The GSD’s response to the Government statement on the College simply confirm their worrying inexperience and failure to understand how projects of this nature work. They seem to think that all that building a new school takes are contractors on the ground, not recognising that much of the work is done in the design stages.

They also seem to be, like one of the old, scratched vinyl records, stuck in repeating old arguments that have already been destroyed. The change in location from the conversion of the Devil’s Tower car park to Europa Point, a vacant, Government-owned plot, will actually make the College be ready and open sooner. The ability to amend plans in order to make this better and happen quicker is something to be praised and not criticised, but the GSD are just obsessed with criticising for the sake of it.

Work has been ongoing on the new College for many months. Detailed designs have been prepared in full consultation with the staff, specialist fit out and equipment contractors have been engaged and will be in Gibraltar in the coming weeks to look at the needs for fixtures and fittings and specialist rooms.

On the ground, despite the GSD’s disingenuous comments, site investigations have proceeded, with the methodologies now confirmed. Demolition preparation and ground works continue, delayed only because of the weather. Retaining structures and piling will commence shortly, weather permitting. Utility suppliers have been on site and designs for these have proceeded, the Ministry of Transport has resolved traffic and parking issues, and there is an active archaeological watching brief in place.

The Design Team and College meet regularly for project updates, and the Minister for Education chairs stakeholder meetings at least once a month, the last one having taken place only last Friday.

As can be seen, any accusation of lack of progress in this project is in the GSD’s imagination. It shows them clutching at straws given the Government’s an unequalled record in education. It also clearly demonstrates their inability to understand what it takes to progress projects.

The new College will deliver an incredible facility for learners in a wide variety of subjects, including for 16 plus and for adults, with great opportunities for expansion into new areas. It will include workshops, catering facilities, a sensory room and a learning support facility (LSF), as well as chill out study areas and a landscaped terrace.

Their sudden concern for the College’s condition is as disingenuous as it is late. The reality is that this Government has expanded course offerings, improved access to further and adult education, and strengthened partnerships between the College and local industry, providing opportunities that simply did not previously exist.

It is easy for the Opposition to issue press statements from the sidelines, but it takes genuine commitment, strategic planning, and investment to transform education for future generations. The GSD might prefer to deny this progress, but teachers, students, and families are already seeing the benefits of a Government that acts rather than just talks.

The GSD will be pleased to note that this press release does not rely on their poor record in education when in office. But their uninformed response does show that the current GSD team is even less competent than the previous one.

Minister for Education John Cortes said, “I have often said that the Gibraltar College is the educational institution in Gibraltar with the greatest potential, and it is exactly that. It will increasingly serve a function in the community which will go well beyond its walls. The new College is not a promise; it is a project in motion. The work is happening, the staff are engaged, and the students know that their new home for learning is on its way. The GSD might choose not to see it, but the people of Gibraltar will. The facts are clear: while the GSD issues statements, the GSLP Liberal Government continues to build the future, and no amount of negative chatter can take away the reality of this project. 

ENDS