Debbie Bartlett
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Gibraltar
Following two incursions this week by kayakers into the Gorham's Cave complex, which is a protected World Heritage Site, the authorities have issued a reminder that it is an offence to land on Governor's Beach and/or access the caves. The penalties r
Gibraltar
Coronavirus has become a dreaded word for people all over the world but, as the saying goes, every cloud has a silver lining and some good has come out of the Covid-19 crisis in the shape of eight-year-old Jake Torres from Gibraltar, who has written
Gibraltar
Testing for coronavirus which is being carried out in Gibraltar has detected several cross-border workers who have proven positive, most of them employed in the care sector. This is now reflected in the daily figures issued by the government, showing
LifeStyle | Gibraltar
It is a largely unknown fact that during WW2 the British government decided to turn Gibraltar into a fortress to stop Hitler and Franco seizing it, and ordered all women, children, the elderly and infirm to be evacuated to make room for the troops.
Gibraltar
The Gibraltar National Museum may have been closed, but nothing was going to stop it holding its annual Open Day and the virtual version proved a huge success. On the day its Facebook site had a reach of 15,745, which was 152 per cent up on the pr
Gibraltar
It was announced this week that the new Governor of Gibraltar is to be Vice-Admiral Sir David Steel KBE, DL, who will be taking up his new post in June. Sir David retired from a full career in the Royal Navy as a Vice Admiral and as Second Sea Lor
Gibraltar
With the number of active Covid-19 cases down to low single figures for some time, Gibraltar is now taking further steps to 'Unlock The Rock' from the strict restrictions which have been in force for over two months. Phase 2 of the plan began on Mo
Gibraltar
Two senior officials from a locally based international construction firm have been arrested on suspicion of bribery and perverting the course of public justice. The Royal Gibraltar Police said this week that the arrests followed allegations that i
Gibraltar
Art lovers need not feel deprived by the lockdown restrictions as online tours are now available of the Mario Finlayson National Gallery, with special interviews and commentary. The tours can be accessed at 11am on Fridays via the Gibraltar Cultura
Gibraltar
The Gibraltar government looks set to become the first in the world to test its entire community for antibodies to Covid-19. The testing will be carried out by consent but the greater the number of people who agree to the simple blood test, the mor
Gibraltar
With shops as crowded "as Christmas" according to some reports following their reopening this week, the government has called for people to shop sensibly and comply with the lockdown, as restrictions are still in force. Police officers are to patro
Gibraltar
The Gibraltar Post Office has started trialing two non-polluting e-assisted bikes this week, in collaboration with local company E-bikes Gibraltar. Gibraltar aims to go greener with some roads closed to traffic The trial will last three m
Gibraltar
Encouraged by the drop in air pollution since the coronavirus lockdown began and the fact that the amount of traffic on the roads has reduced considerably, the government is planning to close some more roads as part of its efforts to make Gibraltar g
Gibraltar
The way people use the beaches will have to change because of the coronavirus restrictions this summer, and if they fail to comply there will be no choice but to close them altogether, the Gibraltar government warned this week. The new rule will be
Gibraltar
The Gibraltar government has relaxed its lockdown rules for the first time since they came into effect over a month ago and made provision for people over the age of 70 to take exercise outdoors if they so wish. Several places have been allocated
Gibraltar
The Gibraltar government is planning a gradual easing of the lockdown measures which were introduced a month ago, as the coronavirus statistics show few new cases and a high recovery rate. However, it warns that the easing of restrictions will have t
Gibraltar | What to do
Nearly 5,000 people with an interest in Gibraltar and its history have gone online and visited the National Museum's website and social media pages since it set up its Virtual Museum two weeks ago. Posts have ranged from archaeology to social hist
Gibraltar
British Airways is still running flights into Gibraltar from UK but the government is warning British travellers not to try to enter Spain across the land border from Gibraltar unless they are legally resident and have documentation to prove it. O
Gibraltar
Back in the days when Gibraltar was preparing for every possible Brexit scenario, including Britain leaving the EU without a deal, it was decided that the Gibraltar Health Authority needed to be as self-sufficient as possible and less reliant on medi
LifeStyle
On 17 April 1492, Christopher Columbus achieved the first step towards his dream of setting off westwards to find a quicker route to the Maluku Islands, a trading centre for spices, when the voyage for which the Portuguese king had refused funding wa
Gibraltar
This is a difficult time and there may be a lockdown in force but Easter just wouldn't seem like Easter without chocolate eggs and any residents of the four 'pensioner estates' in Gibraltar who were worried about missing out found their fears were un
Gibraltar
Cruise liners are banned from Gibraltar at present, with the only exception being those carrying no passengers that make a technical call for fuel and supplies. The latest ship to do so was the Star Flyer, which came on Wednesday. As usual, the cr
Gibraltar
Different areas of Gibraltar have benefited from new trees and plants recently as part of the government's Green Gibraltar initiative. The most recent additions are two Tipuana trees along Rosia Road promenade and almond trees, oleanders and rosem
Gibraltar
The chief minister of Gibraltar, Fabian Picardo, sent a message to the Queen after her televised message on Sunday evening, saying her speech had been gratefully received "as we too rally together and brave this storm to protect our loved ones". H
Gibraltar
As in other countries, the people of Gibraltar are in lockdown and have to stay at home unless essential. However, this does not mean they are remaining passive in the fight to stop the Covid-19 virus. Health minister Paul Balban announced this we
Gibraltar
The iconic Moorish castle in Gibraltar is illuminated in blue every evening in tribute to the health workers and essential services, but on Tuesday night some of the lighting didn't appear to be working and when technicians went to investigate they d
Gibraltar
The cruise liner Viking Sea made a short visit to Gibraltar on Wednesday to take on fuel and supplies and dispose of waste. This was a purely technical call, as the ship was carrying no passengers and the crew were not permitted to disembark due t
Gibraltar
UK prime minister, Boris Johnson, who tested positive for coronavirus after suffering symptoms recently, has sent a message pledging support for Gibraltar. In a letter to the chief minister, Fabian Picardo, dated 28 March, he said additional suppl
Gibraltar
It was announced with great sadness on Thursday that a man in his fifties who had died in Gibraltar may have been suffering from coronavirus, but test results were pending so the authorities were unable to confirm whether the virus had been the cause
Gibraltar
In what he described as the hardest decision he had ever had to make in his political career so far, Gibraltar's chief minister, Fabian Picardo, announced on Sunday afternoon that a "total social lockdown" would begin from 12.01am on Tuesday, because
Gibraltar
Gibraltar's iconic Moorish castle is glowing blue every evening during the coronavirus crisis in a show of support for essential services and healthcare professionals. This began yesterday at 8pm, the time when many local people go out onto their
Gibraltar
Seven former Governors of Gibraltar have sent a letter to the population expressing their support in the face of the global coronavirus epidemic. The letter, signed by Lord Luce, Sir David Durie, Sir Francis Richards, Lieutenant General Sir Robert
Gibraltar
In what he described as "the hardest decision I have had to make in my political career so far", Gibraltar's chief minister announced on Sunday afternoon that a "total social lockdown" will come into force at zero hours on Tuesday (24 March), for an
Gibraltar
Cruise ships are no longer able to visit Gibraltar, but the World Dream will be coming on Saturday 21 March for a purely technical call. The ship is carrying no passengers and the crew will not be permitted to disembark, nor will shore-based staff
Gibraltar
Easyjet cancelled its flight from Bristol to Gibraltar on Thursday, apparently because of a lack of demand for the service. The airline also contacted passengers due to fly to or from Gatwick and Manchester to say their flights have been cancelled
Gibraltar | What to do
The Gibraltar National Museum may have closed its doors to visitors because of the coronavirus but it is still possible for those anyone who is interested to enjoy the history, archaeology, heritage and natural history of the Rock online, thanks to i
Gibraltar
It was a sobering end to a serious speech. "My dear friends, our resilience will be tested, but our resolve will never be broken. Stay safe. Keep your loved ones safe. If you believe, pray. And if you don't, hope. Because better times will come. We w
Gibraltar
Things have been changing very rapidly in Gibraltar this week, as the government keeps up to date with developments regarding the coronavirus situation. On Wednesday, the government advised those over 70 and anyone with chronic health conditions t
LifeStyle
Travel and the transportation of goods in south-west Spain became much easier after 13 March 1861, when the railway line between Seville and Cadiz was inaugurated. The project had been planned some years earlier but it turned out to be problematic as
Gibraltar
Marina Bay is about to have a major upgrade, including an expansion to the marina with new Marinteck pontoon berths, 144 high-end rental apartments in a complex called Marina Club and new infrastructure with enhanced facilities. The number of berths
Gibraltar
A case of coronavirus, or COVID-19, was confirmed in Gibraltar on Tuesday and the authorities stepped up their actions to try to prevent the risk of the illness spreading. The patient's identity has not been revealed to protect his privacy, but it
Gibraltar
Easyjet flights between Edinburgh and Gibraltar are due to begin on 31 March and the Gibraltar Tourist Board held a roadshow in the city's Balmoral Hotel on Tuesday to showcase the attractions of the Rock. This was the fourth roadshow, following succ
Gibraltar
The two-week bereavement leave for parents who lose a child is to be extended. The regulation originally applied to parents of children aged under 18, or those who suffered a stillbirth from 24 weeks of pregnancy, but the government recognises that
Gibraltar
The 2020 Drama Festival will take place from Monday 16 to Friday 20 March at the John Mackintosh Hall. There will be 11 plays, and performances begin at 7pm each day. Tickets can be purchased in advance from the John Mackintosh Hall from Wednesd
Gibraltar
The Spirit of Discovery cruise ship, which was due to visit Gibraltar on Saturday was asked not to do so and to continue its journey to Southampton after its captain warned that there were 89 suspected cases of Norovirus among the 868 passengers and
Gibraltar | Education
Seven teachers at Bayside, Westside and St Bernard's Upper Primary schools have now been accredited as Climate Change teachers. The course includes topics such as climate change science, gender and the environment, children and climate change, cit
LifeStyle
On 7 February 1992, Spain and Britain were among the 12 members of the European Community to sign the Treaty on European Union, informally known as the Maastricht Treaty after the Dutch city in which this took place. The other EC members at the time
Gibraltar
The people of Gibraltar will wake up on Saturday morning and find the EU flag no longer flies on the Rock, having been replaced with the Commonwealth flag instead. That, however, should be the only difference they notice, says the Gibraltar governmen
Gibraltar
Two picnic sites on the Upper Rock are now ready for the warmer spring weather. The one at Jews' Gate, at the lower entrance to the path leading to Mediterranean Steps, has been refurbished, and a new area with tables and benches has been created
Gibraltar
The Environment Department is asking people to come forward if they have any information about the deaths of a number of yellow-legged gulls who appear to have been poisoned. It is illegal to kill any wild birds on Gibraltar, including gulls, and
Gibraltar
The Royal Gibraltar Police has appointed PC Allan Bartram as liaison officer for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community. He will wear rainbow epaulettes on his uniform and raise awareness among colleagues and promote understanding ab
Gibraltar
A joint operation carried out by the Royal Gibraltar Police and Spain's Policía Nacional has resulted in the arrest of 47 people who are said to have been involved in peopletrafficking between Morocco and Spain or other European countries via Gibralt
Gibraltar
Information posters about the Gibraltar branch of the Samaritans, GibSams, are being displayed on buses and bus stops as part of a campaign to raise awareness of the service it provides. GibSams have a confidential helpline offering a listening ser
Gibraltar
Entries are invited from Gibraltar residents attending years 9 to 13 in local schools or local artists aged up to 24 for the Annual Art Competition for Young Artists. The closing date is 6pm on 14 February. Entries must be original and previously
Gibraltar
Those with real Christmas trees to dispose of can do so in an environmentally-friendly manner by taking them to the Civic Amenities Facility in Europa Advance Road. The trees, which would not survive in the local climate if planted, will be shredde
Gibraltar
The 2020 New Year message from chief minister Fabian Picardo was upbeat but didn't pull any punches: challenges lie ahead in this Brexit year, and everybody must be ready to do their bit to overcome them. He said logistical problems will undoubted
Gibraltar
After a public outcry, Spanish singer Original Elias was told just hours beforehand that he was no longer welcome to perform at the Reggaeton Festival last Friday. The decision came after the artist posted a video on social media which included th
Gibraltar
A campaign by the World Trade Center to help underprivileged children at Christmas received a tremendous response from the local community. This annual charity campaign resulted in the donation of 480 gifts from members of the World Trade Center and
Gibraltar
The Attorney General, Michael Llamas, is among three Gibraltarians to feature on the Queen's New Year Honours List. Mr Llamas has been appointed as a CMG (Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George) for services to Gibraltar, while Debbie Bor
National
As 2019 comes to an end, we thought we would take a look back at some of the stories that made the headlines in SUR in English during the year. January Tragedy strikes as little boy disappears down a bore hole The tragic story that gripped an e
Gibraltar
The members of the Gibraltar Federation of Small Businesses have voted unanimously at a recent EGM to unite with the Women in Business Gibraltar association, which was founded in the 1990s as The Gibraltar Business Network. Following approval of t
Gibraltar
With the United Kingdom and Gibraltar preparing to leave the European Union on 31 January, technical talks have been scheduled in Madrid on the 14th and 15th between officials from Gibraltar, the UK and Spain. These preparatory talks will be with
Gibraltar
Many people struggle with loneliness and different problems at Christmas and New Year, but Gibraltar has its own branch of the Samaritans, GibSams, who are there to help. The hotline number is 116 123 (the same number as UK) and it offers a comple
Gibraltar
Environment minister John Cortes attended the 25th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties in Madrid recently, not only to represent the Rock but as Political Lead of the UK Overseas Territories, representing their governments in the UK delegatio
LifeStyle
The Methuen Treaty, or Port Wine Treaty, as it became known, was signed between Portugal and England in 1703, during the early years of the Spanish War of Succession, to establish trading relationships between the two countries. At the beginning o
Gibraltar
Santa's Grotto and other events at Ocean Village have raised over £2,200 for the Wobbles Children's Charity, during a magical eight-day Christmas festival. Founder Frankie Hatton said Wobbles was thrilled at being chosen: "As a children's charity,
Gibraltar
Gibraltar will be seeing in the New Year in style, with live music starting at 10.30pm in Casemates Square on Tuesday 31 December and continuing until 3am on New Year's Day. The entertainment includes a spectacular firework display at midnight, and
Gibraltar
The government announced on Wednesday that it has begun legal proceedings against the Spanish far-right party Vox for inciting hatred towards the people of Gibraltar, including statements urging violent action. It says Vox is abusing the right of f
Gibraltar
GibAir has apologised after Easyjet passengers' luggage was accidentally loaded onto the wrong planes last Sunday. The bags for the Gatwick flight were put into the hold of the plane heading to Manchester, and vice versa. Passengers were reunited
Gibraltar
The chief minister of Gibraltar, Fabian Picardo, made a statement to the Gibraltar parliament on Monday about the results of the UK election and the way forward with Brexit, which is expected to take place on 31 January. Fabian Picardo said that w
The Gibraltar Philharmonic Society is organising the New Year's Concert at the John Mackintosh Hall on Tuesday 7 January at 8.30 pm. Tickets cost £20 and are available from Sacarello's Coffee Shop in Irish Town, the Silver Shop at 222 Main Street,
Gibraltar
Preparatory works are about to begin for the project to turn The Mount into a green area, resembling the Commonwealth Park but with woodland and in the south of Gibraltar. It will become a recreation area with a research and discovery park, and the p
Gibraltar
The Alameda Gardens tours will continue on the last Saturday of each month (except December) next year, starting at 10.30am from the George Don Gates. The guided tours of these fascinating botanical gardens, which also have an interesting history,
Gibraltar
The Easyjet airline has announced that it is to begin direct flights between Gibraltar and Edinburgh from late March next year, and this will be the first connection between Gibraltar and Scotland. There will be two flights a week, all through the
Gibraltar
A further stage of restoration works is being carried out on the Grand Battery, one of the key military monuments which formed part of Gibraltar's Northern Defences. The first phase of the works included the removal of a World War Two blast wall,
Gibraltar
The Royal Gibraltar Police (RGP) are cracking down hard on drink-driving with a special pre-Christmas campaign which includes the warning that drivers can still be under the influence of alcohol the morning after a night of heavy drinking. In a ha
Gibraltar
The Christmas lights in the town centre were due to be switched on last Friday but due to the bad weather it was decided to incorporate the Festival of Lights into the Winter Party in Town on Saturday afternoon and evening, instead and what a truly s
Gibraltar
The chief minister Fabian Picardo, financial secretary Albert Mena, commissioner for income tax, John Lester and finance centre director Jimmy Tipping attended the 10th anniversary meeting of the Global Forum of the Organisation for Economic Cooperat
Gibraltar
The Gibraltar Federation of Small Businesses has announced the opening of applications for next years GFSB Business Innovation Award sponsored by Gibtelecom. The application form can be found on the Awards page at www.gfsb.gi and needs to be submi
Gibraltar
Gibraltar is a small place with a growing population and a thriving economy so it needs housing and office space, but a group of local residents who are fed up with the constant noise and dust from construction have begun a petition on Change.org to
LifeStyle
There is a saying that from little acorns great oak trees grow, and that certainly seems applicable to the Casa de la Memoria La Sauceda, in Jimena de la Frontera, Cadiz province, which has just celebrated its third anniversary. This information ce
LifeStyle
On 22 November 1975, two days after the death of dictator General Francisco Franco, Prince Juan Carlos was sworn in as King of Spain. Franco had ruled with an iron hand for 36 years, after winning the 1936 to 1939 civil war, so this was a turning poi
Gibraltar
The chief minister and deputy chief minister of Gibraltar held a meeting with the president of the Mancomunidad de Municipios of the Campo de Gibraltar, Juan Lozano, on Wednesday morning. The meeting took place at No 6 Convent Place, the seat of t
Gibraltar
The High Commissioner of Canada, Janice Charette, was in Gibraltar on a fact-finding visit this week. She was welcomed at the airport by deputy chief minister Dr Joseph Garcia, who is responsible for relations with the Commonwealth, and held meetin
Gibraltar
This year's Winter Party in Town returns to Casemates Square on Saturday 23 November, starting with children's activities at 4pm and music and dance performances from 4.30pm until late. This event offers fun for all the family, and the headline ban
Gibraltar
Gibraltar was able to lay a wreath for the first time at the UK's National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph in Whitehall last Sunday, and the honour of doing so was given to Dominique Searle MBE, Gibraltar's Representative to the United Kingdom
Gibraltar
The PSOE party gained the most seats in last Sunday's general election in Spain, but lost three seats compared with the last election in April and still does not have a majority in parliament. The result was no surprise, as pre-election polling had i
Gibraltar
An exhibition to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Gibraltar National Archive will be taking place at the Fine Arts Gallery from 5 to 23 November. The exhibition, which is organised by the present archivist, Anthony Pitaluga, will be accompa
Gibraltar
The mayor of Gibraltar, John Gonçalves, travelled to Ballymena recently to unveil a memorial plaque for the 42 people from Gibraltar who died while evacuated there during the Second World War. Altogether, three plaques were unveiled. The Gibraltar
Gibraltar
The Sky Princess cruise ship is currently on her maiden voyage and Gibraltar was one of the stops on her itinerary this week. The ship set off from Athens and will finish its cruise in Rome on 3 November. Gibraltar's new minister for Tourism, Vija
Gibraltar
British citizens who moved from the UK to Gibraltar in the past 15 years will be able to vote in the British general election on 12 December. They can register to vote in the UK as an overseas voter as long as they are a British or eligible Irish
Gibraltar
The government announced this week that it will propose, in a motion to be tabled in the first session of the new Parliament, that the date for the referendum on legalising abortion will be Thursday 19 March 2020. This will be a vote on the comme
Gibraltar
The Open Day at the Alameda Gardens will take place on Sunday 3 November, to raise funds for the biodome education centre. There will be behind-the-scenes tours, raptor displays, Feasts with the Beasts at the wildlife centre, Capoeira and animal m
Gibraltar
Incoming mail will no longer have to take a roundabout route to reach Gibraltar from the UK, thanks to the government's Brexit contingency planning. A new agreement with Royal Mail means letters and parcels will now be delivered directly to Gibral
Gibraltar
Two Borders and Coastguard officers and two Customs officers have been suspended while an investigation is carried out into an incident when five uniformed Protección Civil volunteers from the village of El Burgo drove into Gibraltar in one of the Sp
Gibraltar
Juan Franco, the mayor of La Línea de la Concepción, visited Gibraltar on Thursday for a meeting with newly re-elected chief minister Fabian Picardo and members of the government, including Dr Joseph García, deputy chief minister and leader of the Li
Gibraltar
The GSLP-Liberals have won the General Election in Gibraltar that took place on Thursday. The party led by Chief Minister Fabian Picardo has been voted in for a third four-year term with 52.5 per cent of the votes. Picardo received the highest number
Gibraltar
A long-planned anti-Brexit protest in La Línea is still expected to go ahead tomorrow (Saturday), even though the British government and the EU say they have reached agreement over a new withdrawal deal. British MPs will have to approve the deal if i
What to do
The small and picturesque village of Jimena de la Frontera in Cadiz province, just half an hour's drive inland from Sotogrande, is the focus of arts and crafts this month with an exhibition starting on Friday 11th October and a fascinating and innova
Gibraltar
A Spanish man died in a tragic incident off Eastern Beach on Monday, when his boat was involved in a collision with a Customs vessel in the middle of the night. The Royal Gibraltar Police have named the man as 42-year-old Alfredo Morodo Gutiérrez, a
Gibraltar
They may look like ordinary plastic bottles, but they are concrete slabs of the future for Gibraltar's roads, if a trial scheme which is about to begin proves successful. Following the 'Gib School Strike 4 Climate Change' and 'Parents for Future'
Gibraltar
The Mount, the home of Major General Sir William Green in the 18th century, is to become a leisure area for the public to enjoy, with event and wedding facilities, an adventure park and a Discovery Centre. There has been considerable interest in t
Gibraltar
The General Election in Gibraltar will take place on Thursday 17 October, the same day as the European Council meeting which is expected to be very important for the future of Brexit. Anyone who is eligible to vote in Gibraltar should bear in mind
Gibraltar
The Gibraltar government has begun discussions with Cirque du Soleil about creating a custom-made show which would be performed in Gibraltar for approximately one month in the spring /summer of 2020. The unique show would have Gibraltar's history,
Gibraltar
We now know what a Neolithic woman who lived in Gibraltar 7,500 years ago looked like, thanks to the facial reconstruction of a skull found in a burial site inside a cave near Europa Point in 1996. Using DNA technology, archaeologists and experts
Gibraltar
The UK government reluctantly released what it said were its contingency plans for Brexit, the so-called Operation Yellowhammer document, on Wednesday night. However it consisted of just a few pages and not the lengthy summary of the situation in
LifeStyle
It was a happy day for many in Spain, 13 September 1961, because the engagement was announced between Prince Juan Carlos de Borbón and Princess Sophia, the daughter of King Paul of Greece and Frederica of Hanover. The couple and their families were p
Gibraltar
September 10th is a day no Gibraltarian ever wants to miss, the official National Day and a public holiday, when people dress in the Gibraltar colours of red and white and gather to reinforce their commitment to self-determination and celebrate being
Gibraltar
It's music, music, music and some very famous names all the way in Gibraltar this month with a series of major events, many of which tie in with the Celebrations around National Day, which is on 10 September. On Tuesday, 3 September the Gibraltar
Gibraltar
The Gibraltar government announced on Wednesday that members of the UK Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) team were in Gibraltar working with colleagues and stakeholders on no- deal Brexit preparations. They were meeting foo
Gibraltar
There have been calls from the Teachers Union, opposition politicians and students themselves on social media to delay the start of the school year in Gibraltar's two new comprehensive schools, due to concerns that there is a rush to get them ready o
Gibraltar
The Gibraltar International Song Festival is taking place on 12 October at the Tercentenary Hall with a record-breaking number of entries from over 27 countries. Celebrating its tenth anniversary this year, the GISF is one of the most important fe
Gibraltar
Officers from the Royal Gibraltar Police recovered the lifeless body of an adult man from the sea approximately 1.5 Nm off Europa Point on Wednesday afternoon, after being alerted by the Gibraltar Port Authority. The man has not yet been identifie
Gibraltar
The minister with responsibility for the university and for the port, Gilbert Licudi, recently held a meeting with Kathryn Neilson, a director of the Merchant Navy Training Board (MNTB), as part of the preparations for the maritime training courses w
Gibraltar
Patients with a painful spine condition caused by osteoporosis can now be treated in Gibraltar, thanks to a new surgical service launched by the Gibraltar Health Authority. Previously, patients and their families had to travel to the UK for the pr
Opinion
Ferias are a bit like Marmite - you either love them or hate them, and in my case I have gone from one extreme to another. In my younger days I'd have been there, dancing the night away and sipping sherry as if there were a lagoon of it that had to b
Gibraltar
Following the publication by the Sunday Times of a leaked UK government report into the consequences of a no-deal Brexit, the Gibraltar government quickly issued a statement saying that it wasn't what it seemed. The report, part of Operation Yellow
Gibraltar
The AquaGib water company has provided two water bottle refill points in the town centre, one outside the police station in Casemates Square and the other in the Piazza, by the kiosk opposite Matalan. This is another way of reducing the use of pla
Gibraltar
Two more artists have been announced for the Gibraltar Calling Music Festival at the Europa Point Leisure Complex on 7 and 8 September. Those attending can look forward to seeing Killer Queen, the longest-established tribute band to Freddy Mercury
Gibraltar
The Ministry for Infrastructure and Planning has installed a new-style car-shaped bicycle rack at Europort Road, an area that has fast become Gibraltar's main cycling hub. The frame is in the shape of a car, as a reminder that up to ten bicycles
Gibraltar
The Supreme Court in Gibraltar decided on Thursday afternoon to release the supertanker Grace 1, which had been detained on 4 July because it was believed that the ship was carrying crude oil to a refinery in Syria and thereby contravening EU sanctio
Gibraltar
The government has announced regulations to remove all duty on cutlery and tableware made of wood. This is to encourage people to use alternatives to plastic and is in addition to the legislation that has already been introduced, banning a wide ra
Gibraltar
Dates for the diary for lovers of operetta: October 2nd and 3rd, when the popular Teatro Lírico Andaluz will be performing 'La Dolorosa' at the John Mackintosh Hall as part of the Autumn Cultural Programme. The performances begin at 8pm and tickets,
Gibraltar
The government has scrapped plans to turn the old Queen's Cinema into the Gibraltar National Theatre and decided to convert the John Mackintosh Hall instead. In an announcement this week, it was revealed that the central core of the John Mackintosh
Gibraltar
It has almost become an institution on the Rock, but the Gibraltar Crystal shop in Casemates Square has announced that it is closing down at the end of this month. However, lovers of their beautiful hand-crafted items now have the chance to snatch
Gibraltar
Matt Coulthard has been crowned British Champion at the Firefighter Challenge for the second time, and says he was thrilled to have represented Gibraltar and competed for the British title. The challenge is organised for charity and replicates the
Gibraltar
A delegation of five Members of Congress of the United States of America arrived in Gibraltar for a two-day visit on Wednesday. It follows the trip to Washington made by deputy chief minister Dr Joseph Garcia earlier this year, and was organised t
Gibraltar
The Alameda Wildlife Park's first-ever open day outside the park raised over £1,500. The event was held in Ocean Village last Saturday and children flocked to the animal learning enclosure to see the rabbits, tortoises, cockatoos and reptiles.
Gibraltar
The leading betting and gaming company bet365 has announced that it is to relocate some of its operations to Malta, where it has held a licence since 2015. The company says it plans to maintain a presence in Gibraltar, but there are fears that the
Gibraltar
'Rock of Ages', a work by Gibraltar artist Paul Cosquieri, has been selected for the prestigious 2019 Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition. Approximately 13,000 works were submitted this year, but only 700 were accepted. The summer show is the
Gibraltar
Electing the members of the European Parliament is still quite a novel experience for voters in Gibraltar, because although the Rock joined the EU (EEC) with the UK in 1973, its people were not able to vote in EU elections until 2004, and then only a
Gibraltar
The programme of events for the Spring Festival, which runs from 1 May to 20 June, has now been announced. A full run-down can be obtained from the Cultural Department, but in the meantime these are a few of the many highlights coming up soon. The
Gibraltar
The Gibraltar Health Authority is holding its annual skin cancer screening day on Saturday (13 April), from 9am to 1pm at the Primary Care Centre. Anyone interested in having moles or growths on their skin checked is asked to use the entrance via the
Gibraltar
Plans were announced this week for an ambitious new development within Gibraltar harbour, west of Coaling Island and in Port waters, which will be called Victoria Keys. The project will involve creating 60,000 square metres of new land, using mate
LifeStyle
On 12 April 1931 local elections were held in Spain for the first time in years, and the result - a landslide victory for republicans and left-wing parties - changed the course of history. The number of seats on each council was determined by the
Gibraltar
The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Climate Change in Gibraltar has acquired a drone which will be used for terrestrial and marine mammal monitoring, renewing and updating the aerial imagery of Gibraltar with new Orthophoto (geospatially
Gibraltar
The Gibraltar International Song Festival, which is open to composers and authors worldwide and was due to take place at the Tercentenary Sports Hall on 18 May, has had to be postponed. The organisers say the decision was regrettably necessary but
Gibraltar
As long as the UK government agrees to make it reciprocal, British citizens making short trips to EU countries will not have to obtain a visa even in the event of a no-deal Brexit, following legislation passed by the European Parliament on Thursday.
Gibraltar
The Gibraltar government has extended the Nature Reserve by 2.42 square kilometres, and by doing so has protected a uniquely scenic and little-known area of Gibraltar for future generations. The Devil's Tooth Green Corridor, as the area will be kn
Gibraltar
All operational and safety systems at Gibraltar's new liquefied natural gas power station are currently being tested, as part of the terminal's on-going commissioning programme. One of the tests, which was successfully carried out on Sunday, was of
Gibraltar
Excavation works at the Gorham's Cave World Heritage Site, which was the last known home of the Neanderthals, are due to begin again in early May and students from Leiden university in the Netherlands will be taking part. This year the excavations
Gibraltar
The Commonwealth flag could be seen flying in Gibraltar last weekend instead of the EU flag, to commemorate Commonwealth Day. In the past, the Commonwealth flag was only flown outside No. 6 Convent Place, but last year it was decided to make the c
Gibraltar
An open-air photographic exhibition on the theme of Ice Age Europe is now on view at Commonwealth Park, Gibraltar where it will remain until the end of May before continuing its European tour. The exhibition was officially opened by Professor John Co
Gibraltar
The mayor of Gibraltar travelled to Kingston, Jamaica, this week, with the Minister for Culture, Steven Linares, and the rector of St Theresa's Church and the Shrine of our Lady of Europe, Father Charles Azzopardi, to consolidate the Twinning Agreeme
Gibraltar
HMS Duncan was in Gibraltar on Thursday, for a routine logistics visit. This impressive Type 45 destroyer recently sailed from her home port in Portsmouth for a six-month operational deployment. Initially she will be operating in the Mediterranean
LifeStyle
The United Nations began celebrating International Women's Day in 1975, which had been designated International Women's Year, but it was in 1977 that the General Assembly invited member states to designate 8 March as the UN Day for women's rights and
LifeStyle
It was Felipe V, the first Bourbon king of Spain, who created what is now the country's National Library, although when he opened it in 1712 it was known as the Royal Library. He did so with two reasons in mind: to encourage ordinary people to study,
Gibraltar
Officers from Gibraltar's Special Branch arrested two Albanians at the airport on 20 February, following suspicions over flights which had been booked to the UK. They were detained before boarding a flight to Manchester. One of the men, aged 50, was
Gibraltar
Entries for the Gibraltar Young Artists competition can now be seen at the John Mackintosh Hall, on weekdays from 9.30am to 9pm until 8 March. Forty-one artists submitted a total of seventy-nine works for the event. The Ministry of Culture prize
Gibraltar
World Trade Center Gibraltar and Regus have raised over £300 as they held their first ever charity padel tournament in aid of Childline. The event demonstrated fantastic community spirit, with 32 players participating from different companies in th
Gibraltar
An 18th-century gold watch signed by Gibraltarian goldsmith Henry Cowper has been acquired at auction by the Gibraltar National Museum, beating numerous other bidders and finally buying the beautiful piece for £5,334. Henry Cowper is probably bett
Gibraltar
Along with the good news on Friday that the EU would allow short-term visa-free travel to British citizens in the event of a No-Deal Brexit, as long as this is reciprocal, there was an unpleasant surprise for Gibraltar. The draft EU document stated t
Gibraltar
In an exciting step forward in terms of energy, households in Gibraltar have used electricity generated by Liquefied Natural Gas for the first time ever. For the half-hour between 11.45am and 12.15pm last Saturday, Engine No5 generated power and f
Gibraltar
The Gibraltar international chess festival began on Tuesday 22 January, and will continue until Thursday 31st. Several star players are competing for the £25,000 first prize, including top seed Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, the sixth best player in the
Gibraltar
The Norwegian company Fonnafly will be starting helicopter flights around Gibraltar on 1 May, as an added attraction for tourists, especially cruise passengers. The company, which began operating in Norway in 2004, will be deploying one EC130 helicop
LifeStyle
On 18 January 1977 two scientists at the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta, USA, put an end to a mystery which had been puzzling society for months. Dr Charles C. Shepard and Dr Joseph E McDade discovered what caused Legionnaires' disease, an
Gibraltar
Stormy days lay ahead but Lee Spencer, the 'Rowing Marine', was all smiles before setting off from Ocean Village on Tuesday for an epic journey, rowing solo and unsupported to Venezuela. Lee, a former marine who lost a leg in an accident, is raisin
Gibraltar
Chief minister Fabian Picardo and deputy chief minister Dr Joseph Garcia spent two days in London this week for meetings related to Brexit. The discussions included preparations for a no-deal Brexit in the event that the UK-EU Withdrawal Agreement is
Gibraltar
The first patient from Gibraltar in 15 years to undergo a kidney transplant in the UK has now returned home after recovering from the surgery, which was carried out at the Hammersmith hospital. Once the patient, who has not been named, was told a
Gibraltar
Despite all the Christmas lights in Gibraltar over the festive season, energy consumption in the town area fell by 24.7 per cent last year, compared with 2017. The Christmas illuminations now use LEDs and their consumption is 72.39 per cent lower
Gibraltar
Opening hours at the Modern Art Gallery in Montagu Bastion are to be extended from 14 January. On Tuesdays and Thursdays after that date the exhibitions can be seen from 11am to 6pm, while on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays the gallery will be ope
Gibraltar
Three Gibraltarians have been named in the New Years Honours list 2019. Richard Mifsud has been awarded the Queen's Police Medal for services to policing in Gibraltar, and Assistant Commissioner Richard Ullger the Overseas Territories Medal (OTM),
Gibraltar
Entries for the Gibraltar International Song Festival, which takes place on Saturday 18 May this year, can be submitted until the end of this month. Composers from all over the world are invited to submit previously unpublished works, and further
Gibraltar
The chief minister will be broadcasting his New Year message on Monday, but deputy chief minister Dr Joseph Garcia released his on Wednesday, warning that Brexit is now the challenge for this generation. "In less than three months' time," he said,
Gibraltar
2018 was dominated by Brexit, but other things did happen on the Rock, as this round-up shows. January Sir Joe and Susana DÍaz It was a happy start to the year in Gibraltar, with news that former chief minister Joe Bossano had been awarded
Gibraltar
Christmas is a time of goodwill and there was plenty of that about in Ocean Village recently, especially in the Santa's Grotto in O'Reilly's Irish Bar which raised a massive £2,651.35 for the Research into Childhood Cancer association. The associa
Gibraltar
Seven local men and women were presented with a Mayor's Award by the mayor of Gibraltar, Kaiane Aldorino Lopez, at a special ceremony at City Hall on Wednesday. Lance Corporal Conway has been given the Mayor's Silver Award in recognition of his act
Gibraltar
Upskirting - taking a photo under a person's clothing without their knowledge or permission - is not currently a criminal offence in Gibraltar, but that is about to change. The government wants to introduce legislation to make it a specific sexual of
Gibraltar
Outline planning permission has now been granted for a 19-storey mixed use development at Devil's Tongue Queensway, on a site which once formed part of the port. The design of the building has had to be changed from the initial plans to reduce its
Gibraltar
CHAMP (Children, Healthy and Active! Multi-agency Programme) launched its third phase of planned events recently, as a way of encouraging children in Gibraltar to lead a healthy lifestyle. The winter phase of the programme, called 'A Winter of Fes
Gibraltar
Easyjet has begun its twice-weekly service between Luton and Gibraltar. The flights run on Tuesdays and Saturdays and will continue year-round. This is the airline's fourth destination from Gibraltar, after London Gatwick, Bristol and Manchester.
Gibraltar
Lee Spencer, known as 'The Rowing Marine', is back in Gibraltar to prepare for his latest challenge. On Wednesday 12 December this former Royal Marine plans to set off from the Rock and row 3,800 nautical miles, solo and unsupported, to South America
Gibraltar
Anyone who wants to get into the festive party spirit can do so in Casemates Square next Saturday, 15 December, when this year's Winter Party in Town event takes place. The celebrations begin at 4pm, and are aimed at all the family. The theme is '
LifeStyle
The National Print Awards ceremony has just taken place at the Marbella Print Museum (MGEC), where the winning works are now on display, and there was especially enthusiastic praise from the judges for British artist Roderic Stokes. His creative geni
LifeStyle
Many people believe only historical buildings can be classified as Unesco World Heritage Sites, but the Elche date palm grove, known as the 'Palmeral de Elche' in Spanish, proves them wrong. This enormous plantation of date palms is the only one of
Gibraltar
Christmas started in style at Ocean Village this week, with a visit by Santa Claus on Tuesday evening accompanied by Disney Princess Cinderella, Star of PJ Masks and Catboy and his friendly elf for the ceremony to switch on the blue and white Christm
Gibraltar
Ronnie Scott will be presenting the Gibraltar Jazz Festival in St Michael's Cave on 8 December and it promises to be a glittering evening with some of the greatest talent on the UK jazz scene, and a special performance by world famous vocalist Georgi
Gibraltar
In the early hours of Tuesday Customs officers were involved in a high-speed chase, pursuing a suspect boat, a high-powered RHIB, whose occupants began to throw packages overboard as they tried to get away. Once the RHIB had left Gibraltar waters
Gibraltar
The EU Council signed the Withdrawal Agreement and approved the Political Declaration on Sunday despite earlier threats by Spanish prime minister Pedro Sánchez that he would not even attend the meeting unless his concerns about the Gibraltar aspect w
Gibraltar
Fabian Picardo, Gibraltar's chief minister, warned a few weeks ago that there would be a period of "peaks and troughs" ahead before the withdrawal agreement between the UK and EU over Brexit was sealed. This week his words have proven to be almost pr
Gibraltar
As part of the events organised to mark its second anniversary last week, the 'Casa de la Memoria La Sauceda' in Jimena de la Frontera, which is a Civil War information and research centre, paid tribute to the people of Gibraltar for the help and sup
Gibraltar
The Christmas Festival of Lights takes place this evening (Friday 23rd) in John Mackintosh Square, starting at 6pm with live music performances, carol singing and dancing. The Christmas lights will be officially switched on at 7.30pm, and an artisa
Gibraltar
In the past week Customs Officers from Gibraltar, working in conjunction with other agencies, have taken part in a number of operations which have resulted in the seizure of a vehicle, a boat, communications equipment and over £17,000 worth of cigare
Gibraltar
Chief Minister Fabian Picardo issued reassuring statements for the people of Gibraltar on Thursday, following the publication of the draft Withdrawal Agreement between the UK and the EU. ·Brexit draft deal angers Brits in Europe : Page 22 With fe
Gibraltar
As some of the events coincide, it is a good idea to obtain tickets in advance to avoid disappointment, either online at gibraltarliteraryfestival.com or from the festival ticket office at the Garrison Library, which opens from 10am to 4pm Mondays to
Gibraltar
Everyone knows that Gibraltar has a strong interest in the environment and protecting the planet, and that every little can help. The mayor of Gibraltar, Kaiane Aldorino Lopez,is applying that philosophy to the decorations for the Christmas tree in t
Gibraltar
The Bayside School Cyber Centurion Club, represented by four students from Bayside and Westside, has been shortlisted for a Stem Inspirational Award. Previous winners include BAE systems, Cisco, RAF, Siemens and the University of St Andrews, so thi
Gibraltar
The government is to make improvements to Zones 1 and 2 of the Pilot Residential Parking Schemes as part of an ongoing monitoring of the success of the new system. Full details of the parking schemes are included in an information booklet which ca
LifeStyle
The International Red Cross and Red Crescent movement began as the result of one man's inspiration for a kinder world. That man was Henry Dunant, a Swiss businessman who was appalled when he witnessed the suffering of those injured in the Battle of
Gibraltar
In the future, Gibraltar may possibly want a deeper relationship with the European Union, deputy chief minister Dr Joseph Garcia told the European Parliament in Strasbourg this week. He was speaking in response to questions from the Green/EFA MEP wor
Gibraltar
The 2018 edition of the Eurafrica Trail is to include Gibraltar as an integral part of the experience once again. This is the only mountain race in the world to be held between two continents and three countries, and it has been confirmed that the Gi
Gibraltar
Thursday marked the opening of a special exhibition at the John Mackintosh Hall to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I. It includes photographs, films and different items on display, some of which have been loaned by members o
Gibraltar
British prime minister Theresa May visited the Gibraltar reception at the Conservative Party conference this week, the first time any prime minister has done so. In a speech welcoming Mrs May, chief minister Fabian Picardo thanked her for her clear a
Gibraltar
Tuesday 9 October is World Post Day and to mark the occasion the post office in Bishop Caruana Road will be offering two guided tours of its facilities, at 4pm and 6pm. World Post Day, which has been celebrated for 49 years, raises awareness of th
Gibraltar
The new Notre Dame school in Laguna opened on Thursday, and parents and anyone else interested in seeing the new facility are invited to visit next week. The arrangements for this will be announced later. The modern school includes spacious classr
Gibraltar
The fifth series of Gibraltar History Lectures begins at the university this month, with a talk by Dr Geraldine Finlayson, Director of Heritage and Environmental Services at the Gibraltar National Museum, on 'Gibraltar's Medieval History'. The firs
Gibraltar
The chief minister, Fabian Picardo, and deputy chief minister Dr Joseph Garcia held another meeting in London to discuss Brexit on Wednesday, this time in Downing Street with Dominic Raab, the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, and Pa
Gibraltar
HMS Echo arrived at the Naval Base in Gibraltar for a routine scheduled visit on Wednesday. The Echo is the first of two multi-role hydrographic survey ships commissioned by the Royal Navy. The other survey vessel of this type is her sister ship,
Gibraltar
Decades ago, there used to be a saying: "Be there or be square." Well, if anyone wasn't at the MTV Gibraltar Calling Music Festival last weekend, that saying could definitely apply. However, they could be forgiven for not realising that in this case
Gibraltar
Some patients in the Sunshine Ward at Ocean Views Mental Health Facility are now enjoying 'Pawsitive Pet Activity', a type of pet therapy. They are visited by two Chihuahuas, Ant and Dec, once a week, and it is hoped to expand the service in the near
Gibraltar
MTV Presents: Gibraltar Calling, formerly known as the Gibraltar Music Festival gets under way today. The Rock will be rocking to the music of famous names and up-and-coming artists for the next two days. This is a time when the whole of Gibraltar
Gibraltar
It was reported this week that the Gibraltar government has been holding direct talks with Spain about Brexit and their relationship after Britain leaves the European Union, but in fact this was quite old news. It did, however, seem to come as a surp
Gibraltar
The debate continues into Gibraltar's anti-abortion laws and whether they should be changed. Members of the 'No More Shame' pro-choice group are collecting signatures on a petition asking the Gibraltar government to decriminalise abortion, while t
Gibraltar
The Gibraltar government has announced that the new Notre Dame School is now completed, apart from some external works and landscaping which were slightly delayed by recent bad weather. The school is now being handed over to the Department of Educa
LifeStyle
When the Franco dictatorship began after the Spanish Civil War in 1939, trade unions were banned, their assets were confiscated and militants were jailed, executed or repressed. In place of the unions, the regime created what were known as 'Sindicato
Gibraltar
A pilot project for young people is due to open on Tuesday at the Youth Centre in Line Wall Road. "The Zone" is a safe space where they can talk about issues which may be affecting them and explore solutions and coping strategies to enable them to
Gibraltar
Customs officers on a routine patrol in Gibraltar arrested a Spanish man who was carrying a "commercial quantity" of cigarettes on board a boat leaving the Ocean Village marina around midday on Thursday. The crew of the Customs boat Tango II becam
Gibraltar
September 10th is National Day, probably the most important event of the year for the people of Gibraltar and especially so this year, as it was the last time it was celebrated with Gibraltar as part of the EU. Sir Joe BossanoINFOGIB It was red an
Gibraltar
The Department of the Environment is currently testing the first Seabin system in the Small Boats Marina, with a view to reducing the amount of plastic pollution in the water. If effective, it is hoped that Seabins will be deployed in all Gibraltar's
Gibraltar
During PM's Question Time in the UK Parliament on Wednesday, prime minister Theresa May reiterated her government's commitment to fully include Gibraltar in all aspects of the Brexit negotiations. Speaking in response to a question from Conservati
Gibraltar
September 10th is National Day every year, when people dress in Gibraltar's colours of red and white and enjoy a day packed with entertainment and activities, most of them taking place in the emblematic Casemates Square. It was decided a few years
Sport
Four of the five athletes from Gibraltar who were due to take part in the World Masters Championships in Malaga boycotted it after being told they would have to compete as 'neutral' instead of representing Gibraltar, and would not be permitted to wea
Gibraltar
This year's cardboard boat race, which took place as usual in Ocean Village, has broken all records in terms of takings with a massive £7,757.74 which will be donated equally to the Gibraltar Cardiac Association and the GBC Open Day Appeal. The ev
Gibraltar
The Spanish government's representative in Cadiz province, José Antonio Pacheco, has apologised for incidents which occurred during a protest by National Police and Guardia Civil officers near the Gibraltar border last Wednesday, and has accused some
Gibraltar
The border between Gibraltar and Spain is already an external border and with the right political will it is possible that Brexit will make no difference to it, deputy chief minister Dr Joseph Garcia said a few days ago, addressing a University of Ca
Gibraltar
If anyone doubted the close relationship between Gibraltar and the area of Spain closest to it, or the friendship between Gibraltarians and their nearest Spanish neighbours, they would only have had to attend the University of Cadiz Summer Course on
Gibraltar
It's not very long now to the MTV Gibraltar Calling music festival, which takes place at the Victoria Stadium on 21 and 22 September, but those who wish to attend will have to purchase their tickets soon with tickets selling quickly. The organisers
Gibraltar
It is now one year since the Redibike scheme was launched as part of the Sustainable Transport Plan, enabling people to pick up a bicycle in one part of the town and return it in another. The most popular bicycle stations have proved to be at Market
Gibraltar
The Marella Explorer, the latest addition to the Marella Cruises fleet, made her inaugural visit to Gibraltar on Wednesday, although she had previously visited the Rock under her former guise of Mein Schiff 1. The ship has had a multi-million pound
LifeStyle
It announced itself to be " A Treaty of Peace and Friendship between the Most Serene and Most Potent Princess Anne, by the Grace of God, Queen of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, Defender of the Faith, &c. and the Most Serene and Most Potent Princ
Gibraltar
HMS Duncan is due to arrive in Gibraltar today, 6 July, for a routine engagement visit. This Type 45 destroyer has just completed a very successful seven-month deployment as flagship of NATO's task group in the Black Sea and Mediterranean. She ha
Gibraltar
It may only be July but the government has announced that this year's Christmas Draw will be the biggest yet. It will take place on Tuesday 18 December at 7:30pm. The 100,000 tickets, on sale now, will cost £20 per full ticket, and the top prize wi
Gibraltar
From now on Gibraltar's beaches will fly a purple flag to indicate that jellyfish and/or other dangerous marine life are known to be in the area. If you see a purple flag, it doesn't mean swimming is prohibited if sea conditions are suitable, but e
Gibraltar
All sponsored patients from Gibraltar who are sent for medical treatment in London will be able to stay at the new Calpe House in future. This new facility in Norfolk Square was officially opened by the patron of Calpe House Ltd, Sir Joe Bossano, who
Gibraltar
The organisers of the MTV Gibraltar Calling music festival have announced that SOUR, described as the hottest new act to shake up London's musical landscape, are to play their first live show at this year's event. The band's frontman, Connar Ridd,
Gibraltar
The Gorham's Cave Complex in Gibraltar, which is a Unesco World Heritage Site, is becoming increasingly famous around the world thanks to recent high-profile TV coverage. A team led by the Gibraltar Museum recently began another season of excavations
Gibraltar
Two more fixed speed cameras have been installed in Gibraltar, bringing the total to six. The latest additions are in Queensway and Waterport Wharf Road. All six fixed speed traps are now equipped with rear facing cameras which will capture any mot
Gibraltar
A dolphin protection zone has been set up in part of the Bay of Gibraltar and the practice of 'popping' for tuna, which can seriously injure dolphins is not permitted in waters approximately to the north of Rosia Bay. The bluefin tuna season contin
Gibraltar
Anyone who loves good food and a good time should head down to Casemates Square tomorrow (Saturday 23rd) from 7pm for the Calentita food festival. This will be an evening packed with delicious gastronomy, cookery demonstrations, dance performances
Gibraltar
The megayacht Harmony G paid its first visit to Gibraltar this week. She is one of five operated by Variety Cruises, a Greek company whch specialises in small-ship cruising. As usual with inaugural visits, there was an informal plaque exchange cere
Gibraltar
The 33rd Gibraltar Special Olympics have been taking place this week and it has been a very special event indeed. The opening ceremony took place on Wednesday evening, attended by the Governor, Lieutenant General Ed Davis , chief minister Fabian Pica
What to do
From Friday 22 June to Sunday 1 July the village of Jimena de la Frontera will be filled with colour, art and entertainment as the VI Festival of the Arts takes place. This year's event is extra special: 2018 marks the 250th anniversary of the start
LifeStyle
June 15th 1977 was a turning point in Spanish history as the people went to the polls to vote for a government for the first time after a dictatorship that had lasted nearly 40 years. General Francisco Franco had ruled the country with an iron hand u
Gibraltar
Not long now until 'Calentita', the gastro-festival which grows bigger and better every year. The date to remember is Saturday 23 June from 7pm onwards, when Casemates Square and the nearby area are filled with stalls selling delicious food from many
Gibraltar
The World War II Tunnels at Hay's Level and O'Hara's Battery (including the interpretation centre), are now open seven days a week from 9.30am to 7.15pm. This means that all the tourist sites within the Nature Reserve now have the same opening hour
Gibraltar
The Gibraltar government has welcomed the successful vote-of-no-confidence which led to Pedro Sánchez becoming Spanish prime minister. Chief minister Fabian Picardo told parliament this week that "the importance of that political change in Spain at t
Gibraltar
It was a fitting date: on World Environment Day on Tuesday Gibraltar pledged to contribute to the goals of the Global Partnership on Marine Litter, a voluntary open-ended partnership of international agencies, governments, businesses, academia, local
Gibraltar
Gibraltar's Environmental department has provided an update on its ongoing repair and improvement works across different locations. So far, they say, stones have been removed from Eastern Beach, rocks from the shore at Little Bay and sand has been de
LifeStyle
If anyone fits the description of a 'true European', it is Marcus von Wachtel; with a Hungarian father, British mother and Spanish nationality, he has worked and travelled extensively in Europe and elsewhere and now divides his time between Madrid an
Gibraltar
Next year marks the 50th anniversary of the closure of the land frontier between Spain and Gibraltar on 8 June 1969, the culmination of a series of events by the Franco regime which was designed, but failed, to bring Gibraltar to its knees. The bor
Gibraltar
Further to the works at Camp Bay, improvements are also being carried out at other beaches, including Little Bay and the northern end of Catalan Bay, Eastern Beach and Western Beach. The works include repairs to storm damage, sand regeneration and ge
LifeStyle
Anyone who likes art should take note that the second part of the annual Open Studios event is taking place in the pretty village of Gaucín, in the Serranía de Ronda, this weekend. It is well worth a visit. One of the joys of this event is that it
Gibraltar
This year's book crossing event will take place on Saturday 2 June from 11am to 2pm in the lobby of the Parliament building in the Piazza, Main Street. Children and adults are welcome to bring and take books that others have 'released', to "make the
Gibraltar
British Airways has now begun a new service to Gibraltar from London Gatwick. The new route came into operation on 25 May, and the first flight to arrive was given a traditional welcome at the airport. This service will run until 30 September. The
Gibraltar
Mid-Town car park now has electric vehicle charging stations in two purpose-built parking bays, and additional ones will be brought into service as demand increases. As a promotional offer, the service is currently free for holders of a resident ID c
Gibraltar
Chief minister Fabian Picardo paid his first official visit to La Línea on Thursday morning, for discussions with the mayor of the Spanish town, Juan Franco. Picardo, who was accompanied by Gibraltar's deputy chief minister Dr Joseph Garcia, also sig
Gibraltar
A pilot scheme for cycling lanes is to be tested in Main Street and Irish Town and is likely to be ready by July. The cycling lanes will be in operation between 7pm and 9.15am on weekdays and 5pm to 9.15am at weekends and on public holidays. It is
Gibraltar
A cross-party group of UK parliamentarians arrived in Gibraltar on Wednesday for a two-day working visit to discuss Brexit and the negotiations regarding Britain's withdrawl from the European Union. The delegates were Robert Goodwill, Conservative
Gibraltar
The Gibraltar Museum is holding its annual Open Day tomorrow, Saturday 19 May, between 10am and 6pm. This year's theme is 'Hyperconnected museums: New approaches, new publics. As always, there will be plenty of fun activities, and also the first c
Gibraltar
The mayor of Gibraltar presented $10,000 worth of items to St Martin's School and the Rainbow Ward at St Bernard's Hospital this week. At her investiture the mayor, a former Miss World, had announced that Julia Morley, on behalf of Beauty with a Purp
Gibraltar
Deputy chief minister Dr Joseph Garcia paid a two-day visit to Washington this week, meeting Republican and Democratic members of Congress and officials on Capitol Hill, including those involved in foreign relations. Despite it being a whistle stop v
Gibraltar
Children from St Bernard's First School took part in a sun safety project in Commonwealth Park this week, thanks to a joint activity between the Education Department and Skcin, a UK skin cancer charity, which aims to reverse the soaring rates of skin
Gibraltar
The latest report on pollution from the World Health Organisation, issued this week, showed that more than 40 towns and cities in the UK are at, or have exceeded, the air pollution limits set by the WHO; it mentioned Gibraltar in the section of those
Gibraltar
The Gibraltar Health Authority now has a sophisticated 'Point of Care' analyser for its A&E department, donated by local charity Reseach Into Childhood Cancer (RICC). The equipment is used for paediatric patients who need a blood test to determine th
What to do
When the month of May arrives, it is time to head to the beautiful white village of Gaucín, in the Serranía de Ronda, for the Art Gaucín Open Studios weekends which have become a well-known fixture of the art scene in Andalucía. INFORMATION What: A
Gibraltar
Figures released by the Gibraltar Electricity Authority this week show that carbon emissions dropped by nearly six per cent last year, from 161,358 tonnes in 2016 to 152,287. This was the third consecutive year that the emissions dropped, and there h
Gibraltar
Staff at St Bernard's held an hour-long protest outside the hospital on Wednesday at what they described as the government's "stealthy privatisation" of the Gibraltar Health Authority. About 400 doctors, nurses, auxiliary and admin staff joined the p
LifeStyle
On 27 April 1928, during the dictatorship of Primo de Rivera, Spain's first National Tourist Board was founded to encourage Spanish people to explore their own country more and to attract visitors from abroad. It had a short and somewhat eventful lif
Gibraltar
Two of Gibraltar's most emblematic monuments , the Southport Gates and the Almond Tower, are undergoing conservation works at present, and the balustrade around the front garden of the Garrison Library is also being restored, to return the main entra
Gibraltar
The German cruise ship Mein Schiff 6 paid its first visit to Gibraltar on Sunday. The ship is the newest in the Tui Cruises fleet and made its maiden voyage in June last year. It can carry approximately 2,500 passengers and 1,030 crew. The inaug
Gibraltar
A second night bus is now in operation on Friday and Saturday nights, covering the Upper Town area. The N1 service runs between Market Place and Willis Road every 40 minutes, from 9.30pm to 2am. The other night bus service, the N8, between Both
Gibraltar
Six more acts have been announced for this year's MTV Gibraltar Calling music festival, which takes place at the Victoria Stadium on Friday 21 and Saturday 22 September. Rita Ora, Texas, Chase & Status, America, Bad Manners and Sweet will be joinin
Gibraltar
May is just around the corner and so is Gibraltar's Spring Festival, which kicks off on May Day and continues until 23 June. Many of the activities will be taking place in Casemates Square, including live music and dance performances, family fun da
Gibraltar
The University's fourth series of Gibraltar History lectures begins on 20 April and will take place every Friday at 10am until the end of June. The first lecture, 'The Goatherd's Path, a 300-year-old mystery lost in history and translation?' will be
Gibraltar
There is some concern in Gibraltar over remarks made this week by Michel Barnier, the EU's Brexit negotiator, when he is reported to have said during an interview with a Spanish online newspaper that Gibraltar could be left out of transition arrangem
Gibraltar
Tuesday 1 May will be a colourful and entertaining day, with events for all the family in Casemates Square from 11am until 6pm. There will be bouncy castles, arts and crafts, face painting, Disney characters, dance performances and a rock concert wit
Gibraltar
The government has received numerous complaints about a new parking scheme which has restricted parking in many parts of the town to residents only. Transport minister Paul Balban was forced to issue a statement pointing out this is a trial scheme an
Gibraltar
Gibraltar is to have its first Director of Public Prosecutions, a post which in the past has been carried out by the Attorney General (AG). The DPP will perform a role equivalent to the UK's Crown Prosecution Service and will carry out criminal law a
Gibraltar
The university of Gibraltar has announced that Caroline Moss-Gibbons has been appointed as its Parasol Librarian, a post which is funded completely by the Parasol Foundation Trust. Caroline currently works as part of the Research Development team
Gibraltar
April is Autism Awareness month and that is being marked in Gibraltar in a number of ways. The aim is not only to raise awareness but also to provide support to families of people who are on the autism spectrum. Firstly, from last Friday, 30 March
Gibraltar
To coincide with the 100th anniversary of the Royal Air Force earlier this week, the government of Gibraltar issued a statement to say that at the next sitting of Parliament, which will be in May, it will be presenting a Motion to confer the Freedom
Gibraltar
Anyone in Gibraltar on Tuesday evening could have been forgiven for thinking they had been transported into a Star Wars movie, as Luke Skywalker himself (actor Mark Hamill) was in town, accompanied by the 'dancing stormtroopers' Boogie Storm. All
Gibraltar
Five men, believed to be Moroccan, and one Spanish man were arrested by the Marine Division of the police on Wednesday afternoon, most for entering Gibraltar without a valid permit and one for assisting others to enter another state. The officers h
Gibraltar
According to the WHO, half of all children in the UK will be obese or overweight by 2020, and the incidence in Gibraltar has doubled in recent years. As a result, a new health awareness programme called 'CHAMP' (Children, Healthy and Active! Multia
Gibraltar
Amid the arguments and confusion about Spain's veto over Gibraltar during the Brexit transition period in the agreements made by the UK and EU this week, a cross-party delegation of German MPs visited the Rock to find out more about the political and
Gibraltar
The first six acts have been announced for this year's MTV Presents: Gibraltar Calling music festival, which takes place on Friday 21 and Saturday 22 September at the Victoria Stadium. This is the biggest music event of the year, and it goes from str
LifeStyle
On 16 March 2003, US president George W Bush, UK prime minister Tony Blair and Spanish prime minister José María Aznar sat down together for emergency talks at what became known as the 'Azores summit'. The meeting took place on the island of Tercei
Gibraltar
The governor of Gibraltar, Lt Gen Edward Davis, and deputy chief minister Dr Joseph Garcia met with the Gibraltar Contingency Council on Tuesday to review security and civil contingency measures on the Rock. A statement issued after the meeting by
Gibraltar
Three members of the House of Lords EU Select Committee are currently on a fact-finding visit to Gibraltar. Lord Boswell, Baroness Neville-Rolfe and Lord Woolmer are having several meetings with politicians and local groups and will also be given a
Gibraltar
The Gibraltar Rhythmic Gymnasts did the Rock proud when two groups opened the competition season in La Línea on Sunday 4 March and won two medals, a gold for the Benjamin B Group and silver for the Pre-Benjamin C Group. The Espoir Ball Group were
Gibraltar
Dr John Cortes, Beacon Professor at Gibraltar University, will be giving a lecture on 'Fragments of Paradise: Nature and Man in far-flung islands' on 10 April. Attendance is free and open to the public, and those interested should register online i
Gibraltar
The first phase of a project to revamp the emblematic Lower St Michael's Cave has now been completed. The works involved a major clean-up, removal of the old electrical cabling and conduit system and the installation of new LED lighting along the mai
Gibraltar
Devil's Tower Road is still closed after last week's rock fall, but the damaged area is now being inspected by specialist geo technical engineers and it is hoped that the road will be open again by early next week. Meanwhile, a fence has been const
Gibraltar
The Gibraltar government has expressed its "delight" at the result of Brexit meetings between chief minister Fabian Picardo and deputy chief minister Dr Joseph Garcia in London this week. The agreements have been the result of intense discussions sin
Gibraltar
The A&E department of St Bernard's hospital now has a state-of-the-art blood gas machine, which will enable medical and nursing staff to rapidly analyse a patient's condition, provide treatment sooner and improve turnaround times in the department. T
Gibraltar
The Gibraltar Tourist Board (GTB) has just updated its website www.visitgibraltar.gi website again, to give it a fresh new look including more image and video content and a version in Spanish. Ease of navigation has also been improved to make it fa
Local
Thursday 8 March is International Women's Day, which has been celebrated every year since 1914. Its origins can be dated back to 1908, when 15,000 women marched through New York City demanding shorter hours, better pay and voting rights. The movement
Gibraltar
The popular Gibraltar Drama Festival will take place from Tuesday 20 to Saturday 24 March at the Ince's Hall Theatre. Tickets are now available from the John Mackintosh Hall between 9.30am and 4.30pm or can be purchased at the door on the nights the
Gibraltar
Gibraltar has been in the international news twice this week, firstly because of a statement by the Spanish foreign minister Alfonso Dastis, saying that Spain wants joint control of Gibraltar airport post-Brexit, and again on Wednesday when the EU's
Gibraltar
Saturday 3 March is World Wildlife Day but Gibraltar is to begin its celebration today, with an exhibition at the Gustavo Bacarisas Galleries in Casemates. 'The Magic of Birds' will be officially opened at 6.30pm and consists of over 100 stunning
Gibraltar
Gibraltar has just hosted its first Commonwealth data event, the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation forum, at the University. The two-day conference took place on Wednesday and Thursday and is being followed today by a tourism and social
Gibraltar
Thanks to a sharp-eyed passer-by, the customs authorities in Gibraltar were able to confiscate a large haul of cigarettes from two Spanish-plated vehicles on Tuesday, 20 February. A member of the public noticed that a car which was parked at the IC
Gibraltar
Anyone who fancies working on Gibraltar's beaches this summer should head down to John Mackintosh Square on Saturday 24 February, to the Beach Service Open Day, which is taking place from 10am to 3pm. The organisers are keen to meet anyone who is i
Gibraltar
The Gibraltar government announced this week that there has been significant progress in its massive project to update local schools. Construction of Notre Dame School at Laguna Estate is advancing well, and it is due to open this year. At that tim
Gibraltar
The World Trade Center in Gibraltar celebrated its first anniversary on Thursday. The 45-million-pound centre has become the headquarters of many prestigious multinational companies and in August last year it made history by installing Gibraltar's
Gibraltar
The Royal Navy's newest aircraft carrier, HMS Queen Elizabeth, spent last weekend in port on her first-ever visit to Gibraltar. The 1,000-strong crew took time out to explore the Rock and take part in local events. The ship, captained by Commandin
LifeStyle
February 16th 1962 was a very important date for women in Spain; on that day the official state bulletin, known as the BOE, published a decree from the Ministry of Work which granted women equal rights to men in the workplace. This was a major step
Gibraltar
Several schools closed and parents were asked to keep their children at home if possible earlier this week when the Rock was hit by gale force winds which brought down scaffolding and tree branches. An investigation is being launched into scaffoldi
Gibraltar
The deputy chief minister of Gibraltar, Dr Joseph Garcia, addressed the Friedrich Naumann Foundation think tank in Brussels this week and told them it would be manifestly unfair to use Gibraltar as a "whipping boy" who was made to suffer the conseque
Gibraltar
An important step forward was taken towards Gibraltar's first sewage treatment plant this week, with the announcement that the government has awarded an Advanced Works Contract to a joint venture company formed by NWG Commercial Services Limited (Nor