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The great lands bonanza!
The great lands bonanza will 'shock and awe', such is the range of sites being made available.
There are houses which the government will put out for sale with a view to attracting "very substantial
resale value", then there are multi-dwellings and blocks which would have a lower market price.
There are some areas which people may have thought were already in government hands, such as the Rotunda opposite the airport. Places like the central hall are being handed over as well as Navy No.1 ground where the government plans to build an underground car park, while in the meantime allotting 100 car parks at
Commonwealth Parade to the MOD. Even the cemetery is to be expanded!
For many decades successive Gibraltar Governments have recognised that the transfer of surplus MOD lands and buildings is important to enable and facilitate the social, economic and infrastructural development of Gibraltar.
In more recent years progress in achieving substantial land transfers has been prevented by, mainly, two factors. The MOD’s need to decide upon its estate requirements, and, the policy of successive Gibraltar Government’s to refuse (given the economic effects of MOD cutbacks) to pay for lands transferred.
Accordingly, in order to break this impasse, whilst preserving GOG’s position in relation to the Lands Memoranda, GOG invited MOD at the highest level to engage in a lands negotiation outside the scope of the Lands memoranda, and without prejudice to the position of the parties in that respect. The Agreement signed on Tuesday is the fruit of that negotiation.
"RED LINES"
During these negotiations the Government says it has been mindful of certain important issues, as follows: -
(1) Not to accept lands, and relocate MOD facilities, in a way which confines MOD activities territorially within Gibraltar such that would make the Military Base “red line issue” significantly easier to overcome in the context of any future joint sovereignty initiative between UK & Spain;
(2) Not to accept lands which resulted in justification for job cuts in the MOD directly employed labour force or in the WSM workforce.
(3) Not to accept land which undermined the Trade Unions’ and the Government’s opposition to privatisation and contractorisation of MOD Activities and labour;
(4) The need to ensure that the interests of the Royal Gibraltar Regiment were properly safeguarded, whilst, at the same time, obtaining important benefits for Gibraltar as a whole.
"This Agreement achieves and safeguards all the above," said a statement.
The government adds: "The longstanding Government policy of Lands Memoranda, the quirks of UK Government department accounting rules, and the MOD’s desire to assist Gibraltar in releasing land for continuing economic and social development, have combined to achieve for Gibraltar a package of land which has a value far in excess of the relocation costs to be undertaken by GOG. This is in addition to the social, housing and economic development opportunities provided by the transfers.
"We are receiving a total of 19 high value residences, and 97 less costly housing units, all of which we shall sell; 32 flats in Chilton Court which will be used for Government housing stock rental; 14 development sites; 11 industrial sites; 8 sites of leisure, social and recreation value; and five other pieces of real estate.
"We shall be able to build more homes. We shall be able to build a new school and a new road. We shall be able to carry out substantial new reclamation projects and to improve social and leisure facilities; we shall be able to improve commercial premises and working conditions and continue with our policy to de-industrialise the Devil’s Tower Road area; there are new sites for non residential economic and industrial development.
"This is the largest ever single land transfer package. It has huge economic and social development significance for Gibraltar. We are delighted to have been able to achieve it, without adverse impact on MOD jobs or operational activities. Government will now begin the job of planning the use of assets as soon as they are handed over."
The Gibtelecom dispute:
The TGWU view:
Complete surprise
The Union would like to inform the general public on the fundamental reason that resulted in the total breakdown of industrial relations at Gibtelecom involving GNC and Gibtel employees.
The District Officer and representatives of the Craftsmen grade were involved in discussions relating to their current job descriptions that have not been updated since 1992. Their was written commitment from the MD Charlie Fortunato to Luis Montiel confirming that a meeting was going to be held on the 26th April 2004, between all parties to discuss the pending issues.
It has come as a complete surprise management’s decision of locking out the 5 craftsmen before all avenues of discussion had been exhausted, especially prior to the pre-arranged meeting.
Regardless of the merits in favour or against the tasks in question the Union has had no option but to take industrial action in order to protect the interests of its members.
Media statements by the company undermining the position taken by the union in press releases will not engage the union in a media battle and our position is to continue meaningful discussions as was originally planned given the opportunity.
During these actions the union continues to provide emergency services to the public. Examples of these services are the manning of the 193 number, installations of panic button phones for the elderly, police and fire emergency numbers and radio.
The union sustains its position of resolving disputes with good industrial relations rather that confrontation.
Luis Montiel
District Officer
The Gibtelecom view:
Letter to the TGWU
Dear Luis
Many thanks for your letter of 20th April (erroneously dated 20 March 2004).
For your information, Craftsmen have always installed pay-phones and other minor equipment such as small systems and fax machines. If they had not, we would not have needed as many craftsmen as there would be very little work left for them to do other than wiring.
I would inform you that reading from a manufacturer’s instruction sheet is not programming. Programming (in any computer’s language) is not expected from our Craftsmen and is not being demanded of them.
In order to try and resolve this dispute, I would be prepared to hold a meeting for next Monday 26th April at 10:00am to go through these issues with the Craftsmen’s representative and also the Technicians and Senior Technicians representatives too, as this affects all of them. You are also welcome to attend.
The above however, has nothing to do with the new pay deal.
With reference to your position regarding the SPCC, I would disagree that the Craftsman involved, should be constrained to MDF work only. The roster is required to operate in the manner it is set up to meet the Company’s business needs and will continue to operate as such.
Again, I will arrange for us to meet with the individuals involved together with their representatives and yourself, within the next week or two.
I would take this opportunity to remind you that we are running a business here, in a competitive environment, and need to meet our customers’ expectations. If we can’t deliver to our customers they will go to the competition or indeed purchase the pay-phones themselves, with the consequent result that the Company will lose the customer.
Yours sincerely
CS Fortunato
Managing Director
Bus service dominates over 60 questions from Randall
Shadow Minister for Government Services Lucio Randall has tabled thirty questions for the Government to answer in the House of Assembly on the controversial new bus service. Mr Randall has tabled a total of 60 questions on a whole range of issues on the portfolio of Transport, Traffic, Government Services and Telecommunications for which he is responsible.
Mr Randall has tabled questions seeking to establish the exact cost of the logistical preparations carried out by the Government to start the new bus service on a number of specific areas of Gibraltar. This includes the road works in the area of 27 Cumberland Road, St Joseph's First School, Europa Road, Lover's Lane, the junction of Main Street and Governor's Lane, Grand Parade, Trafalgar Road, Transport Road and South Pavilion Road. In a series of related questions Mr Randall also wants to know the number of parking bays that have been lost around Gibraltar as a result of the modifications made to our streets in order to accomodate the size of the new buses.
In addition, he wants the Government to state what the anticipated operating loss of the Gibraltar Bus Company will be in its first full year of operation. The Opposition Transport spokesman has also asked the Government to name the directors of the Gibraltar Bus Company as at close of business on Friday 5 March 2004. He also wants to know the life expectancy of the 18 Trans-buses, as well as whether the £ 1.875 million paid for them by the Government includes the two smaller vehicles to service the Upper Town area. Mr Randall wants the Government to state the name of the company that supplied the two vehicles that provide the bus service to the areas of Moorish Castle and Willis' Road.
Mr Randall has also tabled a question asking the Minister responsible to state the date that the application for the transfer of the License from Rock City Services to Gibraltar Bus Company Ltd was submitted, and the date it was authorised. He has also asked the Government to state the terms of the agreement that was concluded between Rock City Services and the Gibraltar Bus Company Ltd in respect of the transfer of the license and then the agreement was signed.
Continuing with questions relating to transport and traffic matters, Mr Randall has asked the Government to say whether the industrial dispute with the driver and vehicle examiners at the Licensing Department has now been resolved. He also wants to know whether there has been any progress with regard to Government's assessment of the full viability of their preferred option for the remedial works that will enable the reopening of Dudley Ward Tunnel for vehicular traffic.
In his capacity as Shadow Minister for Government Services, Mr Randall will ask Government whether they have now awarded the contract for a programme of on-going embellishment, up-keep and maintenance of the cemetery, and if so to whom and on what terms. Mr Randall will also raise in the House whether the Government propose to implement any changes to the structure of the Lottery, and if so what the changes are.
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
On the telecommunications front, Mr Randall has tabled a question asking Government to state what the latest position is regarding the complaints filed with the EU by Gibtel and GNC in 1996 in connection with GSM roaming and that lack of telephone numbers respectively. He has also asked the Government to say when they expect to complete the remedial works to the podium at Harbour Views and whether this is a prerequisite to the sale of parking places to the tenants of the Estate.
Gibraltarian unemployment on the way up
The Shadow Minister for Employment, Fabian Picardo, has said that the Opposition is gravely concerned to note that the levels of unemployment of Gibraltarians is up 7.4% in respect of the first quarter.
Mr Picardo said: "The figures for Gibraltarians out of work in the first three months of the year has gone up compared with the same period a year ago. The February 2004 figure is the highest for this month since 1998 and is above the February 1996 total. Taking the average for the first three months unemployment has risen by 7.4% compared to last year's average for the same period."
Mr Picardo added: "This must obviously be a source or serious concern across the board and is a statistic from which the Government cannot hide. I think it is appropriate for the Government to provide its own analysis of these figures and not just to issue a statement of the statistics without making any reference to this alarming spike in the number of Gibraltarians unemployed."
Britain will not challenge Spain's decisions on Iraq, says Hoon
The defence secretary Geoff Hoon says that Britain respects the Spanish decision to withdraw its troops from Iraq.
Speaking at the end of a two-day visit to Gibraltar, he said that the new Spanish government had made a promise to the electorate and had decided to implement the policy relatively soon.
"The decision had been respected throughout the world because, after all, it is part of the purpose of our operations now in Iraq to allow the people of Iraq the same opportunity of electing one day a government democratically," he said.
Hoon added: "We are not going to get into a situation to challenge the sovereign decision of the people in Spain to elect the government they choose."
Britain would work "very closely" with the new Spanish government, both bilaterally and in the context of the European union.
The chief minister Peter Caruana, who was at the joint press conference yesterday, said: "We look forward to a warm and mutually beneficial relation with the Ministry of Defence for another 300 years.".
Mr Hoon did not give guarantees that Britain would not be reducing the military establishment and said: "I hope Gibraltarians will understand that the armed foces must continually review their tasks and organisation to ensure they are as effective as they can be."
The MOD is to transfer "a signiticant amount of valuable land and buildings to the Gibraltar government" though a reorganisation of its land holdings in Gibraltar.
Hoon added: "Gibraltar remains vitally important to the British government."
Mr Caruana recognised that Mr Hoon had not been able to give guarantees in respect of some of the issues raised "but he has been sensitive and supportive when he has heard our views on the matter."
Such issues include the levels of MOD jobs and the Royal Gibraltar Regiment.
It had been a very welcome visit which had gone very well. Mr Caruana was delighted with the lands deal and said the MOD was a valuable member of the community.
He was ready to take part in talks with Spain, but the structure had to be viable for the three parts, he told a Spanish reporter.
Mr Caruana took exception to what he had read in a morning paper yesterday (not PANORAMA) that Mr Hoon had been jeered by the Voice of Gibraltar Group. "This is simply not true," he said, adding that Mr Hoon had been treated with the utmost courtesy and respect.
Gibraltar remains vitally important for British
Governmen
By Geoff Hoon, defence Secretary
This joint press conference comes at the end of an extremely successful visit. Defence Secretaries are always at home in Gibraltar and I am no exception. Indeed I have been here a bit longer than originally intended thanks to the need at the last minute to arrive by commercial carrier rather than RAF!
I am here because I wanted to conclude personally the agreement transferring a major package of MOD land to the Government of Gibraltar, to meet with Gibraltar's political leaders, talk to people in the streets, to see the British forces, including of course the Gibraltar Regiment, and to attend the Gun Salute for Her Majesty the Queen's Birthday as part of the tercentenary calendar of events.
I know that there is a good deal of discussion in Gibraltar about rumours of cuts to the MoD's establishment here. I understand that concern. Equally, I am sure that people in Gibraltar will recognise the demands on the UK's military forces given their world-wide tasks and the ever-present budgetary pressures. However, the important role of the UK military in Gibraltar will continue. I am certainly not looking to undermine the capability of either the Gibraltar Regiment or of the wider British forces here. The RG performs an important role and one which I value. We need to retain the capability to carry
out certain essential tasks in Gibraltar and I am determined that we shall do so.
I hope Gibraltarians will understand that the armed forces must continually review their tasks and organisation to ensure they are as effective as they can be. The study by the Command into the RG is just such a routine exercise, and at a very early stage. Consultation with the Regiment will be a key part of it. Let me make clear that no decisions have been taken, [nor will they be for some time yet]. And let me also say that I am fully aware of the importance which Gibraltarians attach to the RG Regiment, and will take a personal interest in the outcome of the review.
The Land Agreement which the Chief Minister and I signed yesterday is a real
achievement. I pay warm tribute to the Chief Minister, and Chief of Joint
Operations (General Sir John Reith) and their respective teams for securing this outcome. It will result in the transfer of a significant amount of the MOD's land holdings in Gibraltar, including housing, prime development sites and valuable commercial buildjngs, to the Government of Gibraltar over a period of six years. This will be of great mutual benefit to both the MOD and the people of Gibraltar. Through a reorganisation of the MoD estate, we have been able to release a significant amount of valuable land and buildings without any impact on MoD jobs or operational capabilities. As part of the deal, the MOD will continue to provide housing for the Royal Gibraltar Regiment as a valued part of the UK Armed Forces. I know too that there has been considerable discussion on this specific point. However, following the
Commanding Officer's discussions with the Chief Minister and CJO's meeting with the CO and Honorary Colonel of the Regiment, I hope that all concerned are now reassured on this. And the proposed arrangements also underline the MoD's continuing commitment to its operations in Gibraltar.
I am particularly pleased to have reached such a satisfactory agreement in this, Gibraltar's tercentenary year, which means so much to people in Gibraltar and the UK. I am delighted that so many tercentenary commemorative events have been planned throughout the year, both here in Gibraltar and in the UK. I attended the gun salute by members of the Royal Artillery in honour of Her Majesty The Queen's birthday at midday here at South Mole, while at the same time members of the Royal Gibraltar Regiment were conducting a similar ceremony at the Tower of London. And military bands from alf three services, RoyafNavyanoKoyal Fleet Auxiliary vessels and other military units from the United Kingdom and Gibraltar will be participating in other tercentenary events thoughout the rest of the year. They will ensure that the warm relationship that the armed forces have enjoyed with Gibraltar for the past 300 years is properly remembered.
During this visit I have also held discussions with the Chief Minister, the Leader of the Opposition and representatives of the Trades Unions, and met a large number of local people and members of the armed forces stationed here. I have listened carefully to the points people have wanted to get over to me. I have emphasised to them that Gibraltar remains vitally important to the British Government. We do not always see eye to eye on everything - it
would be astonishing if we did - but we value our relationship and I want us to be able to work together effectively in pursuit of our shared interests.
Dispute:
Break in communication between union and Gibtelecom
by PANORAMA REPORTER
Gibtelecom staff gathered outside the company's offices at Europort yesterday to signify that they were in dispute.
During the day 5 craftsmen were locked-out for refusing to connect payphones on the grounds that this work should be undertaken by senior technicians.
Gibtelecom take the view that this type of work has been undertaken in the past by craftsmen.
The men reported the matter to the TGWU and a state of dispute with the company was called. They say that such duties are not part of the men's duties.
We found it impossible to contact union district officer Luis Montiel, despite several attempts.
Meanwhile, the human resources manager at Gibtelecom explained that five craftsmen had been sent home for refusing to instal new payphones claiming this is a technician's job.
Management say this is not a technical job but a straightforward affair, and given what the men earn, they expect that they show flexibility.
The union called out the whole workforce. About 80% responded. Management were yesterday afternoon manning the posts left vacant.
Gibtelecom said that the union had not responded to management's offer of a meeting next Monday to discuss the issue.
Bossano and Hain at same meeting:
Busy days in UK for Opposition leader
The Leader of the Opposition Joe Bossano left for the United Kingdom on Tuesday night to participate in a series of political and other functions.
At the invitation of the Royal Gibraltar Regiment, Mr Bossano was attending the Gun Salute at the Tower of London yesterday. Later in the afternoon, he was meeting with and briefing the All Party Gibraltar Parliamentary Group in Westminster.
In his capacity as Leader of the GSLP, Mr Bossano will then be attending the Annual General Meeting of the South West Region of the British Labour Party on Sunday, where he will deliver an address. His presence there has aroused considerable media interest given that former Europe Minister Peter Hain will also be there.
Mr Bossano will return to Gibraltar next week and Dr Joseph Garcia will be Acting Leader of the Opposition during his absence.
Over 100 questions on health matters for next meeting of the House of Assembly
Shadow Minister for Health and Sport Mari Montegriffo has tabled a total of 115 questions for the Government to answer at the new meeting of the House of Assembly which opens next Friday 30th. This will be the second question-time of this year.
In a whole range of questions on different aspects of our health service, Ms Montegriffo will ask the Government to explain what the arrangements are to adequately assist sponsored patients and their escorts when they are referred to Spanish medical institutions. She will also ask the Government to confirm the level of subsistence that is being provided to sponsored patients who are referred to Spanish medical institutions.
BEDS
Mari Montegriffo will quiz the Health Minister on the shortage of beds at the hospital, wanting to know whether these still continue. She has also tabled a question seeking to establish if admissions to St Bernard's Hospital have declined by over 10% between the years 2000 and 2002, and she also wants to know whether the Government is aware that there is nearly an hours wait for patients to be seen at the Accidents and Emergency Department of the hospital.
The Shadow Health Minister will also ask the Government to state whether the wait for routine tests in the x-ray department from 2002 is currently running for 3-6 weeks depending on the type of test. She will also want confirmation from Government as to whether they are engaged in any negotiations with a private clinic in Spain to provide Ear, Nose and Throat services at the Europort Hospital. In addition she also wants confirmation as to whether there is a training needs analysis in place for the staff.
AUDIT
Mari Montegriffo also wants the Government to state how much money they have spent up to date on the clinical governance audit they commissioned with regard to our health services. She has also tabled a question asking on what basis the Minister for Health concluded that in January of this year out of 167 patients in St Bernard's Hospital, 100 did not require to be there. Ms Montegriffo has also asked the Government to confirm whether they have now finalised the arrangements that will come into place for meals to be provided to patients in the Europort Hospital when it becomes operational from the new kitchen situated in the old wine factory area.
With regard to the Primary Care Centre, the Opposition Health Spokesperson wants to know what changes, if any, the Government has introduced to the appointments system.
The 1996 promise
In relation to her responsibility for Sport, Mari Montegriffo will ask the Government to confirm whether any agreement has now been reached with the Union as to the transfer of staff to the Gibraltar Sports Authority.
She will also want to know whether the Minister for Sport can now confirm whether there are any new developments as to the long standing promised conversion of King's Bastion into a leisure centre, since a leisure centre was promised in the GSD manifesto as far back as 1996.
Land will become available over 6-year period
It was smiles all round as the defence secretary Geoff Hoon and chief minister Peter Caruana signed the lands deal yesterday afternoon at No.6 Convent Place. The Government says it will publish full details of the Agreement on Thursday. Mr Hoon leaves today.
Mr Hoon said the deal was "of significant mutual benefit to both the MOD and the people of Gibraltar."
Mr Caruana said: "It is a good deal for both Gibraltar and the MOD."
At their meeting yesterday afternoon the two discussed a wide range of issues, including the current security situation and the terrorist threat; the future of the Gibraltar Regiment; the preservation of jobs in the MOD and the contractorisation/privatisation issue.
These discussions will continue over a working breakfast at No6 Convent Place this morning.
The Chief Minister says he is "strongly pressing the case for MOD to maintain current job levels, against privatisation/contractorisation of MOD functions and labour and the need to retain current Royal Gibraltar Regiment manpower levels, all in the specific context and special circumstances of Gibraltar."
A joint statement said the Secretary of State is in Gibraltar for the Tercentenary Celebrations. British Forces Gibraltar had earlier said that he was visiting Gibraltar to sign the lands memorandum with the chief minister and to visit members of the Garrison.
LAND OVER 6 YEARS
The Land's Package Agreement will transfer to the GoG a substantial amount of MoD's land holdings including housing, prime development sites and valuable commercial buildings over a period of six years. "There is some relocation of MoD facilities and, as usual in such land transfers, relocation costs will be borne by GoG," said the joint statement.
The agreement is the result of a significant reorganisation of the MoD's estate in Gibraltar.
The statement added: The transfer, which involves no reduction in military function, will provide a rationalised, more efficient estate better positioned to meet the requirements of MoD, whilst delivering valuable lands for the people of Gibraltar.
It is not predicated on potential job losses or changes in MoD activities in Gibraltar.
MILITARY HOUSING
Under the deal MoD "will continue to provide housing to Royal Gibraltar Regiment soldiers in accordance with their entitlements, through arrangements that will, for the first time, provide long-term security of this facility to the Regiment. This is good news for the Regiment and its soldiers."
Geoff Hoon said:
"I am particularly pleased to have reached such a satisfactory agreement in this, the Tercentenary year, which means so much to people both in Gibraltar and the UK. I am committed to maintaining a military presence in Gibraltar whilst at the same time rationalising our land for the benefit of the people of Gibraltar."
Peter Caruana said: "Both sides have engaged constructively and sympathetically to each others needs to ensure that MoD continues to operate in Gibraltar as before, but in a way that releases large areas of land and buildings for housing, social, commercial and other economic development. We have been careful to ensure that this Agreement will have no negative impact on jobs and other issues of importance to Gibraltar. I am particularly happy about what we have been able to achieve for the Royal Gibraltar Regiment."
LAND DEAL SIGNED
Today, the Secretary of State for Defence, Geoff Hoon, and the Chief Minister, Peter Caruana, announced a significant package of land transfer from the MoD to the Government of Gibraltar.
The Secretary of State, who is in Gibraltar for the Tercentenary Celebrations, and the Chief Minister signed the deal today.
The Land’s Package Agreement will transfer to the GoG a substantial amount of MoD’s land holdings including housing, prime development sites and valuable commercial buildings over a period of six years.
There is some relocation of MoD facilities and, as usual in such land transfers, relocation costs will be borne by GoG.
The agreement is the result of a significant reorganisation of the MoD’s estate in Gibraltar that will be of clear benefit to both the UK MoD and Gibraltar.
The transfer, which involves no reduction in military function, will provide a rationalised, more efficient estate better positioned to meet the requirements of MoD, whilst delivering valuable lands for the people of Gibraltar.
It is not predicated on potential job losses or changes in MoD activities in Gibraltar.
Under the deal MoD will continue to provide housing to Royal Gibraltar Regiment soldiers in accordance with their entitlements, through arrangements that will, for the first time, provide long-term security of this facility to the Regiment.
This is good news for the Regiment and its soldiers.
- The Gibraltar Government will give details of the agreement and of the lands and properties included in it, later this week.
Geoff Hoon said: This deal brings to a successful conclusion negotiations that will be of significant mutual benefit to both the MoD and the people of Gibraltar.
Through the reorganisation of our estate, we have been able to release significant amounts of valuable land and buildings without any impact on jobs or operational capabilities.
As part of the deal the MoD will continue to provide housing for the Royal Gibraltar Regiment as a valued part of Her Majesty’s Armed Forces.
I am particularly pleased to have reached such a satisfactory agreement in this, the Tercentenary year, which means so much to people both in Gibraltar and the UK.
I am committed to maintaining a military presence in Gibraltar whilst at the same time rationalising our land for the benefit of the people of Gibraltar.”
Peter Caruana said: “I am delighted to have been able to conclude this agreement with the MoD, and I would like to thank Geoff Hoon and Chief of Joint Operations General Sir John Reith for making it possible.
It is a good deal for both Gibraltar and the MoD. The MoD remains a valuable and valued part of the community.
This agreement recognises that. Both sides have engaged constructively and sympa-thetically to each others needs to ensure that MoD continues to operate in Gibraltar as before, but in a way that releases large areas of land and buildings for housing, social, commercial and other economic development.
We have been careful to ensure that this Agreement will have no negative impact on jobs and other issues of importance to Gibraltar.
I am particularly happy about what we have been able to achieve for the Royal Gibraltar Regiment.”
Fear of cuts engulf regiment as wives write to Hoon
Fears of impending cuts in the Royal Gibraltar Regiment have widened, with wives of soldiers writing a letter to defence secretary Geoff Hoon, with a copy sent to the Leader of the Opposition Joe Bossano.
After meeting Mr Hoon yesterday evening, Mr Bossano told reporters that what the opposition had been saying was not an invention of the Opposition.
People were worried. He told Mr Hoon that either they were out to do the dirty on the regiment or they were making a lousy job of communicating their intentions.
Mr Bossano's message was that there would not be any announcement now of job cuts , "but of course there will be cuts."
Mr Hoon's message is that the commitment to Gibraltar's place in UK defences is unchanged; it is an exercise in concentrating their money in what they think they need, instead of spending money on what they do not really need.
POLICY REVERSED
Mr Bossano says that the policy of integrating local and UK forces appeared to have been reversed. Chilton Court was a case in point. It is one thing to put everyone in one block to be more efficient, but why are they all Gibraltarians? Mr Hoon had no answer to that.
Meanwhile the policy of using contractors and outsourcing remains, but the MOD is prepared to look at alternatives and keeping people in the MOD employed provided the workforce can come up with satisfactory proposals. Earlier, there was evidence that cuts are planned when the chief minister said that he was "strongly pressing" the case for the MOD to maintain current job levels and of "the need to retain current Royal Gibraltar Regiment manpower levels."
Govt says land deal secures housing for regiment, but Opposition talks of "segregation"
The Government says that contrary to the Opposition’s statement yesterday, "there is absolutely no link between the future of the Royal Gibraltar Regiment and the GOG/MOD land deal."
Far from the future of the regiment being inextricably tied to the land deal that Mr Caruana has negotiated with Mr Hoon, the land deal secures MOD housing to the Gibraltar Regiment indefinitely into the future. Far from undermining the regiment, this provides its soldiers with additional long term security on housing as MOD tenants, said a statement.
The Government then goes on to say that it "warmly welcomes" Mr Hoon’s visit and much looked forward to the signing of "this important land transfer agreement, which is hugely beneficial to Gibraltar."
The Chief Minister will meet with Mr Hoon yesterday afternoon, and again for a working breakfast at No6 this morning.
PROPAGANDA, SAYS OPPOSITION
The Opposition, meanwhile, says that exactly as they had predicted, the latest Government statement portrays the land deal between Mr Caruana and the MOD as being hugely
beneficial to Gibraltar. "It is clear that the propaganda selling exercise has already commenced," they add.
The Opposition add: The release of land which is surplus to MOD requirements is in itself indicative that the MOD presence here is in decline, otherwise they would hold on to the land holdings because they would need them.
The Government statement implies that if Mr Caruana had not done the Chilton Court deal, then the soldiers of the Royal Gibraltar Regiment would not have the right to continue to be housed by the MOD indefinitely. This is complete nonsense. Nobody has ever questioned the fact that the Ministry of Defence is responsible for housing the British military in Gibraltar and this includes the Royal Gibraltar Regiment. This is implicit in the employment terms and conditions that the soldiers sign up to.
"An indefinite right to housing is not something that results from the deal to hand over Chilton Court on the terms the Gibraltar Government has negotiated," said a press release. There have always been 80 housing units set aside in the MOD housing stock for the use of Royal Gibraltar Regiment soldiers. If there was more demand than houses, then those applicants above the quota of 80 had to wait until a house became available.
Moreover,they add, last year the MOD was
"considering abolishing the quota altogether" and providing as many houses as needed by the Regiment, because the quota system was considered to be incompatible with the MOD's obligations as an equal opportunities employer.
Therefore the fact that under the deal struck between Mr Caruana and Mr Hoon there will be 80 quarters allocated to Gibraltar Regiment soldiers in Chilton Court is exactly what the Regiment had anyway since 1991.
The Opposition contend that "Mr Caruana has not negotiated anything better or anything new."
The Regiment is entitled to however many houses they may need and the GSD Government has done them no favours by choosing to ignore the wider picture of the future of the Regiment as a whole.
INSULT
"To add insult to injury,
an MOD trust will be the intervening layer between the Government as
landlord and the soldier as tenant. This will only apply in Chilton Court where our soldiers are being segregated from other British Forces personnel," says the Opposition.
Reform Party supports Garcia’s EU plan
Reform Party Leader Lyana Armstrong-Emery expressed support today for Dr. Joseph Garcia's investigation regarding Gibraltar and the EU Committee of the Regions.
"Our two parties have their differences" she said "but the principle of devolving power from the European centre is vitally important. This is therefore one of those occasions where honest politics requires our acknowledging approval of an initiative, even when it's done by someone from another party. It is indeed important to find out exactly what our situation is or could be regarding decentralisation issues within the EU."
The Reform Leader (who is also a European Election candidate for the Green Party) continued: "To be sure, Reform/Green and Liberal/LibDem politicians do have differing views about what ideally should be meant by regionalism or subsidiarity inside Europe. Doubtless we'll continue to debate them. In the meantime a fact finding enquiry such as Dr. Garcia's could prove very useful..
ESG BUCKET BRIGADE AND AWARENESS DAY
The ESG say that their Saturday awareness day was successful and rewarding. Several new members were signed up and much discussion took place about environmental issues affecting the quality of life in Gibraltar and nearby Spain.
Interest in the Bucket Brigade was further encouraged with several posters and information leaflets available for the public to read or take away. Some funds were also collected for the Bucket Brigade although fundraising will continue to be necessary.
"It is clear that the community is concerned and affected by the pollution produced locally and in the hinterland and the ESG will continue their fight to do whatever possible to help address this issue," they say.
The ESG would like to take this opportunity to announce that Denny Larson, global leader of the Bucket Brigade, will be in Gibraltar between the 7th and 11th May. During this time he will be doing some public presentations as well as workshops for the Gibraltarian and Spanish bucket brigades. More news forthcoming soon.
Integration remains the aim
The Green Party of England and Wales says that it shares the integrationist view of its ally, the Reform Party of Gibraltar. The GP and the Reformists both believe that decolonisation of Gibraltar by Devolved Integration with the U.K. should happen, subject of course to the expressed wishes of the Gibraltarian people and the principles of self-determination.
The policy was first announced on the Greens' website at the time of their Autumn Conference last year. It coincided with the visit of Reform Party Leader, Lyana Armstrong-Emery who is currently standing for election as an MEP candidate on the Green Party South West regional list for the European Elections.
Last-minute changes to minister's visit
The visit to Gibraltar by defence secretary Geoff Hoon has been known unofficially long before the official announcement was made late yesterday. The programme was due to have been made known last week, but it was kept back for unknown reasons.
In fact there have now been last-minute changes to the visit.
What has been issued is that he will be arriving in Gibraltar today Tuesday to sign the Land’s Agreement with the Chief Minister and to visit members of the Garrison.
GUN SALUTE
His arrival will be announced by a Gun Salute by 19/5 (Gibraltar) Battery, 19 Field Regiment Royal Artillery followed by a Guard of Honour formed by the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force. Members of the public are invited to attend. They will be able to watch the ceremony from the edge of the runway area, which can be accessed from Crash Gate Number 3 on Devil’s Tower Road. The gate will be open from 4pm.
19/5 (Gibraltar) Battery will also be carrying out the Royal Gun Salute for Her Majesty the Queen’s Birthday on the South Mole at midday on Wednesday 21 April.
The message for Mr. Hoon
The visit to Gibraltar of defence secretary Geoff Hoon has been embroiled in controversy long before it was even officially announced that he was coming.
Having endeared himself to the people here by the stand he took at the time of the joint sovereignty plans, he is now embroiled in the planned cuts to the Royal Gibraltar Regiment.
Mr Hoon will not want his visit to turn into a disaster by the regimental row, so it is to be expected that he will sign the MOD lands agreement, which can be presented as a positive development, and leave the regimental issue for when he is well away from the heat of the Rock.
There is insistence in political circles that the lands issue is being used to cover-up the undesirable downsizing and reshaping of the regiment.
For others, such as the Voice of Gibraltar group, Mr Hoon is a pseudo-friend.
There is an increasing swell of opinion which subscribes to the view that all Mr Hoon did at the time of the Anglo-Spanish talks was to defend the MOD and not the overall Gibraltar position.
That may be the case, but certainly it is his role to defend the department for which he is responsible. The position he took, for whatever reason, was helpful to the Gibraltar view at a time when all we seemed to have were enemies!
In the recent past Mr Hoon has also made statements which have upheld views Gibraltarians fully support, so again he has been portrayed as being on Gibraltar's side.
It may be prudent to give Mr Hoon the benefit of the doubt. If he is our friend let's make sure that he remains so.
We have to welcome him to Gibraltar and we have to convince him of the Gibraltar position, should he begin to waver!
Let us see what he brings and let us hope that he will not let us down once he leaves the Rock, whatever good tidings he might bring.
The MOD is already operating with what many believe is a skeleton staff. It wants to make further reductions to their budget both here and elsewhere.
But it is important that they are made to understand that Gibraltar is in a special position - and that these are difficult and risky days for a frontline stanging post.
Is this the appropriate time to further reduce the MOD presence? Certainly not. That is the message for Mr Hoon as he steps on Gibraltar soil.
Tory election meeting was big flop
A meeting of Conservative candidate for the European Parliament election turned out to be a monumental flop, with just about a handful of members turning up.
The meeting had been widely publicised by the GFSB, who were sponsoring it. Emails were sent to members and others urging them to attend. The political involvement of the GFSB has already been criticised.
The meeting showed little support for the Conservative candidate.
It could be that the euro-election has so far failed to draw any appreciable support, or that the public will not easily forget that it was the Conservative party, when in office, who closed the naval dockyard, causing a serious economic turndown.
It was also the Conservative party which first agreed to discuss Gibraltar’s sovereignty with Spain under the terms of the Brussels Agreement.
Opposition 'will not be bound by any deal between GSD government and MOD'
MOD cuts at centre of lands/regiment deal - says Opposition
The Opposition say they wish to make it clear for the record that in Government it will not consider itself bound by any agreement between the GSD Government and the Ministry of Defence over lands in Gibraltar which contain aspects with which we disagree. The Opposition will keep a close eye on developments and Opposition Leader Joe Bossano will forcefully drive this message home to the Secretary of State for Defence Geoff Hoon when he meets him today.
An Opposition statement adds: The GSD Government must understand that the Opposition has a duty to raise issues which are brought to our attention by affected parties in the same way as they used to do when they were in Opposition. It is no invention by the Opposition. Serving soldiers themselves were told that they would be in Chilton Court as tenants of the Gibraltar Government as opposed to being tenants of the Ministry of Defence, to the extent that they would be able to stay there after ending their military career in fulfilment of a 1991 Gibraltar Government commitment to provide housing on retirement for members of the Regiment. This is why the information was made public by the Opposition.
ALTERNATIVE
The Opposition say that they understand that an alternative is now being considered by introducing a new layer between the Government and the tenant. This has happened after the Opposition publicly aired its concerns. Although the finer details remain to be seen when Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon makes the announcement during his visit, it is clear to the Opposition that Gibraltarian soldiers serving as part of the military establishment in Gibraltar will be subject to different conditions to the rest of the serving British military personnel.
The Opposition understands that out of the 112 units in Chilton Court, 43 are currently occupied by Gibraltar Regiment personel and at the end of the deal there will be 80.
JOBS THREAT
The whole exercise of the release of MOD land and the downsizing of the Regiment appears to be driven by a desire to reduce the MOD budget in Gibraltar, which inevitably means lower levels of employment in the MOD.
It is revealed that a study into the role and future of the Regiment has been conducted by the British Forces Gibraltar Chief of Staff, Colonel Camp, and the review leads to a recommendation for reducing the size of the Gibraltar Regiment. As well as the disbanding of one of the TA companies, as is already known, it also includes doing away with the HQ Company and redeploying its personnel to other parts of British Forces Gibraltar. In some cases the redeployed soldiers would take over civilian posts, reversing the trend of the last 30 years of civilianisation. There are also changes to the band of the Regiment as it exists today. The overall complement of the Regiment at over 400 regular and TA would be substantially cut back.
The Opposition says it is convinced that "the future of the Regiment is therefore inextricably tied to the land deal that Mr Caruana has negotiated with Mr Hoon. They will try and sell the positive aspects of the deal and play down the negative ones."
Gibraltar must vote in EU referendum
The Opposition note that there has been press and political comment in the United Kingdom on the possibility that the British Government is about to make a commitment to hold a referendum on the new EU Constitutional Treaty.
The Opposition considers that if a decision is taken to hold a referendum in the United Kingdom, "this should be one in which Gibraltar participates, given that it has now been accepted that we have the right to vote for the European Parliament, it should follow logically that we should vote in any referendum which involves approving any changes in the structure of the European Union."
Gibraltar residents to appear in tobacco smuggling case in Spain
Gibraltar residents will be asked to give evidence at a major court case in Spain concerning charges of tobacco smuggling. The Spanish court authorities say that orders for Gibraltar witnesses will be made via the Spanish foreign ministry and the UK government.
CIVIL GUARDS
The case is about the arrest of 16 persons in 2002, including nine civil guards. The civilians are charged with belonging to a ring dealing in the smuggling of tobacco across the frontier.
Jail sentences of up to 15 years are requested by the prosecution for the civil guards,with jail sentences of 12 years for the others.
Charges against the civil guards include allowing tobacco to be smuggled from Gibraltar to Spain. Their defence is that at the time, in 2001, vehicles belonging to the tobacco ring were searched but did not lead to any tobacco being discovered.
UNDERCOVER AGENT
However, the guardia civil
headquarters had been suspecting the existence of an organised gang that dealt with tobacco from Gibraltar. An undercover agent is said to have infiltrated the organisation, obtaining employment in a store in Gibraltar where the alleged smugglers obtained the tobacco.
The defence had argued that the case should be annulled due to the civil guard headquarters having committed a serious irregularity in allowing one of its members to operate undercover outside Spanish territory.
However, the "Operacion Cartulina"case will begin to be heard in Algeciras next November, said Europa Press.
‘Marathon’ from sea level to top of the Rock
Gibraltar will host its first international
mountain race on Sunday 30th May, in conjunction with the World Mountain Running Association, whose President Danny Hughes (pictured) will be present on the day.
The event was launched last Thursday by Fred Chappory (pictured below), President of the Gibraltar Amateur Athletic Association and Minister for Sport Clive Beltran, as part of the Tercentenary celebrations and to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the GAAA.
The First International Rock of Gibraltar Mountain Race will be raced over macadamised surfaces with sharp inclines and descents. The men will race over 11 kilometres with the women competing over 8 kilometres and will start from Queensway car park.
It’s open to men and women and veteran men (over 40) and women (over 35), with handsome cash prizes ranging from £ 1,000 to £ 50.
All finishers will receive a commemorative medal, certificate and T-shirt.
Fifty-two top world and European athletes have already pledged their attendance, twenty of them being world or European champions.
The marathon is open to everyone, so get your sneakers and start exercising!
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