Gibraltar Today

Today's episode was recorded live from Piazza on Main Street, taking in the Christmas Eve from last minute shoppers.Reactions to the long awaited McGrail Inquiry report. We'll be joined by Senior Broadcast Journalist Ros Astengo. We were joined by the Bishop of Gibraltar, Monsignor Charles Azzopardi, and the Dean of Gibraltar, the Very Reverend Ian Tarrant, to reflect on the meaning of Christmas and the message of the season.We also heard from the Royal Gibraltar Police on policing over the festive period, including their Christmas drink-drive campaign and how they’re keeping the community safe.We got to enjoy some live music from father daughter duo - Layla and Jonathan Bugeja. And we got a flavour of Christmas shopping trends this year, as last-minute shoppers make their way through town. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the McGrail Inquiry report due to be published imminently we look ahead to a special GBC News Bulletin with Editor, Christine Vasquez. Seven children under seven in Gibraltar need foster care. Jeanette Ochello and Victoria Lally from the Care Agency will explain how fostering works.Generous Hearts Charity is supporting families this festive season. Founder Daphne McGrail Trico and volunteer Kelly Trico join us.Gibraltarian student Matt Jeffries' Liverpool trivia card game has won top prize in a competition at his University.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Professor Adine Gavazzi, an internationally renowned academic with two UNESCO Chairs, joins us to discuss her visit to Gibraltar and interest in Neanderthal research.The Gibraltar Fire and Rescue Service shares festive fire safety advice, with Station Officer Liam Byrne.A wet and windy final road runners league race of the year - plus all the latest sports news with Jose Mari Ruiz.Boxing brothers Kriss and Evan Montegriffo return to the studio after winning their UK professional bouts in Derby.Young people are celebrated for sustainable creativity after winning The Nautilus Project’s Christmas Decorations Competition.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Singer-songwriter Layla Bugeja from the Layla Rose Band has been in Nashville, Tennessee, and is back home for the festive season, bringing with her new experiences, inspiration and plans for the year ahead. We redrew the main prize on GBC Open Day’s Punch-A-Prize: GBC CEO Paula Latin filled us in on that.We heard about Mount Alvernia's Christmas party.And local dancer Nicole Valverde has also returned to the Rock after appearing in the latest Wicked for Good film. Her role in the much-anticipated production marks another major milestone in her international dance career, putting local talent firmly on the global stage. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The legal text of a UK–EU treaty on Gibraltar’s post-Brexit relationship has been finalised, with the European Council now informed. News editor Christine Vasquez joined us after speaking to the Deputy Chief Minister about what happens next.A potentially historic night for Lincoln Red Imps as they face Legia Warsaw in their final UEFA Conference League group match - a point could see them progress. We head from sports reporter Jose Mari Ruiz in Poland.Unbeaten boxing brothers Kriss and Evan Montegriffo make their UK professional debuts this weekend in Derby.GEMA Gallery is hosting a beginner’s introduction to cyanotype photography this evening, led by artist Naomi Duarte.And the Nautilus Project is encouraging a more sustainable, less wasteful approach to Christmas. Cameron Byrne and Alex Sanchez-Soiza told us more.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s episode of Gibraltar Today was recorded live from Bayside Comprehensive School, where the school’s annual fundraising week was well underway: from a spinathon to a festive fair and a range of charity events. Bayside’s Head Boy, Jessie Chipol Nuñez, told us what’s on offer this year, and the Minister for Education, John Cortes, reflected on the importance of student-led charity work.Preparations were also underway for the school’s annual Christmas Concert: drama teacher Zoe Bishop, told us what audiences could expect. We were also treated to a live performance ahead of the concert. The Diaz Cup football tournament has returned for its 13th year, honouring the memory of the late Philip Diaz while raising funds for student-focused charities. We were joined by Dylan Casciaro, to reflect on this year’s tournament.  Alongside concerts, sports and charity events, students have also been working behind the scenes to prepare hundreds of Christmas hampers for families in need. We spoke to Year 12 Head, Jonhenry Mauro.We also caught up with our sports reporter Jose Mari Ruiz joined us live from Warsaw, where Lincoln Red Imps prepared to take on Legia Warsaw for their last UEFA Conference League group phase match. One more point would see Lincoln progress to the next round of the competition. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shadow Europe Minister Wendy Morton is in Gibraltar, meeting government and business figures to discuss border arrangements and the proposed air terminal ahead of an EU treaty. Reporter Christina Cortes met her. The investiture of Nicky Guerrero as Mayor has taken place at City Hall. Andrea Simpson has also been appointed Deputy Mayor. A local success story – 20-year-old Leon Thick wins Start Up Grind’s Pitch Battle with his AI-powered business solution. The Sovereign Art Foundation partners with The Growing Artist Programme for the Sovereign Young Artist Competition 2026. Phoebe Kelly from the Sovereign Group joined us. And fashion designer Resham Khiani returns from Miss Europe Continental 2025 in Naples, marking the launch of her label House of Galani. She joined us with mentor Dorcas Hammond.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Jewish community on the Rock is marking Hannukah this week against with the backdrop of shock and sadness, following an antisemitic attack in Australia. We heard from the Jewish community’s Levi Attias.GibSams has launched a new TV advert created with Vandal productions, using AI animated characters voiced by members of the community. David Revagliatte from GibSams and Stu Whitwell from Vandal Productions joined us to discuss the campaign.The GFSB has unveiled a new Brexit AI Q&A to help business navigate post-Brexit rules. Owen Smith explained how it works.Youngsters have returned from a charitable trip to Morocco organised by the Gibraltar Youth Service.Plus all the latest in sports with Jose Mari Ruiz Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The GBC Open Day has now raised over 280 thousand pounds. It was Paula Latin's first Open Day as CEO; she told how she reacted when the total was revealed.As the UK experiences a so-called “flunami”, the GHA is offering the flu vaccine to the community as it does every year. Director of Public Health Dr Helen Carter was in the studio. Local running club Corre Libre is looking forward to their 500th run. Kathryn Morgan founded the inclusive running group.As Christmas gets closer, a time of joy can become a time of stress. Psychologist Dr Sharon Hillson gave us some insight into seasonal burnout and what we could do to make the Christmas period a little bit easier. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New Year’s Eve plans are taking shape, with a full night of music and live performances at Casemates. We’ll be joined by co-producers Jesse Sampere and Darrell Alman.Carelink has launched its Christmas Appeal to support families facing the rising cost of having a baby and Co-ordinator Stephane Yeo was in the studio.GAMPA is celebrating ten years of nurturing young talent with a special anniversary Gala Concert and we heard more from principal Tanya Santini McClelland.And, Gibraltar’s greener-city vision continues with the Seed Bomb initiative launching Friday. Horticulture CEO Annabelle Mor Codali told us how the community is helping re-green our urban spaces. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A milestone for Gibraltar’s Catholic community: ‘Father Charlie’ was ordained as Bishop Azzopardi at Victoria Stadium. We heard more from our reporter Claire Hernandez, who was there.In sport, a landmark moment: Gibraltar becomes the 50th member of Rugby Europe, opening the door to new competitions and recognition. We had a full sports roundup with Jose Mari Ruiz, and we were also joined by Gibraltar Rugby CEO Chad Thomson and President Stephen Payas.And, the Gibraltar Heritage Trust begins a new chapter, as Chair Ian Balestrino steps down after two voluntary terms. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Government has donated the first ‘G-Less’ Personalised Registration Number Plate to the GBC Open Day. A spokesman says the Government wants GBC to be the first beneficiary of the new scheme to help raise as much money as possible for local charities.Childline is highlighting its groundbreaking Domestic Abuse Recovery Together programme - the only one of its kind not just in Gibraltar, but across the UK. We heard from Childline CEO Caroline Carter Olivero, Community and Family Support Coordinator Charlotte Petersen, and Community Facilitato, Ines Verissimo. We’ll hear a personal story from Jamie Zammit, who has recorded a piano piece in memory of his baby brother. He’s raising funds for Make-A-Wish to support children with critical illnesses.Robin Sheppard-Capurro brought us the latest sports news.And this Sunday young footballers will take part in a Next Gen Football Fun Day in aid of the GBC Open Day. Organiser Stefan Moreno and coach Simon Aoudou were in the studio. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Chief Minister is undergoing emergency eye surgery for a retinal detachment, delaying the publication of the McGrail Inquiry report. More on that with news editor Christine Vasquez. Shadow Health Minister Joelle Ladislaus joined us to talk about her own ADHD journey.UK Hyrox Champions Rich and Janis Mahoney, now based in Gibraltar, joined us after taking the international fitness race scene by storm.We looed ahead to Disney-themed football event with the GFA's Tiago Lino da Costa and Arianne Risso.And local artist Giles Ramirez is out with a new single, Give It Up.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s episode of Gibraltar Today was recorded live the Sunborn Ballroom, where the Supported Needs and Disability Office has hosted its annual conference, marking the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. We’ll be hearing from:- Jenny Victory, Manager of the Supported Needs and Disability Office- Earon Balloqui, key worker at the Supported Needs and Disability Office- Eric Rowbottom from the Special Needs Action Group- Alice Macleod, attachment and trauma specialist from Tribe Associates UK; and- Nicole Buckley from PossAbilities Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're talking tax, and the local reactions after the UK Government effectively doubled gaming tax last week, Minister for Trade and Industry Nigel Feetham made a statement in Parliament yesterday. Christina Cortes has been following the story.As part of the tax discussion, Chair of the Association of Tax Advisers, Grahame Jackson, was in the studio bringing some insight into the recent changes and how it will affect us locally. And Jessica Leaper from Whole Wild World came in for a chat about turning urban areas into wild spaces. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Golden Week has kicked off this morning, offering support and conversation to the over 65s. We'll find out more about the launch, and get some details of the events taking place this week.Jose Mari Ruiz brought us the latest in sports including an upcoming basketball event and the results of the weekend’s football fixtures.The Affordable Art Show is currently on at the Fine Arts Gallery. Stephen Hermida from the Fine Arts Association was in the studio, whetting the appetite for the exhibition that's come just in time for Christmas presents!And we heard more about a breakfast event happening tomorrow organised by Women in Enterprise. It's all about time and energy management. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We'll be talking about Black Friday. A day to grab a bargain or two in town, but also a good time to be on the lookout for scams and fraud. Our reporter Katy Docker has been in town speaking to shoppers, and to the RGP about potential scams.The Winner of the Senior Award at this year's Cultural Awards, artist Karl Ullger, was with us in the studio.Robin Sheppard-Capurro brought us the latest sports news.And Christmas Jumper Day is around the corner, raising funds for Save the Children. Paul Lyon brought us details of what's happening this year. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We went live from one of the community's most loved festive traditions - the Convent Christmas Fair. The fair raised funds for Cancer Relief, GibSams, and SNAG, with a special visit from Santa organised by Round Table. We heard from Convent Christmas Fair committee member Eleri Surrey along with representatives from some of the participating charities.We’ll also touch on today’s top stories, including reactions to the UK’s plan to raise remote gaming duty from April, and we’ll discuss the winners of last night’s Cultural Awards. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gibraltar is strengthening its phone-free school policy — from January, pupils’ phones will need to be kept in secure pouches during school hours.We’re marking the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls, with stark local figures to reflect on. We’ll be joined by the Ministry of Equality's Marlene Dalli, the Royal Gibraltar Police's Detective Constable Kianna Hermida, and Senior Youth Worker Charlene Figueras to discuss recognising abuse, protecting young people and changing the culture that enables violence. We’ll also hear from psychologist Dr Sharon Hilson on why it can be so hard for victims to leave abusive relationships. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Never Alone founder Rosalina Oliva-Taylor urges more men to challenge sexist attitudes as violence against women remains widespread.The EV Foundation releases its 2023–24 Impact Report and launches its Christmas appeal. CEO Nicole Jones joined us.GibSams’ Christmas Day Lunch returns to offer company and support over the festive season. Trustee Nick Borge told us what’s planned.And Deloitte’s Bling a Bauble fundraiser is back, this year supporting youth charity CYE-CYL. We spoke to representatives from both organisations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.