The Government notes, with disappointment, the Opposition’s latest press release on the subject of the Sunrise Motel. The statement is a thinly veiled attempt to score political points.

As the Opposition is fully aware, due to the need to vacate the Buena Vista Hostel, the Government acted swiftly and responsibly selecting the Queen’s Hotel as a temporary solution in order to protect the wellbeing of residents, which is and always has been the primary concern for the Government.

Now that the hotel is closing down the Sunrise Motel has been selected as a more permanent home and has sufficient bed capacity to cater for these needs. 

In order to further improve the quality of life of residents at the Sunrise Motel, a new extension, as well as the full refurbishment of the existing facility, is already at an advanced design stage.

This will cater for the requirements of Gibraltar going forward.

This development will release millions of pounds of investment into Gibraltar and that is in everyone's interest for our continued socio-economic development.

This is in stark contrast to the GSD, who when in Government sold the Buena Vista Hostel to a developer without relocating its residents.

The Minister for Housing Pat Orfila said ‘The dignity and well-being of residents is of the upmost importance to this administration, especially when it comes to Housing matters. To suggest otherwise, as the GSD have, is unfair and a transparent attempt to gain political points. We will continue to work to improve the lives of those affected by this relocation and I am always available to speak to those residents and listen to their genuine concerns.’