Gibraltar Today

As the first instalment of 2025, we begin today’s episode of the podcast by zooming out somewhat. What are the major stories the GBC newsroom is anticipating for the year ahead? We spoke to editor Christine Vasquez and senior broadcast journalist Christina Cortes, who also took the opportunity to have a quick look back at the stand-out stories of 2024.January is typically a time for change. Many feel inspired to better themselves and lead healthier lifestyles. Lianne Agius’ story is sure to inspire you too. In August last year she embarked on a life-changing journey, as she took on the 500km trek along the Camino de Santiago. And, the Alameda Botanic Gardens are offering new audio-guided tours! Ellie Ulloa told us about both the historical and horticultural tours and how visitors can access them. 

We are live in Casemates Square for todays edition of Gibraltar Today.There's also Part 3 of the News Review of the Year.

On todays episode of Gibraltar Today...We speak to Jonathan Sacramento about the passing of Mesod Belilo at the age of 78.-Local singer Simon Dumas joins us in the studio to fill us in on future plans in terms of his career.-And we present part 2 of the News Review of the Year.

On todays episode of Gibraltar Today,We speak to Charles Sisarello on his new book 'British Overseas Territories Family'.-A local football referee who has been officiating on the rock for some time now has decided to hang up his boots, and his red and yellow cards!-And lastly we finish with Part 1 of the News Review of the Year.

Local charity Action4schools joined forces with local supplier Wastage Products Limited (WPM) and Xylem Watermark Spain celebrated the completion of its 106th water well in Moyamba, Sierra Leone. We spoke to the founder of Action4Schools, Jimmy Bruzon.Since the 2024 Cultural Awards, we've been inviting all the winners into the studio to reflect on their respective years. The ‘Best Educational Project’ was awarded to Claire Montado. Her innovative book, 'Women of Gibraltar', profiles 25 remarkable women from Gibraltar’s history, from the Neanderthal era to present day.St. John Ambulance have been in Gibraltar for over 130 years. The charity's priority is the community and they are delighted to have acquired an additional new ambulance which they hope will add to their capabilities and resilience. We spoke to Franco Cassar.This year the start of the Jewish festival of lights coincides with Christmas. Hanukkah follows the Hebrew calendar aligning with the 25th of December in the Gregorian calendar. Levi Attias of the Jewish community told us more.And the Governor has issued a certificate to terminate the tenancy of the Murga Bar at the Victoria Stadium. Sir Ben Bathurst has used his authority under Section 66 of the Landlord and Tenant Act, to end tenancies when the property being redeveloped is deemed necessary for the public interest for the economic development of Gibraltar. GBC understands Alan Asquez, the owner of the Murga Bar, is taking legal action to quash it. Jonathan Sacramento told us more.

“Turning loss in to light" is the slogan of the Kabir Ramchandani Foundation - a charity set up in tribute to the late Kabir Advani, who tragically passed away in 2021 at the age of just 32. Christmas a busy period for the charity Colin Grech and our very own Iain Triay-Clarence are both involved, and told us about their latest initiative: a Christmas fundraiser to support Families in Need.A new inquest into the deaths at sea incident in 2020 will go ahead. The Privy Council has upheld the Court of Appeal's decision to hold a fresh inquest, and denied the family of the deceased permission to appeal. The incident, in which an RGP vessel collided with a smugglers' launch, resulted in the death of two men. Jonathan Sacramento told us more.Dean of Gibraltar Ian Tarrant to tell us what Christmas means to him, as well as the differences with the way Roman Catholics celebrate Christmas. In the face of consumerism, he was keen to emphasise what's important at this time of year.With Christmas Eve just one day away festive meals and treats are high up the list of priorities for many. One person ready to cook a feast is chef, Vijay Vatvani. He gave us some tips for making a delicious Christmas turkey.As well as the food, many look forward to the family get-togethers, the presents... and the traditional polar bear swims on Boxing Day! There are two popular spots for it: Catalan Bay and the Quari - Becca Ramirez organises the latter.And Jose Mari Ruiz reported on the weekend’s football results and told us what festive sporting events we can look forward to over the next few days.  

Fraud is on the rise - so how do we tackle it? The Chamber of Commerce is offering workshops to members to help them guard against online fraud. Kath Grant and Andrew Fitzgerald told us more.The Chief Minister says the Leader of the Opposition misled Parliament when he cropped a photo of a lease document to remove the logo of the law firm Keith Azopardi himself works at, TSN. His motion was carried - though the Opposition voted against it. Mr Azopardi said Mr Picardo was deliberately twisting things to create a mirage... to deflect from the real issue: the value for money of a rental agreement for Government offices on Queensway.Christmas is about giving, and the Environmental Agency has been distributing toys to families in need. Meanwhile the Red Cross charity has prepared almost 700 presents for those in hospital and care this Christmas. Our reporters Christina Cortes and Jonathan Sacramento have been following both charity efforts.Today marks the end of Bayside school's annual fundraising week. They held a Spinathon from Monday to Thursday, a Christmas concert on Wednesday, and so much more. Bayside's Natalie Cocklan told us how the week has gone.Jose Mari Ruiz looked ahead to this weekend’s football fixtures, as the domestic season rounds up its final games before the Christmas break.And, it's that time of the week when we fly the nest! This week we spoke to Claire Hall from Casablanca, working at a British International school. A nomad by nature, she told us about the several other countries she’s lived in around the world.

What would you do with £1 million?! We're going to get a sense of the excitement ahead of tonight’s big Christmas lottery. We spoke to our reporter Iain Triay Clarence, who was in town where there has been one last surge of purchasers hoping to buy the winning ticket.Actress and director Erica McGrail was one of two winners of the Senior Award at the recent Cultural Awards. She was joined by local artist Monica Popham, who claimed the ‘Extraordinary Achievement’ Award after an unforgettable year! We caught up with them for their reactions to winning their respective awards, and what they have in the pipeline for the new year.Students from Bayside School have spent the last few days putting together hampers for families in need. The initiative is a collaborative effort between Fr Charlie and the school, with others helping along the way. Claire Hernandez was there when the hampers were delivered to St Teresa’s Church.And, food is important at Christmas, as is tradition. Broadcast legend Pepe Palmero, known by many as the face of ‘Pepe’s Pot’, has been visiting Comprehensive Schools in recent weeks to share his knowledge of local customs for the festive period.

The Leader of the Opposition Keith Azzopardi was in the studio, who promised to ‘tell it straight’ and be honest with the electorate, answering questions from listeners on topics ranging from affordable housing to treaty talks and congestion on the roads. Eager shoppers have taken to Morrisons supermarket, to stock up on Christmas food. A special air freight full of festive items arrived late last night. The items were unloaded just before midnight last night and were on the shelves first thing this morning. Shelina Assomull had more details to share.And, following the success of the Governor Sir Ben Bathurst has presented cheques to a selection of local charities. Our reporter Kevin Ruiz was at the presentation and spoke to the Governor, who said plans are already underway for next year’s event.