Gibraltar Today GBC

E-Sports, UK Parliament, Kitchen Studios
 
There is a new home for esports players on the Rock. The Gibraltar Esports and Videogaming Association has inaugurated a premises at the Europa Sports Complex. The site features high tech computers, speaker systems and even a formula 1 simulation drive. Our reporter Shelina Assomull was at the opening, and we also spoke to Dean Penfold, who is the Secretary of the Esports and Videogaming Association. 
 
 
The British Parliament has dissolved today. It did so very early this morning, ahead of a July 4th general election. The Labour Party could return to power after 14 years of Conservative rule. Campaigning has officially commenced as 650 parliamentary seats became vacant at one minute past midnight (23:01 GMT) as per the electoral schedule. Ros Astengo is hosting a ViewPoint episode on this topic.
 
 
And, art can be powerful, it can invite us to re-see the world in a different way, it can tell us something about who we are, it can affect change. It's a milestone year for Kitchen Studios - the art group was formed in 2014 with the aim of providing a vibrant workspace for young artists in Gibraltar. Ten years on, it is a hub of creativity, innovation and collaboration - local artists Tom Maxwell and Naomi Duarte are both heavily involved.

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The Chief Minister says he's always been very clear that 'boots on the ground' are a 'no-no' in treaty negotiations. Speaking on GBC’s “Direct Democracy” last night, Fabian Picardo said the reference in the Spanish Parliament, to armed Spanish police in Gibraltar, is the Spanish Interior Ministry putting its negotiating position across, but not divulging any details of where the negotiations actually are. Our news editor Christine Vasquez spoke to the Chief Minister last night.
Ahead of his departure last week, the Governor Sir David Steel invested GHA therapist Gaynor Vatvani and Air Terminal Director Terrence Lopez with the Gibraltar Award. It recognises people for loyal and valuable public service. We spoke to both Gaynor and Terence in the studio to ask them what receiving the award meant to them.
And, International Museum Day was held earlier this month and to celebrate, the Gibraltar national museum is holding its annual Open Day this Saturday. This year's theme is "Museums for Education and Research", set by the International Council of Museums. There are a wide range of activities on offer: we spoke to Professor Clive Finlayson about what they have planned for this year’s event.

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Former Natwest Senior Manager Gillian Balban has been sentenced to seven and a half years in prison for fraud and false accounting, during her time at the bank. The sentence follows Gibraltar's longest jury trial in 20 years. She was found guilty of six out of seven charges earlier this year. Shelina Assomull was at the Supreme Court this morning. 
 
A Chinese human trafficking gang, which allegedly smuggled more than 250 Chinese nationals to the UK via the Gibraltar airport, has been dismantled in La Linea by the Spanish National police, according to Spanish media reports. 14 people have been arrested - ten in La Linea, and four in Madrid. The RGP told GBC it's worked with the Spanish authorities on the investigation, taking part in a number of intelligence exchanges in recent months. We spoke to Christina Cortes about the story.
Jose Mari Ruiz brought us the latest from last weekend local sports scene and was also joined by Sally Barton – she recently became the oldest ever international cricketer! The grandmother of 3 made her debut for Gibraltar against Estonia last month - she turned 67 last week! Sally Barton plans to "play as long as possible" – what an inspiration!
And, would you like to help young girls become responsible citizens, confident women, who stand up for what they believe in? Girl guiding Gibraltar is recruiting volunteers. Claire Montado, Girlguiding commissioner, and Marie Bocarisa, Guide leader and former Commissioner, told us more about what sort of person would make a good girl guides volunteer.


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What is the ambiente like in London, with the UK election having been called? We spoke to Gibraltar’s Representative to the UK Dominique Searle about this. He was in the UK parliament earlier this week, sat behind the Foreign Secretary Lord David Cameron, so we were keen to hear about his experience and to learn more about his role.
 
Despite concerns, there were no queues at the frontier this morning. The Borders and Coastguard Agency did not go ahead with planned industrial action. It follows last minute discussions between BCA shop stewards and Unite the Union. Our reporter Kevin Ruiz was at the frontier first thing this morning.
Have you got a talent that you discovered during lockdown? Lots of people began new hobbies during that time and Ella Cruz found her way of expressing herself through poetry. Her book, “Decorate yourself with Flowers” represents her emotions and feelings. We spoke to Ella about her work.
 
Danza Academy’s Anne Marie Gomez was invited to be a judge at the Fitkid 30th Anniversary Spanish Nationals and Open Championship. She was joined by judges from Poland, Serbia, Hungary, Italy, England and Spain. The Academy is also working hard ahead of the Global Dance Open in Holland in July. Last year Danza achieved 56 placing at the Finals. We spoke to Anne Marie to the studio alongside three of her students May Montegriffo Santos, Robyn Xiberras and Celine Scortino.

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An emotional Sir David Steel has bid his farewells in town, with well-wishers lining Main Street. The Governor said it had been a privilege to be a part of the community and was proud to call Gibraltar his home. He was due to board afternoon flight to the UK. Jonathan Sacramento was present at the Guard Mount and told us what the atmosphere was like as the Governor made his way along Main Street.
Yesterday, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called a General Election for the 4th July. The UK Parliament will be dissolved next Thursday. Fabian Picardo says technical talks towards an EU/UK Treaty over Gibraltar can continue despite the EU and UK elections. The Chief Minister believes an agreement is still possible even if the ratification of a treaty would have to wait till a new administration is in place in the UK. Christine Vasquez brought us the details.
Ever wondered what it's like to be a film director? or an actor? Last night, local film director & writer Martin Nuza premièred his latest production at a private viewing on the Sunborn hotel. "In Tenebras: Into The Darkness" is a story of two brothers who embark on an adventure of a lifetime - a journey deep inside the WW2 tunnels of Gibraltar to find a lost treasure. We welcomed Martin Nuza to our studio - alongside Tayah Kansik, John Wickholm and Rebecca Davis, all of whom star in the film.
And, what we know as 'Belly Dancing' these days is a modern interpretation of an ancient dance - some experts believe it dates back as far as 6,000 years from Turkey and Egypt. Today it is practiced around the globe, and our very own Henry Sacramento has been helping promote the art - he recently returned from a Belly Dance Festival in Vienna.


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There were tears at the Convent as the Governor and Chief Minister addressed each other at a Convent reception ahead of Sir David Steel’s departure. Fabian Picardo presented Sir David Steel with the keys to the City of Gibraltar as a memento of his time on the Rock. Sir David said it had been a privilege to be a part of Gibraltar’s community, and was proud to call Gibraltar his home. Jonathan Sacramento was at the event and witnessed the heartfelt speeches first hand.
 
It's a busy time for the Royal Gibraltar Police. There were two demonstrations earlier this week, and tomorrow they will play a prominent role in the Governor's departure. There are other big events on the horizon too. Are they up to the challenge? We spoke to Superintendent & Head of Operations at the Royal Gibraltar Police Paul Chipolina.
 
“A father and son: two halves of a whole, forever connected by love and blood.” ... and in this case: art. Last week, Freddie and Justin Poggio unveiled their exhibition at the Fine Arts Gallery. Their portfolio consists of no fewer than 70 pieces - that is a lot of painting! We caught up with both of them to talk about the exhibition in more detail.
The Gibraltar Philarmonic Society is hosting an Evening of Song & Opera at the Convent, featuring distinguished voices, Sandra Ferrández and Javier Franco, accompanied by pianist Irene Alfageme. We were delighted welcome the trio to the studio, alongisde organiser - la que ta encarga - Maria Macias.

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