This is the full text of the 2025 Budget speech by Minister Christian Santos:

INTRODUCTION 

Madam Speaker, 

I stand before you to deliver my second Budget Speech in this House. I am honoured and proud of the work that has taken place in the last 12 months, improving services and opportunities as Minister for Equality, Employment, Culture, Tourism and Youth, and I am grateful for the support from my Party and my community. 

With each Portfolio comes a huge responsibility, and at times I must admit I feel the pressure, knowing my decisions will impact process, legislation and more importantly for me, people. However, it is also my privilege to spend every day making life for my community that little bit easier, fairer, equitable and hopeful. 

My mission is to create a more inclusive society where individuals, regardless of background, have accessible and empowering opportunities. My mission is to put people first, and to champion those who are often overlooked and those whose voices often go unheard. It is especially these people I think about when I go into meetings, late night briefings and make every budget decision. 

With this principle at heart, I have worked to promote diversity and inclusion just as I have supported our rich cultural heritage, championing our artists and cultural institutions, as Culture is not a luxury, it is a necessity. It tells us who we are, binds us together and expresses our identity as Gibraltarians. Helping our Tourism industry grow and adapt to global challenges is not just for the economy, it is how we share our story with the world. 

Enhancing our workplace rights and opportunities and strengthening pathways to skills development and employment is a priority, especially for the Youth of Gibraltar. Investing in our young people, our future, is a must. 

Ensuring young people are equipped with the tools they need to succeed in a rapidly evolving economy, alongside the work for all on Drugs and Alcohol rehabilitation, is about creating a healthier more prosperous community made up of people with dignity, self-worth and the chance to build their own futures. 

The work done in Equality is deeply personal to me. This isn’t about statistics, it is about real people whose lives can be transformed when society views and treats everyone equally regardless of gender, background or ability. 

Madam Speaker, this is where I wish to start today, on Equality, where everything we do is for the wellbeing of all. And this Budget Speech is not just an exercise in arithmetic; it is a reflection of our values and priorities and our commitment to the people we serve. 

MINISTRY OF EQUALITY
(including Citizens Advice Bureau and Supported Needs and Disability Office) 

Madam Speaker, I must mention how honoured I am to continue to build upon the very solid foundations set by the Hon. Samantha Sacramento as the first ever Minister for Equality in the first ever Ministry of Equality in Gibraltar. 

Ms Sacramento transformed the equality landscape during her successful 12-year tenure. The rights we now take for granted such as the formal recognition of relationships between couples of the same sex and the civil marriage of same sex couples were unthinkable pre-2011. 

I can now, as an openly gay man, stand in Parliament as an MP. This alone powerfully tells the story of the way our community has transformed for the better. 

However, our work is still not done, and it is imperative that we continue to raise awareness of equality and of all the protected characteristics 9 protected characteristics. 

Progress is rarely linear and, as the global climate has demonstrated, the roll-back on women’s rights and LGBTQ+ rights can be swift and merciless. 

This was made so abundantly clear to me during my visit to the United Nations Commission of the Status of Women in March marking the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action which has been described as “the most comprehensive and visionary agenda ever for gender equality and the human rights of all women and girls.” 

And yet, according to a United Nations report, “almost one quarter of countries reported that backlash on gender equality is hampering implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action.” 

Similarly, Madam Speaker, there is a pushback on LGBTQ+ rights across the world. There are those who will promote hate and even violence and, therefore, there can be no let-up in our work. We must continue to promote respect for ALL, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. 

EQUALITY TRAINING 

Views can be changed or affected by educating and raising awareness. And to this end the Ministry of Equality continues to extend its training provision on equality matters for Government departments and across the public sector. So far this year, the team has delivered 3 Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging training workshops through the Department of Personnel and Development with over 60 participants. 

Additional Equality workshops for the public service are scheduled for later this year. 

Equality sessions have been facilitated for PGCE students at the University of Gibraltar and the Ministry have also supported the Department of Education’s In-Service days for all education staff by delivering a training workshop on ‘Unconscious Bias and Challenging Gender Stereotypes in the Classroom.’ 

Similarly, the Ministry of Equality works closely with the Youth Service to raise awareness of all equality matters. The Equality team were invited to attend the Youth Symposium held in May which centred on gender matters, an invaluable opportunity to listen to young people’s views and concerns on this topic and to share with them the work the Ministry is doing. 

I’m very pleased that the Youth Symposium serves as a link between young people and my Ministry, and we look forward to further collaborations with our colleagues in the Youth Service and in Education. 

THE WOMEN’S MENTORSHIP PROGRAMME 

Gender Equality is also an important part of my agenda. The Women’s Mentorship Programme is one of the key initiatives in our equality strategy. 

Madam Speaker, your notable career notwithstanding, women are under- represented in positions of leadership and management and the Women’s Mentorship Programme seeks to redress that imbalance. A more gender- balanced workforce is the key to more productive businesses, organisations and national economies. 

Since my last budget speech, we have successfully completed the 5th and 6th cycles of the Women’s Mentorship Programme in July 2024 and at the end of June 2025 respectively. Both cycles provided support to 66 mentees through one-to-one mentoring sessions and through group learning sessions, a new feature of the programme which has been well received. 

Bringing the mentees together has served to create a community of learning, networking and friendship which, I have no doubt, has continued after the official end of the cycle. 

I would like to thank all participants of the Programme, with special thanks to the mentors for giving back to the community through their voluntary participation sharing their expertise and experience. 

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank you, Madam Speaker, for very kindly opening the doors to Parliament to the mentees for what was a singular and memorable event in the unique setting of the Gibraltar Parliament Building. It was a huge privilege for the mentees to hear directly from you and learn about your sterling career. As the first woman in Gibraltar to be appointed to several top professional positions, your example of hard work and determination is truly an inspiration. 

As you are only too aware, Madam Speaker, in both politics and public life, women in Gibraltar have historically been underrepresented. 

The highest ever number of women in Parliament in Gibraltar until the last elections was 2 (12%). 

Thankfully, this now stands at 4 female elected MPs and with your presence, Madam Speaker, the percentage of female representation in this Chamber and in this legislature now stands at 29%. 

This is a very positive step, but still below the 33% of female parliamentarians in Europe and North America, and clearly a long way from achieving parity. 

Inviting women to Parliament may appear to be a small step, but it is a visually powerful reminder to everyone that women belong here as much as their male counterparts. It is crucially important for all the young people of our community, but especially young women to see role models in Parliament. It is imperative that Parliament becomes more diverse and more accurately representative of the community it serves. 

GENDER PAY GAP 

A gender pay gap exists in all countries and establishing a gender pay gap base line for Gibraltar and narrowing and ultimately closing the gender pay gap is what we are working towards. We hope to have that data imminently so that we can then measure it going forward. 

PARENTAL LEAVE 

Madam Speaker, we also continue to be committed to modernising family policies around parental leave to ensure that all parents can have the opportunity to be present during those crucial early moments in their child’s life. 

A more equitable distribution of leave around such an important family milestone and critical moment of a child’s life is an important goal we are working towards. 

Although this has been coined ‘a simple legislative amendment’, the number of wide ranging social and financial implications involved require close scrutiny and revision, making this far from ‘simple’. 

Consultations with stakeholders in both the public and private sectors are ongoing, but we have to be realistic and focus on developing the most effective plan that aligns with the specific financial, taxation and social insurance frameworks of Gibraltar. This may continue to be questioned in Parliament by the Opposition, but it is my responsibility to only instigate a solution once it has been deemed sustainable and beneficial. It is not my position to rush in blindly to appease detractors. 

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 

International Women’s Day is a key date in our Equality calendar. This is always an opportunity to reflect upon the issues which affect women and girls, to celebrate the success stories and to identify the gaps remaining to close. 

The Ministry of Equality’s International Women’s Day conference was inclusive, interactive and informative featuring several panel discussions, including ‘Wellbeing in the Workplace and the Menopause’, and ‘The Power of PAAMOA’ – Physical Activities Association for Mature Older Adults’. The inclusion of male speakers on the panel ‘Allyship: The Key to Culture Change’ was a welcome addition too. 

Powerful presentations from students from the secondary schools and the Gibraltar College gave us an insight into how the younger generation feels about gender equality. 

With this information my Ministry will continue working with this demographic on gender equality initiatives in conjunction with colleagues at the Youth Service and the Department of Education. 

INTERNATIONAL MEN’S DAY 

Madam Speaker, when we refer to the Ministry of Equality’s work on gender equality some people may wrongly assume that we are just referring to women’s rights. I would like to clarify that the Ministry of Equality is also very much concerned with matters affecting boys and men. 

To this end we marked International Men’s Day this year with an even larger event than last year. Our conference for International Men’s Day 2024, ‘Breaking Barriers’, sought to engage attendees in a positive conversation about men and masculinity and how to achieve better health outcomes for boys and men, focusing on the power of positive male role models, improving boy’s and men’s mental health and the role of gender stereotypes in limiting beliefs and opportunities. 

Globally, and Gibraltar is no different, men are less likely to engage with health services and providers until they are in quite poor health. 

To raise awareness of this, we were supported on the day by the GHA’s Mobile Health Unit, present outside the Sunborn offering ‘Well Male’ Health checks to attendees upon the closure of the event. 

I would like to thank the GHA for their active presence on the day, for working with the Ministry of Equality in normalising health checkups for men and for working together to ensure improved health outcomes for men. 

Moving forward this year, we are looking to build upon conversations on the impact of gender stereotypes on boy’s and men’s well-being across the community, working with our colleagues in the Youth Service, the Care Agency and the Department of Education to challenge the impact of certain negative stereotypes that may prevent boys and men from accessing the support they may need, and to counter some of the harmful messages promoted to boys and men through social media. 

AGE – OLDER PERSONS 

Age is another protected characteristic which falls under our remit and one which we are intent on raising awareness of. 

We launched an ‘End the Stereotypes’ campaign to coincide with the Day of Older Persons on 1st October with a series of photographs featuring older persons released over the course of October and featured across the Government’s and the Ministry of Equality’s social media platforms. 

The aim of the campaign, Madam Speaker, was to challenge the prevailing stereotypes around older persons and to promote activities that can support a person’s wellbeing and health. The campaign garnered a lot of media attention and has also served to promote the organisations and the activities which support older persons. 

I would like to thank photographer Stephen Hermida, the Care Agency’s Waterport Day Centre, the Gibraltar Sports and Leisure Authority, PAAMOA and the Gibraltar Football Association’s Walking Football for supporting this campaign and providing such a fantastic service to the older members of our community. 

CITIZEN’S ADVICE BUREAU 

Whilst thanking organisations, I also wish to mention the Citizen’s Advice Bureau for continuing to be an indispensable resource for our community, delivering substantial social and economic value, not just for older persons but for everyone. 

Their rising case numbers and expanding scope of services reflects the growing reliance on their expertise, from addressing employment, legal advice, debt and housing issues, to providing mental health and counselling referrals. 

On average, the team attends to 104 clients per week. It is important to highlight the primary areas of concern being addressed, as this service clearly adds significant value to the broader Government departments. By effectively complementing their efforts, it helps to reduce the volume of clients approaching other Government agencies.  

SUPPORTED NEEDS AND DISABILITY OFFICE (SNDO) 

Madam Speaker, I now turn to one of the most significant protected characteristics under our Equality framework; Disability. 

In 2021, our Chief Minister, the Hon. Fabian Picardo, launched the Supported Needs and Disability Office, or SNDO, with the vision of ensuring that the voices and lived experiences of persons with disabilities, and those with supported needs, are placed at the heart of Government policy. 

To quote the Honourable Chief Minister: 

“The SNDO is the heart of Government.” 

It is this heart that ensures that individuals navigating their disability journey do not feel alone. The SNDO does this through a wide range of initiatives, including community clinics, which allow individuals to make contact via phone, email, or WhatsApp to access personalised support. Since its inception, the SNDO has supported over 450 families through this vital service, a number that continues to grow month on month. 

We are fortunate in Gibraltar to have a strong and active charitable sector. It is, therefore, a priority for us to continue supporting these organisations through the SNDO so they can, in turn, continue their transformative work. In July 2024, for example, PossAbilities installed communication boards in local playgrounds, one of which was Government-funded. Similarly, in January 2025, we supported Special Olympics Gibraltar in its successful bid to join the Global Coalition of Inclusion. 

In line with the GSLP’s manifesto commitments, the SNDO meets with key advocacy groups regularly, including the Dyslexia Support Group and GHITA, ensuring consistent dialogue and collaboration. 

Madam Speaker, this Government listens and we act. In my last budget speech, I announced the creation of the NGO Council, which brings together 13 NGOs working within the disability space. Today, I am proud to announce the creation of a second council: the Lived Experience Council, which is comprised of individuals who themselves live with supported needs and disabilities. 

They bring their expertise to the table, not through theory, but through lived reality, and are instrumental in helping us identify barriers and remove them. 

The SNDO’s growth since 2021 has been strategic and impactful. It is now a multi-faceted agency working toward its goal of becoming a one-stop shop for disability services. This includes the co-ordination of several services such as the Blue Badge Scheme which was transferred from the Ministry of Transport in April 2024. The system has been modernised to align with post-Brexit UK regulations and applications are now assessed by a professional medical panel within the GHA which ensures only those genuinely eligible receive a badge. 

Currently there are 740 active Blue Badges. In 2025 81% of applications were approved and the SNDO receives an average of 20 applications per month. 

The Frontier Pass is also now under the SNDO, having transferred from the Ministry of Transport in April 2024. We receive an average of 10 applications per month, and in 2025 only 5.5% of applications have been denied. There are currently 204 active Frontier Passes. 

The important Disability Information Card continues being a discreet effective tool to communicate needs. As from May 2025, in partnership with the Lions Club, emergency medical information was added to the card. 

As long as they have been signed by a medical professional registered in Gibraltar, all applications are approved and there are currently 278 active Cards, with the SNDO receiving an average of 8 new applications a month. We are working towards a campaign in the autumn to encourage more persons with disabilities to apply to have this potentially lifesaving card. 

The RADAR Key Scheme allows access to accessible toilets across Gibraltar and the UK. 218 people have the keys currently, with the SNDO issuing 3 more every month. We are working with the Department of the Environment to expand access locally, as accessibility is about more than physical infrastructure. 

The SNDO has been working with the Gibraltar Regulatory Authority and ITLD to ensure all websites are compliant with WCAG 2.2 standards. An Accessible Media Booklet has been developed by the SNDO, and partnerships with UK-based British Sign Language providers are enhancing BSL access in our community. 

Madam Speaker, this work reflects our core aim, to build a society that works for all. 

This includes working across Government departments, authorities and agencies to identify gaps and propose solutions. For example, following recommendations from the SNDO in November, the Honourable Minister for Health created a dedicated post within the GHA to coordinate services for individuals with disabilities and supported needs. 

The SNDO also plays a critical role in multi-agency coordination, including: The Autism and Neurodevelopmental Pathways for the GHA; Beach Accessibility with the Department of the Environment; inclusive practices in cultural events, and the creation of an Inclusive Employment Policy with the Department of Personnel and Development which will be announced in the coming months. 

To ensure representation at every stage of planning, the SNDO Manager now sits on multiple boards to include: The Traffic Commission; Town Planning, Blue Badge Panel; Frontier Pass Panel; Supported Employment Panel, and The Gibraltar Development Plan. 

This guarantees that equity is not an afterthought, but a foundational principle in public policy and planning. 

Our efforts are very much underpinned by data and the SNDO is working with the Central Database Project to develop a disability database that will allow us to extract vital statistics and forecast future needs. 

Training has been an area of major focus with the SNDO delivering sessions to the GSLA for their summer sports programme, to Tourism guides, to RGP and GDP recruits, to educators during INSET days and to staff across Government. 

Notably, in November 2024, over 40 Supported Needs and Disability Coordinators were trained; one per department. 

They serve as agents of change, responsible for ensuring reasonable adjustments are made for staff and service users alike and that all practices and polices align with legislation. They are also supporting the SNDO in ensuring the Government Strand of the National Disability Strategy is adhered to. 

Media has also played a key role in reaching people and changing culture. The SNDO worked with local companies such as Trends in our ‘End The Stereotypes’ campaign, hosted a live Viewpoint segment, and participated in national events including the ‘Count Me In’ Conference, where the SNDO Manager spoke about allyship and inclusive employment. 

The ‘Change Starts with Sports’ campaign has used para sports to shift mindsets. 

Monthly sessions have included wheelchair basketball, blind football and sitting volleyball with a view to supporting local sporting associations in providing inclusive opportunities for all. In May we had the privilege of welcoming the British Shooting Olympic and Paralympic Teams to Gibraltar and this served as a prime example of what inclusive sports should look like. 

Madam Speaker, all these initiatives reflect our commitment to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Work toward its extension and ratification in Gibraltar is actively progressing and I met with the UK Minister for Disabilities, Sir Stephen Timms, in November to discuss this in detail. I am pleased to report that technical obstacles have now been resolved and that we are working closely with the Disability Unit, Cabinet Office, and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office on having this Convention extended and ratified in Gibraltar. 

The National Disability Strategy Public Sector Strand has been researched, written and disseminated. Department-specific objectives are in place and a Compliance Officer based within the SNDO ensures accountability and provides ongoing support. The Private Sector Strand will commence in earnest this autumn with a full consultation period involving both businesses and individuals with lived experience. 

Madam Speaker, all these achievements, both big and small, mark progress in our vision for inclusion. But we cannot become complacent and there is still much to do. The SNDO team will continue to expand its reach, deepen its impact and build a Gibraltar that truly works for all. 

LGBTQ+ 

Madam Speaker, in my introduction to my Equality portfolio I referred to some of the progressive steps this Government has taken to ensure that LGBTQ+ rights are properly protected by legislation. 

In some parts of the world the push back against equality and, most noticeably, against LGBTQ+ rights has been forceful and unprecedented. As Minister for Equality I have sought to extend protections for members of the LGBTQ+ community by strengthening the legislative provision protecting LGTBQ+ rights. 

Pride Month is meant to be a celebration of love, identity, and resilience, but for me, it brings with it a wave of criticism because of who I am. As a gay man and Gibraltar’s Minister for Equality as well as Employment, Culture, Tourism and Youth, I find myself under fire not because I’m NOT doing the work, but because some choose to ignore the breadth of it. I am accused of focusing solely on LGBTQ+ issues, as though my identity eclipses the dedication I bring to EVERY part of my portfolio. 

As we all know this could not be further from the truth. I serve all Gibraltarians tirelessly and with unwavering passion driven by a deep love for my community. 

My commitment to equality spans all protected characteristics, from advancing rights for women and men, to supporting our elderly, advocating for those with disabilities, and building a more inclusive society for all. But while few object when we speak up for most groups, it is when we stand for LGBTQ+ rights that the volume of resistance rises. 

Madam Speaker, A draft Bill was published in November 2024 to amend the Crimes Act 2011 to include transgender hate crimes. The proposed law means certain criminal offences, including crimes of violence, can be aggravated by reason of transgender identity. 

The draft law, which will be debated in Parliament in the coming weeks also extends to stirring up hatred offences to include hatred on the grounds of transgender identity. 

Additionally, Madam Speaker, the Bill includes provisions to protect freedom of expression. These provisions would not prohibit discussion or criticism of matters relating to transgender identity or urging a person to refrain from conduct or practices relating to transgender identity. 

Last year, Madam Speaker the Honourable Mr Bossino replied to my speech referencing “respect for all views” and “cancel culture” where he intimated that people should not be penalised for airing their personal views on the LGBTQ+ community, even if contrary to another view. (can be read on Hansard, Thursday 4th July 2024, encompassed between lines 2240 - 2255) 

Freedom of belief and expression is indeed a cornerstone of democracy. As I previously mentioned, freedom of expression will be protected, but as with all freedoms, it is not absolute. Although I agree with Mr Bossino to a certain degree, when an opinion or belief directly undermines or questions the dignity, worth or rights of another person, particularly those in marginalised or persecuted communities, then that belief strays beyond the bounds of respect and into dangerous territory. 

We can and should respect diversity of thought, but only provided that such views do not seek to invalidate the identities or rights of others. 

This is not contradictory, it is correct. LGBTQ+ individuals are not an ideology or the subject of opinion, we are people, citizens, family members and colleagues. Our existence and rights are not up for debate. 

No view that denies us equality, dignity, or safety should be granted moral weight under any circumstances. I think we can all agree. 

Madam Speaker, legislation is often crucial in initiating a cultural shift and changes in attitude, but we cannot rely on legislation alone, and to this end awareness campaigns are also an important part of the Ministry of Equality’s work. 

June is Pride month and this year the Ministry has, as in previous years, marked the occasion in several ways. 

Our writing initiative ‘Closets are for Clothes, not People’ was launched in collaboration with the Trends Group for members of the LGBTQ+ community and their allies to write a short personal and reflective piece on this theme to raise awareness and promote inclusion. 

Pride flags have been flown at the frontier and at No.6 Convent Place on 1st and 28th June and throughout June at St Bernard’s Hospital, New Mole House, the Care Agency and the Ministry of Equality. 

My Ministry hosted Government’s first Pride Conference on 26th June at the Sunborn which was attended by representatives of the public and private sectors. The conference captured the many legislative changes since 2011 and heard from Charles Trico about the history of Pride in Gibraltar. 

Representatives of the LGBTQ+ Committee also spoke on a panel and delivered a presentation on ‘Pride at Work’. 

Issues affecting the trans community were covered in a conversation with Dr John Dean, a Visiting Consultant Gender Specialist. 

The conference served to raise awareness and network. It also highlighted the support of allies to the LGBTQ+ community, and it is these people who see us, respect us and stand by us who make our lives that much better. 

The Moorish Castle was lit up on the 28th June with the Pride colours and my team from the Ministry of Equality also supported the LGBTQ+ Committee’s Pride event at Casemates on 28th June. 

I would like to congratulate the LGBTQ+ Committee on their hugely successful event. Walking down Main Street as part of a Pride March would have been inconceivable just a few years ago, and I proudly take this as a symbol of just how far we have come. 

These initiatives are not just important, they are necessary. As the global climate on these issues changes, we must not let our guard down, we must be vigilant, and we must continue to promote the vital values of diversity and inclusion. Respect for all is the vital component of our deeply cherished social fabric and this I trust, is a value we all support. 

TRAINING, APPRENTICESHIPS AND SKILLS 

Madam Speaker, as part of my overarching vision for all my Ministries, and in alignment with my portfolios of Employment and Youth, I am honoured to lead on the Gibraltar Training Centre. This portfolio is particularly close to my heart as I feel immense fulfilment in developing our younger generation into valuable assets for our community. As a Government, we remain fully committed to creating an environment where continuous learning and the acquisition of skills are prioritised, and the Gibraltar Training Centre is the embodiment of our commitment. 

Our training programmes focus on specialised trades and practical fields vital to the economy, including construction, electrical work, plumbing, engineering, and more. 

By bridging the skills gap, we reduce our reliance on external labour and cultivate home-grown talent. Our aim is to ensure local businesses have access to professionals trained to the highest standards. We are promoting lifelong learning through upskilling and retraining, helping individuals adapt to evolving industries. 

Madam Speaker, I firmly believe that academic achievement is not the only path to success, and in line with this ethos, we have been actively promoting apprenticeships and providing information to students who may not wish to pursue traditional academic routes and apprenticeships offer a robust alternative filled with opportunities. 

As I noted in my last budget address, the intake of 42 at our Gibraltar Training Centre is now undertaking in-house training for their NVQ Level 2 in maintenance operations. 

Our electrical and mechanical apprentices will soon progress to NVQ Level 3 with industry placements already secured. We have worked diligently to establish a reliable network of quality placement providers who are collaborating with us to train the next generation of tradespeople. 

Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, reflecting a strong commitment from the industry to develop a local, skilled labour force. 

While on placement, apprentices are not only gaining practical experience and building their portfolios, but also actively contributing to the upkeep and maintenance of Gibraltar’s public facilities. We are exploring additional initiatives to involve apprentices in supporting charities, offering them learning opportunities while giving back to the community. 

To ensure the effectiveness of these placements, we have allocated additional resources to closely monitor apprentices’ progress, maintaining a focus on quality and value for taxpayers. 

Currently, we have 29 apprentices in our NVQ Level 2 maintenance operations programme based full-time at the Centre who will soon transition to a day-release schedule before moving to nine months of work placements. 

25 | P a g e 

In our mechanical and electrical programmes, 14 apprentices are completing their NVQ Level 2 in engineering operations, with most advancing to Level 3 and entering work placements lasting up to two years. We also have 13 apprentices from previous cohorts completing their NVQ Level 2 qualifications through placements. 

I am happy to report, that due to increasing demand, we are planning to launch another intake in October 2025. 

We have recently rebranded the Centre to reflect a refreshed and dynamic approach to vocational training, promoting our structured methodology and showcasing local talent. 

We continue to collaborate with local industry to train apprentices using the latest materials and equipment, preparing them for real-world work environments. 

Beyond vocational qualifications, we also teach employability skills such as work ethics, CV writing and interview preparation. This holistic approach ensures that our apprentices are well-rounded individuals, ready to contribute meaningfully to the workplace. 

Madam Speaker, The Gibraltar Training Centre is not just a training facility, it is a launchpad for personal development, economic participation and national advancement. By investing in skilled trade education, we are investing in the future of Gibraltar. 

Our “Little Things, Big Difference” initiative exemplifies how small community-based efforts can generate significant results. 

Trainees have been enhancing public spaces across Gibraltar by painting lampposts, refurbishing benches and improving infrastructure. This project provides practical experience while instilling civic pride and improving our shared environment. 

Our vision extends beyond the Training Centre itself. 

Apprenticeships are now a core element of our national skills strategy providing practical, industry-aligned opportunities that empower individuals with the experience and confidence needed to succeed. We aim to establish a modern, responsive apprenticeship system that meets the needs of our young people and industry, builds a skilled workforce, and drives long-term prosperity. 

Over the past year, we have launched five apprenticeship programmes. Of the 38 participants, 26 have secured employment in their trained field, reflecting the quality and relevance of the programmes. 

These include the Foundation Insurance Training Apprenticeship in collaboration with the Gibraltar Insurance Institute; the Skills for Care programme with the Care Agency; the PSV Driver and Tour Guide Apprenticeship with MH Bland Group; the Nail Technician Apprenticeship with local beauty salons and the Pension Administrator Apprenticeship in collaboration with Sovereign Group. 

Further apprenticeship programmes are already in development, tailored to meet key sector demands and enhance future opportunities for our citizens. 

In parallel with these efforts, our Ministry’s PATHS programme continues to grow. At time of launch in 2024 we had 29 registered users; that number has grown to 115, with 82 actively engaged, showing a 283% increase in registrations and a 257% rise in active users. These numbers reflect both the demand for the service and its impact on employability, confidence and independence. 

The team behind PATHS was recognised with the 2025 Team Award for Excellence and Innovation, acknowledging the programme’s transformative effect. 

Our new PATHS classroom has given us the ability to hold more regular courses. We are working to ensure that all users continue to receive the support they need. The programme serves a wide range of individuals: 36% come from our Supported Employment cohort, 23 individuals are in the Work Reintegration pathway, supporting transitions from HMP Windmill Hill and Bruce’s Farm, and others engage through employment clinics for guidance. 

Our Ministry has also taken strategic steps to support inmates at HMP Windmill Hill as they prepare to rejoin the workforce. In early 2025, we introduced five “Coracle Inside” laptops, a secure UK-endorsed platform that provides offline digital learning tools. 

These laptops offer access to educational content including literacy, numeracy, construction, CV writing, and interview skills, as well as wellbeing tools. 

This effort aligns with our 2024 Job Vacancy Gap Analysis, which identified key sectors facing labour shortages. The Coracle system helps us provide targeted upskilling in those areas. 

The programme launched in February 2025, and from then to May, 19 inmates have completed 113 sessions across 102 courses, achieving an average score of 91.5%. 

This is effective rehabilitation; focused, relevant, and future-oriented. 

One of our most impactful collaborations this year has been the HMP/GFA Empowerment Project, delivered jointly with the Gibraltar Football Association. This programme uses sport to promote discipline, teamwork and personal growth. Nine inmates have graduated from the first cohort, gaining certification and confidence. 

We have also introduced Applied Philosophy sessions, led by expert Eduardo Vergara Aguilar, encouraging inmates to reflect on themes like justice, identity, and purpose. Five inmates completed this programme, enhancing their critical thinking and sense of self. 

To further improve employment readiness, we have delivered weekly driving theory lessons, enabling one inmate to successfully complete his test and pursue opportunities in logistics. 

The HMP Workshop team has contributed to meaningful community projects, including the Pop-Up Forest installation at Europa Point and the Swift Nestbox Project, offering inmates practical skills while supporting environmental causes. 

We are also working with clients at Bruce’s Farm to aid with work reintegration through offering courses and skills. This is also being extended to people with Mental Health issues at Ocean Views. 

The plan is that everyone will have the support and tools necessary to integrate back into the workplace regardless of their circumstances. 

These efforts represent a holistic, humane approach to rehabilitation and reintegration. Individuals are not just being prepared for employment, they are being empowered to rebuild their lives. 

This is just the beginning. We have many exciting plans in the pipeline, and I invite Members and the public to follow our progress as we continue to deliver meaningful change across Gibraltar. 

MINISTRY OF EMPLOYMENT 

Madam Speaker, I now turn to my Employment portfolio and update this House on the work of the Department of Employment. 

Gibraltar’s workforce is the backbone of our economy, and our duty is to ensure that the systems supporting that workforce are efficient, just and future ready. 

We remain deeply committed to advancing employment and labour rights, recognising that access to justice in these areas is not just essential but a cornerstone of our administration’s values and priorities. 

Our commitment is reflected in the way we empower our community; by ensuring fair and equal access to legal recourse, upholding due process and protecting the rights of every individual. 

THE LABOUR INSPECTORATE 

Madam Speaker, when it comes to enforcing our employment laws, the Labour Inspectorate has been on the front foot. 

We have carried out inspections across all sectors to ensure that no one cuts corners, that no worker is exploited and that every business plays by the rules. The Inspectorate isn’t just there to enforce, it is there to educate, to work with employers and employees, to guide, to support and to raise standards across the board. 

The Department of Employment works in close partnership with all sectors of the business community, maintaining a collaborative environment that supports a level playing field and encourages full compliance with employment standards. 

Through this work, we aim to build a fairer, more informed and more empowered workforce. 

THE CAREERS FAIR 

After a four-year break, the Careers Fair made a triumphant return in November 2024. Revived under the leadership of the Chief Secretary, Minister Cortes and myself as Minister for Employment and Youth, the event introduced an exciting new format, aimed at encouraging a deeper industry collaboration and offering a more comprehensive platform of career opportunities across a variety of sectors. 

The Youth Service led on this initiative, in collaboration with the Department of Employment, Department of Education, the department of Personnel and Development and other Government departments and stakeholders to support the successful delivery of the Careers Fair. 

In a shift from previous versions, the Fair placed an emphasis on industry associations. 

The event organisers invited associations from different sectors to take the lead, encouraging them to bring members from their networks to represent a broader spectrum of career paths. 

These associations brought a diverse group of representatives, allowing students and anyone seeking alternative employment to explore a broad range of career paths and learn directly from professionals in their fields. 

The fair was a fantastic success, with a dedicated morning session including Year 9 students and an open afternoon session for the public. 

Parents also appreciated the opportunity to see the various career paths available to their children firsthand too. 

The overwhelming turnout and positive feedback from students, the general public and industry leaders marked the event as a major success, highlighting the strength of collaboration and broad opportunities available for young people in Gibraltar's growing job market. 

A huge thank you to everyone involved and a special mention to my colleague the Minister for Housing, The Honourable Pat Orfila, who started this back when she was a schoolteacher. Big shoes to fill I must say, but I am honoured to be able to be a part of this legacy. 

FRONTIER WORKERS 

Madam Speaker, since we launched theFrontier Worker Portal in December 2020, it has handled a substantial volume of enquiries. 

Each enquiry represents a person reaching out, trusting us to provide clarity, reassurance, and support and we have done exactly that, from technical guidance to resolving complex status issues. The team has stepped up time and again to ensure that the rights of workers under the Withdrawal Agreement are respected and protected, this is a clear demonstration of the high level of public engagement and reflects the essential nature of the service it provides. 

Our work does not stop at advice alone and the department remains actively engaged in the investigation of individual cases, examining worker status and where necessary, signposting individuals to the relevant Government departments. 

This coordinated approach ensures that rights and services in Gibraltar are not only accessible, but that they are delivered fairly and in full. 

EMPLOYMENT TRIBUNAL 

I am pleased to report that this Government has taken meaningful steps to modernise the administration of cases in the Employment Tribunal. 

Madam Speaker, as announced by the Chief Minister during his speech on Monday, I remind this House that a Chairperson has now been appointed to every outstanding historic case. This stands as clear testament to the effectiveness of the measures we have introduced. 

These enhancements reflect our commitment to continuously improve the overall user experience, ensuring claims are addressed promptly and effectively, guaranteeing a higher standard of service for all who seek assistance from the Tribunal. 

The changes address the expectations of a modern Gibraltar as it continues to progress. They reflect the standard of justice to which the people of Gibraltar are rightfully entitled to and under this administration, that standard is being delivered. 

HEALTH & SAFETY 

Madam Speaker, let me now turn to something close to my heart, the health and safety of our people. I would like to draw attention to the important work we have been undertaking as part of the Health and Safety Advisory Council, which I have the continued privilege of Chairing. 

Last November, we hosted our third Health and Safety Seminar under the banner ‘Providing Safe and Healthy Work in the Digital Age’ and it was a resounding success. 

We brought together employers, public servants, unions and NGOs because workplace safety is everyone’s business, and this October, we will do it again. We will never stand still when it comes to protecting our people. 

This ongoing initiative reinforces our commitment to promoting safe, healthy and adaptable workplaces, as we navigate the challenges of an ever-evolving working world. 

I would like to take a moment to express my condolences once again to the family and friends of the soul we tragically lost at sea on the 20th May. 

As my esteemed colleague the Chief Minister stated in his official press release, this was the first death at work in this Government’s 14 years in office, and it “must serve to remind us all of the importance of Health and Safety in all workplaces”. 

The work done by my department is in the hope to educate, to make workers and employers aware of the importance of Health and Safety in all they do to in order to try and avoid tragedies such as this. 

DIGITISATION OF RECORDS 

Madam Speaker, I am pleased to inform this House that we are also making real progress in modernising how the Department of Employment work. 

Ourdigitisation of employment recordsis not just an administrative upgrade, it is a leap into a smarter, greener future, one with less paper, more efficiency, faster access, better service, and crucially, a clear step towards sustainability. 

At the same time, this shift will improve the way we serve our community, allowing for faster and more secure access to information and better inter- departmental coordination. Ultimately, it will help us deliver a higher standard of service to individuals and businesses alike. 

This initiative stands as a key pillar in our ongoing digital transformation strategy and building a Department that is modern, environmentally responsible and ready to meet the needs of an evolving workforce. 

REGISTERED UNEMPLOYED 

Now, Madam Speaker, I want to address what is perhaps the clearest indicator of a successful employment policy: the number of people in work. 

I am proud to inform this House that the average number of Registered Unemployed Gibraltarians in 2024 was just 20, that is a 95.57% reduction since 2011. In the first quarter of this year, the figure stood at 22, a 96% drop since the first quarter of 2012. 

These are not just statistics, and this is not by chance, but by design, through targeted support, youth engagement, skills development, and career guidance. Whether someone is unemployed or simply looking to grow, the Department of Employment is there, at their side, every step of the way. 

The PATHS initiative has created a seamless pathway for young people to enter or re-enter the workforce. It is person-centred, and it is working. 

Maintaining low unemployment levels is not coincidental but the result of the consistent, dedicated work of my team at the Department of Employment. 

We remain committed to providing all users with the tools they need to succeed, whether they are just beginning their career journey or seeking to explore new opportunities. 

This Government’s proven record of employment stability has been built on close working relationships, listening to those we serve and tailoring our response to the unique needs of each individual seeking employment. 

The Department also supports those already in employment who are seeking to improve or advance their career prospects. Whether it's exploring new opportunities, upskilling, or transitioning to a new role, the Employment Service is designed to meet a broad range of needs. In doing so, we are not only supporting individual career aspirations but also strengthening Gibraltar’s overall economic stability and growth. 

Madam Speaker, the value of this work is not only visible in the numbers, as impressive as they are, but in the quality and care of the support provided. 

Our ongoing commitment is clear, to maintain this momentum, to continue delivering results, and to ensure that Gibraltar’s employment landscape remains strong, inclusive, and full of promise. 

This commitment lies at the very heart of our work and it is evidently reflected in the outcomes we have achieved together. 

MINISTRY OF YOUTH The Youth Service 

Madam Speaker, when I spoke in this House last year, I shared my belief that supporting young people isn’t just about developing programmes or delivering statistics, it is about recognising potential and providing opportunity. I said then, and I happily repeat myself today, I don’t just see data, I see faces, stories and lives in progress. 

This past year, we have worked to turn those words into action. 

We have supported young people in practical ways, through training, outreach, and by creating spaces where they feel they belong. 

We have listened to their voices, not just through formal consultations, but in real conversations. 

I’ve seen what happens when we get it right. When a young person feels seen, heard and respected, they grow, they engage and they lead. 

That is why I remain committed, not just to leading this Ministry, but to helping build a culture that truly invests in its youth. 

As I have on numerous occasions mentioned to my Honourable Member in Opposition, the Youth Service is not only about our Youth clubs, though these remain a vital and valued space for engagement. The service plays a much wider role in helping our young people navigate the complex transition from education to adulthood, including into employment. 

This year will mark a significant milestone for Gibraltar’s young people with the development of our first-ever Gibraltar Youth Strategy, an inclusive vision that places the voices, needs and aspirations of young people at the heart of Government policy. This youth service Government- led initiative has been developed through research and engagement that started last year involving young people aged 8 to 25, as well as professionals and NGOs from across our community. 

Senior Youth Worker Rebecca Figueras has led on this project since last year and continues to work on this. 

The strategy will be released later this year and sets out pathways to ensure that all young people, regardless of background or ability, have the opportunities, support and resources they need to thrive, to be heard, and to play an active role in shaping the Gibraltar of tomorrow. 

As part of this Strategy, we successfully supported Childline in the creation of the new Teen Line service launched at Plater Youth Club. 

We are committing dedicated funding to begin implementing the strategy’s key priorities, these include the pilot launch of Targeted Youth Support, the expansion of the Careers.gi platform, and the development of inclusive, youth-led initiatives such as the Gibraltar Youth Symposium. 

This strategy is more than a document; it is a community-wide commitment to invest in the future of our youth. Through cross- departmental collaboration and ongoing feedback, we will ensure that every young person in Gibraltar has the opportunity to realise their full potential. 

One of the key areas we have focused on this year is career development and employment opportunities. We understand how crucial it is for young people to have access to relevant information and guidance as they navigate the path toward their future careers. With that in mind, I am excited to announce that the Careers.gi platform is expanding to include more comprehensive resources and information for young people seeking employment opportunities, and it will be developed as a central hub where career-related information is readily accessible. 

This expansion is in collaboration with the departments of Education, Employment, and Personnel and Development to ensure that we create a collaborative space where young people can access advice, training and job opportunities in one central place. 

We are working closely with stakeholders to develop a system that allows us to track each young person’s journey from education into employment. The aim is simple but vital: to ensure that no young person falls through the cracks, and that every individual is supported throughout this critical transition. 

Madam Speaker, we recognise that not all young people are in education or employment, and it is vital that we don’t leave anyone behind. The Zone Step Up and Thrive programme for young people who are neither in education nor employment, continues to provide them with a safe space to connect, learn and grow. Through mentorship, skills development, and support, we’re helping them make a positive step forward in their lives. 

The Youth Service is committed to providing a diverse range of services that cover a broad spectrum of young people's needs. 

Our focus areas include informal education, health, environmental awareness, wellbeing, culture, arts and sports. By offering these, we ensure that young people have the chance to develop well-rounded skills, nurture their creativity, improve their mental and physical health, and discover new passions. 

The Young Leaders Programme is designed for young people aged 14–17 who want to develop leadership skills, support youth work and make a positive impact in their community.
Participants assist Youth Workers in running activities, events and projects while gaining valuable experience in communication, teamwork, and responsibility. 

One of the most encouraging developments we’ve seen in the past year is the significant increase in the use of our facilities. The Youth Service offers four Youth Clubs, Plater, Laguna, Dolphins and the Youth Centre that are open throughout the week. 

Over the last 12 months, we have seen an 8.9% rise in the number of young people using our facilities on a weekly basis. This means that over 300 young people are now benefiting from the services and opportunities we offer on a regular basis. This increase is not just a statistic; it is a reflection of the growing trust and value that young people place in what we provide. 

Madam Speaker, as mentioned last July, we launched Gibraltar’s first Youth Symposium to provide young people with a platform to share their views and help shape the policies that affect them. 

The symposium has since developed into a dynamic platform for dialogue between young people and the Minister for Youth 

There is a point that the Honourable Mr Origo seemed to not pay heed to during my speech last year and made reference to the little work being done by this Government to encourage young people into politics. 

What this Government has done is create a symposium that gives every young person a voice and a chance to join debates and meaningful conversations directly with decision-makers in order to influence policy and change. 

Case in point, my friend and colleague Minister Arias-Vasquez, Minister for Health attended an early session of the Youth Symposium. She discussed young people’s concerns of mental health and community mental health support, and taking these dialogues and opinions into consideration has remodelled how mental health and well-being services are provided to young people, with a particular focus on ensuring young people receive appropriate support as and when required. 

Madam Speaker, I can also report that we are rolling out parliamentary visits for our youth in conjunction with our Ministry of Equality team with the aim of mirroring other European states in increasing political interest within our Youth, and in particular for young women and girls. 

Getting young people involved in “politics” is focusing on everyone, not just trying to get young people to join one’s specific political party’s youth section. 

Since the Symposium’s inception, we have held 9 more meetings, most in a Q&A format, to listen closely to concerns and priorities. In response, we have introduced several targeted initiatives highlighting what they believe works well and identifying areas for improvement. 

These discussions have been thematically categorised to clearly reflect emerging concerns, including mental health and wellbeing, vocational and non-academic pathways, careers advice, apprenticeships and employment opportunities, safe social events for under-16s, access to inclusive public spaces such as parks and skateparks and gender equality issues. 

Following the meeting on 18th March, a group of motivated young people expressed interest in launching Saturday evening sessions at the youth centre, featuring game nights planned and led by the participants themselves. The Youth Service is now working collaboratively with the Symposium group to co-create a youth-led curriculum for these sessions, shaped around the topics and discussions that young people feel are most relevant and meaningful to them. 

Another notable development is their ambition to strengthen their connection as a group which was achieved through a cultural and social trip to Morocco in June 2025. 

I am sure the Honourable Mr Origo will be overjoyed to hear this, given his apparent fixation on the Youth Service organising trips voiced repeatedly during parliament sessions. 

The trip included a cultural trip to Morocco’s Cheshire Home, offering participants immersive experiences, exposure to local traditions, and visits to historical sites, providing them with awareness, cultural appreciation, and personal growth. 

Meanwhile, The Mingle supports young adults aged 18–30 with diverse needs through weekly sessions at the Youth Centre. In partnership with the College of Further Education, attendees take part in activities such as cooking, creative projects and life skills training to focus on fostering independence and inclusion. 

The Youth Service continues to focus on environmental sustainability, proudly joining the Eco Festival at Europa Pool to promote planet protection. We also supported the Special Olympics Ceremony, celebrating the resilience and achievements of its inspiring athletes. These events highlighted the values of teamwork, determination, and community. 

In a heartwarming moment this year, the incredible dedication and hard work of our youth workers were formally acknowledged and celebrated by Her Worship the Mayor, Ms Carmen Gomez GMD. 

This recognition was a reminder of the vital role that our youth workers play in shaping the lives of young people and supporting them as they navigate their journey through adolescence. We’re incredibly proud of the youth workers who go above and beyond every day to make a difference. 

Our Nautilus award-winning Denim Renewed Project fostered creativity and life skills as young people transformed denim into personalized art. 

We also hosted successful GFA Street Football tournaments, promoting fitness, teamwork, and community through fun and inclusive competition. 

Youth activities from July 2024 to February 2025 included outings to Europa Pool, Bahia Park and The Gibraltar Fair. Paddle Boarding at Sandy Bay and water activities with the Gibraltar Regiment offered fun and nature-based bonding experiences and the Bossom Buddies Fashion Show and Time to Shine encouraged creative self-expression. 

October’s Halloween event at Laguna Youth Club fostered community spirit, while February’s Know Yourself, Grow Your Self exhibition highlighted youth mental health perspectives. 

We are also in the process of implementing a targeted youth support programme to identify young individuals who are showing signs of becoming at risk of disengagement, truancy, or behavioural issues with the assistance of other stakeholders such as the Department of Education, GHA and Care Agency. 

This year, the Youth Service has prioritised personal and professional development to ensure our team continues to deliver high-quality support. Staff completed essential training in GDPR, Health & Safety, and Dyslexia, alongside specialised courses in mental health, safeguarding, cultural competency, and LGBTQ+ inclusivity. Leadership and team- building workshops further strengthened collaboration and growth, keeping us responsive to the evolving needs of young people. 

A strong, collaborative team is the foundation of everything we do and by fostering a culture of mutual respect, shared knowledge and professional growth, we ensure that our youth workers not only excel individually but also contribute to the overall success of the Youth Service. 

Over the past year, we’ve partnered with various local and international agencies to offer specialised training in areas such as, Drugs Substance Abuse Awareness, Career Development and Guidance and Digital Literacy and Online Safety. 

As from September we have a new Supported Needs and Disability coordinator for the Youth Service and take part in workshops and meetings to improve services as part of the Disability Strategy. 

Madam Speaker, I am also very pleased to inform you that the Youth Service has employed 10 non-permanent youth support workers who will work to support the full-time team at the Youth Service. 

Two of them have started as trainees and will have to complete their training within a year in order to gain the understanding and knowledge needed to work with young people. All new entrants must undergo Safeguarding and Child Protection training. 

I can announce that the Laguna Youth Club obtained Planning permission last November 2024 to be completely refurbished at its current location at Glacis and an extension will be added above to provide a muti purpose Hall where young people will be able to enjoy extra space to carry out physical activities. 

We will also update and modernise the Plater Youth Club for young people in the Upper Town area. 

My aim is not only to empower young people, but to celebrate their achievements too.
In February I introduced the Youth Achievement Awards as I feel it is important to celebrate the success of young people in our community. Not just in different established disciplines but on individual achievement. 

35 nominations were received with 9 awards presented for leadership skills, volunteering, being role models and breaking stereotypes, for protecting the environment and for offering opportunities through outdoor learning. The Awards will become an annual event. 

I am incredibly proud of everything we’ve achieved together over the past year. But more importantly, I’m excited for what lies ahead. 

I hope that by highlighting some of the key initiatives and comprehensive work carried out by our Youth Service, I have made it clear to the Honourable Member that our efforts extend far beyond the scope of traditional youth clubs’ opening times. 

Madame Speaker, the Honourable Member opposite doesn’t seem to have come to grips with how we invest in our young people. Last year the Honourable Member cited that “Youths are by far the area that least money gets spent on”. However, this assertion is not necessarily accurate, as the £683,000 figure assigned to Youth in the Budget refers specifically to the Youth Service alone. 

In reality, young people are supported across a wide range of budgetary areas which include our education system, which benefits over 9,000 young people and forms a cornerstone of our investment in the youth, our health services and our Equality policies. 

Indeed, I could go on listing the various parts of our budget where young people are included, demonstrating that our commitment to youth extends far beyond one budget line. 

After months of uninformed, unresearched questions in Parliament by the Honourable Mr Origo regarding the Youth Service provision, I sincerely hope that my Budget Speech has finally given him the background and information he may need. I live in hope that this will finally avoid future questions like what Youth Workers do when the Youth Centres are not open. (full question can be read on Hansard of Wednesday 19th March 2025, from line 808) 

But just in case, to summarise, the Youth Service stands as a comprehensive and dynamic support network for young people in Gibraltar, delivering a wide range of initiatives including informal education, career guidance, mental health support, creative arts projects, sports and outdoor activities, community engagement events, and inclusive programmes for young people with diverse needs. 

This is made possible through strategic collaboration with the Department of Education, the Care Agency, GHA, the Ministry of Culture, Employment and Training, as well as a wide range of NGOs. Together, these partnerships ensure that the Youth Service continues to empower, support and uplift our young people. 

DRUGS AND ALCOHOL REHABILITATION SERVICES (DARS) 

Madam Speaker, I now move on to the important work done by the Drugs and Alcohol Rehabilitation Services (DARS), operated under the Care Agency. 

At its core, DARS is deeply committed to rehabilitation, reintegration and recovery. These are not just services; they are lifelines offered by a skilled team rooted in trauma-informed care, therapeutic practice and safeguarding. 

Their work is carried out with compassion, professionalism and diligence, supporting individuals in our community battling substance misuse and addiction. 

The Care Agency’s Therapeutic Services manage some of the most complex and high-risk cases in Gibraltar, with many clients having experienced emotional, physical, or sexual abuse, while others deal with the long-term effects of neglect and trauma. DARS meets these challenges in close coordination with partners across the Ministries of Health, Justice, Education and Housing. 

In the past year, the service has implemented strategic reforms and operational enhancements, including a complete overhaul of policies and client-care procedures, a restructured timetable to deliver more effective programming, reinstatement of one-to-one therapeutic sessions within the community, and continued aftercare through structured group support. 

Weekly Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) meetings have also been introduced, significantly improving coordinated care. 

DARS now works closely with the Gibraltar Health Authority, particularly Psychiatry, Dietetics, and the Registration department. A key development is the introduction of a comprehensive Drugs and Alcohol Services Pathway Plan, promoting integrated person-centred care through inter- agency collaboration. 

The multi-agency steering group continues to guide the strategic direction of the service and includes senior leaders from Public Health, Mental Health Services, Primary Care, Education, Housing, and the Royal Gibraltar Police. This forum is essential for setting shared objectives and ensuring accountability. 

One of the most significant advancements is the expansion of Bruce’s Farm Residential Programme. Capacity has increased from 13 to 16 beds, providing more individuals with access to life-saving support. Facility improvements, including refurbished kitchens, a new multi-purpose astroturf sports area, and a robust maintenance schedule, reflect an ongoing commitment to delivering safe, high-quality care. 

The “Dry House,” a transitional housing initiative, continues to support individuals reintegrating into the community after residential rehabilitation. Plans are underway for a second house specifically for female clients, reflecting the service’s responsiveness to evolving needs. 

Community-based therapeutic services have also progressed. 

The reach of relapse prevention programmes like the Phoenix and Freedom initiatives has expanded, and the innovative “Voice Programme” has been introduced. In partnership with the Gibraltar Youth Services Team, DARS is engaging younger clients (aged 18 to 25), with a focus on psychoeducation, integration, and building resilience. 

Madam Speaker, working closely with all stakeholders of the Drugs Advisory council we have launched our outreach programme into the different youth clubs and will soon release an awareness campaign on drugs and alcohol addiction. 

Family support continues to be a cornerstone of the service. Structured group sessions and one-to-one support aim to strengthen family bonds and build supportive networks around each individual, recognising the essential role families play in recovery. 

The professional development of staff remains a top priority and training in Trauma-Informed Practice has better equipped the team to meet the nuanced needs of clients, further enhancing the quality of care. 

Looking forward, plans are being developed to establish a dedicated Community Hub, designed to provide integrated support in one location. This initiative responds to the substantial growth in community-based services and the aim to meet people where they are. 

The impact of these efforts is evident in the numbers. Referrals have increased from 150 to 162 this year, a rise that not only indicates a growing need but also a growing confidence in the service. 

Clinical hours delivered in the community have increased from 624 to 696, demonstrating enhanced efficiency and commitment to face-to-face care. Admissions to Bruce’s Farm have grown from 52 to 58, reflecting both the expanded bed capacity and improvements in facility operations. 

Each statistic represents a person, a life being rebuilt, a family being reunited, a future being reclaimed. Bruce’s Farm continues to offer a safe and structured residential environment where individuals begin their recovery with dignity and purpose. The increase in admissions is a direct result of strategic improvements, from increased bed capacity to refurbished communal areas and enhanced therapeutic spaces. 

I extend my deepest gratitude to the DARS team, our inter-agency partners, and every professional who supports some of Gibraltar’s most vulnerable with unwavering dedication. This Government remains firmly committed to sustaining and expanding these vital services. 

We will continue to provide the resources, infrastructure and vision necessary to support recovery, promote dignity and build stronger, healthier communities. 

MINISTRY OF CULTURE Gibraltar Cultural Services 

An important factor of a healthy and thriving community is its culture, and Madam Speaker, as Minister for Culture I am delighted my team at Gibraltar Cultural Services has continued its work to ensure our cultural offering and its development, both in Gibraltar and abroad, remains at the heart of this Government’s agenda. 

My motivation and aspirations remain to have “Culture for All’, highlighting excellence, innovation, diversity, engagement and outreach. 

Time and time again, Culture proves it is value for money. I said it in my introduction, and I shall repeat it now, Culture is not a luxury; it is a necessity. Whether it is art, music, architecture, performing arts or other genres of the humanities spectrum, Culture is what creates our community’s social fabric, identifies us and ties us together as a people. 

I am so proud of what has been achieved over the decades, through events, cultural development and education, improvements and investment in cultural facilities and premises, and much more. 

And I give my guarantee that together with all stakeholders, we will ensure Culture continues to thrive and grow from strength to strength. 

CULTURAL EVENTS 

A myriad of community events have been organised, including Calentita that was held in July 2024 and again in June 2025, an event focused on our gastronomy, such an important part of our history and culture. 

As part of the new Summer events, we saw the reintroduction of the Summer Nights on Tour which included successful family events held at Eastern Beach and Casemates Square in 2024. 

Three Summer nights’ events have already been announced for 2025 in different areas around Gibraltar to support as many different local businesses as possible. 

The theatre community had our support internationally with Theatre Makers participating at the UK National Drama Festival and Bayside & Westside Drama Group representing Gibraltar at the UK Duncan Rand Festival. The 68th Gibraltar International Drama Festival in March was also as popular as ever with a weeklong programme of plays giving several groups the experience of treading the boards. 

The world of Literature was treated to ‘An Audience With’ David Walliams” as a prelude to the Gibunco Gibraltar Literary Festival, with both an event catering for 1600 children and an evening event which was really well received. This event was at no cost to the taxpayer as it was self-funding. This is an example of more fringe events we will hold in the coming months as part of my Tourism Led event strategy. 

Specifically for our young people, we brought back the Young Shakespeare Company in May with the support of the John Mackintosh Educational Trust. 2,500 upper primary and secondary school students watched performances of ‘Twelfth Night’, with an educational workshop on the dramatic arts also on offer. 

The Trust also supported the 2025 Youth Arts Jamboree which is part of our cultural drive to encourage young people to be the cultural leaders of tomorrow. Projects included The Gibraltar International Dance Festival, the Festival for Young Musicians, the Young Art Competitive Exhibition and the ever-popular World Book Day celebrations. Workshops were also organised in conjunction with the Gibraltar Youth Service, the Scouts and Guides Associations amongst others. 

Guy Fawkes at Little Bay Car Park was also introduced in conjunction with the Scouts Association. Including entertainment by the Sea Scouts Pipe Band and DJs, it was enjoyed by people of all ages. I am pleased to confirm this will go ahead in November this year too. 

The 6th Cultural Awards Ceremony, celebrating the best of Gibraltar’s arts and culture was aired on GBC TV and our social media platforms. This annual event is growing year on year and goes to highlight the talent Gibraltar has to offer in this field. 

The Christmas period in Gibraltar is indeed something to celebrate and the Christmas Wonderland events held in November and December were certainly bigger and better than previous years. 

Over 8,000 people attended the Christmas Festival of Lights and 1000 people attended the Christmas Party the day after. The 2-day event saw entertainment by local cultural groups, international act Queen Revolution, fair attractions running for over 6 weeks, to the delight of the children in our community, as well as late night shopping to support our business community, further supported by two Christmas Saturdays in town. 

With entertainment including marching bands, dance groups and choirs, these were intended to attract local business as well as tourist investment. This year the traditional Festival of Lights will take place in November 2025. 

The New Year’s Celebrations, produced on our behalf by Gibmedia, is also on our annual calendar. 

The Three Kings Cavalcade brought the Christmas celebrations to a close, with thousands lining Main Street once again to enjoy the spectacle. 

I want to take a moment to thank our partners in the entertainment and cultural industry who help us offer the best events and offerings possible. My thanks to Gibmedia, Fresh Entertainment, the dancers, musicians, actors and everyone who collaborate year-round to ensure Gibraltar can continue to offer a cultural calendar we can all be proud of. 

Also, my thanks to the individuals who offer their time, like the speakers of Gibtalks, its 10th edition taking place last February. 

The speaker’s stories and experiences continue to draw and entertain audiences. The 11th edition will return to the stage in January 2026. 

The Gibraltar Magic Festival attracted thousands of locals and tourists and The Zarzuela made a comeback this year with ‘La Verbena de la Paloma’ to a packed John Mackintosh Theatre. 

Madam Speaker, we are always trying to innovate and this year we introduced the Candlelight Concerts.
The first was a Christmas Concert on Strings at the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity and the most recent was Queen on Strings in April at St Michael’s Cave. Both performed to sold out audiences, as did the Celebration of Opera’s second classical concert organised with the Gibraltar Philharmonic Society last October. 

Heritage Week was a special event on our calendar this year, marking the 80th Anniversary of VE Day. This was a successful collaboration between the Ministry of Culture, the Gibraltar Tourist Board and the Gibraltar Heritage Trust. The weekend included a rich and engaging celebration of Gibraltar’s history and cultural heritage, attracting tourism to Gibraltar and shining a spotlight on our military history. 

A moving commemorative ceremony was held at the Moorish Castle and other activities during the weekend included Street Art Tours for schools, Walking Tours, the annual Heritage Painting Competition organised by the Gibraltar Heritage Trust, performances by GAMPA and JF Dance, and an interactive storytelling session. 

The Victorian Re-enactment Association from the UK and the Gibraltar Re-enactment Society and the Gibraltar Bands & Drums Association also took part in the events. 

Gibraltar Cultural Services, on behalf of the Ministry also run its usual programme of events and festivals. 

This includes the Autumn and Spring events, International Art Competition, the Gibraltar Fair and National Day events, Worker’s Memorial Day and literary competitions amongst other offerings.

Madam Speaker, I’m sure you can say we have kept busy making sure the cultural calendar is of as much quality as it is quantity. 

CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT & EDUCATION 

Madam Speaker, the focus on Culture is not just about entertainment though, my mission is also to develop and educate. GCS has become an Approved Activity Provider (AAP) as part of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Gibraltar with the aim of offering cultural and arts- related activities that will allow Award participants to develop their skills in these areas while contributing to GCS through specific projects and activities. 

A new volunteer scheme was launched in January aimed at encouraging individuals to play a vital role in supporting the cultural sector, seeking to strengthen community involvement while promoting the arts and highlighting the value of volunteering to foster cultural and personal growth. 

Putting Gibraltar on the international map is of the utmost importance for me, both as Minister for Culture and for Tourism. 

To this end we supported artists Monica Popham and Jack Hernandez at their participation at the International Art Fair in March and participated at the Patros Poetry Festival in Greece with local poet Jonathan Teuma representing Gibraltar. Plans for participation at the 2025 event with 2 local poets are already underway. 

We supported the 2025 Orkney Island Games Cultural programme and also Freeman of the City and internationally renowned artist Christian Hook at his exhibition and event at the National Portrait Gallery in London. 

Participation at the London Book Fair in March 2025 by members of GCS and the Gibraltar National Book Council led to networking and promotional opportunities with attendees also attending a writer’s summit. 

Participation at the Cultural Enterprise Conference in Liverpool in March 2025 with industry professionals led to interesting talks on challenges faced by the industry and ways to maximise participation and audiences amongst other things. 

The third Cultural Exchange with Morocco was launched in April under the banner ‘A Tale of Two Cities’. Organised in conjunction with Gallery Kent in Tangier, it included an art exhibition showcasing works by 7 local artists, offering an opportunity to highlight all the work done by GCS on behalf of the Ministry of Culture to promote cultural and artistic links with Tangier over the last few years. 

As part of its development drive, GCS has supported various publications including ‘Alice’s Table 6’ by Alice Mascarenhas and ‘The Boy and his Demon’ by Kelvin Llambias. It also selected Sheridan Povedano to take part in the young adult Writing Mentorship programme. 

A new cultural programme was produced with GBC based on the Llanito language, which proved very popular and has now been converted into a podcast as an extended Llanito programme. GCS also supported GBC with The Book Club TV programme. 

The development of young people in Culture is of utmost importance. The Celebration of World Book Day 2025 attracted hundreds of students from local schools to the John Mackintosh Hall, celebrating classic fairytales and the Brother’s Grimm books and exploring different stories and themes through arts and crafts activities, storytelling and performance. An interactive public storytelling session by GAMPA was well attended too, giving others the chance to celebrate the occasion. 

Also, as part of World Book Day, a free book was given to every pupil in Year 1 and Year 2. The presentation at Bookgem saw representatives of each school involved, with over 800 books of The Adventures of Paddington: Farm Escape, issued in Gibraltar that week. 

The promotion for a love of reading, books and literature was actively done throughout February and March with numerous school visits and tours at the library where pupils from different year groups enjoyed storytelling and were encouraged to become active library members. 

Over the past year, Gibraltar Cultural Services has led and supported a wide array of cultural initiatives aimed at celebrating local heritage, fostering creativity, and promoting engagement across all age groups. One of the highlights was the production of the Calle Comedia Kasbah event as part of National Week, showcasing diverse artistic expressions. 

On June 3rd, GCS organised the 10th Anniversary rededication of the Mario Finlayson National Gallery. The event featured an open day, the launch of Shane Dalmedo’s book on heritage artist and Freeman of the City, Gustavo Bacarisas, and a series of fireside chats that added depth to the cultural dialogue. 

Culture Crawls, led in partnership with historian Dr. Ryan Asquez, use street art to educate about Gibraltar’s rich history and heritage, drawing strong public interest. 

A new initiative, Discovering Our People, was launched to highlight Gibraltar’s multicultural identity by capturing stories from residents of all backgrounds. This project underscores our unique cultural fabric. 

Additionally, GCS introduced artist Kyranne Lia’sBarriers and Planters project along Main Street, her artwork commemorates pivotal moments in Gibraltar’s history, now enhanced with QR codes offering visitors access to detailed historical context which has already received thousands of online interactions. 

Support for artistic development continues through activities like the Silent Book Club at BookGem, writing and technical theatre workshops, and seasonal events. 

GCS’s support for the Rock Retreat is ongoing, with projects throughout 2025 and a biennial residency scheduled for May 2026. These engagements use Gibraltar’s history and culture as a foundation for international artistic exploration. 

GCS also maintains strong links with educational institutions. 

Tours of the Mario Finlayson National Gallery, City Hall, and GEMA Gallery have been widely attended by schools such as St Joseph’s, St Anne’s, Prior Park, Westside, and St Bernard’s, with tailored educational resources provided. 

International groups from Spain and Morocco continue to visit in coordination with the Mayor’s Office, the Heritage Trust, and other partners, supporting the promotion of local art and artists. 

GEMA Gallery remains a vibrant cultural space, hosting events including the Youth Services Children’s Mental Health Art Exhibition, Rock Retreat’s Zine Exhibition on “Home,” the Visual Arts Graduate Show, and the Heritage Trust’s Annual Painting Exhibition. It also offers various themed workshops for children which are always well received. 

The Cultural Organisations Register and directory remain active and updated, aligned with safeguarding policies. GCS has also launched a new research project on the life and work of Leni Mifsud. 

Annual cultural staples like Halloween events, Santa’s Grotto, and Winter Tales storytelling further demonstrate GCS’s year-round commitment to Gibraltar’s cultural development. 

LEGISLATION 

Madam Speaker, a new Cultural Act was approved in Parliament in December 2024 making provision for the management, enhancement, and enjoyment of culture in Gibraltar, and will provide for all other connected cultural matters. 

We also introduced a subsidy for elite performers as part of a new Elite Funding programme with the aim of allowing young artists to have the opportunity of specialist training and study. 9 young people benefitted from this programme in financial year 24/25. 

GOVERNMENT ART COLLECTION 

Madam Speaker, GCS on behalf of Government acquired 47 new artworks over the last year for the Government’s Art Collection, at a total cost of £36,532. 

This includes purchases at auction and from private collections, winners in the Governments’ art competitions and purchases from the Affordable Art Exhibition and solo shows. Many of the paintings include works by heritage artists such as Gustavo Bacarisas, Rudesindo Mannia and Jacobo Azagury, as well as many of our contemporary artists. 

JOHN MACKINTOSH HALL PUBLIC LIBRARY 

Madam Speaker, over the past year, the John Mackintosh Hall Library has continued to enhance its services and outreach. 

As Gibraltar’s official agency for the International Standard Book Number (ISBN), the Library represented Gibraltar at the ISBN conference in Paris. A new library card design competition was launched, attracting over 50 entries, with four winners selected. Social media platforms have been actively used to promote storytelling sessions, school visits, and literary initiatives. 

Significant investments were made in new book acquisitions and the BorrowBox platform, which offers eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines, and ePress. 

Membership on BorrowBox has grown to 965, nearly 200 more than last year, with ePress, especially UK newspapers and magazines, proving the most popular. 

New eBooks in Spanish, French, and Italian were also added to support Gibraltar’s bilingual and multilingual community. 

The Library’s membership now stands at 6,384, with 567 new members in the past year. Weekly storytelling sessions, supported by dedicated volunteers, remain popular. The Library also boasts a growing collection of books by Gibraltarian authors and on Gibraltar-related topics, supported by the John Mackintosh Educational Trust. Since June 2024, 15 ISBNs have been issued for local publications. 

CULTURAL FACILITIES 

Refurbishing and maintaining cultural venues is key to supporting artists and raising the standard of artistic expression. 

We’re also committed to improving accessibility across all cultural buildings through future upgrades. 

By ensuring accessibility, we strive to create inclusive spaces for all members of our community. 

As Minister for Equality, this is paramount to me. I firmly believe that by investing in Gibraltar's cultural infrastructure, we are making a substantial investment in the advancement of the arts. 

A total of £113,910 has been invested in works at Central Hall, Inces Hall, John Mackintosh Hall, Gustavo Bacarisas Gallery, GEMA Gallery, City Hall and the Fine Arts Gallery. 

GOVERNMENT CULTURAL PREMISES 

Madam Speaker, we continue to make significant progress on all Government cultural premises and estates. 

We have undertaken various works in several locations, such as the Retrenchment Block, Recreational Rooms, Jumper’s Bastion, Wellington Front, Prince Edward’s Road, Town Range, Bayview in Line Wall Road, and other premises totalling £78,690 

FUTURE 

Looking ahead to the annual calendar of events, we have the 10th Anniversary rededication of the GEMA Contemporary Art Gallery, OktoberFest at Ocean Village, the refreshed outlook of the Gibraltar Jazz Festival, and an art exhibition by Moroccan artists in Gibraltar in March in conjunction with Gallery Kent. 

We also have a new cultural exchange in collaboration with the Lloyds Group of London where Gibraltarian artists will exhibit at the Noho Studios in the West End in May 2026, with the UK artists reciprocating by exhibiting in Gibraltar in July. 

Madam Speaker, as you can see, Culture remains a very important part of my work, and my plan is to continue with the betterment of the old and the creation of new opportunities for all. 

AVIATION – GIBRALTAR AIR TERMINAL 

Madam Speaker, I now turn my attention to the Gibraltar Air Terminal and its performance over the last financial year. 

In 2024, passenger traffic reached 424,386, which marks the third consecutive year since the pandemic with over 400,000 passengers. We see an increase of 12.8% since we came back from covid in 2021. 

British Airways recorded impressive numbers on the Gibraltar–London Heathrow route, underlining the route’s continued strength. At the same time, easyJet streamlined its operations, continuing their support for Gatwick services and Manchester airport. 

There has been a 10% decline in air passenger numbers but I am not concerned as hotel occupancy and other related Tourism figures are up. Less people may be flying to Gibraltar, but of the those landing here, more are staying in Gibraltar, as evidenced in the increase in overnight hotel stays. 

There were 3628 Aircraft movements in 2024 with strong load factors indicating that flight schedules were well-aligned with demand, demonstrating operational efficiency. 

In the summer of 2025, Gibraltar will benefit from a robust schedule of 34 weekly flights at peak. The new year-round Birmingham service, operated by easyJet, is a particularly welcome addition. 

 

68 | P a g e 

This route reconnects Gibraltar with the UK’s Midlands, a populous area with a strong interest in the destination. It is expected to boost tourism, foster business connections, and contribute to broader economic growth. 

Winter 2025 is expected to maintain similar frequencies, including Birmingham. Medium-term prospects may be shaped by ongoing EU negotiations, but the long-term outlook remains optimistic with access to new opportunities. Gibraltar’s position outside the EU presents clear advantages for UK-based travellers and airlines, including shared language and currency, lower airport fees, and marketing incentives. 

In terms of infrastructure, we are continuing to invest in modernisation and operational efficiency. 

Key upgrades include two self-propelled luggage belt loaders, and an Air Start Unit, all aimed at improving efficiency, reducing delays, and enhancing safety. Enhanced security screening technology to improve detection, speed, and passenger experience. Further improvements are planned, including the replacement of airside and landside paving, IT and CCTV upgrades, and washroom refurbishments. 

Staff training remains a priority and over the past year, all mandatory training was completed, along with specialised programs on emergency response, drone threats, and participation in a night-time air disaster exercise. These efforts ensure staff readiness for routine and critical scenarios alike. 

Gibraltar’s Air Terminal has made significant progress in resilience, route development, infrastructure, and training. This reflects a strategy focused not merely on recovery, but on long-term advancement and global connectivity. 

MINISTRY OF TOURISM Gibraltar Tourist Board 

Madam speaker, I now turn to my Tourism portfolio. 

As the Honourable Members will appreciate, tourism forms a vital pillar of Gibraltar’s economic landscape, contributing approximately 20% to our GDP. In 2024 tourist expenditure has increased over the year by 7.1% to £276.35m, with the overall number of visitor arrivals, excluding frontier workers, increasing in the same period by 3.9%. The number of coaches arriving in Gibraltar has increased by 9.7%. Madam Speaker, it is my absolute pleasure to report these positive increases across the board. 

The tourism sector is not just about economics, it is a cornerstone of Gibraltar’s vibrant atmosphere and it is how we present the Rock to the world. 

CRUISING 

Madam Speaker, the cruise sector remains an integral part of Gibraltar’s tourism, supporting port operations, retail, food and beverage, tour operators, and tourist sites. In 2024, we saw a 10% increase with 185 cruise calls. 

For 2025, a further 30% rise is expected, bringing us close to record numbers. Based on current bookings, we anticipate continued double- digit growth in 2026, likely surpassing all previous records. 

Beyond the immediate tourism impact, cruise visits provide excellent exposure. Many passengers get a brief taste of Gibraltar and may return for longer, independent stays. 

Madam Speaker, to promote this sector, we work closely with the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the world’s largest cruise trade body, representing 95% of global cruise capacity, 54,000 travel agents, and 15,000 agencies. To reaffirm our commitment and relationship, in May we hosted the Cruise Leaders Dinner at the CLIA Conference in Southampton for the third consecutive year. The Gibraltar Tourism Board team engaged with industry professionals during the conference and expo. 

In September, we hosted the CLIA Destination Showcase in Gibraltar. Sixty members visited for a 2-day programme highlighting Gibraltar’s Port services. 

This was a valuable opportunity to promote Gibraltar’s assets as a cruise destination to the key decision makers in the industry. 

The Gibraltar Tourist Board participated in three major Mediterranean- focused events: the 64th MedCruise General Assembly in Tarragona (June 2024), Seatrade Europe in Malaga (September), and the International Cruise Summit, one of Europe’s top cruise conferences (November). These engagements enhance Gibraltar’s visibility and reinforce our position as a must visit destination. 

Madam Speaker, in April 2025, Channel 5 aired The Cruise: Fun at Sea, a one-hour programme focused on Gibraltar as a featured stop, providing excellent exposure of our destination. 

We also attended the Seatrade Cruise Summit in Miami, a key industry event bringing together global cruise leaders, including CEOs and senior executives. I am pleased to report feedback on Gibraltar remains positive, and we remain committed to building on this momentum. 

LEISURE 

Madam Speaker, we continue working to ensure Gibraltar remains visible and relevant in the leisure travel sector. 

In July 2024, the Gibraltar Tourist Board supported Travel Trade Gazette (TTG), a leading trade publication covering the travel industry during its annual Diversity & Inclusion Day, part of Fairer Travel Week.
This placed Gibraltar’s branding in front of key industry decision-makers as a strong advocate for DEI in the workplace. 

I addressed an audience of industry leaders on our sustainable tourism targets and future growth plans at the Travel Weekly Future of Travel conference at Google Headquarters in London in September. I shared the stage with respected speakers from Jet2 Holidays, easyJet Holidays, Love Holidays and Sunday Times Political Editor Tim Shipman. This was the third time Gibraltar has spoken at this event and shows we are considered a valued participant. 

Madam Speaker, the Gibraltar Tourist Board continues to showcase Gibraltar as a first-class destination at every viable opportunity. We exhibited at the World Travel Market (WTM) in London in November - one of the world’s most influential tourism events. 

Our annual participation is a key part of our marketing strategy. WTM gives Gibraltar major exposure to around 40,000 travel professionals and 250,000 online members. Our team held valuable meetings with top names including easyJet and British Airways. 

I was also interviewed by Online Travel Training (OTT), a global leader in multilingual travel trade training, with 95,000 registered professionals, offering further international reach for our destination messaging. 

Madam speaker, I attended the annual Travel Weekly Sustainability Summit in London, hosted by Google, which took place against the backdrop of Cop 29, in November 2024. 

I sat on a panel discussion where I was able to contribute to the overarching discussion around sustainability in destinations, highlighting case studies of infrastructure development. 

Sustainability is discussed and debated invariably in most tourism related conferences and is at the heart of all future planning. It is therefore vital that Gibraltar continues to promote the commitment and progress it is making in these areas. 

Madam Speaker, the Gibraltar Tourist Board hosted the annual Travel Weekly Industry Leader’s Dinner, in partnership with Deloitte in February 2025 where I was invited to provide a welcome address. 

The event each year marks the launch of the Travel Weekly Deloitte Insight Report, which looks at the trading conditions and market trends for the year ahead. 

Madam Speaker, throughout the year The Gibraltar Tourist Board collaborates with travel trade media, of which the largest industry title is Travel Weekly. 

In January the features team headed to Gibraltar to research news and content for a 16-page supplement magazine which covered all aspects of Gibraltar’s tourism product, together with future projects. The supplement is available in print, which reaches 45,000 readers, and over 77,000 readers on its digital formats. Travel Weekly's core readership ranges from frontline travel sellers and suppliers to the chief executives of the world's leading travel firms. 

The GTB participated in the Travel Bulletin Mediterranean Showcase in Stratford Upon Avon attended by 50 agents in the Midlands catchment area. Falling in the first week of the easyJet Birmingham inaugural service, agents were fully briefed on this new service. 

Sunborn Gibraltar and the Gibraltar Tourist Board hosted a Familiarization Trip in June 2025, welcoming UK-based Personal and Executive Assistants from medium to large companies. The goal was to reintroduce Gibraltar as a destination for corporate events, incentives, and executive travel, showcasing its potential to attract future business. 

The Association for Independent Tour Operators, (AITO), was hosted by the GTB for its fourth agents’ ‘Famference’ last month for 38 UK based Travel Agents and Tour Operators, exclusively trade-facing specialists and niche market professionals. 

The organisers were taken aback by the enthusiasm shown by the agents. Gibraltar was actually featured in the front cover of Travel Weekly Magazine to readership of over 114,000. 

The working trip was designed to showcase the Rock as a destination while informing agents on the product to assist them in promoting it to their customers. 

Madam Speaker, we have been informed by both BA Holidays and easyJet Holidays that the statistics on their package holiday reservations to Gibraltar for the summer are up significantly from last year. 

In addition, it is encouraging to see that the publication of the British Airways Holidays 2025 Travel Trends Report identified Gibraltar as a ‘Rising Star’ destination based on holiday package searches on their website this January, which are up 17% in January 2025 compared to the same period last year. January being one of the main booking periods usually see’s searches transfer into bookings. 

75 | P a g e 

Recently Gibraltar was also added to easyJet Holidays ‘alternative destinations’ which highlights how Gibraltar is being noticed within the industry. 

Madam Speaker, in March Minister Cortes and I met with the President and representatives of the Agencias de Viajes Asociadas de Andalucia (AEDAV), a network representing over 85 travel agencies, some of which organize coach tours to Gibraltar for clients across Europe. 

The meeting was a good chance to update tour operators in the region of Gibraltar's latest improvements to its many tourist products and the other projects currently under development. 

It was also an opportunity to discuss further collaboration to increase the number of visitors and we consequently hosted 27 members of the Association in April. They were given an extensive guided tour of key attractions so they could gain firsthand insight into Gibraltar’s evolving tourism offerings. 

Madam Speaker, we are continuing our marketing campaign with TUI whereby every TUI customer using their buses in the Costa del Sol and Costa de la Luz will be exposed to Gibraltar ads during their transfers and excursions, providing great awareness and encouraging visitation. 

Madam Speaker, in continuation of my colleague Minister Cortes’ visit to Morocco, in December, the GTB attended a ‘Regional Conference on Tourism in Tangier-Tetuan-Al Hoceima Region’, in Tetuan. 

Gibraltar was the only foreign destination in attendance, and it was a unique forum to raise awareness, make new contacts and explore the very interesting symbiotic potential that exists between both countries. 

GTB CEO Mr Bossino met up with senior members of the Moroccan Government, Tourism executives, Chamber of Commerce, and related businesses. 

NEW SITES 

Madam speaker, it is exciting to see the development of new iconic tourist sites on the Rock, one of which is the fully renovated World War II Tunnel and so many other sites such as the Northern Defences , Moorish Castle and the Mount as already mentioned by my Colleagues The Honourable Deputy Chief Minister and The Hon Prof John Cortes. I would like to thanks them both for delivering these incredible new sites which will continue to enhance the tourism experience 

Madam Speaker, in addition on behalf of Trinity House UK, we opened an Expression of Interest in order to open the Lighthouse for tours.
Ours is the only Trinity Lighthouse outside the UK Isles and made even more special due to its location at one of the most southernmost points in Europe. I am sure this will be a successful venue for whoever the successful bidder is. 

Madam Speaker, the Gibraltar Tourist Board attended the London chapter of the International Media Marketplace - IMM London. 

The event is the largest networking event in the UK for travel industry writers, editors, bloggers and content creators with over 500 media and Public Relation professionals in attendance. 

Taking place across two days, the marketplace allows exhibitors to pitch news stories while the journalists and creators look for story angles to target editorial commissions and press trips. 

This event forms part of the Tourist Board’s annual planning agenda for attracting media to Gibraltar throughout the year as the event provides an opportunity to update press on new product, events and services, all to reinforce Gibraltar’s culture and identity. 

The Travel Editor of The Sun newspaper (largest UK readership) commissioned a feature on the destination, sending a journalist to Gibraltar in April with a very positive feature published in June. 

As part of our rebranding of Visit Gibraltar we launched the “Where the Med Begins” TV advertising campaign that aired across most major UK channels, reaching 5.5 million adults between April and May 2024 and 7.7 million adults between December 2024 and January 2025 with an additional 5.7 million adults in our latest TV campaign in April 2025. 

No doubt the Opposition will try to downplay these numbers and demean the success of the campaign, but to use my new mantra, ‘let them’. In addition, our successful campaign was supported by print and digital newspaper ads, as well as radio spots featuring the tagline “Where the Med begins.” 

Madam Speaker, if you follow the Visit Gibraltar pages, and I very much hope you do, you may have noticed our social media strategy has also been revamped. 

It is now more personalised, giving viewers a sample of what their experience will be, which is a more engaging way of sparking interest in the Rock as a destination. 

HOTELS 

This interest is definitely showing as documented in the latest Hotel Occupancy Survey. Room occupancy rates, guest nights sold and average length of stay per person have all increased. I am thrilled with these upward trends which pointedly demonstrate that what we are doing in terms of marketing and exposure and evolving our product are all working. I’ll be interested to see how the opposition will try to massage these figures to give a negative impression of the success we are having in Tourism. 

SHORT-TERM LETS REGULATIONS 

Madam speaker, Short-term lets, have been growing exponentially in the last few years adding to the available accommodation offering. 

Whilst this is a phenomenon which has been taking place in most jurisdictions, there is no global unified approach to deal with this. 

In order to be able to provide some clarity in terms of supply, availability and type of accommodation on offer and to provide a platform to formalise this sector, a new Bill was introduced on 18 December to regularize the offering and balance tourism growth with regulatory compliance. 

There is a need for regulations to be in place to ensure there is a visibility of usage and so that property owners are accountable for the service they are providing and charging for. 

ATTRACTING MICE BUSINESS TO GIBRALTAR 

Madam Speaker, it is our desire to position Gibraltar as a bespoke destination for the boutique MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions) sector, particularly for the UK market. 

The Gibraltar Tourist Board partnered with Sunborn Gibraltar to participate in two specialist events aimed at conference and incentive travel planners. Both the Micebook Expo and C&IT Forum are UK-focused networking events that provide opportunities for destinations and partner venues to engage in buyer-driven appointments over two days. In a competitive marketplace, Gibraltar is steadily increasing its visibility among buyers by highlighting its unique selling points. 

As part of this strategy the Rock’s tourism product was placed under the spotlight during the UK’s Business Travel Association’s (BTA) autumn conference, held at the Sunborn in September.
Networking, discussion and debate were at the forefront of the conference, with some 190 delegates given the opportunity to explore first-hand what Gibraltar has to offer. 

This was an important event to bring to Gibraltar, as the association is made up of Travel Management Companies (TMCs) and the BTA’s members account for over 90% of UK expenditure on managed business travel and is responsible for over 90% of corporate bookings. 

The Gibraltar Tourist Board met the BTA at the Meetings and Incentives show in London in June 2023 which led to the event taking place for the first time in Gibraltar. 

SPORTS LED TOURISM 

Madam Speaker, the area of Sports led tourism is also an important avenue to pursue. A good example of this, in this case with private individuals’ cooperation, is the 8th Gibraltar Backgammon Championship which recently took place at the Sunborn Hotel. 

There were 96 players from 28 countries participating and engaging in five days of intense competition including some of the world’s top talents such as current World Champion Johan Moazed from Sweden. 

It is fantastic to see Gibraltar hosting such prestigious events, placing the territory firmly on the map for international event circuits. 

In September we will also be hosting the prestigious Netball World Youth Cup Championship which is the pinnacle of netball competition for emerging players who are under 21 years of age. 

The tournament will take place in two main competition venues, The Tercentenary Sports Hall and Europa Sports Park. 

20 teams from across the globe from as far-flung places as the Cook Islands, Malaysia, Zambia and New Zealand will compete in the event, which is taking place from the 19th – 28th September. 

I would like to thank the Netball Association for organising such a great event for Gibraltar as it goes without saying that these type of events are of the utmost importance and in line with our strategy to market Gibraltar as the place of choice for major sporting events. Other significant sports events taking place are in Darts, Boxing, Squash and Rugby 7s to name a few. 

Visit Gibraltar attended the TCS London Marathon Running Show to highlight Gibraltar as a premier sports tourism destination and launch the Gibraltar Under Siege Run, a new endurance challenge inspired by the Rock's historic resilience due to take place next February. 

The event allowed direct engagement with the global running community, successfully raising awareness of the destination. 

I would like to Thank all the organisers as well as the Minister for Sport and his Team at the GSLA for their continued collaboration. 

The GTB once again exhibited at the Meetings Show in London. The specialist exhibition has helped Gibraltar raise its profile in this sector post 2020 supported by Sunborn Gibraltar and has directly contributed to winning conference business for Gibraltar. 

Madam Speaker, the world of Literature was treated to the Gibunco Gibraltar Literary Festival in November 2024. 

A combined effort led by the Gibraltar Tourist Board in collaboration with Gibraltar Cultural Services. 

As has become expected, the Festival continues to attract a high calibre of authors from all walks of life and with varied experiences, from Sports to entertainment, to politics and personal challenges. 

The keynote speaker last year was the ever-popular Shirley Ballas of Strictly Come Dancing fame who gave audiences an insight into her personal and professional life. 

We also welcomed Sir Liam Fox, who amongst other distinguished roles, was the UK’s Secretary of State for Defence between 2010 and 2011, Lord Graham Brady, Conservative Member of Parliament and for 14 years the Chairman of the 1922 Committee, and Guillem Balague of the International football world who had covered the likes of Lionel Messi and Christiano Ronaldo. 

The Festival also provided writing workshops, food demonstrations, school talks and interactive programmes, press write ups and more. 

I for one certainly am looking ahead to this November for the 2025 Festival and what it has to offer. 

 

Madam Speaker, we are continuing Gibraltar’s long-standing working relationship with the prestigious Oxford Literary Festival. 

In March I attended the event to present the ‘Gibraltar Talk’ where was able to talk about our festival and about Gibraltar as a destination to all festival goers. 

Madam Speaker, the GO Diving Show 2025, held in March at NAEC Stoneleigh Park in Coventry, UK, attracted 12,543 visitors and featured around 100 exhibitors. As the UK’s premier scuba diving event, it offered a blend of education, inspiration and interactive activities. 

The Gibraltar Tourist Board, alongside Dive Charters Gibraltar, participated in the show, which also featured Gibraltar on the front cover of Scuba Diver magazine with a seven-page feature, boosting the destination’s credibility and exposure. 

Gibraltar was recently featured in another one-hour Channel 5 programme as part of the 'Jewels of the Mediterranean' series in February 2025. 

This opportunity was secured following continuous efforts by the Gibraltar Tourist Board (GTB). 

The broadcast provided substantial exposure, leading to a boost in business, including a notable increase in wedding enquiries at the Sunborn Hotel and scuba diving enquiries, all of which featured in the programme. 

 

CONNECT Aviation Conference 

The Gibraltar Tourist Board participated in the CONNECT Route Conference held in Girona, Spain, in February which brought together 800 attendees, including representatives from 200 airports across 63 countries. It was a valuable opportunity to network with existing airline partners, stay informed about industry trends, and explore potential new routes especially with an agreement now in place. 

Madam speaker, easyJet launched their new route to Birmingham on the 1st June. This has been a route which we have been actively pursuing and is already proving popular, operating twice weekly all year round. 

The GTB travelled to the Midlands in March 2025, to support the new summer route in conjunction with easyJet at an event co-hosted with trade title Travel Bulletin. 35 travel agents joined the evening which was re- enforced on the night by Gibraltar’s trade suppliers easyJet Holidays, Blands, Dive Charters, MH Bland, Sunborn Gibraltar and WWII Tunnels, all of whom I would like to thank wholeheartedly for their support in this initiative. Also attending was disability specialist operator Enable Holidays. 

In March, we hosted the ESG Senior Lead from easyJet Holidays, one of the UK’s leading tour operators featuring four Gibraltar hotels. The visit highlighted Gibraltar’s commitment to sustainability through strong public- private collaboration, education, and community engagement, demonstrating our alignment with climate goals and values increasingly sought by major travel brands. 

Madam Speaker, I have little doubt that the Shadow Minister for Tourism or even the De-facto Minister for Tourism will respond to this address with the familiar claims that we have no strategy, that we are failing, and that there is a lack of maintenance across our tourism infrastructure. 

I want to be abundantly clear, those criticisms are not grounded in fact. Our record and statistics tell the true story. 

Our strategy indeed exists. As stated in our most recent parliament session it was finalised over 12 months ago, and we have been actively working with it since. It has not been published as we were awaiting the outcome of the deal, as the result of this would determine two distinct strategic pathways. 

We are now clearer on which direction we will be taking, and it will be published soon. 

The strategy is dynamic, evidence-led, and aligned with our long-term goals for the good of Gibraltar. It is also a working document which will be amended as and when circumstances change. 

It focuses on enhancing our visibility in competitive global markets, strengthening our cruise, leisure, MICE, and sports tourism sectors, expanding our events calendar, and investing in both heritage and infrastructure. 

Madam Speaker, Gibraltar is seeing consistent growth in cruise calls, increased bookings in the leisure sector, successful engagement with key players in aviation, diving, and MICE tourism, and unprecedented international exposure through media campaigns and strategic partnerships. Visit Gibraltar reached over 3.8M video views and 71K interactions across Facebook and Instagram the first half of this year, with engagement growth up by 1,500%. 

A marked effort to enhance social media presence this year has paid off. Nearly all growth came organically, with 95% of Instagram and 91% of Facebook watch time unpaid, reflecting high content quality and strategic effectiveness. 

Industry feedback is positive. New routes are being secured. And Gibraltar is being noticed, for all the right reasons. 

Facts speak louder than rhetoric. 

From the restoration of the WWII tunnels to the ongoing work at The Mount, to the repurposing of heritage sites and the careful management of our Nature Reserve, we are delivering a tourism product of world-class standard, one that both preserves our past and invests in our future. 

We are not complacent. We are ambitious. Gibraltar deserves nothing less, and we will continue working with energy, purpose and vision. 

CONCLUSION 

Madam Speaker, as I draw this Budget Speech to a close, I do so with immense pride in the work my teams have done this past year. I want our work to be visible, transparent and accessible to the public. With this at the fore, we launched an independent Ministry website (meect.gov.gi) in January designed to centralise access to information and improve public engagement. It is a one-stop-shop for the latest information, resources and updates related to my Ministry’s activities. 

This new platform shows what we are focused on. From ensuring equality in policy and representation, to creating real employment pathways for all Gibraltarians. From championing youth engagement to investing in our cultural identity and our global presence, my focus is person centred, forward-thinking, and ambitious. 

This Government has demonstrated that progress is not confined to any single sector. It is found in the hard work of an apprentice completing their first trade placement, in the voice of a young person standing confidently at a Youth Symposium and in the work by individuals going through a recovery programme at Bruce’s Farm. It is in the rising numbers of cruise passengers walking down Main Street, and in the applause heard at a Candlelight Concert, a Drama Festival, or a World Book Day celebration. 

We have embraced the reality that success is measured not only in economic figures, but in human outcomes. That infrastructure must serve people, that legislation must empower them, and that opportunity must reach those who need it the most. 

The figures we report on, be it a 96% drop in unemployment since 2011, a 283% rise in supported employment training participation, or an 8.9% rise in young people engaging in youth clubs, each number represents lives impacted. 

Whether through our internationally recognised tourism campaigns, the transformation of the Gibraltar Training Centre, our development of a Youth Strategy, or our pioneering work on LGBTQ+ protections and gender equality, we have kept one principle at the heart of all we do: that Gibraltar is all about its people, and each one must have the opportunity to thrive. 

Madam Speaker, in every portfolio I lead, Equality, Employment, Culture, Tourism, and Youth, I see a fantastic team of people who make my Ministries flourish. 

My team at Employment led by Debbie Garcia; my team at GCS led by Seamus Byrne; my team at the GTB led by Kevin Bossino and Suyenne Perez Catania; my team at the Youth Service led by Mark Zammit; my team at Training and Apprenticeships led by Dylan Podesta; my team at the Gibraltar Airport led by Terence Lopez; my team at Bruces’ Farm led by Carlos Banderas; my team at the SNDO led by Jenny Victory, and finally my team in Equality and my Ministry led by April Smart-Devincenzi. 

I must thank them all for supporting my ideas and working tirelessly with me to implement the changes I want to make my community that much better. 

I must make a special mention to my team at the Ministry especially Nicole Cartwright and Monica Stevens, my PA’s who are the ones who deal with me a daily basis, who understand me and make my life easier every day. Thanks for understanding that there is always a method to my madness. 

Together we are building a Gibraltar that doesn’t leave anyone behind, and I commit myself to continuing this work with the same resolve and belief that has brought us this far. 

Thank you, Madam Speaker.