Gibraltar Today

Parliament has been in session over the last couple of days, with a lot of information bounced back and forth between the Government and the Opposition. Some topics discussed included the relocation of residents from the Queen’s Hotel to the Sunrise Motel and changes to the payment system for local buses. Kevin Ruiz brought us the details.It’s going to be a huge couple of days of rugby on the Rock, with the annual visit of the Royal Marines! This year is particularly special: it marks the 360th anniversary of the Royal Marines and the 10th anniversary of the Royal Marines v Gibraltar Rugby fixture. We spoke to the GRFU development officer Tom Reed and national team head coach Lee Forty ahead of the big weekend. Cancer Relief's Biggest Coffee Morning took place today. Aside from the drinks and treats that we’ve come to expect from the event, this year they have also incorporated a Bake Off competition! The winning cake was a gin and tonic sponge cake by Jane Russell. Judges Sharon Garcia from Piece of Cake and GBC’s Ros Astengo told us how difficult is was to pick a favourite. Jose Mari Ruiz filled us in on all the local sport happening this weekend, with Gibraltar’s cricketers taking on Serbia and some tricky fixtures for Europa FC and St Joseph’s.And, we end the podcast on this week’s “Llanitos Abroad” feature. Recently we've travelled to Stockholm, Barcelona, Toronto. Today we caught up with multi-award-winning film, TV & games composer Hollie Buhagiar from London.

Cancer Relief's Biggest Coffee Morning takes place tomorrow. The charity was founded 41 years ago, and this will be its 10th annual Coffee Morning. And this time, for the first time ever, holding their very own Gibraltar Bake Off! Organisers Marisa Desoiza and Rowena Wallace from Cancer Relief told us more. Tonight’s ViewPoint tackles the proposed Property Tax. It's sparked fierce debate. The legislation is now tabled in Parliament. But is it fair, or will it harm the property market? Host of the show Ros Astengo said that we can expect a fiery debate. Organisers of the Clean Up the World campaign hope a lot can be achieved this year in raising awareness of littering issues, clearing more secluded habitats from long-standing waste and, reminders on how to better protect our living environment from harmful waste. Janet Howitt is preparing the 20th annual Clean up the World, which will take place on Saturday. And, the countdown is on! In under two months, Gibraltar's one and only pro boxer will be in action, hoping to extend his 100% record! We spoke to Tyrone Buttigieg fresh out of the cryotherapy chamber.

Are you fed up of answering emails late in to the night? Or calls from your boss on your day off? About a month ago, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner put to parliament a new ‘right to switch off’ policy - which would allow employees to ignore work-related WhatsApp messages and emails, or decline taking on extra work in the evenings or weekends. The idea is to create distinctive lines between work and home life in an effort to boost productivity. Should Gibraltar follow suit? We had an in-depth conversation about this in the studio with Consultant and coach Kerstin Andlaw of ThriveAsOne Consulting, Estate Agent and employer Mike Nicholls of Chestertons, and Gibraltar's Ombudswoman Wendy Cumming. 

What is Llanito? What does it mean to you? Tonight sees the start of a brand-new series called "Llanito: Exploring the Landscape". We invited co-producer Davina Barbara to the studio to tell why she feels it was important to make this documentary.The Fire and Rescue Service has begun selective industrial action after the Government stopped negotiations on a collective agreement. In response to GBC questions, the Government says it's written to the union with the aim of defusing the situation and bringing all parties to the table for continued discussion. Our News Editor Christine Vasquez spoke to Unite the Union as well as the Government. And, the Royal Marines will celebrate their Freedom of the City this Friday. It is a ceremonial honour, recognizing their distinguished service and historic ties to the city. It speaks to the respect shared between the military and the Rock’s community. But it’s also a big policing operation. We spoke to Warrant Officer Brian “Taff” Morris from British Forces Gibraltar and Police Superintendent Paul Chipolina, Head of the Operations Division.

The Chief Minister has said he trusts Labour and acknowledges that this Labour Government has gone further in protecting Gibraltar's interests than any before it. Speaking to Times Radio during the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool, Fabian Picardo said both the Labour and Conservative Governments had made mistakes in the past, but said Foreign Secretary David Lammy had insisted that Gibraltar should be represented at treaty talks. An emotional protest was held outside No.6 Convent Place this morning, where Maryam Senouni chained herself to the cannons outside the Chief Minister’s office. Her 15 year old daughter Yamina suffers from Pura Syndrome; she is wheelchair bound and requires round the clock care. Kevin Ruiz has been speaking to Maryam, who says that Yamina’s housing situation is having a major impact on her health and quality of life. Is your personal data safe? How do you look after your personal data online and on your mobile phone? Are you concerned your data might be vulnerable? Steven Sanchez from the Gibraltar Regulatory Authority explained what personal data is and how we should keep it safe. Jose Mari Ruiz brought us the latest sports news, including the Athletics Association’s 5k season curtain on Saturday, the latest in darts and a chance to try out a new sport: pickleball. Seaweed might be a nuisance at the beach, or a tasty addition to a salad, but what about its medicinal properties? Nell Cava from the University of Gibraltar is researching its potential.  And, Red Hot Chilli Peppers tribute band Otherside have released an original track in that style. Jonathan Sacramento and Daniel Ghio, the band’s lead singer and bassist, told us about the inspiration behind the new single titled “Inside Your Mind”.

There is no treaty deal yet. The talks continue. We're trying to make sense of what emerged from the meetings in Brussels. Some have said it's positive that the process continues and that there's still good will to make it happen. What is the Chief Minister's verdict on how yesterday went? He was on Viewpoint last night: our reporter Christina Cortes has been listening back to Mr Picardo's comments. We also hear reactions from the Leader of the Opposition Keith Azopardi, editor of the Gibraltar Chronicle Brian Reyes, former GSD Minister Peter Montegriffo, and Diario Area editor Pablo Gomez.It’s Wear Purple Day, and the volunteers at the Gibraltar Alzheimers and Dementia Society and the GHA are encouraging everyone in the community to show support and raise awareness by wearing purple. Raising awareness of dementia reduces stigma, it fosters understanding and promotes early diagnosis and support for those affected. We spoke to the Chair of GADS, Jeanette Ochello, and looked ahead to a 24 Hour Memory Walk event that is planned for tomorrow.Jose Mari Ruiz told us the latest in local sports, including news in the world of boxing, a lookahead to rugby where Gibraltar national side are in action this weekend, and Lincoln player Liam Payas has become the youngest player to ever feature in the UEFA League competition at 14 years old. And, in this week’s Friday feature: "Llanitos Abroad" we travel to Liverpool to hear from chef Nico Fitzgerald. He enrolled at "Le Cordon Bleu" - one of the top culinary arts academies in the world – and has competed in "MasterChef: The Professionals!”

In today’s episode of the podcast we focused in on the latest round of treaty talks, happening today in Brussels. The Chief Minister is meeting the UK and Spanish Foriegn Ministers and the European Commission Vice President Maros Sefcovic. Fabian Picardo says "this treaty can be done, however devilishly complex it would have to be". But will we get a treaty today? Our news editor Christine Vasquez, reporting live from Brussles brought us the latest. And, how important is it to secure a treaty for local trade and business? We invited John Isola, President of the Chamber of Commerce, and Owen Smith, Chair of the Gibraltar Federation of Small Businesses, to express what they feel is essential in keeping business in Gibraltar thriving: frontier fluidity and shared prosperity.

A survey has been launched by The Department of Education, Director of Public Health, the Department of Paediatrics at the GHA and the University of Gibraltar. They’re asking parents and guardians to answer a few questions about the use of devices, video games and what their spending habits are when playing video games. We spoke to GHA Paediatrician Dr Lorena Soler Casale, Professor Zsolt Demetrovics of the University of Gibraltar, and by Bayside teacher Dale Moreno.Another concerned parent Selwyn Figueras has launched a petition, currently supported by over 700 signatories, calling on Government to prioritise the urgent implementation of a Department of Education-led, effective ban on the use of smartphones by children across all schools in Gibraltar. He also joined in on the discussion.And, today’s parents have a unique challenge of navigating raising their children in an increasingly digital and online world. They often have concerns about screen time and video games due to potential impacts on their children's health and well-being. Kathy Sanchez and Claire Bensadon are both parents of young children, and believe that balancing screen time and setting boundaries can help address these concerns.

There will be high level talks in Brussels as all sides continue working towards an EU/UK Treaty over Gibraltar. The Chief Minister will meet the UK and Spanish Foreign Ministers and the EU Vice President in Brussels on Thursday. The meeting follows a wide ranging bilateral in London yesterday between both Foreign Ministers. News Editor Christine Vasquez told us more. Tomorrow, Lincoln Red Imps will begin their maiden voyage in the UEFA Youth League - they host Slovenian side Maribor in the first leg of their first round qualifier at Europa Point. The senior squad have the best part of a decade of experience under their belts at this level... so how are the u19's feeling ahead of the occasion? We spoke to head coach Ryan Casciaro alongisde two of his players, Lee Chipolina and Javan Peacock. An international portrait and figurative art exhibition - Ace Art Rock & Paper II - opens this evening at The Fine Arts Gallery, and runs until 27th September. Artists Carmen Lupion, Sara Gomez, Diocles Laime and Luca Raven told us more about what inspired their pieces.  And, it was late in 1982, after 13 years, that the border, partially re-opened. It was a huge moment in Gibraltar's history, it had a big impact on daily life, on work, family, and culture. It influenced the relationship between two communities on either side of the border fence. Later this week, local documentarian Stephen Cumming will be hosting a talk across the border in La Linea, about life post-closed frontier.