The Opposition’s latest press release concerning a person with mental health problems is nothing more than a distortion of the truth and a typical attempt at scaremongering using vulnerable people to make political capital.
The matter relates to a person who was charged with a very serious offence at the end of 2012 and was remanded in custody at the time. Although he has attended court every 7 days since then as is usual procedure for people remanded in custody, a bail application for his release was not made until last month.
The Opposition suggest that there has been no support for this person from the mental health services. This is not the case. The mental health team have been working closely with the prison to ensure that all necessary treatment and support is provided.
Responding to questions on Defence in the UK House of Commons yesterday, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence, Andrew Murrison told Conservative MP for New Forest East, Julian Lewis that the strategic value of Gibraltar is made clear in the 2012 White Paper o Overseas Territories.
The GSD has today criticised the Government for allowing a ‘vulnerable and mentally ill person, deemed by medical professionals not fit to stand trial, to be transferred from prison, where he has been awaiting trial on remand, to the KGV Hospital.
The Party insists that the family of the individual has appealed to Government Ministers for a proper care plan for him. They add that he has been denied the proper care necessary during his time in prison.
The Gibraltar Heritage Trust has kicked off an online petition encouraging the developers of the hotel project set to be built on the site of the ex-Risso Bakery building at 27-29 Engineer Lane, to maintain the façade and integrate it into the design of the new hotel.
The motion to demolish the building and replace it with an 8 storey hotel was passed by the Development and Planning Commission in November ‘despite the decision being directly contrary to the Gibraltar Development Plan and the consistent policy of the Commission not to allow demolition of buildings within Gibraltar’s old town’, the Trust insists.
The defender who helped prove Gibraltar’s capabilities during the GFA’s first UEFA grade football match, Danny Higginbotham, has announced his retirement from the game. In a statement released last night, Mr. Higginbotham, who’s career has seen him play for teams including Chester FC, Manchester United and Stoke, explained that the decision has not been taken lightly, but is one he could not avoid.
Following a collection from staff and pupils, a cheque for £300 was presented to Mr Eddie Davies, Chairman of the Red Cross, in support of Aid to the Philippines.