The GSD opposition has recently been approached by a number of Senior Citizens asking for advice on early repayment of Government issued debentures, not due until 31st December 2013 and 31st December 2015.
The letters dated 20 December 2012 for the 4% 31 December 2013 maturity, and 1 February 2013 for the 5% 31 December 2015 maturity, headed “replacement of debentures” require replies within a very short period of time, namely 14 January 2013 and 15 February 2013 respectively.
The PDP totally agrees with the sentiments expressed by The Gibraltar Heritage Trust in their recent press release. The Upper Town is indeed “an untapped gem”.
The PDP therefore welcomes the fact that the GSLP/LIB Government is no longer going to add an extra floor to the blocks in the Moorish Castle Estate. This was an ill-advised scheme considering that those buildings are in such a bad state of repair with damp and humidity issues and would not have benefited with an extra floor. The other issue concerning us is that this is an area of outstanding heritage value and should be restored as such. The estate was built there in a time of great need and served its purpose but now with the present deteriorated condition of the buildings these residents should be re-housed in far better, modern, purpose built housing that befits our evolution as a people. Housing schemes require facilities close by, parking, shops, schools and open areas.
The winner of the last YGTV Daily Photograph Competition is Vera Francis with her photo ‘The Past’ depicting a famous Gibraltar sunset taken from the Rock. The foreground of the shot is taken up by one of the many cannons that can be found around Gibraltar, that date back to the Siege. The reflection of the deep burning sunset on the cannon is particularly eye catching.
The GSD has today welcomed the UK Government’s announcement to scrap the, tougher EBC exam system that was set to replace the current GCSE system in 2015. Instead, the government plans to keep the current system, but place more emphasis on the exams by removing some of the coursework.
Following the recent announcement made by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Gibraltar, regarding Stuart Cerisola receiving a charitable donation for £1,000 for a new wheelchair, the group has noted that they have received a reimbursement of the funds.
Stuart explained that although he appreciated the gesture he would rather that the funds went to cystic fibrosis research being carried out. He added that the GHA will supply him with a wheelchair.
Gaming Minister, Gilbert Licudi attended the ICE Totally Gaming exhibition in London earlier this week. Based at the ExCel Centre, the forum is the largest and most comprehensive of its kind, in the world.
Commenting on his visit, Minister Licudi noted that the competitive nature of the gaming industry requires constant innovation by operators. He added that with Gibraltar hosting the most important online gaming companies in the world, it is crucial that we keep abreast of new developments in the industry.
As from 18 February 2013, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Department will be upgrading the existing oral motorcycle and car theoretical tests to a computerised touch screen test. In future, the test will be taken in a specially-equipped room at the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Department offices at Eastern Beach Road.
The test will be a multiple quiz comprised of 50 questions. The pass mark will be set at 40, out of a possible 50 questions. This initiative is in line with HM Government of Gibraltar’s manifesto commitment on e-Government.