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.
The Mayor’s Awards Scheme acts to acknowledge individuals who have served Gibraltar in a distinguished manner, over a prolonged period and/ or for a specific event or achievement. Recently, members of the public were invited to submit nomination to the Awards Committee.
The Committee met recently to consider a total of seven nominations. His Worship the Mayor today announced the winners of the Mayor’s Gold Award; including the Committee of the Friends of Mount Alvernia, including Mr and Mrs. Posso. The group was awarded the acknowledgement in recognition of their voluntary, tireless work, undertaken over so many years in so many different fields for the residents of Mount Alvernia.
I stand here today with a larger portfolio to that which I had last year. Although it gives me great pride to have been entrusted to carry forward greater ministerial and political responsibility, at the same time it deeply saddens me and my Ministerial colleagues as I am sure that it saddens all that knew the late Hon. Charles Bruzon. It really should have been him to stand before you today to give an account of the improvements that were either achieved or initiated by him as Minister for Housing, yet I stand here with great shoes to fill, today delivering a budget speech as Minister for Housing in conjunction with my other responsibilities for Traffic and Technical Services, amidst a contest for his very seat.
The importance that this Government gives to the environment is immense, which makes my job as Environment Minister particularly easy and satisfying, and totally supported by my colleagues.
Mr Speaker this is important in many ways. The environment is not a passing fad any more than the economy is, and a sound environment is as important as a sound economy. Gibraltar is privileged in that it is making big strides in both. Environmental Governance is a requirement now of international law, and as we increasingly take our place in the family of nations, we have to be increasingly conscious of our duties and responsibilities in this context. Failure to do so will seriously tarnish Gibraltar’s name, and moreover, bring substantial fines.
The PDP recognises that much like last year the GSLP/Liberals budget at first sight reflects a balanced budget that does deliver to some extent for both business and the individual. It appears to be a prudent budget and the PDP is happy that economic indicators are positive. It is fair to recognise that the Government on the figures have continued to deliver the robust economy whose foundations were laid by its predecessors. The PDP are pleased to see that this budget delivers extra financial help to many sectors of our community who need it most such as the lowest paid, the disabled, the sight impaired and single parent families to name a few.
However if one starts to drill down on these figures there are some areas of concern:
On the macro picture whilst the CM seems to give it little importance, the increase in Government recurrent expenditure of 5% of £22 million is not insubstantial and goes a long way to potentially wipe out the increase in revenue of £28 million or the reported surplus of £37m. The Government should be careful not to allow recurrent expenditure to spiral out of control as any threat to our economy whether it be Gaming or otherwise, may make it difficult for Government to keep paying its obligations without raising taxes. Very quickly surpluses can turn to deficits and the Government would do well to remember that the economic curve does not always go up.
The Mayor’s Awards Scheme acts to acknowledge individuals who have served Gibraltar in a distinguished manner, over a prolonged period and/ or for a specific event or achievement. Recently, members of the public were invited to submit nomination to the Awards Committee. 
'Mr Speaker,
Mr. Speaker,
The PDP recognises that much like last year the GSLP/Liberals budget at first sight reflects a balanced budget that does deliver to some extent for both business and the individual. It appears to be a prudent budget and the PDP is happy that economic indicators are positive. It is fair to recognise that the Government on the figures have continued to deliver the robust economy whose foundations were laid by its predecessors. The PDP are pleased to see that this budget delivers extra financial help to many sectors of our community who need it most such as the lowest paid, the disabled, the sight impaired and single parent families to name a few.
