Keep Gibraltar in safe hands

By Dr Joseph Garcia
These elections are taking place against the backdrop of the potential departure of the United Kingdom and Gibraltar from the European Union.

Brexit has generated considerable political turmoil elsewhere, particularly in the UK. This contrasts sharply with Gibraltar, where we have enjoyed continued political stability and economic prosperity.

We must not throw this away.

Fabian and I have attended over 500 meetings about Brexit issues. This has allowed us to protect the position of Gibraltar going forward.

First, protection in relation to UK market access, university fees, healthcare and trade deals.

Secondly, in relation to the UK-EU Withdrawal Agreement.

The inclusion of Gibraltar in the Withdrawal Agreement and its transitional phase was a considerable achievement for Gibraltar.

It means that if the deal comes into effect, then Gibraltar will be protected until the end of the transition which is presently 31 December 2020.

The other alternative is a no deal Brexit.

In the event that there is no agreement, then we will leave the European Union in just over two weeks time.

This is a serious challenge for Gibraltar and the GSLP/Liberals are the team which is best prepared to deal with it.

We know the potential issues and the players involved.

There is nobody contesting this election who understands Brexit better than we do. We have lived it on the inside.

Despite the intensity of Brexit, your team have continued with the business of Government.

In our first term we delivered the University of Gibraltar and the Gibraltar International Bank. We built two new schools and over 1000 affordable homes including purpose-built rental accommodation for our senior citizens. A small boats marina has transformed the quality of life of hundreds of Gibraltarian families who now enjoy unrivalled access to the sea.

In our second term, a new gas fired power station has opened. We have built another four new schools at Notre Dame, St Anne’s, Bayside and Westside. There are more new schools in the pipeline.

Hundreds of you will have put your names down for some 1500 new homes at Hassan Centenary Terraces, Bob Peliza Mews and Chatham Views.

The Island Games this summer proved to be an outstanding success. The new sporting facilities will be a legacy for future generations.

We have provided a new Primary Care Centre for children and another one for adults.

These are a remarkable set of achievements.

We have delivered in spite of Brexit.

On Thursday, when you go to the polls, you need to have uppermost in your mind the challenges that Brexit has thrown up and the uncertainty that it has generated.

The GSLP and the Liberal Party have put forward the best team for Gibraltar.

We have the experience and the personal contacts to deal with whatever challenge Brexit may bring.

Give us your confidence. We will not let you down.

On Thursday 17 October, vote for all ten GSLP/Liberal candidates.