Gibraltar Today

This morning the McGrail Inquiry has been hearing evidence from the Chief Minister. The former Police Commissioner Ian McGrail has accused Fabian Picardo of forcing him to leave the force early after investigating Mr Picardo’s business partner and close friend. Mr Picardo has told the Inquiry his relationship with the former Police Commissioner changed following the incident in Spanish waters that led to two deaths. The CM’s evidence is that Mr McGrail had to leave his job because there was a “catastrosphic loss of confidence” in him.If you have ever had to call for an ambulance, your call would have gone through the Gibraltar Fire & Rescue Service. But after 20 years the service has been handed over to the GHA along with a new dispatch system. Your call will now be managed by GHA dispatchers and Clinicians. To tell us more we welcomed GHA Director General, Kevin McGee to the studio.And, have you ever considered a career in Banking? Turicum Private Bank has launched a 2-year graduate programme designed to nurture talent, foster professional growth, and create future leaders in banking. It's an opportunity to work closely with experienced professionals, gain hands-on experience in various private banking operations, and develop a deep understanding of customer needs and financial products. We spoke to Deputy CEO Dr. Benjamin Moss and Chief Investment Officer Michael Cuby about the programme.

The Chairman of the Police Authority has told the McGrail Inquiry they invited the Commissioner to retire because they felt he couldn’t continue to function without the confidence of the Governor and the Chief Minister. Joey Britto said it was principally the Governor’s confidence which was important, because he had the power to call for Ian McGrail’s resignation. Mr Britto said he felt he was giving Mr McGrail the dignity to retire on his own terms. Jonathan Sacramento has been following today’s proceedings closely. And, Together Gibraltar have organised an Employment Workshop on Monday 6th May at the John Mackintosh Hall. The event is aimed at finding the gaps which are keeping locals from the most rewarding jobs. It will also explore what the government and companies could be doing to enable people in the workplace, and will feature a variety of speakers well known to the community. We spoke to Together Gibraltar’s leader Nick Calamaro as well as Karl Ghio, the party’s spokesperson on employment.

Former Police Federation Chairman, Maurice Morello, has told the McGrail Inquiry he attempted to submit a complaint against the former Commissioner. He says he was told by the Police Authority there was no mechanism in place to submit a bullying claim. Mr Morello, whose relationship with Mr McGrail was fraught, said the GPA was supportive but didn’t have the ‘oomph’ to take on the police. The meeting however was never recorded or minuted, and the GPA denies it took place. Jonathan Sacramento had the details.Members of the European Scrutiny Committee in the UK Parliament have again expressed alarm over arrangements for entry and exit of Gibraltar being discussed in the Treaty negotiations. We hear the insights from the Junior Brexit Minister David Rutley, as well as the reaction of Fabian Picardo, who has written to the Chaiman of the Committee to say that any impression that British sovereignty may be diminished in a Treaty is “abhorrent”.  GBC has launched a public opinion poll about Gibraltar’s future. The data gathered will be used in a new programme called “The Needle.” The poll covers questions on the treaty negotiations, identity and more, and is a collaboration with Gateway Media. Anton Calderon was in the studio to tell us more about the poll and how it will shape the new programme. And, Lawrence Riches is driving down from Gibraltar Point in Lincolnshire to Gibraltar in a 101 year old Model T Ford. His drive aims to raise funds for Cancer Relief. We spoke to him to see how the drive has been going – he’s currently just past Sevilla and around 300km away from the Rock. 

The McGrail Inquiry has returned after the long weekend, with Police Commissioner Richard Ullger telling the Inquiry the fraught relationship with the Gibraltar Police Federation was because its Chairman at the time, Maurice Morello, was a difficult person and a rebel who tried to make life difficult for RGP management. He said he particularly disliked Mr McGrail. Mr Ullger says the Federation now has a new Chairman and Secretary and the relationship is much better. Jonathan Scott was joined in the studio by Jonathan Sacramento, who has been following the proceedings closely.Police Superintendent John Field also gave evidence. He told the Inquiry that the police had received coordinates on the collision at sea from the Guardia Civil a day after the incident. Mr Field was the Gold Commander on shift that night, when two Spanish men died after a collision with an RGP vessel.And, the LGBTQ+ Community have organised a Walk for Pride event this Sunday. It consists of a leisurely walk to Med Steps, with a chance to grab some food and socialise afterwards. The walk aims to raise money for their main Pride event on the 22nd June. We spoke to Rafa Nuñez from the LGBTQ+ Commitee. 

The Attorney General did not advise the Chief Minister to stay away from the criminal investigation into the alleged hacking of the National Security Information System in 2020. Michael Llamas KC accepted that - in hindsight - an angry meeting between himself, the Chief Minister and the Commissioner of Police should NOT have happened. Mr Llamas accepted he didn't ask himself: maybe I shouldn’t be in the room for this. But he said it all happened very quickly as Mr Picardo was angry and Mr McGrail was in the building, so they got together. Ros Astengo was in the studio to discuss the latest on the Inquiry in more detail.And, the Health Authority will be holding its annual Skin Cancer Screening Day soon and is inviting the public to make the most of the opportunity. The Dermatology Team and a visiting Consultant Dermatologist will be on hand to look at any notable skin changes, which could indicate skin cancer. 400 appointments will be available on the 12th May at the Primary Care Centre, on a first come first served basis. We spoke to the Director of Public Health, Dr Helen Carter.

Former senior advisory counsel to the Government, Lloyd DeVincenzi, said he was concerned by the connection between Hassans, the Chief Minister and the Financial Secretary. Giving evidence at the McGrail Inquiry, Mr DeVincenzi said he was shocked when he came to know that 36 North, which was being investigated by the police, was owned by Hassans - and therefore in part by Fabian Picardo and Albert Mena. Mr DeVincenzi said "lines needed to be drawn". The Development and Planning Commission have been discussing potential plans for Devil’s Tower Road. Kevin Ruiz was at the meeting earlier today and spoke to us about the details. And, if you’re an artist it’s time to get those paint brushes or cameras out! The Alwani Exhibition is round the corner, and the deadline for submissions is at the end of the month. There are prizes totalling £10,000 up for grabs. Joseph Alecio from the Alwani Foundation told us more about the competition.

The Chief Minister has described the European Parliament vote to keep Gibraltar in the EU's list of "high-risk" third countries as a 'blip' and 'Margallo's last stand'. Fabian Picardo spoke to GBC and says Gibraltar would have never even been on this list if it weren't for Brexit. He said he expects this decision to be reversed.The family of a man left paralysed have told GBC they are relieved to have settled their legal claim with the Care Agency for over 10 million pounds. Curtis Sullivan suffered a broken neck in an accident at the Dr Giraldi home in 2013. He's needed round the clock care since. His family members, Sean Sullivan and Steve Potts had an in-depth discussion with us in the studio.And, after the slump in the cruise line industry due to covid Gibraltar seems to be recovering well, with Calypso Tours winning a "Partner of the Year" award from the Azamara Group. Kevin Ruiz brought us the details.

More than £10 million will be going to the family of a young man who - as a teenager - suffered a severe fall at the Dr Giraldi Home in 2013. For years, the matter was heading towards a Supreme Court trial, but at the eleventh hour the Government has decided it will pay up on behalf of the Care Agency.  Ian Triay Clarence brought us the details.The Divisional Sites and Service Manager for the GHA, Darren Cerisola, is poised to become the GGCA's next president. Mr Cerisola ran unopposed for the clerical Union's presidency that is being vacated by Wendy Cumming, who will become Gibraltar’s Ombudswoman in May. Both incoming and outgoing GGCA presidents joined us in the studio.And, how often do you make the most of the beautiful Alameda Gardens? Spring has sprung and with more flowers in bloom at this time of year you may want to book a tour. We spoke about these tours in more depth with the Gibraltar Botanic Gardens Education Coordinator Eli Uyoa-Chaura and Education Assistant Emily Rumble.

The two former RGP officers involved in the Collision at Sea incident in March 2020 in which two Spanish Nationals died, have had the verdict quashed on Appeal. The Judgement, handed down today, successfully overturned the 2021 Coroner's finding of "Unlawful Killing" which had been upheld in judicial review last year. The Appeal Court ruled that the Coroner's directions to the jury were "deeply flawed" and said a fresh Inquest should consider the evidence. Our reporter Ian Triay Clarence told us more. It's Earth Day, and the theme this year is 'Planet vs. Plastics'. The day serves as a reminder of the importance of environmental conservation and sustainability. It encourages us to come together and take action for a healthier planet and brighter future. One charity in Gibraltar which strives to do just that is the Nautilus Project, with a focus on marine conservation. We spoke to two of the charity's Youth Monitors, Erin Villa-Quick and Mikey Rugeroni.And, we spoke at length about all things sports! Robin Sheppard-Capurro brought us the latest in local sports, and we also checked in with Jamie Pratts who took on the London Marathon over the weekend. The Gibraltar Rugby Football Union is on the lookout for volunteers to help out with a massive tournament coming to the Rock this summer; 'Gibraltar 7s' will see 50+ teams compete with over 850 participants. We spoke to Rugby Development Officer, Tom Read, in the studio.