‘Plot of land given without tendering’

Danny Feetham of the Labour Party says that the Government has recently granted development rights for the construction of a new luxury development in the south district by direct allocation. "The GSD were elected into Government in 1996 on the basis that they would introduce an open and transparent tender system unless there are exceptional circumstances why land should not be put out to tender, the Government should give reasons for this by way of notice published in the Gazette and the wider media, in line with general policy and in the same way as when an adjudication of a tender is officially made public," he said.
The padds that it is also aware of at least one instance over the last 2 years where the Government was negotiating for the release of MOD land, when it was openly known that "private developers had an indirect interest in the discussions. In this instance although the negotiations with the MOD did not conclude, the expectation appeared to have been that the land would be awarded to the private developers after transfer by the MOD to the Government of Gibraltar. There is nothing improper about direct land allocation, but in our opinion this by itself (without further public explanation) is not sufficiently transparent nor in line with the policy of the Government as first declared back in 1996. Either the Government is as concerned about public perception as what it was in 1996 when in Opposition, or it no longer is." 

LAND SALES

It is also questioned whether the Government are maximising revenues from land sales. There is at least one instance recently where the Government did not award a tender for a major development to the highest bidder. When this is the case, the Government should set out the reasons why clearly in the notice in the Gazette announcing the adjudication of the relevant tender. A notice to the effect that the Government has preferred one particular scheme instead of another is not sufficient. Where Crown assets are involved, the decision must be open to further public scrutiny. This is the whole of point of having an open and competitive tender system.

MILLIONS
 
Over the last 6 years this Government has spent millions of pounds in feasibility studies and consultants in different areas of government policy. "We note, for example, that the Government has spent about £500,000 in feasibility studies for the proposed East Side project. Given that this is hard-earned taxpayers money, the Labour Party expect that the premium paid by private developers for the land will reflect this indirect contribution of public funds on top of the valuation given for the land. At a time when the public debt is projected at its highest ever, the Government should trying to maximise revenues, and not depleting the public coffers,”says a Press Release.

Taxis harming themselves and others, says Govt

The Government says it completely rejects the GTA’s attempt to cast aspersions on its motivations just because it sought to comment on the GTA’s short-sighted and irresponsible action. It was in the public interest to make such comment.
It is clear to any independent observer that the Government have not and do not pursue a policy that “commercially” favours M H Bland or any other party. If that were the policy it would make no sense for the Government to be currently locked in litigation with M H Bland in relation to the entry fees for the Upper Rock in which proceedings the Government is trying to ensure that M H Bland pays the same entry fees to the Nature Reserve as everyone else.

SERIOUS

The Government were simply commenting on the GTA’s action because it will have serious and detrimental effects on the cruise industry in particular and the economy as a whole. It is clear that the GTA are reluctant to accept justified criticism. However, they must accept the consequences of their actions.
“Any action that directly or indirectly causes a fall in cruise arrivals to Gibraltar is detrimental to Gibraltar’s interests. It is clear that these will be the consequences of the GTA actions,” says a statement.
Indeed notwithstanding the Government’s call for the GTA to refrain from action yesterday because a director of P&O, who is influential in taking the decisions on whether to call at Gibraltar or not was on board the Oriana, “the GTA doggedly proceeded with action. To make matters worse they had placards personally attacking the P&O director by name. If that is not short-sighted then what is?”
The Govt statement adds: “In targeting the ship owner and local shipping agent the GTA fail to recognise that their actions will economically damage their own interests, the interests of retailers, café, bar and restaurant owners among many more people in Gibraltar. Their actions also give Gibraltar a bad image and may make cruise companies reluctant to call at Gibraltar.”
The position of the Government would be the same irrespective of the identity of the local operator. The Government’s view is that any dispute between GTA and any local operator should be resolved in a way that does not affect cruise calls to Gibraltar. It should not entail action which seeks to embarrass ship owners during cruise calls or involves passengers in any way.

ADVICE

The GTA are free not to heed the Government’s advice but in doing so they will have to bear tie full consequences of their actions.
The Government again call on the GTA to coolly reflect on this issue. They are harming themselves as much as they are affecting every other business that directly or indirectly receives a benefit from the arrival of cruise passengers in Gibraltar.

‘Sudden disappearance’ of gynaecologist

The Opposition has received a number of complaints that the second resident Gynaecologist recently employed by the Gibraltar Health Authority, has suddenly disappeared with no explanations given as to whether the person has resigned, or has been discharged, and if so, why.
The Opposition says it believes that the Gibraltar Health Authority should be in a position to give an explanation about this situation, particularly to patients that were being seen by this Consultant, and also, state whether a new gynaecologist is being recruited if, indeed, the incumbent is not expected to return.
“It seems to be the hallmark of this Government to conduct the affairs of our Health Services in a manner which leads people to speculate over incidents of this nature as a result of an absence of information. They are very quick to dish out propaganda but continue to brush complaints and deficiencies within the Services, when it suits them,” said health spokesperson Mari Montegriffo.
The users of the Services are entitled to know if anything has happened which has led to the sudden disappearance from the scene of a Consultant Gynaecologist.

Chamber attack taxis

he Chamber of Commerce says it condemns the Gibraltar Taxi Association for the industrial action it has taken during the cruise visits to Gibraltar this week of the Aurora and the Oriana. Both these ships form part of the P & O Group whose Cruise ships will call at Gibraltar many times this year and make a massive contribution to our economy. Indeed the P & 0 Cruise Line has been one of the most loyal and valued supporters of Gibraltar as a Cruise Liner Destination. Industrial action of this nature gives Gibraltar a poor image and affects ordinary traders who depend on the cruise liner trade.
The Chamber cannot help but note that taxis who also form part of the largest coach service in Gibraltar receive considerable sums of money whether they are directly contracted or not. Despite their complaints are so busy on the days cruise liners call that they offer little or no service at the Frontier and an inadequate service at the airport, they say.
The Chamber adds: “It is unreasonable and irresponsible for the Gibraltar Taxi Association to take any action which may possibly have the effect of Cruise Liners ceasing to visit Gibraltar. The Chamber of Commerce condemns any such action by the Gibraltar Taxi Association or any other organization who threatens the very survival of our Cruise Liner Industry with the importance that this industry has for Gibraltar, our traders and our economy.

DETRACTORS

“We have more than enough detractors outside Gibraltar seeking to de-rail our economic progress, survival and well being without the Gibraltar Taxi Association making the mistake of assisting this process for their own ends.”
 

“Wholly improper for Govt to defend sectional commercial interests,”

Says Taxi Association

The Gibraltar Taxi Association has reacted to the statements yesterday from the Government (‘GOG’) and MH Bland (‘MHB’) in relation to the ongoing selective industrial action being taken by its members. They say the Govt is defending sectional commercial interests, adding that it is MH Bland which is putting the cruise liner market at risk.

In relation to the statement by the GOG, the GTA considers that:

1 It is wholly improper and unprecedented for a government to defend sectional commercial interests in the manner that it protects MHB. The GTA see in all the action taken by the GOG a thinly veiled attempt to enhance MHB’s business. This is in particular manifested by the operation of the Cruise Liner Terminal Regulations and the grant of 10 further bus licences to MHB by the GSD appointed and headed Transport Commission, which are all transparently designed to favour MHB’s share of the shore excursion market. This is to the detriment of the GTA’s business and those of most of the rest of Gibraltar, as MHB, in many instances, provides tours to Spain (the country of residence of its directors) or to the cable car, very often not allowing spare time to shop in Gibraltar beyond the purchase of souvenirs at the Cable Car shop at the Top Station.

2 Moreover, it is misleading in the extreme for the GOG to describe the GTA as a ‘pressure group’ for two distinct reasons. The first is that the GTA is actually a registered Trade Union, and trade union members in Gibraltar generally will have been as dismayed as the GTA at the attempt to downgrade unions to ‘pressure groups’. The second is that the GTA have actually been the parties responsible for the building of the market at the North Mole with the years that they have provided excursions thereby putting Gibraltar firmly on the international cruising map. 

3 It is such commercially partisan behaviour on the part of the GOG that is at the root of the GTA’s grievances and which will no longer be appeased in endless meaningless negotiations which are designed to stymie the GTA. The GTA is prepared to engage the GOG in meaningful discussions with a view to resolving the problems, but will no longer allow itself to be held up without taking action to defend its cause.

‘PRICING CARTEL’

4 The action being taken by the GTA is also entirely misrepresented by the GOG. The GTA is simply providing a very peaceful protest at the North Mole and in keeping with the lawful directions of the RGP. As a result, all that happens is that the ‘freedom of choice’ so often referred to in GOG and MHB press releases is explicitly explained to the arriving tourists. The information provided to tourists is the truth- i.e. the real price of a Rock Tour is exhibited. That surely, cannot be regarded in as sinister a light as the GOG purports to paint it. The fact is, however, that the fact that the GOG is prepared to go to such lengths to hide the real cost of tours from tourists is clearly not in the interests of customer choice or value for money. The GTA therefore unhesitatingly accuses the GOG of setting out to protect the establishment by MHB of a pricing cartel, without the ability of any local party to display prices lower than those offered by that company.

5 In the circumstances, the GTA considers that any member of the public that actually considers the issues that arise carefully will come to the conclusion that any decrease in traffic at the Cruise Liner Terminal will be the joint responsibility of the GOG and MHB.

MONOPOLY

In relation to the statement by MHB, the GTA considers that;

1 It is that company that is putting the Cruise Liner market at risk by seeking to exploit its monopoly at the North Mole in such a manner that it will control the bulk of all the traffic coming into Gibraltar. In that way the GTA accuses MHB of using its commercial muscle to obtain an unfair advantage over competitors by the operation of subsidiary or related companies in all shipping related activities at the North Mole.

2 The GTA does not accept that the Cruise Liner Terminal Regulations are designed only to allow it payment for a number of taxis depending on the size of the vessel arriving. The contrary was explained to the GTA by the Chief Minister as being the spirit of regulations. Correspondence at the time reflects this, after potentially loopholes in the drafting of the legislation were pointed out to the GOG before the implementation of the same. The GTA has given the GOG over 3 years to resolve the problem and is now taking action to protect its interests because the continued operation of the Regulations unchecked is a clear and present danger to the commercial interests of the members of the GTA, which the GTA will defend unashamedly and with as much vigour as necessary, but always in keeping with the law and acting as required in a democratic society. 

3 In the interim, the GTA asks MHB to act in keeping with the spirit of the regulations which, although not entirely satisfactory to the GTA, would be a compromise position within which it would seek to operate.

Traffic chaos: when will something be done about it ?

The Labour Party says it continues to receive complaints from the public about the increasing traffic chaos in Gibraltar. "This we believe is caused by poor road conditions, resulting in never-ending repair works but also the considerable time it then takes for road works to be completed. Road vehicle users pay annual road tax fees and deserve better," says transport spokesman Chris Montegriffo.

There are numerous examples of repair works just taking far too long to complete. Earlier this year Europa Road was closed for in inordinate amount of time. Other examples include Rosia Road where the works just do not seem to move fast enough. In both instances the Government appear to have contracted private contractors to do the job. 

Admittedly National Day preparations are currently contributing to the traffic problem, but poor road management on the part of the Government has more than aggravated the situation. Lack of parking facilities is another problem. Our limited space is just not being put to good use. The area adjacent to New Harbours in Rosia Road is a case in question. That area has been left derelict since the old Cumberland buildings were demolished. Until the land is needed for some other purpose why not level the ground completely and make provision for much needed car-parking facilities? 

The statement adds: The Government was elected into Government in 1996 advocating that we should be more sensitive towards open areas. Instead since 1996, whatever little space there has been has been taken up by luxury developments or not properly maintained as in the case of the Nature Reserve. 

TOWING AWAY

The Labour Party has also received numerous complaints about the towing away of cars in the area adjacent to Cormorant Wharf in the run up to the National Day preparations. It is just not right that the public should be made to suffer in this way. The complaints received are that cars were towed away even when apparently there was no sign up asking drivers not to park in the area.

NOT GOOD ENOUGH 

Such matters have recently been highlighted in PANORAMA, given the complaints we have also been receiving from the public. It is just not good enough to allow a bad situation to get worse. Those concerned are well rewarded from the public purse and are expected to find solutions to our problems. They are not paid to sit back and do nothing effective or to adopt defeatist attitudes when there are other people about who could perhaps find the solutions the public is crying out for. 

Taxi association want to destroy cruise liner business,

says MH Bland

M H Bland has expressed dismay and complete disappointment at the Gibraltar Taxi Association's recent demonstration at the Cruise Liner Terminal during the visit of the P & O Cruise Liner "Aurora". 

Meanwhile, the taxi asociation announced further action for this morning. 

In their statement, MH Bland say that "it is clear that the GTA is determined to destroy Gibraltar's Cruise Liner business and is completely indifferent as to the damage this causes to Gibraltar in terms of its reputation or its loss of trade to Main Street and elsewhere." 

People will recall when the GTA were in dispute with the Government of Gibraltar over the infamous Regulation 118 where they sought to justify these demonstrations on the basis that their "fundamental human rights" were at stake. The issue today is completely different yet their actions are exactly the same. It is clear that the GTA will use its unruly muscle to protect its pocket even if that means that Gibraltar and all traders in Main Street and elsewhere who benefit from the visit from Gibraltar's Cruise Liners will lose out. 

NOT ENOUGH

The Bland statement adds: The GTA is involved in providing a general taxi service for the City of Gibraltar as well as providing Rock Tours from the Frontier, the Coach Park, and the Cruise Liner Terminal. It also provides shuttle services between Cruise Liners and Town and it also provides the day-to-day requirements of the general public and visitors to Gibraltar. It also handles Port transfers. Furthermore, the GTA also owns Persian Rose Limited a company which owns coaches and it also provides Rock Tours by coach as well as transfers into Spain with these vehicles. All this appears not to be enough. 

The GTA allege that MH Bland does not comply with "the spirit" of the Regulations yet it is relevant to note that since the introduction of the Regulations, the GTA has received in excess of £300,000 from M.H.Bland for shore excursions ALONE. 

This does not include all the other income it receives from its other business, other excursion agents and other clients in Gibraltar. The GTA is the only business in Gibraltar that is entitled to receive payment each and every time a Cruise Liner arrives into Port even if the taxis are not used. 

A spokesman for M.H.Bland added that the GTA are guaranteed under law a minimum income regardless of whether passengers were carried or not and that the GTA did not have a right to insist that they were hired. Government had simply guaranteed passengers a "Freedom of Choice" to choose which type of transport they preferred. 

The GTA business will undoubtedly have its ups and its downs, like any other business, but what is completely unforgivable is that the GTA should seek to destroy the Cruise Liner business to the detriment of the people of Gibraltar or even to threaten the loss of the Cruise Liner Business for its own financial gain. Businesses in Gibraltar do not resort to holding a community to ransom in order to gain an advantage over their competitors. 

RISK

Mr Parody of the GTA even went as far as to suggest on television that the GTA is willing to risk P&O leaving Gibraltar if its demands are not met. This irresponsible and arrogant attitude only serves to illustrate the purely selfish motives of the GTA and their total disregard for the impact and damage their behaviour causes Gibraltar generally. 

At a time when Gibraltar has been working extremely hard to overcome the effects on the Cruise Liner Industry of 11th September, it is soul destroying that the GTA should embark on such an irresponsible and unreasonable campaign of self-destruction. 

MH Bland says the facts are as follows:-

1. Since the introduction of the 1999 Regulations, M H Bland has fully complied with the law. The GTA have received £309,311. 

2. The GTA state that M H Bland has not hired taxis since April; This is not true and M.H.Bland totally refutes this allegation and will continue to hire taxis as and when they are required. Indeed, Mr. Parody from the GTA contradicted himself when he accepted that taxis had been hired since that time. 

The hypocrisy of the GTA and their double standards are further clearly illustrated by the manner in which their Coach Company Persian Rose handles the Cruise Liner Odysseus, which calls at Gibraltar every Wednesday and only offers Coach Tours and not Taxi Tours which is exactly the same complaint that they have of M H Bland. Why doesn't the GTA demonstrate against its own ships which do not wish to use taxis for their passenger's tours?

If the GTA had chosen to invest in the enhancement and marketing of their own distinct product instead conducting a lengthy and presumably expensive and negative legal campaign, using one of Gibraltar's top legal firms, to block legitimate business growth, perhaps it would now be able to offer its members a brighter future rather than one filled with confrontation.

"As in the past, it is frightening to consider that the GTA is prepared to wreak havoc on Gibraltar's tourism potential in furtherance of its own unreasonable and selfish cause by disrupting the visits of the Cruise Liners which benefits Gibraltar as a whole. It is high time the GTA acted with the maturity and responsibility that Gibraltar deserves," said the company's press statement.

Govt lashes out against taxi association

The government has described as "shortsighted and detrimental" the action taken by the taxi association. It can only have the effect of antagonising an important cruise line and placing in jeopardy future calls, said the government last night.

A statement says the company will interpret the action as harassment of its passengers, something which cruise companies are not prepared to tolerate "and may react by cancelling calls… or reducing future calls."

The director of P&O, with his family, are onboard the Oriana due this morning. The taxi association have not given the government an undertaking that it will not take action today.

The GTA is accused of 'irresponsible in the extreme' - the govt speaks of 'lasting economic damage'.

The association's action seems simply a strategy of disruption, they say.

Tourism minister Joe Holliday, who is away from Gibraltar, has been made aware of the situation.

Gibraltar Sea Scouts invade Spain!

The Gibraltar Sea Scouts Pipe Band has invaded Spain - to the delight of everyone!

Just weeks after the Perejil incident, a rock in Asturias has been taken by a group of Gibraltarians, said a paper there.

On this, occasion the invaders did not bring warring arms, but bagpipes and drums.

EXOTIC

It was the Gibraltar Sea Scouts Pipe Band, who took part in a festival there, where they provided “an exotic touch”.

A report refers to brothers Dion and Sean Danino, two members of the band, whose father used to be in the band. Young but experienced musicians.

The band made a terrific impression and had a page dedicated to them in ‘La Voz de Asturias’.

They joked: We prefer a pint to a sherry, but if offered we don’t reject it!

CULTURES

With Gibraltar the basis of many cultures, “we feel like a small America” they told the paper.

The brothers explained that they feel more British than Spanish - and that they speak Llanito which is an Anglo-Spanish mix with plenty of Genoese words.

Cammell Laird's "spray painting" problems

The I.L.F. has highlighted the environmental effects caused by the spray-painting of ships at Cammell Laird. The Party says it has been approached by a local resident who outlined his own unfortunate experiences.

The effects were first noticed by him when mysterious paint droplets appeared on his new car on several occasions following painting at the Yard, and also on other cars in the vicinity. "He was understandably concerned” said an ILF spokesman "not just because of the obvious effect on his new vehicle but also because of other possible environmental dangers which may be less obvious but just as damaging. We are aware that this concern has existed for a number of years in Gibraltar and this latest incident is just one sample of the concern felt by many."

The Party says that following this recent contact they spoke to both Cammell Laird and also with the Environmental Agency. Both organisations confirmed 

that : a) They are aware that spray painting activities, like many others, do sometimes have undesirable side effects but these must be balanced by the positive effects on the economy and the community. There are many other examples in our Society. After all, motor vehicles for instance, produce Carbon Monoxide but almost all people still want to use them.

b) The Company and the Agency are working together and with others to do everything possible to monitor and restrict the problem, including the use in recent years of non-lead paints and extra shielding and safer procedures at the Dock. This itself is difficult as the facility was originally constructed to cater mostly for warships which usually have a narrower beam than commercial vessels. Another practical problem is that it is very difficult to measure accurately over time the actual levels of paint content in the local atmosphere. This is due to many variable factors such as wind direction, humidity, the greater affinity of paint droplets for metallic rather than non-metallic surfaces and so on.

Following its investigations the ILF has concluded that if Gibraltar wants a facility such as Cammell Laird, then the Company is probably doing "a reasonable job" to minimise negative environmental effects. It seems to be genuinely working with public agencies and the community to improve matters. 

However, the Party continues to offer its constructive support to all concerned to make the situation even more "ecologically positive". In addition, the ILF suggests an even more frequent programme of public information press releases and liaison activities by all those concerned. 

This will keep the local community completely up to date and 'in the picture'.

Newcastle's £200,000 Gibraltar operation quizzed

Newcastle United look set to face a barrage of questions from investors after it was revealed that Douglas Hall is being paid more than £200,000 to run a club operation in Gibraltar.

Mr Hall is receiving £165,000 on top of his £35,000 a year non-executive director's salary for heading up Newcastle United (International) Ltd.

He is also receiving an undisclosed amount in expenses for running the worldwide marketing company based at Gibraltar's Europort in a suite of offices leased by Mr Hall's family firm, Cameron Hall.

Fans and football industry analysts have both said they would expect shareholders to quiz the publicly-quoted club about it, reports the Journal newspaper.

Tangier ferry row

There were ugly scenes on the Tangier/Gibraltar ferry at the weekend, when the vessel allegedly left Tangier late and then went on to Algeciras, even though Moroccans say that they had been told it would sail directly to Gibraltar.

In Algeciras the Moroccan workers created a human cordon and prevented cars from disembarking. This led to the arrival of police, civil guards and riot police.

Moroccans are angry at what they claim to be a poor service. They say the ferry should have left Tangier on Sunday at 5.30pm- but did not reach Gibraltar until 6am yesterday. 

Upon arrival in Gibraltar, a delegation of workers informed the police of what was happening, claiming that crew members in Algeciras attempted to mishandle the passengers using sticks. A big fight ensued, said an eyewitness. 

While speaking to the police here, it is alleged that the master tried to hit a Moroccan, who will be calling at RGP headquarters on Wednesday to make a statement.

The Moroccan workers sail out on Fridays and expect to return on Sunday, to be ready for work the following day. 

Protest ‘welcomes’ Aurora

A protest staged by the Gibraltar Taxi Association ‘welcomed’ yesterday morning the P&O cruise liner Aurora, calling in Gibraltar from 8 am to 2 pm. In fact, taxi drivers are campaigning against M H Bland & Co. ‘monopolising’ P&O cruises land excursions, exploiting their coach tours to the disembarking passengers and leaving taxis idle aside under payment of a £ 25 fee.

The Taxi Association pledged selective industrial action in a statement some days ago, if an agreement isn’t reached between the two parties and M H Bland & Co. Deputy Chairman George Gaggero doesn’t comply with 1999 Government legislation.

According to witnesses, passengers didn’t pay too much attention to the placards and just worried about their ride downtown.

It wasn’t a pretty sight, some holidaymakers commented, but it didn’t disrupt their visit to Gibraltar.

Things went back to ‘normal’ routine, with both shuttle service and coach tours serving passengers from Crystal Symphony, calling in shortly after midday.

APPEAL TO HELP ELDERLY LADY WHO INJURED HERSELF

The Gibraltar Women’s Association would like to draw attention to an accident which occurred in Main Street on the 6th July.

We are informed that Mrs Winifred Dorothy Kimber, aged 85, tripped over a drain cover at the junction of Main Street and Parliament Lane on the second day of what should have been a four day stay in Gibraltar.

Mrs Kimber is a frequent visitor here, and loves Gibraltar. It was indeed unfortunate that she stumbled over an unseated Inspection Cover that was allegedly raised 50mm higher than the pavement. As a result she sustained a fracture to her arm, which required immediate surgery, including the fitting of k wires, later that day at St Bernard’s Hospital. Because the Orthopaedic Surgeon was off duly that day treatment had to be carried out on a private basis, which was no doubt costly.

Her son, Mr Charles Leeves-Kimber, would now like to claim the medical expenses and is required to provide witness statements in order to do so, he wrote to the Gibraltar Chronicle appealing for witnesses, but he has had little or no response from his letter. Mr Leeves-Kimber has been in contact with other media sources in Gibraltar asking for help, but again, this has been met with no response.

“On the day the incident occurred, there were a number of people who, having seen the accident, came forward offering their telephone numbers- In his distress at seeing his mother lying on the pavement, in what must have been agonizing pain, he was in no condition to think ahead, his main concern being to ensure that his mother received the medical help necessary, and therefore took no details at the time,” says the Association.

HOSPITAL

Mrs Kimber is still in hospital to date. She needs physiotherapy and is in constant pain. Being the positive lady that she is, she tells her family and friends that she looks forward to getting back to her gardening AND visiting Gibraltar again as soon as possible. Her prognosis however, is uncertain and her arm may possibly never be as it was before the accident.

Mr Leeves-Kimber, in his letter, was very complimentary of St Bernard’s Hospital staff, the Rock Hotel staff and also of the people who came forward to offer help and support. While this is heartening, the Association feel that this lady and her son deserve our help, in appealing for any witnesses to come forward, which will go some way to alleviating the pain, anxiety arid financial distress they have had and are having to endure through no fault of theirs.

As an aside, Mr Leeves-Kimber is a keen supporter of our Keep Gibraltar British Campaign and has written to the House of Commons demanding answers on what he calls “an obscene and undemocratic decision”.

Please help us to help Mrs Kimber and her son. If anyone remembers seeing this accident, or knows of anyone who might have seen the accident, please contact either Mr Leeves--Kimber directly on charleslkimber@waitrose.com or ourselves at gwa@gibnet.com or on telephone numbers 54016941 or 54355000,” they say.

BRIGHT FUTURE FOR THE ROCK!

Operations Director of the Meteorological Office, Mr Roger Hunt, visited Gibraltar from 12 to 14 August. Mr. Hunt was here to meet meteorological staff at the RAF Gibraltar and meet Senior Military Officers in from Headquarters British Forces. 

As the Meteorological Office in Gibraltar has a mixture of both United Kingdom Based Civilians and Locally Employed Civilians, he was able to see at frist hand the different terms and conditions they work under. He was also shown how the Gibraltar Office had developed the commercial work over the past couple of years and discuss possible expansion in the future.

During his visit the Director met Chief of Staff, Colonel Tom Camp MM, the Command Secretary, Mr. Chris Ashwell from Headquarters British Forces Gibraltar and RAF Gibraltar’s Commanding Officer, Wing Commander David Trembaczowski-Ryder. 

The photograph shows Mr. Hunt with Martin Caruana Administration Officer, Tito Stagnetto Observer, Wing Commander David Trembaczowski-Ryder Hunt, Rod Boast the Area Engineer, Peter Watson the Principal Meteorological Officer and Jimmy Russo the Forecaster. 

Tapas bar for House of Assembly

As part of the refurbishment of John Mackintosh Square, the Government plans a tapas bar in the House of Assembly building - enough to turn that great pro-British benefactor in his grave.

All we need now is some flamenco music and tell visitors that we want to be British ‘a la Sevillana’.

AMAZING

It’s amazing that the Government itself, which has spent millions to promote the concept of a British Gibraltar, should be prepared to desecrate further Gibraltar’s own parliament.
That the building was already messed up when a bar was allowed years ago is neither here nor there. It should not have been allowed.
But it would be wrong now to deprive the present owners of their livelihood.

What is wrong is that the situation should be made worse - by the Government itself!
What the Government should be doing is enhancing our parliament’s building by making greater use of it, improving office and reception areas for the benefit of staff and visitors.
When important people call at our Parliament, they must think it’s a kind of joke.
Access to the chambers is via a cramped and totally undignified entrance.

The Speaker shares his office with the Clerk of the House.
The ante-room, where members gather when the House is in session, is also the typing area!

DIGNITY

Now, instead of taking the opportunity of enhancing the dignity of the House, all the Government can think of is installing a tapas bar!

There are plenty of premises around the Piazza to be developed further as bars and restaurants without having to encroach into our parliamentary building.

The Government must ensure that it makes no more mistakes in development matters because, once made, the damage remains.

Can anyone imagine the British Government opening a public tapas bar in the Houses of Parliament?

Govt accused of “shameful smokescreen”

The row over MOT tests continues...

The Government’s Press Release of last Thursday over MOT tests, is a shameful smokescreen. It fail to address the concerns of motorists over the delays in acquiring bookings for MOT tests and is clearly designed to attempt to deviate the mounting criticism of the public over this issue, said the GSLP/Liberal Alliance today.

“In its now characteristic, arrogant and dismissive ways, Government does not even respond to the constructive suggestions put to it to overcome this problem. Instead, they have the cheek to suggest that there is an increase in the number of bookings available when the waiting time is back to 3 months,” says statement.

CLAIMS

Government claims that annual tests are better and quote figures to try and demonstrate this. They seem to forget that when they passed the legislation they defended it on the basis of the requirement imposed by EU Directives, and not because of any concern on their part over roadworthiness. 

“Be that as it may, the statistics prove absolutely nothing since the number of vehicles failing the test on the first attempt, could have done so on a minor aspect of the test, and not on any aspect which would have made the vehicle unfit for use on safety considerations. Government should be aware that safety is not the only consideration in an MOT test. In any event, the criticism leveled at Government in the last Opposition Press Release, referred to their obstinacy in not accepting our suggestion of test every two years, when clearly they were not prepared to give the service motorists expect and deserve when complying with the law,” said spokesman Juan Carlos Perez. 

Since they seem to think that following UK practice is a sacrosanct principle, they should be aware that in the UK motorists are advised in writing beforehand, that if their MOT is due to expire. This happens even though tests are done by garages all over the country and not in a state-run test centre where bookings are needed. Instead of adopting the suggestion made by the Opposition in good faith, that they should write to motorists two or three months in advance of the expiry date, with a proposed booking for the test, Government now attempts to place the burden of responsibility for their shortcomings on the motorists by advising them to book two months in advance.

PROPAGANDA

The Government say THEY are satisfied with the policy adopted and the system is place. They seem to be the only ones satisfied given the mounting complaints from the public. The Government act as if they couldn’t care less and as if they were infallible. They should realise that their attempt at glossing over problems with propaganda is catching up with them fast.

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