VSB Limited has relied to the Government following this afternoon’s press release: 

“VSB Limited, a small family-run business that has operated the El Murga Bar at the Victoria Stadium for more than two decades, takes note of the Government’s press release concerning today’s Supreme Court judgment.

“It is important to correct the record. Contrary to suggestions in the Government’s statement VSB has never demanded £2 million in compensation. The first offer made in 2017 concerning cash settlement came from the Chief Minister himself in 2017 (copy sent to press) an offer subsequently changed in the presence of the Chief Minister as well as Sir Joe Bossano and Minister Linares for which no cash settlement was required (no taxpayers’ money). The settlement was offered in 2023 with a lease of 149 yrs which VSB LTD would get at its own cost of £150K.

“Mr. Picardo is aware of the compensation agreements reached in 2017 and again in 2023 agreements, which Ms. Vasquez, then acting as Government lawyer, refused to acknowledge. Instead, she even went so far as to threaten me with Section 66 even before entering ministerial office.

 “Since then, rather than pursuing constructive dialogue, VSB has been forced to defend its rights in court against the weight of an aggressive litigation strategy funded by the public purse and in the interests, it would appear of a multi- million pound mixed commercial / residential and sporting development whose beneficial owners have never been disclosed.. The Government has engaged two London King’s Counsel, one of whom is reported to charge £5,000 per hour, thirteen times more than VSB’s own counsel. For a two-day trial, the Government now seeks £200,000 in costs on account, with a much larger sum still to come.

“VSB does not seek to escalate matters. Our sole objective is the protection of its lawful tenancy rights and the fair treatment of small businesses under Gibraltar’s Constitution. The Supreme Court’s judgment is fully respected, but VSB remains firmly of the view that it is wrong in law and will appeal.

“The Chief Justice took two months to deliberate carefully on the important constitutional and statutory issues raised.

“At all times, VSB has been open to dialogue and a pragmatic resolution. It is deeply regrettable that, instead of seeking fair compromise, the Government has chosen a path of intimidation and heavy-handed tactics. VSB will not be deterred from pursuing justice, and calls on the Government to engage responsibly, in the interests of fairness and the rule of law.”