Gibraltar Today

What is the ambiente like in London, with the UK election having been called? We spoke to Gibraltar’s Representative to the UK Dominique Searle about this. He was in the UK parliament earlier this week, sat behind the Foreign Secretary Lord David Cameron, so we were keen to hear about his experience and to learn more about his role. Despite concerns, there were no queues at the frontier this morning. The Borders and Coastguard Agency did not go ahead with planned industrial action. It follows last minute discussions between BCA shop stewards and Unite the Union. Our reporter Kevin Ruiz was at the frontier first thing this morning.Have you got a talent that you discovered during lockdown? Lots of people began new hobbies during that time and Ella Cruz found her way of expressing herself through poetry. Her book, “Decorate yourself with Flowers” represents her emotions and feelings. We spoke to Ella about her work. Danza Academy’s Anne Marie Gomez was invited to be a judge at the Fitkid 30th Anniversary Spanish Nationals and Open Championship. She was joined by judges from Poland, Serbia, Hungary, Italy, England and Spain. The Academy is also working hard ahead of the Global Dance Open in Holland in July. Last year Danza achieved 56 placing at the Finals. We spoke to Anne Marie to the studio alongside three of her students May Montegriffo Santos, Robyn Xiberras and Celine Scortino.

An emotional Sir David Steel has bid his farewells in town, with well-wishers lining Main Street. The Governor said it had been a privilege to be a part of the community and was proud to call Gibraltar his home. He was due to board afternoon flight to the UK. Jonathan Sacramento was present at the Guard Mount and told us what the atmosphere was like as the Governor made his way along Main Street.Yesterday, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called a General Election for the 4th July. The UK Parliament will be dissolved next Thursday. Fabian Picardo says technical talks towards an EU/UK Treaty over Gibraltar can continue despite the EU and UK elections. The Chief Minister believes an agreement is still possible even if the ratification of a treaty would have to wait till a new administration is in place in the UK. Christine Vasquez brought us the details.Ever wondered what it's like to be a film director? or an actor? Last night, local film director & writer Martin Nuza premièred his latest production at a private viewing on the Sunborn hotel. "In Tenebras: Into The Darkness" is a story of two brothers who embark on an adventure of a lifetime - a journey deep inside the WW2 tunnels of Gibraltar to find a lost treasure. We welcomed Martin Nuza to our studio - alongside Tayah Kansik, John Wickholm and Rebecca Davis, all of whom star in the film.And, what we know as 'Belly Dancing' these days is a modern interpretation of an ancient dance - some experts believe it dates back as far as 6,000 years from Turkey and Egypt. Today it is practiced around the globe, and our very own Henry Sacramento has been helping promote the art - he recently returned from a Belly Dance Festival in Vienna.

There were tears at the Convent as the Governor and Chief Minister addressed each other at a Convent reception ahead of Sir David Steel’s departure. Fabian Picardo presented Sir David Steel with the keys to the City of Gibraltar as a memento of his time on the Rock. Sir David said it had been a privilege to be a part of Gibraltar’s community, and was proud to call Gibraltar his home. Jonathan Sacramento was at the event and witnessed the heartfelt speeches first hand.  It's a busy time for the Royal Gibraltar Police. There were two demonstrations earlier this week, and tomorrow they will play a prominent role in the Governor's departure. There are other big events on the horizon too. Are they up to the challenge? We spoke to Superintendent & Head of Operations at the Royal Gibraltar Police Paul Chipolina. “A father and son: two halves of a whole, forever connected by love and blood.” ... and in this case: art. Last week, Freddie and Justin Poggio unveiled their exhibition at the Fine Arts Gallery. Their portfolio consists of no fewer than 70 pieces - that is a lot of painting! We caught up with both of them to talk about the exhibition in more detail.The Gibraltar Philarmonic Society is hosting an Evening of Song & Opera at the Convent, featuring distinguished voices, Sandra Ferrández and Javier Franco, accompanied by pianist Irene Alfageme. We were delighted welcome the trio to the studio, alongisde organiser - la que ta encarga - Maria Macias.

On GBC’s ‘The Needle’ last night, The Chief Minister said he didn't need a poll to talk about Brexit, it's the elephant in the room. Fabian Picardo said a Brexit treaty would deliver more EU benefits than ever, without compromising sovereignty. Meanwhile in London, The Foreign Secretary has told the European Scrutiny Committee the driving focus of Gibraltar treaty negotiations is to improve fluidity at the border with Spain. Speaking before the Commons Committee, Lord David Cameron said the system at the Gibraltar Airport would work in a similar way to checks carried out by French police at the St Pancras train station before boarding the Eurostar. Jonathan Sacramento spoke to us about the treaty negotiations in greater detail. Action for Housing has called once again on the Government to follow through on its commitment for a halfway house for men. It says following marital breakdowns it is usually men who leave the family home, and are sometimes made homeless. We invited the pressure group's Henry Pinna to the studio.The Government has reached an agreement with Solar Century Africa Limited for the design, construction, operation and maintenance of a new Battery Energy Storage System at the North Mole Power Station. The 16.5 million pound project is expected to make the power system more resilient and reduce the frequency of power cuts. Claire Hernandez told us more.And, GAMPA students have prepared a new play called 'A Monster Calls' - based on the best-selling novel by Patrick Ness - it will be performed later this month at the Inces Hall Theatre. We spoke to director Hannah Mifsud and two of the students involved: Kate Williamson and Nick Federico.

A GBC poll suggests freedom of movement is the most important aspect of the treaty negotiations for the people of Gibraltar. A majority of more than 2,100 respondents are prepared to make concessions in order to achieve that. But, many are concerned about increased Spanish influence in Gibraltar’s affairs. The poll was carried out for a new TV programme “The Needle” which airs at 9pm tonight. Anton Calderon from Gateway Media told us more about the programme.Robin Sheppard-Capurro brought us a round up of the weekend’s sports, including a win for Eagles in the Men's Hockey Challenge 2 and Netball's Campions taking gold in the Netball Europe Open Challenge. And, the ITV talent show X Factor launched twenty years ago this year. It quickly took the UK - and Gibraltar - by storm drawing in audiences of over 16 million in its pomp. Whether it was the making of a superstar or the deluded wannabe, it made for gripping television. But aside from the glitz and glam, what was it really like to be a contestant? and what was it like behind the scenes? We were joined in the studio by two local singers who had the courage to take on the X-Factor – Rima and Jeremy Perez.

The Chief Minister is back in Gibraltar following yesterday's meeting in Brussels. Fabian Picardo has told GBC the upcoming European elections are not going to stop the treaty talks progressing. He said the mood during yesterday’s six and a half hour meeting was optimistic, with the work continuing today.Meanwhile the Leader of the Opposition says there is some disappointment that nothing concrete has emerged from the latest political meetings in Brussels, after a sense of expectation had been built up. However, Keith Azopardi said it was important not to compromise safety for speed. He hopes for a positive conclusion to treaty negotiations will allow the GSD and the rest of Gibraltar to analyse the details of any agreement that is reached.Meno Wellness Gibraltar are hosting their second meet-up this weekend, inviting women to come along and engage in enlightening discussions on menopause and women's health. We spoke to organiser MJ Feeke. The annual Distinguished Gentlemen's Ride takes place this weekend as classic and vintage style motorcycles unite for men's mental health. The global event was founded in 2012 and on Sunday afternoon over 60 riders are expected to participate in Gibraltar. Clive Crisp and Liam Vasquez joined us in the studio.And, The Gibraltar Fire and Rescue Service are hosting a Open Day at their Station at Alameda Estate. It’s a family friendly event that offers a chance to learn more about fire safety and what it takes to become a firefighter. Steven Soussi told us more about what we can expect tomorrow.

The Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister have arrived at the European Commission in Brussels, ahead of the meeting to discuss the progress towards a UK-EU treaty for Gibraltar. They will meet UK Foreign Secretary Lord David Cameron, Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares, and European Commission Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič. Mr Albares spoke to the press ahead of the meeting: he said Spain had put forward solutions that were fair, just and good for both Gibraltar and the Campo. He said he did not, for Spain's part, see obstacles towards advancing to an agreement. We spoke to our news editor Christine Vasquez live from Brussles. A month or so ago, Calpe City issued apress release announcing the closure of the club.Calpe alleged Europa Point, with whom it had an agreement, had failedto fulfil its obligations, leaving Calpe no option but to shut down operations.Since then, they've been liaising with the Gibraltar Football Association andseem to have come to an encouraging compromise. Calpe City president SeamusByrne and GFA youth football coordinator Tiago Lino Da Costa joined us inthe studio. And, the Global Dance Open is one of thefastest growing dance competitions worldwide with the 2024 edition set totake place this summer. Over 35 countries have held their respectivequalifiers over the last few months to determine their entries inJuly's finals. Gibraltar held their qualifier earlier this month, inwhich an impressive haul of medals were won by the Mediterranean Dance School.Head coach Genyka Celecia, alongside two of her students, Lewis Llamas andJayce Caetano, told us more. 

The Chief Minister is travelling to Brussels today to join the Foreign Secretary, Lord David Cameron, at a meeting with European Commission Executive Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič and the Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares. On the agenda: a UK-EU treaty on Gibraltar. Our news editor Christine Vasquez brought us the latest. They say that “there is nothing more truly artistic than love." Well, earlier this week husband and wife, Karl and Chrisanne Ullger both claimed prizes at the 2024 Spring Visual Arts competition. Karl, claimed the top prize for his painting "Los Nazarenos”, while Chrisanne won the Gibraltar Theme award with "La Moto de Mr Bourne". And, some might say that food is a form of art, whether it's a chicken tikka roll with cocktail sauce or a good torta de acelga. Que bueno! If you're a foodie then take note because the 6th of July will be food heaven. Calentita night is back and there is still time to sign up. We were joined by the event’s organizer Owen Smith.

The Chief Minister has told GBC treaty negotiations are progressing well and that it could be time to take stock of where we are in the negotiations and how it compares to a no deal scenario. He added that if negotiations had to continue, it would not be Gibraltar who left the table first. Fabian Picardo says a treaty of some form could have been ready earlier, but it had needed to be acceptable. What is Dyslexia? What tend to be a dyslexic person’s strengths and weaknesses? The charity Dyslexia Gibraltar is holding a workshop designed to support parents. It’s happening on Thursday and will be led by Dyslexia Assessor Jessica Byrne and Special Needs teacher Clare Francis.The Royal Shakespeare Company are back on the Rock and are performing unique renditions of his works geared to a young audience. The theatre group aim to engage with upper primary and comprehensive school students and introduce them to Shakespeare’s plays in a fun and playful way. Ian Triay Clarence was able to see one of their performances.And, RifCom is a non-profit charitable organization run by volunteers from Gibraltar and Spain. To mark their 15th anniversary they have a special challenge planned later this year: a 100km trekking challenge. It’s a great opportunity to experience the Atlas Mountains and Sahara Desert. We spoke to Julian Campbell, Tom Cawthorn and Anthony Ladislaus from RifCom about their plans.