strongest foundations for the future91 92...the strongest foundations for the future tell me about...Samantha Sacramento

SAM HAS SERVED YOU AS MINISTER FOR HOUSING, TOURISM, SOCIAL SERVICES AND EQUALITY. SHE HAS ESTABLISHED THE FIRST MINISTRY FOR EQUALITY IN GIBRALTAR’S HISTORY AND SPEARHEADED THE LEGISLATION THAT INTRODUCED CIVIL PARTNERSHIPS. SHE IS A THIRD GENERATION GSLP MEMBER. HER AREAS OF LEGAL PRACTICE IN THE PAST HAVE INCLUDED GENERAL CIVIL AND CRIMINAL LITIGATION WITH AN EMPHASIS ON MATRIMONIAL AND FAMILY MATTERS, TRUST DISPUTES, JUDICIAL REVIEW, HUMAN RIGHTS AND EMPLOYMENT LAW. BEFORE RETURNING TO GIBRALTAR, SAMANTHA WAS PART OF THE LEGAL TEAM AT THE COMMISSION FOR RACIAL EQUALITY OFFICE IN CARDIFF.

SOCIAL SERVICES There has been a complete review of all the departments that make up social services to enable the organisation to operate with a clear focus and providing the social work professionals, who lead the service with the proper support they need. We have already improved and modernised working practices. Despite that, as society is changing and there is an increase in breakdown of families, the resources available to social workers need to be enhanced to keep up with the demands being made of their services. There is still a lot to be done to improve this service both for the users and the persons who work within it.

ADOPTION FAMILIES LEGISLATION The introduction of a new dependency We are committed to a complete We will continue to ensure that the service at HMP Windmill Hill designed review of all adoption policies and Social Services Court Team are better to deal with those prisoners who arrive legislation so as to better support resourced to be able to deliver the at the prison with addictions; prospective adopters. We will also requirements of the Children Act Arrest referral protocols throughout the legislate so that parents who adopt will including the setting up of a family law enforcement agencies to facilitate benefit from the same rights as people centre as required by the Act. the process of dealing with detainees who have children naturally and will who are suffering from addictions; introduce statutory adoption leave. DRUG REHABILITATION Drug rehabilitation services would be A drugs programme developed with INTERNATIONAL ADOPTION fully integrated into social services so the Ministry for Justice and the Court We have changed the process that in addition to providing treatment Service, in conjunction with Social for people who want to pursue for addiction it would form part of the Services, in order to join up all aspects of international adoptions in order to wider support network and after-care the drug problem in Gibraltar, which will make it easier for them to progress with service provided by social services in include the deployment of more drugs the support of Social Services. We will the community. This will include: co-ordinators; and continue to work with individuals who An “after care” system to provide support seek to become parents of children Adoption of a drugs-free workplace for those who are recovering from from outside Gibraltar in this very policy throughout the public sector; addiction. This will include providing worthy cause. The enhancement of the Secondary Care premises for a club house and funding Unit (as an expansion of the existing for staffing of this essential facility. SUPPORT FOR SINGLE PARENTS Scud Hill facility) for up to 12 persons; We have provided huge increases BRUCE’S FARM in single parent allowances and The acquisition and deployment of Bruce’s Farm has been incredibly support for single parents who have drug swab testing machines which are successful in helping good people sought to re-enter the world of work portable (and work based on samples of who have become addicted to drugs or education. We will continue to saliva which show whether a driver has turn their lives around. This facility increase allowances and other benefits taken cocaine or cannabis) in order to needs investment in order to continue for single parents. address “drug-driving”;

...the strongest foundations for the future93 delivering and to enable it to enhance children. We will further enhance the CONTINUING SUPPORT & the service offered. A GSLP/Liberal resources made available to the child TRAINING FOR SOCIAL SERVICES government is therefore committed protection team at Social Services. We recognise that the professional to a full refurbishment of Bruce’s Farm This will include dealing with the issues team at Social Services are facing ever and the expansion of its facilities and that arise at Tangier Views as a result changing challenges. This requires services. of the numbers of children it now deals them to be better resourced to deal with. The RGP have done excellent with the issues that they are having DOMESTIC VIOLENCE work in this area also which has led to to address, something which we are We have introduced programmes to prosecutions. This demonstrates that totally committed to. We are also deal with domestic violence affecting in Gibraltar we confront this problem committed to providing the necessary both female and male victims of abuse. and will not tolerate abuse being resources for the continuing training We will continue to pursue such ignored or swept under the carpet. of care staff at Social Services and programmes to seek to eradicate such to restructuring the workings of the abuse. WOMEN AND MEN IN NEED department where necessary. We have supported Women In Need CHILD ABUSE & PROTECTION and will soon be able to commence Tangier Views is now more fully utilised work on a half-way house for men than ever before as a result of the which is sorely needed. We are excellent work being done by Social working with Women In Need to allow Services in identifying vulnerable them access to additional properties.

DISABILITY We want to motivate and encourage people with physical and intellectual disabilities to achieve their full potential. We have established that issues relating to people with disabilities are paramount on our agenda. This will of course include our continuing overriding principle of achieving inclusion. This work will be driven by the Department for Equality that will spearhead the work that may be required by other departments.

ACCESSIBILITY We have also supported British Sign blind people to better enjoy everyday We have already established the Language locally and will continue to activities. New provision is being principle that all new Government do so. We have already introduced made for cinema performances and projects be entirely accessible and our BSL facilities at the hospital and will with tablet and IP-TV technology, design experts have been trained to continue to explore ways of making these types of technologies can also undertake accessibility audits and we this available. A BSL interpreter has be incorporated into the home. We consult on major projects as necessary. been on stage on every National Day will support the introduction of these In addition, we have already that has been celebrated by a GSLP/ solutions into the lives of blind people commenced a programme to refurbish Liberal Government to symbolise in Gibraltar. Government buildings to make them how important it is that every single accessible where possible to do so. person be included. We will go further AWARENESS Our policy has already seen a change and assist with the incorporation of But inclusion is not just about physical to Gibraltar’s physical landscape. technological solutions that will allow accessibility, it is also about opening A GSLP/Liberal Government is deaf people to better enjoy everyday people’s hearts and minds to an committed to introducing statutory activities. New provision is being inclusive society and we will lead on building rules for this to be applicable made for cinema performances and policy development and information to ALL new building projects, not just with tablet and IP-TV technology, and awareness campaigns to ensure those undertaken by the Government, these types of technologies can also that this message is understood. and for the adaptation of existing be incorporated into the home. We buildings where possible. We have also will support the introduction of these DISABILITY ACTION PLAN solutions into the lives of deaf people commissioned a wheelchair platform We will continue to develop the in Gibraltar. which is available for use at public disability action plan for Gibraltar so events, this has proved to be incredibly that services to people with disabilities THE BLIND popular and used by many. are delivered in a coherent and co- We have made huge strides in the ordinated manner. We have already THE DEAF development of policies to support set up an interdepartmental working We have been very committed to blind persons. We will now go further group to look at matters that relate assisting those individuals who are and assist with the incorporation of to health, social care, education, deaf or have hearing impediments. technological solutions that will allow employment and housing.

94...the strongest foundations for the future INDIVIDUAL ACTION PLANS lifetime are eligible to receive certain FUNDING We will continue to pursue the entitlements. We will continue to We have increased the funding development of individual action plans develop this area so that eligibility is available to families who have to for persons who suffer disabilities. based on assessments of a person’s travel to see children who are being This should be a life plan which the condition and not solely on what is cared for outside of Gibraltar. We are family of a disabled person can rely on. certified as being a disability suffered also now extending more facilities at birth. to those who have difficulties with SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT mortgages because of the need to RESPITE Supported employment has been care for disabled children. We have greatly improved from the regime that Respite in respect of children has also introduced import duty waivers was previously in place, employees all but disappeared. It needs to be for the importation of vehicles for use now receive proper remuneration for reintroduced as soon as possible by disabled persons and will continue their work and retain a percentage with enough resources to be regular, to waive import duties for such other of their disability allowance. We timetabled and reliable. This policy will items as may be identified as being will continue to review the way that be good for parents who are carers and required for use by a disabled person. supported employment operates for other children family members. and strive to improve it further in SPECIAL OLYMPICS consultation between the Employment DISABILITY ALLOWANCE We have recognised the excellent work Service, the Department for Equality, The Disability Allowance has increased done by Special Olympics Gibraltar by the Department of Education, the by huge amounts since we were awarding the Freedom of the City to private sector, and stakeholders. elected, way ahead of inflation. We will the organisation. We will continue to continue to increase this important support this worthy charity in their NOT BORN DISABLED? allowance, and if necessary introduce work with athletes with disabilities We have already adapted practice so new grants. and will provide them with premises that persons who are not born disabled very shortly. but who become disabled during their

EQUALITY We have already made huge strides in the field of equality in a manner that has never been seen before in Gibraltar. We took the unprecedented step to have a Minister with dedicated responsibility for equality so that these matters could be given the importance that they deserve. The Minister for Equality has in turn set up a new department to deal with these matters. The Department for Equality will continue to grow as it establishes itself further and will continue to develop policies and strategies to improve the daily lives of those who are protected under the equality strands.

EQUAL RIGHTS EQUALITY AWARENESS that it is as effective in its role as Our work on protecting people’s We will not only provide the legislative possible. We have already established rights will continue. We have already framework, we will also lead on links with the Commission in the UK introduced a landmark piece of awareness of equality issues so that so that issues of best practice can be legislation in the Civil Partnership Act everybody understands what their discussed if necessary. and have also prepared a Bill which is obligations to ensuring that Gibraltar modelled on the UN Convention on is a fair and just society are. We GENDER EQUALITY the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. will continue to work closely with For the first time ever, issues of gender We remain committed to seeking and consult with interest groups in equality have been brought to the fore the extension on the Convention developing legislation and policies as and the Government has provided a to Gibraltar. But we will not stop at we continue to feel that it is important platform for discussion of such issues. that and we will review the Equal to listen to stakeholder groups. Gender equality issues have been Opportunities Act to ascertain the discussed with unions and interest areas that can be improved. A GSLP/ THE GIBRALTAR groups. EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES Liberal Government is committed to The celebration of international COMMISSION extending the provision of the act to women’s day has been an annual deal with the provision of goods and We have already proposed a bill for the event and was commenced during our services so that all the grounds that introduction of an Equal Opportunities administration as a way of highlighting are protected from discrimination are Commission. We will take into attention to women’s rights fully covered. consideration the feedback that has Another first is that studies into been provided in this regard to ensure

...the strongest foundations for the future95 issues of gender equality have been We will continue to work to promote request by some for civil marriage to commissioned so that we can learn support for all equality principles and be extended to same sex couples. We where the shortfalls lie and identify work with all minority groups. are totally committed both to ensuring what action needs to be taken so that that religious denominations are not these can be addressed. TRANSGENDER RIGHTS forced to change their practices, We will continue to promote the We have recently legislated to beliefs or sacraments in any way and principles of gender empowerment recognise transgender people and we to the principle that the State must and deal with specific issues that affect are already in the process to establish not discriminate between individuals women, or men, as groups. the procedures and protocols for these based on grounds of sexual orientation. The results of the responses to the We will introduce measures at Budget rights. Command Paper will be published by time to ensure that any discriminatory June next year. taxes or import duties are eliminated, CIVIL PARTNERSHIPS such as the “tampon tax” and related We trail blazed with the landmark MOROCCAN & OTHER NON-EU measures. commitment, which we have already WORKERS We have already established an Inter- delivered, to introduce into law the We have dealt with many of the Agency Domestic Abuse Forum to Civil Partnership Act. This recognises problems experienced by Moroccan help support victims, empower them, the rights of people to have their workers and other non-EU nationals and we also work with perpetrators to same sex relationships reflected in immediately upon being elected. try and break the cycle. This work will legislation and all rights that accrue We have worked principally with the continue. from this because we did not consider Moroccan Community Association and We will continue to work very it was right for the State to discriminate Unite the Union on issues ranging from closely with the charity Women between people on the grounds of nationality, residence and health care in Need. In addition to financial their sexual orientation. This regime to housing and other ancillary matters. support the Department of Equality is now also open to opposite sex We will continue to make progress on provides guidance and administrative couples so that there is full equality this front, honouring our commitments support. We have also established a across all the sexual orientations. We to this important group of workers and link between the charity and Social will now publish a Command Paper their families. We will also finalise the Services to ensure support to victims in order to take the views of the new Workers Hostel in early 2016. of domestic violence and their children. public on how best to deal with the

TOURISM The GSLP/Liberals know that tourism is a vital sector of Gibraltar’s economy that must be nurtured and grown in a sustainable manner. For that reason the GSLP/Liberals have invested in an unprecedented manner in Gibraltar’s tourist industry. We have delivered on what we promised and a lot more!

THE GIBRALTAR TOURIST BOARD capacity in the summer season from at Gibraltar has grown substantially All current posts in tourism have been Gatwick, Manchester and Luton since we were elected into office as we retained and the Board restructured respectively. continue to pursue our policy of one to to ensure more effective delivery of It will therefore come as no surprise one contact with the top executives. tourism services. that passenger numbers have steadily We expect these numbers to grow increased since December 2011. Total even further in coming months. This INCREASED AIR CONNECTIVITY passenger numbers at our airport year 207 cruises will call, bringing almost 300,000 passengers to our Gibraltar is now better connected than increased by almost 8% since we took shores. This represents an additional ever to the United Kingdom with new office and exceeded 400,000 for the 27 ships from last year, 12 of which routes to Birmingham and Bristol. As first time in 2014. We are confident are inaugural calls. MS Anthem of the part of the policy of the GSLP/Liberals that the new routes and the increased Seas, one of the largest cruise ships in commitment to expand air connectivity capacity will continue to see more the world and the largest ever to dock to consolidate the Rock’s position as passengers arrive at Gibraltar and at Gibraltar, made its much-anticipated the leading short break destination open up even more opportunities for inaugural call on Sunday 9 May. Her in the Mediterranean, we achieved 3 the tourist industry in Morocco and arrival culminated a week of hectic entirely new routes, including Tangier the UK. activity with the arrival of 12 cruises in less than 4 years – a record number! The new air terminal building had in less than 7 days, 3 of which were As a result of our policy of implacably absolutely no impact whatever in inaugural calls. pursuing one to one relationships, attracting the new routes. British Airways increased their weekly Further, the London-based cruise flights (all year round) from 7 to 11 INCREASED CRUISE CALLS company Noble Caledonia announced the inclusion of Gibraltar as the and Easyjet and Monarch increased The number of cruise ships that call turnaround port for 2 of its 2016

96...the strongest foundations for the future itineraries. For the Rock’s cruise Gibraltar. The hunt is on to find new stainless steel stairs at Camp Bay, new industry this represents a major events! toilet, shower and changing room breakthrough and will provide further facilities, the much loved waterparks economic opportunities for the Port INVESTMENT IN THE UPPER ROCK and jelly fish booms. The weekend in terms of bunkering, stores and crew TOURIST ATTRACTIONS beach lifeguard service was introduced changes and the general economy. The GSD allowed the Upper Rock to at the beginning of April ahead of the Turnarounds also cement the port deteriorate into a state of filth and full service at the beginning of June of Gibraltar as a successful and neglect. Notwithstanding the fact and we additionally introduced beach internationally recognised maritime that they increased entrance fees, attendants. hub of excellence. the money raised was not spent The GSLP/Liberals also introduced Gibraltar will also host the prestigious on Upper Rock improvements. We beach accessibility units at Camp Bay, Medcruise General Assembly in 2016, immediately commenced a programme Western Beach, Eastern Beach and which will bring together 73 member to refurbish the existing Upper Catalan Bay in addition to the ramps ports in the Mediterranean and Rock tourist attractions investing and other accessibility features to adjoining areas from 100 countries. £3 million over 3 years. In line with ensure wholly user-friendly beaches The 7 calls by the Anthem of the the Government’s programme of for all members of the public. The Seas at Gibraltar this year, the new works, the refurbishment to visitor provision of changing places – cruise turnarounds, the hosting of the attractions included Jews Gate, St. accessible toilets with electrical Medcruise General Assembly and the Michael’s Cave, Apes Den, Great Siege overhead hoisting facilities, adult increase in cruise calls and passenger Tunnels, Moorish Castle, 100 Ton Gun changing bench, shower and shower arrivals generally serve to highlight the Exhibition and O’Hara’s Battery. We chairs are also provided at many confidence of the international cruise paid particular attention to ensuring bathing areas. We are committed to industry in Gibraltar’s shipping and accessibility wherever possible. a continuous review of the services tourist industries and our ability to Further, a major refurbishment and facilities at Gibraltar’s beaches, handle passenger megaships. programme of entirely new Upper as going to the beach is a cherished Rock attractions announced in 2014 Gibraltar family tradition. is currently under way, including, maps A new GSLP/Liberal Government MARKETING and interpretation centres, country will continue to invest in our tourist In Government we made sure that the walkways, an east side pedestrian trail product and the promotion of Gibraltar expenditure on tourism marketing was linking Europa Point with the Nature internationally. driven by a value for money criteria Reserve, picnic areas and a spectacular linked directly to results. In addition new suspension bridge at Royal TRANSPORT to the increased air connectivity Anglian Way. The gravitational pull of We will work with the whole transport and cruise passenger numbers, the such new attractions to cruise liners industry to make the transportation of number of UK tour operators featuring cannot be underestimated. visitors to Gibraltar a better experience Gibraltar as a destination has gone up and more lucrative for all involved in and, importantly, so has the increase SANDY BAY AND BEACHES the industry in Gibraltar. We will in in sales. In 2014 all UK tour operators Major coastal and regeneration works particular work with the Gibraltar Taxi reported growth on the previous year’s completely transformed Sandy Bay Association. growth. We have also seen increase in from its almost non-existent state into the average length of stay to 4 nights, a beautiful and sizeable beach. Two which is the highest since 1994! The NEW TOURIST ATTRACTION – curved groynes and frontal breakwater NORTHERN DEFENCES number of tourists staying overnight were constructed to provide a has also increased by 8%. A GSLP/Liberal Government will permanent solution to protect the continue to work on the Northern beach from the full erosional impact EVENT LED TOURISM Defences with a view to opening up of wave action and also to trap shifting the area for the benefit of tourists and We have fully supported event- sand. Sandy Bay has always been residents alike. led tourism, including, the highly a terrifically popular beach and we successful and exemplary Annual were thrilled to return it to its former MILITARY HERITAGE Chess Tournament organised by the splendour. Caleta Hotel. There is no doubt that We will develop the full potential of The GSLP/Liberals also drastically the Gibraltar Literary Festival has Gibraltar for specialists interested improved year on year the facilities become the highlight of the autumn in military history by offering tours at Gibraltar’s beaches. We completed cultural calendar and that it has which are geared for this purpose. It is works at the swimming pools at Little attracted international acclaim. All possible to plan a tour with breakfast Bay and Camp Bay, including an new events, such as the fantastic and at the historic King’s Bastion, then automated chlorination system and well-loved Gibraltar Music Festival proceed to Wellington Front, the 100 carried out refurbishments at all of and sporting events, such as the ton gun, O’Hara’s battery, Princess Gibraltar’s beaches. Improvements Strong Man and Darts competitions, Caroline’s battery, the World War II included concrete walkways to have ensured even more tourists visit tunnels and the Northern Defences. replace the rickety wooden structures,

...the strongest foundations for the future97 be proud of... the replenished Sandy Bay

THIS IS ONE OF OUR MOST ICONIC ACHIEVEMENTS AND DEMONSTRATES OUR COMMITMENT TO INVEST IN OUR TOURIST PRODUCT - IN THINGS THAT MATTER TO ORDINARY PEOPLE. THE REPLENISHED BEACH IS MASSIVELY POPULAR IN SUMMER. THE GROYNES HAVE ‎CREATED A NEW ENVIRONMENT THAT IS TEEMING WITH MARINE LIFE.

PROTECTING OUR SENIOR DEBENTURE INTEREST officials in the Ministry of Finance. We CITIZENS We will continue to offer products will not shirk from our agreement in through the Savings Bank which this respect. We have been rlentless in our defence will provide high interest return to of the interests of our senior citizens. residents of pensionable age. This is WOPS In particular we have reflected an important way of ensuring that our the importance of their invaluable The Widows & Orphan Pension elderly people have the income they contribution to the Gibraltar of today Scheme has been re-activated on need in old age at a time of historic low by highlighting the work, dedication a voluntary basis for serving Civil interest rates. and achievement of the “Evacuation Servants. We have also opened the Generation.” We will continue to facility for pensioners to opt back respect and honour our senior citizens ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL SUPPORT into WOPS. This is already being implemented by the Ministry of as they deserve. Shortly after the election, if we are Finance, although calculations are returned to Government, we will be complex and take time. NO TAX ON PENSIONS OR able to announce, in partnership with INHERITANCE Community Care, a new additional ASSISTING ELDERLY IN THEIR HOMES We will maintain the position that financial support measure for there will not be a tax on occupational pensioners. We have hugely expanded and will pensions and no inheritance tax. continue with the domiciliary care SOCIAL INSURANCE REFORM facility that allows many elderly people who live alone, or have working MORE HOUSING FOR THE ELDERLY We remained committed to a total relatives, not to be institutionalised We have developed Charles Bruzon reform of the entire structure of the and to stay in their own home longer. House on Europort Avenue and Social Insurance Fund which is now Seamaster Lodge at Mons Calpe Mews insolvent and which will place the COMMUNITY CARE’S FUTURE specifically for the elderly. These Fund on a viable footing. Additionally, apartments have been built to an even in keeping with EU Law, we will When the GSLP left office in 1996, higher standard than Albert Risso equalise the pensionable age for men Community Care had assets of £63m House, but in keeping with the same and women in all new schemes. In the of which £60m was in cash. By the principles. We will build more housing new scheme we will pay pensions to time the GSD left office in 2011, of this type for rental as it releases men and women from age 60. that fund had been run down to larger government rental properties £ZERO. We have already replenished which can be let to younger couples GIBTEL & AQUAGIB the funds of Community Care as we had promised to do by giving it the with growing families. By continuing to We have already agreed in Government surpluses that we have generated each build homes in this way we are using that the current and ex-employees of year. It now has £100m in cash. By taxpayers’ money more efficiently. Gibtelecom and Aquagib should not the time of the next election, we will be in a worse position in pensionable have grown Community Care’s fund to terms than if they had stayed within £230m. This will secure the financial Government service. The relevant future of our resident Senior Citizens calculations are being finalised by for generations. 98...the strongest foundations for the future HOUSING such homes become vacant. These at Moorish Castle Estate and have types of applicants prefer to stay on helped the management companies Making it possible for everyone to the list and wait for the new homes of affordable estates to deal with have a decent home. that are about to come on stream. common areas and beautification in We will continue to build such homes order to improve the environment in RIGHT TO A HOME and a half-way house, for men, that is these areas and the value of homes. We continue to be committed to a already at an advanced planning stage. policy of making it possible for all of This will greatly reduce the number of CO-OWNERSHIP HOMES our people to have a decent home in applicants on this list. We have built approximately 850 Gibraltar at affordable prices and/or homes for co-ownership already. for rental for those who cannot afford WAITING REDUCED TO In respect of these we have sold to to do so. This has been at the core of 3 YEAR MAX people based on eligibility and not GSLP/Liberal policy throughout our We now expect that all persons on the based on how much of a percentage time in Government and in Opposition. waiting list for 6RKB to 2RKB will be they purchase. The GSD policy had We will not be shifted from this deep housed within 3 years as we undertook been to give priority to those who commitment. Neither do we believe to do in our last manifesto. could pay more, defeating the principle that “means testing” will produce a of making home ownership accessible fair system to determine eligibility. HOUSING LIST FOR RETURNING to those who otherwise would not In most instances, means testing can GIBRALTARIANS be able to buy. We will continue to produce unfair results where those Eligible Gibraltarians who have moved prioritise people on the basis of their who are well off enough to afford to Spain because they were unable to eligibility and need and not based on to hide their incomes can pretend buy property in Gibraltar will be eligible their ability to buy a larger share in the to qualify ahead of the hardworking to buy in the next round of affordable new affordable homes we will deliver breadwinner of a family whose income housing. Those who previously owned in the next 4 years if we are returned is declared directly by the employer. property will need to pass the financial to Government. In this time we will We will therefore continue to assessment test. deliver at least 1,700 more affordable determine eligibility to housing (both homes at Hassan Centenary Terraces in terms of the right to buy affordable 50/50 SALE OF GOVERNMENT and Bob Peliza Mews. We anticipate homes and for government rentals) by FLATS other exciting developments may also applying the eligibility rules which we become available. will modernise and update in order to We have honoured the offer made prevent unfairness and abuse. to any sitting tenants who wished to purchase either pre-war or post- EXISTING ESTATES war property. In addition we have ELIMINATING WAITING LIST We have worked hard and diligently introduced the 50/50 scheme for such with the management companies of Everyone on the housing waiting list properties. the existing co-ownership estates, and on the pre-list on the 9 December as well as Vineyards and Victoria has been housed or has received an REFURBISHMENT AND Residency to assist with necessary allocation for a home on all lists bar BEAUTIFICATION maintenance and weather-proofing one. This means that the following We have begun a brilliant programme of of buildings and common areas. housing lists have been eliminated in refurbishment of Government estates We will continue to work with respect of such individuals: that had been completely forgotten by the management companies in • 6RKB the previous administration and which question in the future to deal with • 5RKB had seen no meaningful investment in these recurring problems that • 4RKB the 16 years of GSD administration. arise from development/building We will complete our programme of defects. At Vineyards we have also • 3RKB re-cladding buildings in Glacis, Laguna provided a playground for children. • 2RKB and Moorish Castle Estates (as well as At Brympton, we will work with The only list on which we still have a adding lifts) and the refurbishment, the management company to fund number of people who were on the beautification and lift installation on and finalise the replacement of the waiting list on the 9 December 2011 is all remaining Government estates, bridges on that estate. the 1RKB list. including New Police Barracks and Bishop Canilla House amongst ELIMINATING THE 1RKB LIST many others. We will also continue On that list there is a large number of the “estate-by-estate” maintenance More 50/50 young people who wish to buy in the programme that we have established next round of affordable housing to so that all Government estates are homes and be made available. In addition there refurbished and maintained and are is a number of pensioners who will not allowed to deteriorate as they refurbished Govt. be able to move into the new homes were fro so many years. We have for the elderly being developed or as also re-provided the children’s park estates

...the strongest foundations for the future99 100...the strongest foundations for the future be proud of... Refurbished forgotten estates WE COMMITTED OURSELVES TO ADDRESS THE NEGLECT IN OUR GOVERNMENT ESTATES. LAGUNA, GLACIS AND MOORISH CASTLE HAVE COME FIRST. WE STILL HAVE SOME WORK TO DO, BUT THE AREAS THAT HAVE BEEN COMPLETED SHOW HOW GOOD THE ESTATES WILL LOOK WHEN COMPLETED. THE REFURBISHMENT ADDS USABLE LIFE TO THE BUILDINGS AS WELL AS MAKING FOR A BETTER LIVING ENVIRONMENT.

...the strongest foundations for the future101 tell me about...Hassan Centenary Mews

NAMED AFTER SIR JOSHUA HASSAN, FORMER CHIEF MINISTER OF GIBRALTAR, THESE BRILLIANT HOMES WILL BE IN THE REDEVELOPED EAST SIDE AREA TO BE KNOWN AS THE BLUEWATER RESORT. THE APARTMENTS WILL BE CLOSE TO THE EAST SIDE BEACHES AND THE POPULAR CATALAN BAY VILLAGE.

102...the strongest foundations for the future ...the strongest foundations for the future103 be proud of...Mons Calpe Mews & Beach View Terraces

WE HAVE COMPLETED‎ ALMOST 1,000 APARTMENTS IN JUST 4 YEARS. ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY ARE FOR RENTAL TO THE ELDERLY WHO RELEASE GOVERNMENTAL RENTALS FOR YOUNGER COUPLES AND FAMILIES.

104...the strongest foundations for the future ...the strongest foundations for the future105 106...the strongest foundations for the future tell me about...Bob Peliza Mews

Named after Sir Robert Peliza, former Chief Minster and later Speaker of the House of Assembly, these magnificent homes will be in the popular Westside area. Convenient for the City Centre and close to the other residential developments in the area.

...the strongest foundations for the future107 HOME OWNERSHIP ESTATE FORENSIC AUDIT REPAIRS We laid in Parliament the results of a At the OEM Estates we have replaced forensic audit of the OEM Haymills all front doors at Cumberland Terraces payments in respect of the south and dealt with all the damp and other district housing developments. This problems which have arisen in these disclosed that loans totalling £4m had home ownership estates (Bayview, been made to OEM by GRP with the Nelson’s View and Cumberland approval of the former Chief Minister. Terraces). The bill for defect repairs This money was lost in the liquidation in these estates is in the region of of OEM. This is a loss to the taxpayer £7m. At Waterport Terraces we have of £4m as a result of a loan which defended legal action and finalised was granted by the GSD Government work on defects so that tenants did through a company that did not have a not end up having to foot the bill for money lending licence. It is in addition problems with the construction. The to the £7m lost in repairing defects in bill for defect repairs at Waterport the OEM estates. Moreover, Barclays Terraces is in the region of £9m. Bank Plc is claiming an additional £7m from the Government in respect of MORTGAGE FACILITIES those estates. That means that the The commencement of operations taxpayer could lose up to £18m on of the Gibraltar International Bank that GSD fiasco. At the time of writing, has ensured that there are sufficient there has been no explanation or mortgage facilities available for all apology from the GSD leadership. those who wish and can afford to purchase affordable homes.

EX-MOD PROPERTIES We have made good the problems being faced by purchasers of ex- MOD properties that suffer from the presence of asbestos and defects in the fabric of the buildings (which cause water ingress) sold to them by the GSD Government. We will ensure that the MOD properties being handed over to the Gibraltar Government will be partly put out to tender in a fair and equitable manner through a tender process that will be entirely transparent.

108...the strongest foundations for the future ...the strongest foundations for the future109 110...the strongest foundations for the future ...build on solid rock vote GSLP/Liberals the strongest foundations for your future

Samantha Joe Fabian Joseph John Sacramento Bossano Picardo Garcia Cortes

Neil Albert Gilbert Steven Paul Costa Isola Licudi Linares Balban

vote for the GSLP/Liberals 7 Vote for all 10 candidates

the strongest foundations for your future

Election Agents: Allan Asquez, Joseph Baldachino, Peter Cabezutto, Dennis Cardona, Joe Cortes, Jane Webber: Watergardens 3, Suite 16, Gibraltar. Lyana Armstrong, Leslie Bruzon, Troy Jeffries: 95 Irish Town, Gibraltar Printed by FotoGrafiks Design and published by Gibraltar Socialist Labour Party and Gibraltar Liberal Party vote for the GSLP/Liberals 7 Vote for all 10 candidates

(from left to right) Paul Balban, John Cortes, Albert Isola, Gilbert Licudi, Joseph Garcia, Fabian Picardo, Joe Bossano, Samantha Sacramento, Steven Linares, Neil Costa

Election Agents: Allan Asquez, Joseph Baldachino, Peter Cabezutto, Dennis Cardona, Joe Cortes, Jane Webber: Watergardens 3, Suite 16, Gibraltar. Lyana Armstrong, Leslie Bruzon, Troy Jeffries: 95 Irish Town, Gibraltar Printed by FotoGrafiks Design and published by Gibraltar Socialist Labour Party and Gibraltar Liberal Party

Published by the Gibraltar Socialist Labour Party / Gibraltar Liberal Party Printed by the Gibraltar Chronicle Printing Ltd.