European Commission Executive Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič, Spanish Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation José Manuel Albares and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, together with the Chief Minister of Gibraltar Fabian Picardo, met in Brussels earlier today.
Following the passing of a regulation last year, restricting ship-to-ship operations to port territorial waters, Minister Neil Costa today insisted that there has been no drop in transfers. He insisted that there had actually been an increase in transfers this year, with 9 being carried out last month.
Introducing the safe code of practice for ship-to-ship transfers, Captain of the Port Roy Stanbrook explained that he hopes the Port of Gibraltar’s regulation of ship-to-ship transfers will become an exemplar for all other port. The Captain noted that Gibraltar acts as an attractive destination for ship to ship transfers with it strong regulatory framework.
Commenting on the address made by Dr. Chris Tydeman, the Chairman of the UK Overseas Territories Conservation Forum, in his evidence before the House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee, last week, the Government has claimed that the information given by Dr. Tydeman reflects information available to him as a result of the work he has done for the Government of Gibraltar. They insist that no issue has been taken with the scientific information given by Dr. Tydeman during his address.
The Government does note that the opinion of Dr. Tydeman as to the role of His Excellency the Governor, and the manner in which he has acted in relation to the issue of illegal incursions into Gibraltar Territorial Waters, with regards to the fishing dispute, is incorrect.
The Psychological Support Group, the Gibraltar Clubhouse Project and the Mental Welfare Society joined forces for the Wear Yellow campaign to raise awareness and support for mental health issues. On Thursday their stand at the Piazza was visited by Minister for Health, Dr John Cortes, and the Minister for Equality and Social Services, Samantha Sacramento.
The Government has announced a Cabinet reshuffle that will see Acting Housing Minister Paul Balban take over the role as Minister for Housing, with responsibility for the Housing Works Agency.
Minister Balban continues to retain his existing responsibilities, except Health and Safety, which has been passéd on to Minister Bossano.