The Hon Pat Orfila

Madam Speaker, as you are well aware I have two portfolios. Housing and the University.

This year I have chosen to start with the University portfolio.

UNIVERSITY

Madam Speaker it is a great pleasure to be here once again delivering my second Budget Speech and indeed I am and will forever be grateful to everyone who put me in this position so that I could deliver policies and make a difference to the people in this community.

Madam Speaker as Minister for the University of Gibraltar I am pleased to relay that the University is doing us proud.

Nothing gives me greater pleasure in life than to see students being successful in the academic world. It can be the ticket that will open doors to many areas of their working lives. Academic qualification is becoming an important factor in the lives of our young adults, and I am so glad that now we can serve those who for whatever reason did not want to or could not go abroad to study.

This University offers locals a chance to graduate in their own homeland.

And we have already seen these results during the graduation ceremony.

The pride in the faces of those students as they climb the stairs and receive their certificates will forever be a testament of what this GSLP/LIBERAL Government made possible.

This year Madam Speaker will mark the University’s 10Th anniversary. Despite its relatively young age it continues to establish itself internationally, regionally and locally as an institution of teaching and learning and research excellence, providing a diverse range of academic programmes, professional and continuing education courses, language courses and technical training courses.

The programmes offered in Maritime Science, computing and entrepreneurship, nursing and business are all supported by a range of access courses and postgraduate degrees offered in management and leadership, research and education, business, gaming, marine science, environmental science and health care.

New courses offered this year are a Bsc (Hons) in Mental Health Nursing and an MSc in Advanced Health Practice, these courses will be able to provide staff with the knowledge in crucial health care specialities.

An access to Higher Education in Business was also offered to the general public.  This has proved to be so successful that we shall be offering it again in January 2026.

Madam Speaker, the University continues to grow, last year there were 280 students, this year we have seen a 17% growth from the previous year, making it a total of 326 students enrolled in the current academic year 2024/25.

Our university has graduated nearly 350 students to date. This December 2025 we expect a bumper year of 120 students who will graduate, and we are expecting over 500 people to attend the graduation ceremony.

We are also happy to inform that our Undergraduate students are usually employed within the space of 6 months, significantly higher than in the UK.

It is also pleasing to note that local students now share the campus in approximately equal numbers with a diverse international body of students which represent 50 different nationalities from across the globe.

Next year we shall see a further 2 degrees offered at the university.

BSc (HONS) in Applied Marine Science and

BSc (HONS) in Psychology and Counselling

The first is designed for highly skilled graduates capable of addressing the complex ecological challenges of the 21st century.  There is hands on experience alongside practical learning and laboratory work as well as theoretical studies of course

The second is aligned with the British Association for counselling and psychotherapy.

This degree equips students for professional registration and further study and prepares them for a career in the fields of counselling, psychotherapy and psychology.

During the course of this academic year the University was able to attract funding from Kusuma Trust to whom we are very grateful and were able to establish a state-of-the-art simulator for the training health practitioners, complete with a 6 bed ward a high dependency unit and rehabilitation unit together with classrooms. This was officially opened in May of this year.

Madam Speaker, our university has a strong commitment to research and has established itself as a Centre of Excellence in Responsible Gaming (CERG)as well as research hubs in environment, natural sciences, Business and management, History and Culture, Education and Health.

We collaborate on research projects with top universities like Cambridge and Yale and 85% of its publications have been published in high impact journals – all very significant for such a young University.

This has very tangible benefits for Gibraltar’s future.

Once again, the University hosted the now annual ‘Research that Benefits Gibraltar’ conference which is organised by the university to showcase the research that is being undertaken by current PhD students. These are varied and most if not, all are linked to this university’s commitment to promote positive change whether it’s promoting our natural ecosystems, enhancing public health or strengthening business and policy decisions.

The school of Marine and Environmental Science launched the first coral restoration project last year and has already restored 70 coral colonies. This in turn preserves the ecological role which is so important for the survival of our reefs. It also supports the diving tourism industry and fosters a sense of stewardship for marine conservation.

The University has also hosted the International Conference and Behavioural Addictions (ICBA) this was a 3 day event opened by the Chief Minister attracting 400 international researchers to Gibraltar and the ‘Mediterranean Studies Conference’ also a 3 day conference which I had the pleasure of opening recently. This attracted 150 international researchers to Gibraltar to study this area of the Mediterranean. Next year they will be hosted by the Aegean University in Greece.

Madam Speaker, this year we have also seen an increase in professional courses and technical training. 400 local students (last year we had136) have undertaken professional or short courses at the university providing the local community with an increased number of skilled individuals. There are a range of professional development courses and CPD accredited short courses all aimed at addressing local needs and covering topics that include Gibraltar law and Gibraltar tax, accounting, finance and management.

During 2024- 2025 it expanded its provision to include the delivery of 7 short courses to HM Government of Gibraltar and launched the first in a series of in-person accredited IT courses, two which were delivered this year with a further 2 planned for next year.

The university has also had a busy year providing English classes to 184 local students in various businesses in Gibraltar, we have also provided classes for the language of Spanish and provided intensive English courses for groups of Japanese and Polish students supporting a growing number of international students.

Madam Speaker, in terms of technical training the university’s maritime Academy reputation continues to grow with and increased number of beyond compliance operational Fire-fighting courses delivered for local and international shipping operators, including Carnival UK, P&O, Cunard, Marella and Virgin Voyages all adding remarkable value to the cruise ships that call at Gibraltar.

Together with the Gibraltar Defence Police we have also assisted with their ongoing Maritime Firearms Training Package. This has been possible because of the university’s state of the arts Maritime Fire Simulator which the university opened last year.

A search and training course has also been developed and delivered for the Gibraltar Port Authority Officers this adds unspoken value to Gibraltar as a Maritime Centre of Excellence.

Madam Speaker the School of Maritime is developing into a major competitive edge in the form of guaranteed sea placements for students completing the BSc in Maritime Science cadetship. This year has seen additional Sea Time Agreement’s with Baleria, Bahri Ship Management, Virgin Voyages, Boluda and DFDS.

 

Madam Speaker, despite the constraints posed by processing delays with VISAS for international students, recruitment of students, nonetheless the University continues to be successful with tuition fees the income increasing from £2.475,682 (year ending 2024)  to an estimated increase of £2.8m by July 2025. This is a clear indication Madam Speaker that the University’s quality as an institution of excellence is being recognised both far and wide and recruitment growth is very healthy. Key locations for all programmes include Spain, Morocco, UK, USA, British Overseas Territories, Canada and Europe.

Under the GSLP/Liberal Governments Manifesto 2023, it was stated that in recognition of the benefits to the Gibraltar economy of increasing the number of international students Government would assist the University in its efforts to attract a wider network of international students to increase the current £5.7million a year.

It is therefore pleasing to note that the contribution to the Gibraltarian economy from international students alone for the year ending 2024 was £8.3 million and that for this current academic year this figure will reach £9.5 million net.

To conclude Madam Speaker, the university of Gibraltar continues to achieve remarkable results in all areas. Its academic offerings, research initiatives and technical training programmes and financial performance are in very good health and impressively effective.

From here, I extend my thanks to all stakeholders for their unwavering support and commitment to our university but a special mention must go to Vice Chancellor Catherine Bachleda for her enthusiasm, her drive and the ability to make things happen. She is fully committed to the University and with her amazing team of professionals there is no stopping her. Every ship needs a confident and intelligent captain at the helm. The University, Madam Speaker, is therefore on a long journey to success and prosperity.

HOUSING

And now Madam Speaker, I turn to Housing. Yes we have indeed left the best for last.

I have often been asked by many how I survive such a challenging Ministry in such a small community.

I often say that having worked in Bayside for so many years trained me for this role but seriously Madam Speaker, the answer is simple…… because I do my best to help as many people as I can and the people know this.

Since I last stood her, I have finished the new Housing Act and the new Housing Allocation Scheme. Both are ready to fly and shall be set free in the very near future.

I would like to extend my immense gratitude to everyone who worked tirelessly to deliver this, the Attorney General Michael Llamas, Michael Podesta, Paul Peralta, Michelle Walsh, Ray Pilley, John Baw and anyone else I may have forgotten. Your contribution has been exceptional. Thank you for a job well done!

I am also happy to confirm that this year saw the inclusion of a Mental Welfare officer which has been an extremely invaluable and beneficial addition to our HAC (Housing Allocation Committee) team.

In today’s world it is an absolute MUST and a bonus to have such experts of this field on board.

Their contribution was not only welcomed, but it is also a necessary input in today’s fast changing and challenging world where mental awareness is so important. We must support the mental health and support the health and well being of the individuals in our community so the representation of this body in the Housing Allocation Committee team was very much needed.

I must extend my thank you to all the members of a very accomplished Housing Allocation Committee who do exceptionally difficult work giving up their free time and are always ready to help and discuss the complex cases which they are presented with.

The work they do for this community cannot be taken for granted.

We now reflect on the Rent and Repair scheme which was met with eye rolling and gesticulations of disbelief, as an inconceivable idea by the Honourable members of the opposition. However once again and it has now become common practice they were proved wrong and the scheme was a huge success.

Let me tell you Madam Speaker, that we were able to give 17 flats which had been left to crumble and lay forgotten, to 17 families.

From this exercise we are in the process of retrieving 7 Government flats back into the housing stock and we removed 9 applicants from the ‘general waiting list’ and 1 from the ‘medical A’ list.

We are assured that the flats are being brought back to life and that the standards to which they are being refurbished has already enhanced the area, which is exactly what our aim was.

We are so proud of this venture that we are hoping to showcase the excellent refurbishments carried out and the  before and after of some of these houses and how they have been transformed.

I reiterate17 houses were given in one go, never had this happened before and there were many who were unconvinced that this would ever take off. Not only did it happen, but it was such a resounding success that we are constantly being asked when Phase 2 will be announced.

Presently we are already looking forward to announcing the next Rent and Repair PHASE 2 and my Team cannot wait to get started on this after the enormous success of PHASE 1. No eye rolling this time I see!!

Like a true socialist government, 7 years rent free was given to those who offered to renovate the entire property. We are already seeing the positive consequences of this scheme.

From here I would like to extend my congratulations to all those who were successful in their applications and wish them a long, happy and prosperous life in their new homes and I must extend my heartfelt thanks to the team who worked both day and night in order to ensure that this exercise was a huge success.

The combination of the Housing Department and the Housing and Works working together both day and night achieved this overwhelming result and from here I extend my gratitude to each and every one of them.

To the Housing Manager and her team and to the Housing and Works Agency and his team I extend my personal thanks. they have been instrumental in the success of this venture.

I must also at this point, Madam Speaker, express how proud I am to say that this Team were hailed winners of the Project Achievement Award for their magnificent Team effort in this historic and innovative project. Their combined efforts are a testimony of what can be achieved when we all work together towards the same goal.

We shall continue to offer Rent & Repair to those on the waiting or exchange list taking everything into consideration and in consultation with the Housing Allocation Committee AND we shall continue to offer a period of 7 years rent free in order to compensate for the expense that will be incurred on the refurbishment.

This department is in contact with those who were afforded the R&R scheme, and we are more than impressed with what has been and is being achieved. These abandoned and forgotten houses are being turned into family homes where the laughter of children will once again echo on their walls.

Madam Speaker, it is my opinion that this has been one of the most impressive achievements that Housing has offered this community in a long time.

This exercise had never been tested before but there was never any doubt in my mind that it would be a huge success so … Bring on PHASE 2

Madam Speaker I now turn to the Allocation of flats. Since taking office in October 2023, we have allocated 284 flats.

This does not diminish the fact that there are more applicants putting their names on the waiting list than what we are releasing.

I do not believe that the amount of Housing Applications is a true reflection of those who actually want a government house, but more of an application handed in simply for the fact that they want their names to be on the list when affordable homes become available.

The reality Madam Speaker is that we have at least 400 young adults turning 18 every year and the great majority will be putting their names down on the Housing Waiting List especially for that sole purpose.

In the last 12 months Madam Speaker we have allocated 184 flats to applicants on the waiting list, yet we have received a total of 524 new application forms.

293 of which have expressed an interest in purchasing in affordable housing schemes.

We are in the process of producing a new application form for those who solely want to buy and are not interested in a Government rental flat.

 I believe this will give us a clearer indication of who really wants government rental accommodation and who does not.

Aside from affording houses to those on the waiting list, my design since I took over the reins of the Housing Department has always been to save as much money for the taxpayer as possible and to make the money we have stretch as far as possible.

 In order to do this and have a faster turnover of flats we introduced the ‘As Is’ Category where applicants and tenants are quite happy to accept the flat and do the repairs themselves to their own taste. The department overlooks where necessary to ensure that everything is done according to Government standards.

 This helps those who are in desperate need for a house and who do not want to wait. They can accept the keys and move in immediately instead of waiting for what can sometimes be a very lengthy refurbishment period.

Refurbishments can cost this government huge amounts of money. All will depend on the way that the flat is handed back to us. Sometimes it is difficult to even walk in through the door because the place has been left in such a terrible state.

We are also working on a penalty which shall be issued to tenants who leave their homes in such an appalling mess.

Refurbishments can be a costly and lengthy process and the way that some tenants leave their flats is completely unacceptable.

The “AS IS” scheme means that this year because we have given out 36 properties at a refurbishment cost of £15,000 a flat we have saved the taxpayer £540,000.

If we add the 17 Rent and Repair to this amount it comes to another save of  £255,000.

When we add these two figures together, we see that we have saved the taxpayer approximately £795,000.

The tenants are happy because they need not wait for their flat and we are happy because we have saved you, the taxpayer, an enormous amount of money.

This initiative has been a win, win for everyone and has been very much welcomed.

Another very successful introduction Madam Speaker has been the HOTLINE. Last year we received 32 calls, and we were able to retrieve 10 flats.

This year, in the last 12 months we have received 105 calls through the HOTLINE but only 40 gave precise numbers and addresses. From the 40 legitimate calls 12 flats have been recovered via legal proceedings and we have begun the same process with another 7 properties.

A total of 19 flats have been recognised as unused.

Madam Speaker the HOTLINE has proved to be a vital lifeline, and an important vein of the Housing Department. It ensures that our very much needed rental stock is being used to its full capacity and from here I want to extend my thanks to all those who called through the HOTLINE and I would like to encourage the people to continue to do so, to keep their eyes peeled and to inform us of any houses which they suspect are lying empty.

 There are so many people who would welcome that empty house.

It is hugely unfair and extremely selfish to have a house locked up when someone else could be making it a home.

Let me take this opportunity to remind everyone that our HOTLINE number is 20040040. Feel assured that these calls are completely anonymous and untraceable and that this department acts upon all your calls.

Remember that it is thanks to your calls alerting us to the misuse of government flats that 19 families have been allocated those houses.

Please keep us informed as you are doing this community a very worthwhile service.

Madam Speaker one very significant role of the Housing Department is listening to its tenants.

Our new Counters have proved to be extremely valuable as now our tenants can be seen in the privacy of a soundproof cubicle. This has been received with much praise from people who have come in to use our counters. They have welcomed the personal and confidentiality that our cubicles now offer them.

We also have the Housing and Works Reporting Office there which attend those who come in with ‘works’ issues, defects or other complaints.

Counter cubicles are open every day from 9am to 2pm

Housing and Works counter is open  every day from 9am – 12pm.

Moving forward I am introducing a tally system to more accurately record foot traffic at our counters in order to identify how many tenants come to our counters.

For example, in the first 2 weeks of June we saw 186 individuals, this figure however does not include counter queries.

These are individuals who come in, to complete applications which have been sent back, social book signing, signing of allocation contracts, inclusion/ exclusions / name changes and so on and so forth.

 Madam Speaker aside from ‘Counter interactions’ I have also seen 104 people in my Ministerial clinics.

I am also very conscious that there is still a very long list of people who still want to see the Minister and we are trying to fit them in as soon as possible.

However, there is also the opportunity of seeing our Principal Housing Officer or the Housing Manager both who can offer excellent advice and guidance and they can usually be accessed quickly for a quicker result.

People are grateful for these meetings, and we do try our best to solve issues and, in the event where we cannot provide an immediate solution we can at least offer advice.

The Housing manager has seen a total of 27 clinics since June 2024

This department has also held 83 Social interviews.

492 cases have gone through the Housing Allocation Committee out of which there were 314 Medical cases.

Madam Speaker, I also continue to meet with the tenants from all our Housing Estates and wherever possible we address any issues which they may have as soon as possible.

These meetings are very fruitful as they are attended not just by our tenants but by the Environmental Agency and Environmental Department, The Royal Gibraltar Police, Car parks, Brittania, OSG, and in some cases Technical Services. This is essential as it ensures that the Tenants issues are addressed there and then because they can talk to the professionals who are at the meeting and discuss their concerns first hand.

From here I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all of those departments for giving up some of their very valuable time to attend our Tenants Association meetings. Their contribution is certainly appreciated and recognised.

An important suggestion that arose during one such meeting was that of Temporary Parking Permits that were only being issued in Mid harbours yet there were also vulnerable people in other estates who also qualified for such a permit.

The purpose for such a scheme is that those who depend on home care will be given ONE permit per household, always at the discretion of the Principal Housing Officer and this will enable home carers to park within the tenants parking space for a minimum of four hours. The tenant will of course have to pay for the use of his parking space.

This will now also apply to Mid Harbours, Varyl Begg, Chilton Court and Edinburgh Estate as they all have allocated parking bays.

This initiative has been welcomed by those who need this service as it will improve their quality of life.

The upkeep of our estates and the well-being of our tenants is an important factor and here, I must extend a heartfelt thank you to those men and women who so generously give up their free time to steer this ship and to ensure that their estates are blossoming and try to keep everything ship shape for us. The list is very long but you know who you are, your input is noted, and it is sincerely very much appreciated.

A huge thank you to all of you for all the hard work you do.

Madam Speaker I must mention a policy of this department which has been met with applause from both young and old, that is the providing and fitting of boilers to Old Aged Pensioners who live on their own in Government accommodation.

This is commonly done in the pensioners blocks, but I feel that those who live on their own in Government rental flats have as much right.

Madam Speaker I must also say how excited I am about the introduction of CCTV cameras in some of the HOT SPOTS in certain estates. This is a definite step in the right direction towards an attempt to curb the anti social behaviour that takes place in some of our estates.

This government has tendered for CCTV cameras to be placed in Glacis Estate, Laguna Estate, Mid Harbours Estate, Varyl Begg Estate and Moorish Castle Estate. We are also looking into extending the tender to other Estates in the future.

As an educator by profession I feel very strongly about the lack of respect that seems to be germinating in many pockets of our society.

Fortunately, we cannot put everyone in the same bracket but nonetheless still unacceptable and from here I want to keep encouraging everyone that antisocial behaviour needs to be reported so it can be challenged by those in authority.

Remember that Housing can relocate people who are a constant nuisance, and we HAVE done so, BUT we need your support and this is up to the tenants Madam Speaker to report antisocial behaviour so that we can build a case and have a motive.

We continue to work closely with the RGP and Security Services.

In this year since June 2024, we have received 141 emails of antisocial practice, which we have dealt with accordingly. This marks 51 complaints more than last year which shows that this disrespectful behaviour is not being tolerated by our tenants any longer and I encourage them to continue to report Anti-Social behaviour to the RGP.

With the reporting to the RGP and the support from our tenants this Department will be able to better deal with the culprits. We will not shy away from taking steps to relocating them once we have logged in enough evidence to do so.

 

Madam Speaker last year we also introduced the ‘Care Of’ address which has helped 55 people who would have otherwise lost their rightful renewal of important documentation.

Our online applications forms have benefitted many who have been able to fill in forms and return them via the Housing  E-Gov portal avoiding having to come in physically. The Housing Department is now finally, well stepped into the digital world.

The 6 new online forms which we introduced last year have been a blessing to many and are making applications much easier to manage from the comfort of their own homes. Of course, we are always here and available to help those who are not computer savvy.

Madam Speaker another accomplishment has been the introduction of Direct Debit. This has now overtaken Standing Orders as a more efficient and practical payment method.

As from July last year to date we have 1202 tenants on Direct Debit and we are happy to share that 946 more payments have been made.

From April 2024 to March 2025 we have collected a total of £5,451,100.40p

And we have collected £298,814.85p more than last year ………………

I can also share that since June 2024 to June 2025 we have recovered £186,128.60p in arrears.

From here I want to thank those who never fail with their monthly payments and who are an asset to the Housing rental in our community let me also say that thankfully you ARE in the majority. Our tenants are trustworthy, honest and religiously mindful of not falling into debt from here my message to you all is, stay assured that we are trying our best to recover all  arrears and we shall use whatever strategy is necessary to achieve this.

For example, we are presently looking at subletting the parking spaces of tenants, who have arrears and have not entered into a package of payment.

In this way tenants who are in arrears will not increase the amount they owe and by way of subletting we can generate an income where there was none.

These parking’s will be offered to tenants who live within the relevant estate, and it shall be offered according to the merits of each case and approved by the Principal Housing Officer.

Madam Speaker I now turn to the excellent work which is carried out by our Housing and Works Agency .

Since June 2024 up to and including May 31st 2025 the Agency have completed

103 Flat refurbishments.

123 Occupational Therapy works

2509 After Hour emergencies

1596 Emergencies during working hours…..and

5758 maintenance and repair works.

This Madam Speaker adds up to 10,089 work duties carried out by the Housing and Works Agency.

There were also 1,164 jobs that were tackled ‘in house’ by the H&W Agency personnel.

Also note that we generated in excess of 16,000 reports which includes the above, plus jobs tackled by the GEA (Gib Electrical Authority), the Environmental Agency etc

The latter however does not have a direct financial impact on Housing or Housing and Works Agency.

In some occasions Madam Speaker we have had to call on the help of external agencies when it is required, so a huge thank you to them for their prompt response always. Working as a team makes things much easier and quicker to solve.

I must mention that the refurbishments of our estates are ongoing and proving to be the talk of the town. The vibrant colours of Varyl Begg Estate is a winner with everyone. and the completion of workmanship is clearly visible in all the estates which are being refurbished.

Macmillan House and Tankerville House are progressing steadily with their completion programmed for the end of the next financial year.

Likewise, Knights Court and St Johns Court are advancing satisfactorily, and work should also be finalised before the end of the next financial year.

 Praise must be given where praise is due, and I must therefore commend the meticulous attention to detail.

Well done to all involved for a job well done!

Madam Speaker I must at this point thank my Housing Department Team and the Housing and Works team.

They are working together in a way that they are a credit to the Department of Housing. No one is aware of the hard work and the long hours that they put in to ensure that the community is running smoothly.

Most of us can do with going on holiday and forgetting about work…. Not Housing! This Team is on shift at every hour of every day regardless.

There are too many of you to mention but I want to thank each and everyone of you in each and every department for all the work you do.

You are truly an asset and without your input things would not march as smoothly.

Madam Speaker I must of course also include in this budget speech the Hostels.

The Designs for the new Sunrise Hostel have already been submitted and planning permission has already been given the go ahead of this project which will soon offer a brand-new Workers’ Hostel.

Work on this will be starting shortly.

Presently we have spent £60,000 in refurbishing the Queens Hostel to make it as pleasant as possible for the those who are there, until they are moved into brand new lodgings in the New Sunrise Hostel.

We shall ensure that the new hostel will offer great accommodation with excellent facilities including a prayer room for those of the Muslim faith.

Madam Speaker it is difficult to collect room rental from many who use the Hostels.

 Many have not paid their rent in years! The Hostels may need refurbishment, but those who have rooms, refuse contribute a single penny for the use of the facility.

However, we are slowly addressing this issue.

From June 2024 to date we have recovered £61,689.  from the Sunrise Hostel and £27,845 from the Queens.

We are grateful for the work which is being done both in the refurbishment of the Hostels and on the recovery of monies to JT Security.

Soon we shall have a new Hostel and its upkeep will be closely monitored in order to maintain the expected standards.

This new building will no doubt make a huge difference to many and I for one cannot wait for this project to finish so that our residents can have brand new lodgings.

Madam Speaker I now turn your attention to Bridge House.

Bridge House was launched a couple of weeks ago. This will become a beacon of light for many men who are transitioning from family homelife to finding themselves on the street.

During my clinics I became aware that there was a need for a place for men who found themselves out on the street after having given up their homes to their wives, their partners and children.

 Madam Speaker there is a list of people for government housing and these gentlemen would naturally have to wait their turn on the Housing waiting list, moreover if they had been a homeowner and made profit on their house it would be even more difficult.

Going through a separation or divorce is a turbulent time for anyone but having Bridge House is a lifeline for those who may need it.

This house will help men who are undergoing a separation or a divorce and have left the house to their wife or partner and children.

We all know that paying maintenance and finding a roof over one’s head can be an expensive experience especially here in Gibraltar.

A rent for a bedsit in today’s market would cost anything between £800 to £1,000 add utility bills, groceries, self-care, maintenance etc.. And an ordinary life soon becomes quite impossible.

Bridge House will afford a room, like that in an hotel where you will have a kettle, small fridge, microwave and a small television at a very accessible rate.

 Bridge House will also have kitchen and shower facilities on all floors.

The top floor will comprise of open balcony areas, a television area and a larger kitchen area in case they want to sit down together and have a meal and a chat.

Many times, Madam Speaker a problem shared is a problem halved.

The fact that these gentlemen have a situation in common with each other means that staying there, will help them to address some of their issues by talking to someone who will understand what they are going through because they too are in the same boat.

Bridge House will be run as a Charity, and will be run at no cost to the taxpayer but it will fill the gaping hole that is left when men leave the matrimonial home but want to stay in close proximity to their children and family.

Madam Speaker we have men from all ages who find themselves in this predicament.

Even men in their 70’s have come to us seeking help.

It is indeed a sad reality which is becoming more and more common.

The exact criteria are yet to be discussed Madam Speaker but the important thing here is that a huge step in the right direction has been taken.

This project was well overdue BUT again it has been the mastermind of the GSLP/LIBERAL government to do something about it and find a solution.

Madam Speaker there are a million brilliant things that this GSLP/Liberal Government have done but there has never been a government who has beaten its record when it comes to the building of affordable housing.

Today we are already signing licences and handing over keys to those who are now embarking on a new life in their new flats.

I have visited Hassans Centenary Terraces, Chatham Views and Bob Peliza Mews and all I can say is that they are spectacular and an absolute masterpiece in architecture and elegance. I was truly impressed by the quality of the construction in all three estates and from here I would like to congratulation the architects and workforce behind these impressive buildings and of course I must extend my congratulations all those lucky homebuyers and wish them all prosperity and the very best in their new homes.

Chatham Views will be ready by February 2026 that is to say 7 months from now and Bob Peliza Mews Phase 1 is due for July 2026 that is to say in a year’s time.

 

I am pleased to share that Hassans Centenary Terraces Phase 2 will be handing out 285 flats imminently.

The number of completions up to the 19th June were 213.

And the best news is that 27 government flats will be returned to Housing.

The Gibraltar Residential Properties have worked tirelessly putting in many hours of hard working to ensure that this onerous task is done as quickly as possible.

An enormous thank you to the GRP Team for the fantastic work done.

In keeping with this Governments past records on the Housing front, I would like to end by saying that there is reclamation in the horizon and that the Gibraltarian dream of many in this community of home ownership will once again, very soon become a reality.

 Madam Speaker whether our honourable members across the floor like it or not this GSLP/LIB government is the government that keeps on giving….and giving…..and giving.

Lastly a huge thank you to yourself Madam Speaker and to your very able and efficient team for putting up with all of us for so many hours and for letting us drink your coffee and eat your biscuits.

Thank you very much.

However, I cannot sit and let something go.

Madam Speaker most of the men in this room may recall having been told off by me at some point in school.

 Madam Speaker I’m afraid I’m going to have to do it AGAIN!!

The Honourable Mr Clinton gets an F for Fail when it comes to his interpretation of a Tale of Two Cities.

When the Honourable member spoke of…’ it was the best of times, It was the worst of times’    Dickins was referring to Paris and London. The book is divided in three parts. The two cities are Paris and London….. the bad times refers to Paris undergoing the French revolution where there was death and destruction and the best times refers to London where there was peace tranquillity and prosperity.

 

But the main theme that runs through the entire book is one of resurrection.

This book is about Love, Sacrifice, transformation and resurrection both physical and metaphorical.

The resurrection and transformation on both personal and social levels.

The narrative suggests that Carton’s sacrificial death secures a new peaceful life for many.

His analysis would have been much better presented as a comparative piece for example Madam Speaker the death of Carton symbolic to the defeat of the GSD in 2011 which brought peace and jubilation to many and since they have never found their way back again!!

The main theme which is Transformation and Resurrection is therefore an appropriate symbolic comparison of the resurrection of the GSLP into Government on the glorious dawn of the 9th December 2011

And how since then this community has been transformed (another running theme in the novel) in so many areas for example the mental health facility, the building of 12 new schools not to mention the record this government holds on affordable housing, the transformation of sandy bay, The green parks, The Kingsway Tunnel and the general facelift that Gibraltar has had since that resurrection.

The Honourable Mr Clinton would do better to have thoroughly studied the book before making such erroneous comparisons of such a complex novel.

BTW Madam Speaker the novel ends with great optimism which is how I now finally end my speech.

Thank you