GSD Policy Booklet 2015

Manifesto 2015 Gibraltar Social Democrats

policy booklet www.gsd.gi/manifesto

COVER No more lies.

No more risks.

Choose a safe and secure future.

Forward Together

1

2015

2

The GSLP Liberals have put Gibraltar on a treacherous course:

Gibraltar Social Democrats Manifesto 2015

By having gone on a four year spending spree with Gibraltar’s savers’ money and trying to hide the record high levels of public debt By mismanaging Spanish fishing and the security of our territorial waters By the enormous delay in the completion of a vital power station, where little consideration has been given to public consultation or safety while the commercial interests of LNG have seemingly ‘brainwashed’ Ministers into ill conceived decisions By the “it’s not what you know, but who you know” culture that gets you the job or contract

ADVERT

By putting too many people in precarious 11 month contracts with no rights in the public service By condemning a whole generation of young people to no or no adequate training in the Future Job Strategy.

There is a better way...

Manifesto 2015 Gibraltar Social Democrats

Welcome TO OUR

2015 MANIFESTO Your choice at this election will not simply be a choice between two political parties. It will be a choice between two different visions for Gibraltar: you will be choosing what kind of future you want for yourself, your family and future generations.

We believe that the affairs of this community must be handled responsibly, in a fair, inclusive and sustainable way. This is not what we have seen from GSLP-Liberal Government over the past four years.

The GLSP-Liberals have been reckless with spending, spending money like it grows on trees and all funded by debt. Quite remarkable when you consider that in 2011 they told you Gibraltar was virtually bankrupt and we were addicted to debt. They were not honest with you then and have not been honest with you since.

People are being told that Government debt has not increased, but it has. Only it has been hidden by the use of a network of owned companies and Gibraltar Savings Bank – your hard earned savings deposited with the Gibraltar Savings Bank – to fund the GSLP-Liberals’ populist manifesto.

The need to hide debt in this way and then mislead or refuse to answer questions to parliament, is a clear indication that we are living well beyond our means and that all is not well. Such irresponsible governing puts our economic security in jeopardy and we simply cannot continue like this. It is madness to sacrifice our long-term stability, for the pursuit of power with short term populist policies. Mr. Picardo’s vision is a far cry from “the rainy day fund” policy of the founding fathers of the GSLP.

We can only move forward as a country if we get our priorities right. It means education and training above plush extensions to the offices of the Chief Minister. It means a return to good governance both in parliament and outside it, in the tender system and the employment department. It means ensuring our young people are properly trained not parked in dead end jobs or the so called FJS. It means putting an end to favouritism. It means not placing the safety of people at risk by building LNG installations and an LNG power station so close to densely populated areas. Here too the Government has misled you and trust is an issue at this election.

It means working together on international issues, Government and Opposition hand in hand, to achieve our aims. We have offered to do so on many occasions.

Some people say it can’t be done, that it doesn’t matter which party you vote for in Gibraltar or that this is just the way things are here. I don’t agree. There is a very clear choice on offer. A return to a safe pair of hands and a commitment to put Gibraltar before party politics; or continue in this irresponsible way and potentially saddle our children with a debt they can’t pay. Gibraltar’s future is in your hands. We hope you say yes to our vision, so that we can take our remarkable country Forward Together.

Daniel Feetham GSD Party Leader

I want to see a Gibraltar living within its means and in way that is democratic, fair, open and transparent. I am determined to tackle the culture of entitlement that is eating away at the core of our society; with policies such as means-tested eligibility for Government housing.

It is wrong to expect tax payers to foot the bill for a Government home, for someone who can afford a second home in Spain and a luxury car in the garage. I believe that we can change things in Gibraltar for the better with big reform, not more reckless spending.

N o m o r e l i e s. N o m o r e r i s ks.C h o o se a sa f e a n d s e c ur e f ut ur e .

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Gibraltar Social Democrats Manifestowas 2015

4

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Manifesto 2015 Gibraltar Social Democrats

CONTENTS MEET THE TEAM Daniel Feetham Chris White Edwin Reyes Elliott Phillips Kim Karnani-Santos Marlene Hassan-Nahon Roy Clinton Trevor Hammond Robert Vasquez Lawrence Llamas

6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

OUR POLICIES Education Training Health Sports & Culture Enhanced Democracy & Political Reform Public Sector Heritage Housing Social Services Business Tourism & Transport Justice Energy & Environment Tax Reform & Financial Services Public Finances

16 20 22 24 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 48 50

N o m o r e l i e s. N o m o r e r i s ks.C h o o se a sa f e a n d s e c ur e f ut ur e .

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Gibraltar Social Democrats Manifesto 2015

MEET THE TEAM

Daniel Feetham GSD Party Leader

ABOUT DANIEL

“

I have been continuously involved in front line politics for the last fifteen years and this will be my fourth election.

During that time I have been privileged to serve this community in a variety of roles. I formed part of the Gibraltar delegation that negotiated a new Constitution for Gibraltar with the United Kingdom, I have formed part of various Gibraltar delegations that defended our rights at the United Nations and I was also Gibraltar’s first dedicated Minister for Justice.

During my time as Minister for Justice we carried out fundamental and radical modernization of the justice system. Not only did we build new courts and a new prison, we also reformed our family laws, our child protection laws, our insolvency legislation, prison and rehabilitation laws, our jury system, our criminal laws and procedure and much more.

“

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I therefore have a track record of delivering positive change in Government.

From 2007-11 I was based at No. 6 Convent Place and worked very closely with the then Chief Minister, Sir Peter Caruana. That experience will be invaluable if we are entrusted with the administration of the affairs of this community for the next four years.

N o m o r e l i e s. N o m o r e r i sks.C h o o s e a s a f e a n d s e c ur e f ut ur e .

Manifesto 2015 Gibraltar Social Democrats

MEET THE TEAM

Chris White ABOUT CHRIS

“

One grandfather was the first socialist alderman on Liverpool City Council and mayor elect when he died.

The other was a founder member of the Liverpool Docks Union which became part of the T & G W U. My father was for many years the secretary of the Garston Labour party.

I became Birmingham secretary of the Inland Revenue Staff Federation and, subsequently, the West Midlands secretary of the First Division Association.

I was seconded by the then GSLP Government, to Gibraltar in 1993 to run the Income Tax Office.

By the time I was due to go back to the UK I knew that Gibraltar was where my allegiance lay and where I wanted to spend my days.

“

I joined Hassans in 1997, later qualifying as a lawyer.

I had the opportunity to work with Sir Peter on legislation frequently and see at close hand how the GSD carefully and responsibly built a new Gibraltar from the ashes. I wanted my family and grandchildren to have a prosperous future in that stable, open Gibraltar.

Seeing how the GSLP has destroyed those achievements; how they try to hide what they have done and the speed of the financial decline, I had to stand up

N o m o r e l i e s. N o m o r e r i s ks.C h o o se a sa f e a n d s e c ur e f ut ur e .

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Gibraltar Social Democrats Manifesto 2015

MEET THE TEAM

Edwin Reyes ABOUT EDWIN

“

Since my student days I have always believed in participating in the affairs of the community. During my University days I was elected to serve for two years as President of the Students Union and also as their representative in the University Senate.

I thoroughly enjoyed working as a Teacher and early in my career I held the posts of President of the Gibraltar Teachers Association and also that of Chairman of the Gibraltar Trades Council. It was as a result of this latter appointment that I developed a deeper personal interest and involvement in politics.

I stood for election as a GSD Candidate for Parliament in 2007. During the GSD’s tenure in Government from 2007 – 2011 I held the Ministerial Portfolios of Culture, Heritage, Sports and Leisure, something I found both an honour and a pleasure. It is thanks to the support and encouragement I continuously receive from my wife, children and family that I remain committed to politics and am seeking to be elected into Parliament for a third term.

“

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I wish to continue contributing towards building a better Gibraltar which will, in turn, be inherited and enjoyed by my children and grandchildren. I remain wholeheartedly committed to the core principles and values which the GSD continues to stand for. As a firm believer in good governance and wishing to see a stable and secure Gibraltar I offer myself once more to work tirelessly towards that goal.

N o m o r e l i e s. N o m o r e r i sks.C h o o s e a s a f e a n d s e c ur e f ut ur e .

Manifesto 2015 Gibraltar Social Democrats

MEET THE TEAM

Elliott Phillips ABOUT ELLIOTT

“

At the age of 9 Gibraltar became my home, it gave me the opportunity of a good education, a career in the law and most importantly the joy of a family. Gibraltar may now give me and my colleagues the privilege of serving OUR community either in Government or in opposition.

For me politics is about listening not preaching, it’s about creating a fair level playing field for all and it’s recognising that it’s about making very tough decisions which may be unpopular but which are in the long term best interests of our community as a whole. Politics shouldn’t be about electing a Government that is going to give us something in return for a vote, it must be about electing a Government which has a responsible and sustainable vision for the future which benefits all of us.

We need to restore our community’s faith and trust in politicians by promoting accountable and open Government particularly in relation to how the Government spends OUR money.

A responsible Government’s role is to create an environment which allows all its citizens the opportunity of a good life. But with opportunity comes responsibility and hard work, I believe we all have a duty to ensure that OUR Gibraltar is preserved, protected and promoted. We should support hard working families and help those members of our community who are most in need.

“

I am passionate about creating better opportunities for our Young People. We need to create a job strategy which identifies skills deficits, a training programme which is targeted and which nurtures homes grown talent. We should always strive to fill vacancies with our own people but our people must be the best people for the job.

The challenge is to create real training for real jobs.

N o m o r e l i e s. N o m o r e r i s ks.C h o o se a sa f e a n d s e c ur e f ut ur e .

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Gibraltar Social Democrats Manifesto 2015

MEET THE TEAM

Kim Karnani-Santos ABOUT KIM

“

I am a divorced mother of two children and a qualified Relationship Counsellor. I come from a business-orientated family and I learnt very early on in my days of political involvement that if you believe strongly enough in something, then you have to stand up and be prepared to work hard to make a difference.

I have been involved in Community issues for many years. I think our affairs must be handled responsibly and I feel compelled to address the wide set of social issues that I have witnessed and experienced.

Social matters are of equal importance as that of financial security and prosperity and I feel it is a Government’s due responsibility to ensure the well being of its people.

“

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Political change in Gibraltar starts with personal transformation within ourselves.

Women in politics provide a different perspective and I feel passionately about issues like child abuse, disability and domestic violence, a subject that is very close to my heart.

What I feel is required now is to clearly demonstrate compassion and understanding for the needs of the more vulnerable members of our society. I feel I have the maturity and integrity to deliver that and to prove to others that we have what it takes to give Gibraltar the future it deserves.

N o m o r e l i e s. N o m o r e r i sks.C h o o s e a s a f e a n d s e c ur e f ut ur e .

Manifesto 2015 Gibraltar Social Democrats

MEET THE TEAM

Marlene Hassan-Nahon ABOUT MARLENE

“

I was always drawn to politics as it was what I had lived and breathed since childhood. For me, political life always seemed like an opportunity or a platform to serve my fellow citizens and add value in that way.

I also always thought that Gibraltar was an exceptional place to really understand what the real issues of the day were, given that it is small enough to really find out what is going on and what is affecting people.

Two years ago, when the 2013 By-election was called, I felt that it was the right time for me to submerge myself into politics. Something inside me was telling me it was now or never. Naturally, I felt drawn to the Gibraltar Social Democrats, a party of values with a proven track record.

I was proud to fly the flag for this party which had been a clear success story for Gibraltar and its people, and despite my loss at the polls, having done well I felt I had a mandate from the electorate and therefore had to keep going.

“

Today I am running for the upcoming General Election with my party the GSD. We are committed if elected, to restore the security, stability and prosperity we achieved during our time in office, foundations which sadly I feel are being eroded today.

For me politics is about standing for what you believe in. It’s about standing by your convictions and principles and about being honest with the electorate about what those are.

N o m o r e l i e s. N o m o r e r i s ks.C h o o se a sa f e a n d s e c ur e f ut ur e .

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Gibraltar Social Democrats Manifesto 2015

MEET THE TEAM

Roy Clinton ABOUT ROY

“

I was born 5 days after the 1967 Referendum and thus I never knew what life was like before the frontier closed in 1969, but along with my generation grew up in what was a close knit and protective community, spending many happy days with the Sea Scouts.

I enjoyed school at Bayside eventually earning enough A level points for a scholarship to Birmingham University in 1986. I returned to Gibraltar, after 8 years in the UK, with a degree in commerce and qualified as a Chartered Accountant. I eventually joined a private bank and spent the rest of my career in Banking in various senior roles. I have been actively involved in the Gibraltar Bankers’ Association and sat on many committees such as the Finance Centre Council.

“

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Our future is dependent on the success of Gibraltar’s economy. Since the opening of the frontier our economy is open and exposed to the dangers in the wider world without any safety net. We cannot afford to be complacent in Gibraltar, we may have been fortunate so far to avoid the hardship our neighbours have suffered but we must be cautious, so as to protect what our parent’s worked so hard for, i.e. a secure and prosperous homeland for us and future generations.

N o m o r e l i e s. N o m o r e r i sks.C h o o s e a s a f e a n d s e c ur e f ut ur e .

Manifesto 2015 Gibraltar Social Democrats

MEET THE TEAM

Trevor Hammond ABOUT TREVOR

“

I was born in Gibraltar, but was whisked off to the UK when I was very young as my dad found work in London. Every summer, I’d return to Gibraltar to stay with my grandparents in a small flat overlooking the Piazza (which has since been replaced by Gibtelecom offices). The calling for home grew with every Summer I spent back here, and it eventually proved too strong.

I came back at the age of 22, met my wife, Isobel, and we raised our two sons together. I became the first Gibraltarian Manager of the Air Traffic Control Tower – something which I’m immensely proud of. It’s with these managerial skills, as well as the strong belief that Gibraltar deserves a better, more honest type of politics, that I will work for our community.

“

There is no greater privilege than to serve your community. We face many challenges today. On some issues we can all agree, but this isn’t always the case. Nobody can reasonably claim to represent the whole of Gibraltar, and this is why I will always stand for open and honest debate on issues in which there is disagreement. At the heart of it all, there must be respect. The people of Gibraltar must be allowed access to the right information so as to make up their own minds on issues. This is what democracy is about.

N o m o r e l i e s. N o m o r e r i s ks.C h o o se a sa f e a n d s e c ur e f ut ur e .

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Gibraltar Social Democrats Manifesto 2015

MEET THE TEAM

Robert Vasquez ABOUT ROBERT

“

I am a lawyer specialising in financial, commercial and public law. I have been Chairman of the Bar and participated in many other committees and groups tasked with professional matters and strategising for our finance centre to succeed. I have been a member of the Financial Services Commission. I have influenced policy on issues as diverse as taxation and civil rights in the past.

I have lived in Gibraltar always and engaged always in politics and political commentary. In 1972 the Chronicle published my letter advocating that anyone obtaining a university place should receive a grant: it did not happen until about 1989! In 1978 I started “The Ratepayers and Taxpayers Association” to lobby for rights of those who paid either. I led the “No Campaign” against the 2006 Constitution because it did not improve democracy. I put forward independent and critical views in my blog for 2 years.

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My passion is to improve democracy and good government; my past political involvement has involved advancing this passion. The time is right now for me to advance my passion within frontline politics. The GSD has agreed a platform of policies that will allow this passion to be advanced.

N o m o r e l i e s. N o m o r e r i sks.C h o o s e a s a f e a n d s e c ur e f ut ur e .

Manifesto 2015 Gibraltar Social Democrats

MEET THE TEAM

Lawrence Llamas ABOUT LAWRENCE

“

At 34 years of age, I am married to Amie, and together we are the proud parents of three beautiful children Lewis, Liana and Lucia. We are a family of animal lovers and have several dogs which complete our family unit.

I studied Animal Welfare at Northampton University after which I began my employment in 2004 in the Civil Service. More recently, I also qualified with a Degree in Law & Spanish via the Open University.

My family is the single most important factor when it comes to making decisions which could change our lives. My decision to move into politics has not been an easy one, however, the insecurity I have felt over the past four years regarding Gibraltar’s financial future has led me to this decision. Watching this Government invest in whatever they want and with whatever they want, avoiding the appropriate checks and balances is of great concern because if something went wrong it would in the first instance affect the average hardworking person like me.

“

I have no doubt that this GSD party is not only the responsible choice but also the right choice for Gibraltar. It has the ideal balance between professionalism and individuality to carry Gibraltar forward. We strongly believe that transparency is the corner stone of any healthy democracy and will prove it if this GSD party are elected into Government on the 26th November.

N o m o r e l i e s. N o m o r e r i s ks.C h o o se a sa f e a n d s e c ur e f ut ur e .

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Gibraltar Social Democrats Manifesto 2015

Education

“

Education is a matter of national interest and we need a thorough review and rejuvenation of our educational provision and facilities. We need to be brave and accept that areas of weakness exist and make sure that improvements are targeted in an informed way. We have to go back to basics and be courageous in reforming and improving our education system in partnership with teachers, parents and students.

“

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We have worked closely with each of these groups to understand their needs and aspirations and put together our education policy.

Trevor Hammond

New Secondary School

Co-education

Family Friendly

Subject Equality

Professional Careers Advice

Move Governor’s Meadow and Bishop Fitzgerald to better facilities

hot school meals

Move both Governor’s Meadow & Bishop Fitzgerald to Westside F O R F U L L PO L I CY D E TA I L S V I SI T W W W.G S D.G I

Manifesto 2015 Gibraltar Social Democrats

Policy SUMMARY Construct a state of the art secondary education facility at Rooke The Bayside school building is no longer fit for purpose but we must take this opportunity to upgrade our secondary schools so that all students and teachers can benefit from new state of the art, co-education facilities.

Ensure ministries work closely together to deliver the best education and training Close collaboration between the departments of Education and Employment and Training is key to giving young people the best opportunities while serving the community’s need.

Move both Governor’s Meadow and Bishop Fitzgerald into Westside Our policy allows us to expand these two schools, in desperate need of improvement, into refurbished facilities at Westside without disrupting the education of pupils.

Review curricula and make them more focussed on Gibraltar Pupils in Primary and Middle school must be taught more about Gibraltar, it’s development and it’s place in the world.

Ensure services account for the needs of families For many families both parents work, often in the public sector where there has been a change of working hours, it can be difficult to drop off and collect young children in a timely manner. We need to ensure our Education System can support these changing trends in society.

Use expertise of Educators to develop programmes Our educators are a highly trained resource, they must be given more freedom to apply their skills to enhance our children’s education.

Classroom aids in all classrooms at primary and middle school Review and regroup School Years Children will move from Primary to Junior and then Secondary Schools on completion of Key Stages of Education. This would release Year 3 from First Schools and thus allow more physical space for additional Pre-School Education.

Provide a full time careers advice service Providing guidance and advice on career choices is a vital part of education. We will be providing a full time service working closely with the Employment Department.

Ensure availability of counselling for students where needed Some students face challenges and are vulnerable, a proper full time and discrete counselling service, particularly at secondary school level is an essential service.

Equalise subject choices at Secondary schools Why should education opportunities be based on gender? We’ll ensure all students have the same choices of subject available to them.

Introduce system similar to ‘Project Search’ to help students transition from education to the work place Because those who need it must be provided with that additional support.

Create greater awareness of education opportunities throughout EU Further education does not just happen in Britain, students should be aware of the opportunities available elsewhere in the EU, creating ties with other nations.

Review school year We need to explore whether so many weeks of half days offer the best education value or whether a restructure of the school year will be of greater benefit to students, teachers and families.

Determine feasibility of providing school lunches We want to provide this, but we wouldn’t be so irresponsible as to announce it until we know it can be financed and delivered.

Equalisation of posts in schools Similar posts should attract similar pay, simple.

Explore the possibility with stakeholders of establishing an Education Authority

F O R F U L L PO L I CY D E TA I L S V I SI T W W W.G S D.G I

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Keeping Rooke in public ownership by building a state of the art secondary education and training facility for our children’s future

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KEY 1 Arts Faculty 2 Sciences Faculty 3 Sports Faculty 4 Workshops storey with multi-purpose sports above 5 Vocational Training & Careers Advice Faculty 6 Canteen 7 Sixth form centre 8 Parking 9 Play areas 10 Tennis courts

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9 3

9

10 6

4 5 9 2 1

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Gibraltar Social Democrats Manifesto 2015

TRAINING

“

We are committed to planting the seeds for home grown talent to take up the jobs that are needed in our economy and by our businesses. We need an apprenticeship system which meets the needs and maximises the potential opportunities for individuals, not a scheme offering poor training, placing people in dead end jobs. We want to ensure young people achieve their full potential by giving them the opportunities and tools to do so through a well structured and managed training scheme.

Elliott Phillips

Vocational Training

“

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Inclusive Careers Advice Quality Apprenticeships

Partnering with Business

vocational training

quality apprenticeships F O R F U L L PO L I CY D E TA I L S V I SI T W W W.G S D.G I

Manifesto 2015 Gibraltar Social Democrats

Policy SUMMARY Establish a Board of Skills and Training We’ll work alongside unions and business to identify skills gaps and the Board will be responsible for designing and introducing courses which will fill those gaps. Employers will be expected, alongside a GSD Government, to partly fund the initiatives.

Establish a high quality alternative apprenticeship programme We’ll abolish the Future Job Strategy and the false promises made by the GSLP in the 2011 Election.

Our apprentices will be given the opportunity of learning real skills for real jobs. We’ll create an internationally recognised apprenticeship programme producing highly skilled, versatile individuals required by business. The best person for the job must always succeed and we’ll produce the best.

Establishing a traineeship programme so that each child, whatever their ability, can access a pathway to sustainable long term employment Each child is an opportunity for our community and each should have the opportunity to access higher education or apprenticeship.

Centre for Vocational Training Our Centre for Vocational Training will be based at our Rooke site and the emphasis will be on education together with careers and skills advice. Our trainees are not employees they are students. By centrally locating training responsibilities within education we are ensuring that our resources are utilised to the fullest possible extent. The Centre will be manned by public servants who will be dedicated to assisting both apprentices, trainees and employers. They will provide simulated work environments for carrying our all class room based learning.

We will create opportunities for people with criminal convictions which will reintegrate offenders back into community to prevent the cycle of criminality and reoffending We’ll work with the Prison Service, Social Services and other stakeholders because we recognise that the opportunity to obtain further education, gain a skill or trade can encourage people out of offending and into work so that they can become fully participating members of our community.

We will organically grow the Housing Works Agency The Housing Agency has been run down and we are losing skills and traditional trades. We’ll restructure our Agency through recruitment of apprentices. We want to see a rapid response unit in each of our large housing estates which will be community centred and assist in properly maintaining our estates.

new rooke training facilities F O R F U L L PO L I CY D E TA I L S V I SI T W W W.G S D.G I

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Gibraltar Social Democrats Manifesto 2015

HEALTH

“

At this General election, the GSD offers you a health policy that is more about enhanced communications, new services and patient care, cost efficient measures, and care for the mentally ill.

We also believe that an improved GHA structure and organisation will benefit the community at large and make the GHA work better and more efficiently.

We know many will benefit from our carefully thought out policies designed to improve the quality of life for you and your family.

Marlene Hassan-Nahon

“

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Efficient Services

Better mental health services Stress Free Appointments

Remove political interference

St Bernard’s, a GSD investment

complete alzheimer & dementia care F O R F U L L PO L I CY D E TA I L S V I SI T W W W.G S D.G I

Manifesto 2015 Gibraltar Social Democrats

Policy SUMMARY GP at centre of all communications Currently, communications between the primary and secondary sector is non-existent. We need to ensure that communication is better and that the GP is at the centre of all communications.

Paediatric nurses To visit children in schools, offering support and health education, while alleviating hospital and PCC paediatrician workload.

Family planning clinic and teenage drop in service offering confidential advice on contraceptives and sexual activity, taking this information to schools and offering screening on STDs. Make sure appointment system at Primary Care Centre works Working towards bettering the appointments system to make it more practical and efficient. Methods like online facilities, more phone lines, voicemail and extra admin staff. We’ll review any new policy that may have been introduced and ensure it is working smoothly and efficiently.

Smoking We’ll provide more support systems to help people quit and also legislate to ban smoking in cars when carrying children.

Repeat prescription service Patients to not have to see doctors for repeat prescription. Doctor to state how many repeats he is willing to give and patient takes the repeat from admin staff.

Dietary and nutrition education Teaching children in schools from young age the value of healthy diets. Work to remove non-healthy tuck shops and vending machines from schools and hospital.

Service Level Agreements (SLA) Insist on having uniform SLAs when patients sent to different jurisdictions, in order for GP’s to have constant information on the patient and for patients to receive equal standards from any of the providers, unifying practice across the board.

Chairman of GHA board not to be Minister for Health This removes any conflict of interest and reduces political interference in the running of the GHA. Decentralisation of GHA and Minister’s Office moved out of the Hospital Ministers set policy but GHA management implement policy, that’s how it works best.

Review pharmacy and equipment spending Budgets are not clinically driven by frontline healthcare workers, so there are no priorities and this becomes inefficient. Budgets must have input from clinical staff. We’ll increase “generic prescribing” and incorporate medicines management by having a dedicated team allocated to buying medicines and pharmaceuticals at the best price.

Alzheimer and Dementia centre Ensure dedicated centre is completed and ready as soon as possible and as a matter of urgency for waiting patients who need bespoke care.

Supported housing for mental health patients Sheltered accommodation – to provide balance between independence and care.

Supported employment for mental health patients For those individuals who find themselves sidelined by employers because of mental health issues.

In-patient program of activities for mental health patients Structured program of care in both acute and longterm wards. This program would help prepare the user for living life outside the facility. A follow-up program would continue after discharge so that the user is supported by much more than just a drug treatment plan.

F O R F U L L PO L I CY D E TA I L S V I SI T W W W.G S D.G I

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Gibraltar Social Democrats Manifesto 2015

SPORTS & CULTURE

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The GSD has always seen Sports and Leisure as essential elements for a high quality of life, embracing entertainment and leisure, family quality time, healthy life style and robust youth character formation and orientation.

Edwin Reyes

Sports Village

Victoria Stadium Inclusive of all sports

Theatre

UEFA Football

Dance Academy

PROPOSAL OF NEW CRICKET GROUND F O R F U L L PO L I CY D E TA I L S V I SI T W W W.G S D.G I

Manifesto 2015 Gibraltar Social Democrats

Policy SUMMARY We’ll continue to assist Gibraltar sporting bodies to overcome Spanish inspired attempts to block membership of international sporting bodies.

We’ll create a sports village at Victoria Stadium The present Victoria Stadium Football pitch and adjacent Bayside Sports Centre facilities will be expanded and enhanced, including extending onto the site of Bayside School which we’re moving to the Rooke site. This expansion will allow us to provide publicly owned additional facilities for many sports, above all an UEFA approved football stadium which would result in the GFA being able to play all its official international competitions within Gibraltar.

There will be FOUR UEFA / FIFA compliant football pitches on this site to address the needs of grass roots football and lack of training pitches, and a new multipurpose sports hall for futsal and other indoor sports.

The Europa Sports Fields will be fully incorporated into a sports and leisure area This area will be used for much needed cricket and rugby facilities. It is also envisaged that training facilities for football and other sports can be provided.

Ince’s Hall Theatre will be refurbished and upgraded We’ve got a fantastic theatre tradition in Gibraltar and this will ensure local drama productions continue to flourish.

We will ensure adequate provisions are made for the continued development of our Dance talents with the introduction of a Dance Academy Children’s parks and playgrounds will be properly serviced and maintained throughout the year and new play areas provided in new estates

Pitch 4

Hockey

Pitch 3

New Parking New Futsal Hall

World Trade Centre Site

Pitch 1

Old Sports Hall

Pitch 2

Plan of victoria stadium sports village F O R F U L L PO L I CY D E TA I L S V I SI T W W W.G S D.G I

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“Victoria Stadium is theManifesto natural2015 home of football and sports in Gibraltar. The Gibraltar Social Democrats stadium is ideally located, with new parking areas and a short walking distance from many, shops, restaurants and the frontier. There will be pathways, lawns and tree-lined walks for the public to use, which will enhance the nearby estates�.

John Linares, Architect

NEW POWER STATION F O R F U L L PO L I CY D E TA I L S V I SI T W W W.G S D.G I

Manifesto 2015 Gibraltar Social Democrats

“We will build an iconic stadium in an iconic location” Daniel Feetham

NEW POWER STATION F O R F U L L PO L I CY D E TA I L S V I SI T W W W.G S D.G I

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Gibraltar Social Democrats Manifesto 2015

Enhanced Democracy & Political Reform

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We want to reform our democratic systems and make Government more open and transparent, subjected to checks and balances. The changes we propose inside and outside Parliament and to our electoral system are steps forward to deliver a level of democracy and public participation as exists currently in many other democratic states.

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Self-determination without a robust democratic system can be a step backwards if there is room for Government abuse. Our proposals to make changes to many aspects of how your Government currently works and to oversee its workings will deliver the fairness, openness and transparency that is currently lacking, instilling trust in your Government.

Robert Vasquez

Fairness

Transparency Openness

Honesty

Accountability Democratic Reform

REFORMING DEMOCRACY F O R F U L L PO L I CY D E TA I L S V I SI T W W W.G S D.G I

Manifesto 2015 Gibraltar Social Democrats

Policy SUMMARY Establish open and transparent processes in noncivil service public employment All external vacancies will be clearly advertised, but for any post that carries a salary over ÂŁ60,000, the reasons for appointment will be clearly explained in Parliament.

Establish open and transparent processes in tendering for Government contracts A completely transparent process for tendering and a requirement for almost all Government work to be tendered removes great power from ministers, ensures fairness in industry and makes sure tax payers are getting value for money.

Promote and enforce laws and introduce systems to prevent corruption Promote and enforce laws and introduce systems to prevent cronyism Transparency in Government and the way Government recruits will be made completely transparent and subject to public scrutiny, in particular when it comes to high earning jobs, employment must be based on what you know and not who you know.

Restore the supremacy of Parliament as exists in the UK It’s not right and it’s not good for our democracy that once elected, a Government can never be defeated in Parliament, regardless of how poor its judgement or law making.

All short haul flights by Ministers and their entourage will be by economy class, the tax payer should not fund unnecessary luxuries Increase democracy by introducing separation of powers between Parliament and Government In doing so we will be ensuring that proper checks and balances are introduced and Government becomes more accountable for its actions and at the same time the power of the office of the Chief Minister is reduced.

Introduce reforms for more open and transparent government This will be achieved by the creation of independent bodies such as a Public Accounts Committee to look at how Government spends your money, making Government projects subject to the DPC and removing the ministers from that committee and making better use of cross parliamentary committees.

Promote the role of the Opposition Opposition has an essential role to play in making ours a strong democracy, we would facilitate Opposition politics and enhance its ability to fulfil its democratic role.

Foster a sense that all Members of Parliament can work together We pay our Parliamentarians and should get better value from Parliament, one way of achieving this is greater use of cross Parliamentary committees to advise Government on difficult issues such as Brexit.

Abide by the principle of the Rule of Law and put right past breaches Avoid abuse of power Protect against lying to Parliament Legislation will be passed and an independent panel established to investigate cases where lying to Parliament is suspected, if allegations are proven, serious consequences will result for the individual.

Make systemic improvements in membership of Parliament Measures such as the introduction of back benchers will diffuse some tension in Parliament and would be likely to lead to more members of our community wishing to stand for election.

Provide financial assistance for challenges in the Supreme Court grounded on breaches of constitutional fundamental rights and of the Rule of Law Ensure public participation in the Parliamentary process Under certain circumstances members of the public will be entitled to address Parliament directly and have issues debated.

F O R F U L L PO L I CY D E TA I L S V I SI T W W W.G S D.G I

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Gibraltar Social Democrats Manifesto 2015

PUBLIC SECTOR

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The Public Sector were told by Fabian Picardo that the GSLP/Liberals would make vast improvements to the Civil Service portraying a vision of milk and honey. But the reality is far from it.

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We are committed to working with the Public Sector and Unions to motivate staff, invigorate working practices and provide a first class service.

Lawrence Llamas

Transparent

Honest Resources

Conscientious

Fair

Opportunities

E-Government

The Forgotten Agencies

Conditions will be harmonised within the Borders and Coastguard Agency favourably.

Borders and Coastguards Enhancement We’ll work with this agency to enhance its role to bring it in line with the original purpose of establishing the agency.

Annual leave and Sick leave conditions for Gibraltar Bus Company, Government owned companies and Government employment schemes shall be harmonised favourable to equal that of other Government owned companies.

Gibraltar Defence Police We will work with the Federation and the MoD to ensure the long term security of the GDP while finding a means to reward staff appropriately when conducting wider police duties equivalent of those of the RGP. The GSD is exploring models applied to other former parts of the MoD.

F O R F U L L PO L I CY D E TA I L S V I SI T W W W.G S D.G I

Manifesto 2015 Gibraltar Social Democrats

Policy SUMMARY Adequate training and professional development.

This will be continuous and related to the current post held by the public servant.

We’ll have an induction period at entry point into the public service.

We want to encourage all officers to train. Officers in possession of certain higher education qualifications shall receive a graduate allowance equal to the accounting allowance currently offered as long as the qualification is related to the post held.

We were committed and were working towards new working hours in our last manifesto, we will maintain these new working hours Our holistic approach to governance indicates that happier officers produce better quality work. Family friendly officers are still discriminated against when it comes to substitution, overtime etc., we will ensure that they are no longer treated differently. We remain committed to our policy of balancing work and family life.

Public Service Code Together with your respective unions, we will review and implement General Orders to provide a modern civil service code.

Full E-Government in four years We have a vision of how technology can vastly improve the public sector, there should be no need for such long counter hours as government should be interactive online 24 hours a day.

Public Service Commission process and Board needs to be more transparent.

We will improve the openness and transparency of the PSC by engaging stakeholders in order to establish what reform is needed.

We’ll develop a criteria for succession planning and substitution criteria at different levels.

To allow up to seven posts of Head of Department vacant during their four year term was shameful.

Some of these posts have been vacant for 3-4 years!

To remain will certainly not happen in foreseeable circumstances under this GSD administration.

We will consider the recommendations from the GGCA civil service review exercise This will ensure remedial measures which can be implemented in the transitional period are done in order of priority and the future of the public service is structured before any changes are implemented.

A health and safety officer shall be assigned to the public sector.

Vacant or new posts within the public service shall be advertised and processed by the PSC All external vacancies will be clearly advertised, but for any post that carries a salary over £60000 or SEO equivalent, the reasons for appointment will be clearly explained.

We commit to hold monthly meetings with each union and joint quarterly sessions with all unions All unions shall be treated equally and fairly in a transparent manner. Unions have an important role to play for in our society and their concerns are equally important.

Royal Gibraltar Regiment An Act of Parliament will be introduced to regulate the RGR and taxation of pensions after medical boards will be reviewed.

Public Service/ Civil Service Minister shall be someone other than the Chief Minister.

Housing and Works Agency We will return to our original plans and agreements with this agency, rebuilding it organically through our vocational training programmes so that it can do the public works it was intended to.

Housing and Works Agency We’ll organise the agency into rapid response teams with close links to Government estates to deal with works efficiently.

Highway Enforcement Officers Our conversations with HEO’s will continue and the agency will be incorporated into the Borders and Coastguard Agency. Terms and conditions would be respected.

F O R F U L L PO L I CY D E TA I L S V I SI T W W W.G S D.G I

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Gibraltar Social Democrats Manifesto 2015

HERITAGE

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The GSD believes that heritage buildings, especially but not exclusively in the old town, should be preserved, restored or sensitively redeveloped. We must work towards a renovated old town which not only shows off Gibraltar’s beautiful and unique qualities but also provides an attractive and comfortable home for our people to live in.

Heritage is not just about old buildings but also about our social history which needs to be continuously documented for future generations. Education forms an important part of this process and should start in our schools at an early age. The GSD will support educational programmes and the writing of textbooks aimed at informing our children.

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Roy Clinton

Heritage

Research

Education

Rejuvenation

Free of Political Interference

UPPER TOWN

KINGS BASTION F O R F U L L PO L I CY D E TA I L S V I SI T W W W.G S D.G I

Manifesto 2015 Gibraltar Social Democrats

Policy SUMMARY Development and Planning Commission to be free of political influence Even with the Commission meeting publicly, it is clear that with two Ministers sitting on the panel it will suffer undue political influence. We would end this by removing the Ministers.

Buildings and structures of Heritage value to be protected by a graded listing system and compulsory purchase A long overdue initiative and an essential way to protect our heritage.

Landlord and Tenants Act to be revised to allow rent increases There is no incentive for owners who wish to rent pre-war housing to maintain or restore those properties due to the restriction on rents, we would change this by removing restrictions and offer tax incentives to help rejuvenate areas of the old town.

Education focus on Heritage We’ll introduce educational programmes aimed at informing our children as to our social and cultural heritage, making this part of the education programme at primary and middle school.

Subsidised junior membership of Heritage Trust School children aged 8 to 15 will be entitled to subsidised membership of the Heritage Trust to encourage their interest and participation in the Trust’s activities.

Promotion of Heritage for Tourism and Academic Research With our rich heritage there are plenty of opportunities for further research and development of our heritage product for tourism.

Actively promote Gibraltar for its culture and heritage not just for tourism but for academic research World Heritage status for Gorham’s Cave complex We will continue to give full support to this very important initiative for Gibraltar and ensure no activity is undertaken which might prejudice our chances of success.

Heritage Trust to be allowed to operate as a nongovernmental organisation We’ll give legal force to the Gibraltar Development Plan

CHATHAM COUNTERGUARD F O R F U L L PO L I CY D E TA I L S V I SI T W W W.G S D.G I

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Gibraltar Social Democrats Manifesto 2015

HOUSING

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There is no question that a need exists and will continue to exist for social housing, but as a community we must work to deal with the growing culture of entitlement, the idea that the state must provide everything regardless of cost or whether it is fair. Policies like the introduction of means testing for new entrants into the housing system and the collection of rent arrears will begin to address this while transparent tendering and broadening certain entitlements will make sure that the system is fairer.

Edwin Reyes

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Fairness

Entitlement Finish Works Means Testing

Organisation

zero tolerance on rent arrears

explore flat share scheme

F O R F U L L PO L I CY D E TA I L S V I SI T W W W.G S D.G I

Manifesto 2015 Gibraltar Social Democrats

Policy SUMMARY Introduce means testing for new entrants into the system It’s vital that Government housing is allocated to those most in need of it and that those who can afford to buy do not occupy houses which should be for those in desperate need. This will apply to new entrants to the system.

There will be zero tolerance on rent arrears This abuse must stop, it is unfair on those who do pay.

We will ensure that people are paying rent for their Government homes and will if necessary introduce legislation to collect through salary for those who are working or through benefits for those not.

Complete works on Estates Unlike this Government we will complete ongoing works though we will examine the methods being used to ensure they are cost effective and minimise disruption. Having scaffolding up for years is a huge waste of money and affects security and quality of life for residents.

Explore flat share scheme Young people, particularly those returning from study in the UK are used to independent living and sharing flats. We’ll explore how great a demand there is and see if some Government flats can be made available for this purpose.

Changing Circumstances The Government housing scheme will not rule out former or current property owners who have fallen on hard times and can no longer afford that property, but allocation of a Government home would still be subject to sale of any property and our means testing policy.

Maintain housing stock for disabled Large sums of money are wasted converting flats for the needs of the disabled and then converting back when no longer required. We will maintain a stock of homes to serve these needs.

Any sale of former MoD property for home ownership will be by public auction Such sales should be completely transparent as secret tendering systems do not guarantee fairness.

A public auction of properties will always ensure the taxpayer gets best value while the system is fair.

Identifying Government housing needs There’s a difference between those who genuinely need social housing and those who can afford to buy houses under the affordable housing scheme. Having both on one list is unnecessary. People who want to buy an affordable home won’t have to join the housing waiting list.

Charles Bruzon House We’ll honour any existing commitments but will review and implement other formulas to not discriminate against the elderly who are living in private accommodation.

Zero tolerance with Vandalism or rule breaking in Government estates The GSD will not allow a selfish few to spoil Government estates for others. Any vandalism or serious non-compliance will result in tenants being evicted.

All naturalised Gibraltarians will be able to apply for affordable housing subject to a ten year prenaturalisation residence period Assess Government properties in the old town There are many Government properties unused in the old town, we will assess their condition and either refurbish or sell them.

F O R F U L L PO L I CY D E TA I L S V I SI T W W W.G S D.G I

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Gibraltar Social Democrats Manifesto 2015

SOCIAL SERVICES

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Social Services are the means by which we protect the most vulnerable in our society, providing the necessary support to ensure both safety and the achievement of maximum potential. We need to provide high quality services that protect children, adults and the vulnerable from harm while promoting independence and delivering positive outcomes.

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Kim Karnani-Santos

Family Centre

Care Meals on wheels Respect High Quality Service

Rights

Safety

MEALS ON WHEELS

albert risso house F O R F U L L PO L I CY D E TA I L S V I SI T W W W.G S D.G I

Manifesto 2015 Gibraltar Social Democrats

Policy SUMMARY Domestic violence and abuse This is rightly the responsibility of the Government.

We’ll engage in a consultation process with agencies currently providing services to those affected with a view to running these services within a Government structure.

Translate in full into Law the UN Convention on the Rights of the Disabled We would do this for no other reason that it is the right thing to do.

A full review of how people qualify for disabled status It’s wrong that unless you’re born with a disability there are significant barriers to qualifying for disabled status and it certainly should not be a decision made by a Minister. We’d make sure this changes and that applications are reviewed by an independent professional board.

Maintain housing stock for disabled Large sums of money are wasted converting flats for the needs of the disabled and then converting back when no longer required. We will maintain a stock of housing to serve these needs.

We’ll introduce Project Search concepts to secondary education Project Search has a very clear goal, to give young people with physical and learning disabilities the skills to gain competitive paid employment. Project Search could also change the way people think, as it will challenge ideas about what people with a physical or learning disability can do!

We will create a ‘Family Centre’ based on a UK model The centre will include family support, learning, guidance and parenting classes. Advice on nutrition and health and family planning with an area for play and stimulation for little ones.

We’ll ensure children in residential care are prioritised on the housing waiting list Working with the Housing Agency we will make sure that children who are in Residential Care and who have reached the age of 18 will get priority on the housing waiting list.

A teacher will be employed in residential care Children in care need additional support and their education must not suffer, they will be given additional lessons to make sure they keep up while dealing with emotional stress.

We’ll equalise maternity and paternity leave so that families can choose It’s not fair that mothers have to take extended maternity leave while fathers receive limited paternity leave. We’ll introduce parental leave where families can choose their parenting plan.

The GSD will explore a ‘Meals on Wheels’ service for the elderly This initiative will allow the elderly to stay in their homes longer providing greater independence.

We’ll put an end to the policy of keeping employees in long term Acting Positions Introduce a Voluntary Relocation Allowance This is to help and encourage elderly persons free up larger government accommodation and help them move into more user-friendly accommodation, while providing financial support for the move and basic kitchen and bathroom fittings.

We will abolish import duty on female sanitary products Unlike sunglasses, these are not luxury products so why should they be taxed.

Fair employment in Social Services The widespread use of permanent short-term contracts and sub-contracting through recruitment agencies is immoral to the worker and leads to poor continuity of service. We will look to include a probationary period, not exceeding 11 months, with a subsequent indefinite contract with accredited training.

Training Staff must receive accredited training at NVQ levels 2 and 3. Where necessary specialised training will be provided.

We will review the salaries of Care Workers in consultation with the Unions We will consider Independent Living and supported living

F O R F U L L PO L I CY D E TA I L S V I SI T W W W.G S D.G I

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Gibraltar Social Democrats Manifesto 2015

BUSINESS

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Business is what drives our economy, it is what generates wealth and it needs to be supported to create real growth in our economy rather than the artificial public spending fuelled growth that we have witnessed in the last four years. Our policies are designed to both support existing business and encourage new business.

Daniel Feetham

Lower rates Business Incubators

Growth

E-Government Fairness

Transparency

business incubators

full e-government F O R F U L L PO L I CY D E TA I L S V I SI T W W W.G S D.G I

Manifesto 2015 Gibraltar Social Democrats

Policy SUMMARY Establish start up business incubators Office space is expensive and hard to find making starting a business very difficult. We’ll use the Manchester Sharp project incubator scheme as an example to create a community of businesses in the same cost effective location at the North Mole.

Future GDP growth needs to be driven by the Private Sector and not by the Public Sector as under the GSLP One year employer/employee holiday from the payment of Social Insurance in first year of employment without loss of credit This encourages employers to create new jobs by providing relief while employees are learning the ropes and gives employees financial help while they find their feet in a new job.

Phase in lower rates charges for certain businesses We’ll cut rates for property use in the following classes: shops, restaurants, storage or distribution premises.

Whistle blower scheme We’ll introduce a scheme to identify and fine businesses with unregistered employees.

Industrial Tribunal We’ll adopt and implement most of the Chamber of Commerce’s agenda for change in relation to the Industrial Tribunal and related legislation, in particular bad claims will be weeded out early on. However we’ll not impede access to justice and ‘no order for costs’ will remain the general rule.

E-Government We’ll accelerate the process of transforming Gibraltar’s administration to e-government, if necessary engaging external consultants to help us complete it.

Vocational training support See policies on training.

Improved Visa arrangements to facilitate crew transfers for merchant ships calling at Gibraltar Landlord and Tenant Legislation As part of our heritage policy we will gradually remove the market rate rent restrictions on prewar property. We’ll also legislate to ensure that rent review clauses are market rent based, allowing downward or upward revision.

More efficient and transparent procurement policies This ensures a fair system for local companies and value for money for the taxpayers.

We will review the new Trade Licence Act in consultation with key stake holders

We commit to close consultation with the Chamber of Commerce and Gibraltar Federation of Small Businesses on issues impacting business

Tourist Expenditure by Year (£M)

300 280 260 240 220 200 180 160 140 120 100

Y’05

Y’06

Y’07

Y’08

Y’09

Y’10

Y’11

Y’12

tourist expenditure has been dropping F O R F U L L PO L I CY D E TA I L S V I SI T W W W.G S D.G I

Y’13

Y’14

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Gibraltar Social Democrats Manifesto 2015

TOURISM & TRANSPORT

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Tourism is inevitably a vital source of revenue for Gibraltar PLC. On the same note, Transport and Traffic underpin our progress in the tourism sector. It is vital that these areas be carefully managed within the same Ministry and by the same Minister.

The GSD vision is exciting and achievable, our proposals to invigorate Gibraltar’s products and transport infrastructure will boost our opportunities in the open market whilst serving the community!

We must invest time and resources on our product, the rest will follow. I’m thrilled to see our air passenger statistics show increases year on year, with air passengers being the biggest and most successful area in the past 4 years, justifying our need for the Gibraltar International Airport we built.

Lawrence Llamas

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Invigorating Fun packed

Dedicated

Community at heart Road Safety

Prepared

improve cruise terminal

park and ride F O R F U L L PO L I CY D E TA I L S V I SI T W W W.G S D.G I

Manifesto 2015 Gibraltar Social Democrats

Policy SUMMARY Gibraltar Cruise Terminal We shall improve the aesthetics of the terminal as well as the facilities it offers. We will be introducing a “Shop now, Collect before you board” service, this will benefit passenger experience and enhance the retail industry.

We will provide a facelift to the pedestrian frontier in line with our long standing policy of positively influencing visitor’s first impressions Attractive and exhilarating policies to draw in tourists but be enjoyed by locals!

We believe the introduction of these ideas will encourage more day trips to Gibraltar. We are committing to introducing state of the art indoor play area above Kings Bastion Leisure Centre, shaded skateboarding and circuits for the teenagers, various zip-lining trails in the upper rock (from family fun to adrenalin rush inducers!), paint balling in our tunnels, Gibraltar Tunnels theme attraction and miniature railways and other animations at Alameda Gardens.

Gibraltar App We will bring the entire tourist community under one Gibraltar Mobile App from hotels to restaurants to tourist sites, you name it… Users will be able to get around Gibraltar and make the best out of Gibraltar, see the extended version of this policy in our online version!

Innovative and niche products - Tourist products established in other markets yet unthought-of in Gibraltar will be introduced.

We will encourage and support ideas such as jet skiing tours, fishing trips, kayaking adventures etc.

We’ll introduce a law for spot fines where it is suspected that the fine will not be paid For example, where the police stop a foreign registered car which might leave the jurisdiction.

Re-start the runway tunnel project We will press ahead with this project as soon as financially possible.

A successful Public Transport scheme is pivotal in reducing parking and traffic congestion We commit to providing supervised school buses for infant schools (staff and children) within catchment areas. Additionally, current bus routes will be adapted to ensure catchment areas work towards their respective schools at key times during the week.

Public transport will be reliable and reactive to our needs.

Parking in and around town for residents will be free, but parking foreign licensed plated cars will be on a pay and display scheme We will revert to the policy of resident parking with the introduction of visitor parking provisions from cross-districts We are committed to increasing the number of disabled parking spaces. We shall assess the criteria required to obtain this permit with a view to extend the list of users Smoking in cars with under age passengers shall be a criminal offence We shall continue to switch over current lampposts to LED lighting and phase in self sufficient ones Road safety will be the bedrock of our transport policies We will install speed cameras and CCTV cameras on our roads. We shall look to implement a driving license points system similar to the UK.

F O R F U L L PO L I CY D E TA I L S V I SI T W W W.G S D.G I

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Gibraltar Social Democrats Manifesto 2015

JUSTICE

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The GSD in Government radically overhauled legal landscape. Our Court resources were not fit for purpose and we invested much time and energy restructuring our Court Service. When we entered Government we had two Judges and two Court rooms. We now have an impressive Court complex with four Supreme Court rooms, two Magistrates Court rooms and a Coroner’s Court. Our institutional changes also saw the creation of the Judicial Services Commission.

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We introduced new laws on criminal justice. Our time in Government saw radical law reform in the area of family law, the protection of children, prison reform and anti corruption and bribery legislation to name a few.

We built a new Prison as a first and impressive step to ensuring that those convicted of criminal offences were provided with an environment which punished but also rehabilitates offenders back into the community thereby reducing the risk of reoffending.

Elliott Phillips

Fairness

Access

Reform of tribunal

Rehabilitation of offender

Training

Policy SUMMARY Introduce new laws making the availability of public funding fairer Public funding needs to be made available to those who really need it.

Commitment to reform sentencing Judges need to be provided with greater flexibility and discretion so that the penalty best meets the crime.

Creation of a body which focuses on rehabilitation and recovery of those afflicted with substance abuse Drugs Abuse Engage Arrest Referral Workers who will work in parallel with the Royal Gibraltar Police and HM Court Service to tackle drugs and substance abuse at the point which an individual first comes into contact with the criminal justice system.

Restructuring of the Court Service to Courts and Tribunal Service bringing the Industrial Tribunal under the Justice umbrella Create education, traineeship and apprenticeship opportunities within our Prison Education opportunities need to be given to help those serving custodial sentences and those who are released or given parole in order to help reduce and eliminate reoffending.

Drugs free workplace A GSD Government will introduce drugs free workplace policy in essential services and services dealing with vulnerable and young people.

F O R F U L L PO L I CY D E TA I L S V I SI T W W W.G S D.G I

Manifesto 2015 Gibraltar Social Democrats We will pull the plug on “enchufes”43

The GSLP has directly allocated top jobs and afforded special treatment to its supporters!

NG

VACANCY FOR HONG KO REPRESENTATIVE TOTAL PACKAGE WORTH £250,000.00 PER ANNUM

OFFICIAL NOTICE

VACANCY FOR AIRPORT B ADVERTISING SALES JO £80,000.00 PER ANNUM.

Dear Mr Picardo, We, the undersigned 35 train ees, are writing to complain about the bullying we are subj ected to under the supervision of a Senior Manager .

DENY !

om p

C

do not publish !

Re: Complaint of Bullying

d any Recor

s

do not publish !

Government Trainees

ignore !

OFFICIAL NOTICE

Available Information on

Company: Registered Office NO. 6 CONVENT PLACE GIBRALTAR

OFFICIAL NOTICE

! do not publish

R PANELS CONTRACTS FOR SOLA who wish ons pers lications are invited from

App and maintain solar to submit a proposal to supply . sites panels for Government

OFFICIAL NOTICE

do not publish !

VACANCY FOR PR ROLE IN THE UNITED STATES

shortlisted will PR expertise preferred. Those . post the for wed rvie inte be

OFFICIAL NOTICE

! publish t o n do

NCY TOP CIVIL SERVANT VACAtion.

lic sector posi Appointment for critical pub nce required. erie exp ice serv l civi e Extensiv wed for the post. rvie inte be will Those shortlisted

OFFICIAL NOTICE

! publish do not

BIZZY BEE LIMITED

g Estate

Providing works for Varyl Beg

SUBSIDIZED LABOUR

ignore !

SUPREME COURT

This court hereby upholds the conviction for fraud of a well known GSLP supporter for providing false documents in an Industrial Tribunal claim against the Gibraltar Bus Company. Mr. Picardo represen ted the defendant.

THE BUS COMPANY Letter of Promotion

Dear Sir, fast track We are writing to inform you that you have been promoted from bus driv er to manager, effective immediately. Your experie nce and qualifications are irrelevant.

!

Affordable Housing Ltd Re: Your allocation PRIOrity !

Dear Miss, We are writing to offer you a four bedroom flat in a new affordable housing develop ment.

OFFICIAL NOTICE

do not publish !

GENERAL LI

FTS Creating new layers for friends at the cost of the tax payer when really it is a well-established lift brand that is undertaking all the works. The “three amigo s” will be a layer in-between , reaping the benefits!

Gibraltar Social Democrats Manifesto 2015

Energy & Environment

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We’re not ‘world leaders’ when it comes to managing our environment.

But we should be and we can be. If we challenge ourselves sufficiently there’s nothing that we can’t achieve.

Gibraltar, like every other country, has a responsibility to do everything it can do to improve its environmental record and meet international targets.

Something we can do if we all work together to place environmental issues at the top of our agenda.

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Say yes to making Gibraltar safer and greener, and smashing our international targets!

Trevor Hammond

Build power station at Lathbury

Complete the urgently needed sewage treatment works

Enhanced air quality monitoring

Recycle our own waste to fuel public vehicles

Stringent application of vehicle emission controls

Greater encouragement of electric vehicles

Enforcement of fishing laws

NEW STADIUM WITH CYCLE LANES F O R F U L L PO L I CY D E TA I L S V I SI T W W W.G S D.G I

Manifesto 2015 Gibraltar Social Democrats

Policy SUMMARY Power station will be built at Lathbury For reasons of both health and public safety the power station should be away from densely populated areas and peoples’ homes.

A robust power supply is essential We will investigate laying a cable to connect our electricity grid to the Moroccan grid.

Power can be obtained from many sources With an upgrade of the electricity grid you can provide power, encouraging the use of renewable energy sources by people and businesses, lowering demand and bills.

Make disposal of home cooking oil easier We’ll enhance recycling facilities and expand them to include easier collection of home cooking oil products.

Produce our own bio-diesel With off the shelf technology we can locally produce significant quantities of bio-diesel, tonnes of oil are thrown down the drains every year!

Run Public transport on recycled oil We can use the bio-diesel we produce from our waste to run public vehicles such as buses.

Complete the sewage treatment works Government has failed in 4 years to complete the sewage treatment works, we can’t keep pumping raw sewage into our sea. This project must be finished quickly, no more delays.

All interested NGO’s will be invited to all locally held environmental seminars and events Enhance air quality monitoring We have to be sure that the measures we are taking are working so we’ll enhance air quality monitoring with a station at the north end of town.

Apply vehicle emission controls The vehicles on our roads are the greatest source of air pollution, particularly if they are not well maintained. We’ll ensure that stringent vehicle emissions monitoring takes place.

Encourage cleaner technology We’ll introduce tax allowances or rates relief for initiatives such as electric cars and solar panels.

Continue the policy of placing electric car charging points in public car parks Encouraging residents to buy more electric cars means cleaner air and quieter streets.

We’ll introduce ‘electric car only’ parking spaces To further encourage residents to buy electric cars leading to cleaner air and quieter streets.

We will continue to encourage initiatives to minimise waste and maximise recycling in public buildings Introduce an in town cycle scheme The GSLP/Liberals did us a huge environmental disservice by getting rid of the ‘Gibi-bike’, we would re-introduce a similar in town cycling rental scheme.

Encouraging cycling has both environmental and health benefits.

We’d seek out opportunities to introduce cycle lanes to encourage people away from cars and onto bikes safely.

The GSD is committed to encourage proper care of pets in Gibraltar. We’ll be legislating against animal abuse and neglect Fishing with nets The GSLP changed the law to allow the Minister to permit fishing with EU compliant nets. They have said these rules are ready. We’ll look at those draft rules but we are determined that Spanish Fishermen will be licensed and the law upheld.

Most responsible dog owners collect after their dogs and water down urine.

We plan to simplify and sanitise the way our dogs exercise in the urban areas whilst inviting them to run free in proper dog parks.

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GSLP POWER FAILURE

Gibraltar Social Democrats Manifesto 2015

CAUTION Risk of explosion

The proposed LNG installation will be dangerously close to densely populated areas and public buildings, and the consequences too severe to ignore Our commitment to you: The GSD would NOT allow a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) installation to be built so close to densely populated areas The GSLP have no mandate for an LNG installation and power station, as they committed to honouring the GSD’s plans for a diesel power station in their 2011 manifesto

GSLP

U-TURN

Our commitment to you: The GSD would move back to the Lathbury site

Are you safe ?

Cruise Liner Terminal (100-200m away) In the event of any accident, much of the densely populated west side of Gibraltar would be affected and fall within an evacuation zone.

West Side / Eurotowers / Harbour Views residential (400-600m away) Hospital (700m away)

LNG storage (Option) LNG Power Station Waterport Terraces (200300m away) Airport runway (700m away)

F O R F U L L PO L I CY D E TA I L S V I SI T W W W.G S D.G I

Manifesto 2015 Gibraltar Social Democrats

Proposed GSD power station at Lathbury Barracks

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Gibraltar Social Democrats Manifesto 2015

Tax reform & financial services

“

Taxation is the area in which the Government has most direct impact on its citizens. Yet it is the area in which even the most educated people can be totally confused.

Most people just shudder when they see that brown envelope with “Income Tax Office” on it and either ignore it or just do what it tells them to do without question. Some are lucky enough to be able to afford tax specialists to check the contents of the envelope but many are not. Our aim is to revise the Income Tax Legislation and simplify its implementation to remove the confusion and opacity and ensure that the citizen/company who is asked to contribute to the Government understands why he is being asked to pay the amount involved and to remove from the process the elements of unfairness in the system. When all is said and done YOU have earned the money and the Government should not take bits of it from you without making it easy for you to check that they are taking the right amount and dispute it at no great expense if you disagree the demand. Further it is our intent to ensure that the tax system will apply to all for whom it is intended.

Chris White

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Fairness

Transparency Clarity

User Friendly

Simplicity

Support

simplified tax system F O R F U L L PO L I CY D E TA I L S V I SI T W W W.G S D.G I

Manifesto 2015 Gibraltar Social Democrats

Policy SUMMARY Simplify the tax system by making the Gross Income Based system the preferred system for all The simpler the system the more straight forward and fair it becomes. It also makes it easier for the tax office to process your return allowing the system to keep up and ensuring that if you’ve overpaid tax, you get your money back more quickly.

One year employer/employee holiday from the payment of Social Insurance in first year of employment without loss of credit This encourages employers to create new jobs by providing relief while employees are learning the ropes and gives employees financial help while they find their feet in a new job.

Introduce a cumulative tax system ensuring that the tax deducted each pay period is dependent on the whole position for the year Why should you pay more tax on overtime worked and then have to wait at least three years to get back what you’re owed. We’d make sure that you pay the right level of tax on overtime and similar additional payments and if you are over charged, you’ll get the money back the same year.

Give further tax assistance to those wishing to put their children in nursery schools Our priority will be to assist parents who have young children to work by increasing the tax relief for nursery school payments at the first opportunity.

Introduce an effective tax amnesty to bring non payers into the tax system It’s not fair that some people do not pay tax but it is also important to offer them an opportunity to get back into the system by paying tax owed in arrears without criminal prosecution.

Make the Tax system more coherent The GSLP/Liberals have introduced unnecessary and questionable complications, we will review these in order to encourage investors to Gibraltar.

Assist our Finance Centre employers to meet International tax challenges We will restore the applicability of the 5% rate band of tax from £700,000 to £1,000,000 There was no social or economic benefit in this change made by the GSLP/Liberals, except to benefit a few more already very wealthy individuals. We would reverse it.

A 5% tax rate for qualifying intellectual property development companies Differential taxation for such companies has been approved by the OECD, we must try and attract them to Gibraltar.

Assist the Finance Centre in constructing a consistent, coherent and complete response to the information and tax compliance demands of the International Financial Community Assist the Finance Centre in its development of systems to deliver information demanded by the International Financial Community in the most economic way possible Protect our Financial Services Community from the effects of oppressive measures introduced by others In the event of a UK exit from the European Union, actively assist the Finance Centre and local business to find alternative markets.

We must be in a position to anticipate this eventuality and ensure that both our Finance Centre and our local businesses receive the necessary level of support.

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Will you trust Fabian Picardo ?

Gibraltar Social Democrats Manifesto 2015

Even the founder of his party, Joe Bossano, once architect of the “rainy day fund” doesn’t trust him!

Public Finances

“

Consultants are brainwashing ministers into spending too much

Sound public finance is the corner stone to Gibraltar’s continued success and political stability and should be managed in an open, transparent and prudent manner with appropriate checks and balances to avoid excesses. Without stable and sustainable management of our public finances our ability to stand up to Spain and even the UK is weakened.

Will you let him burden our children’s future with debt ?

The GSLP/Liberals approach to public finance seems to be to spend, spend, and spend Not only are these record high on populist voting winning projects such as debts, butandthey are owed parks, marinas music festivals without to any consideration critical projects such aswho our ordinary, of working people power supply. Our community cannot simply save their hard-earned cash in be expected to just trust that Mr Bossano has the GSB. could andit another secretThis economic planbe up you his sleeve, may be too late! people you know! Mr Picardo

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is GSD addicted spending your The will bringto Gibraltar’s public finances back to sound and prudent management using money in order to buy your vote!

3 methods in concert, namely Responsibility, Transparency and Management.

We are just £39 million short of borrowing limit (which is why Government is using a web of companies to hide public debt.

How can the GSLP build their £120 million power station now?!

Roy the Clinton legal

NET DEBT 2011 (GSD)

£ 240 million

GROSS DEBT £ 520 million

2015 (GSLP) £ 418 million ! £ 850 million Responsibility Value for Money

Transparency

!

(Excl. Credit Finance)

Management

Priorities More Secrecy You haveNo a right to know how your savings are spent!

1. You save your money in the

Gibraltar Savings Bank (debentures)

2. The Government invests your money in Credit Finance Company Ltd

public finances - the GSLP Libs way!

F O R F U L L PO L I CY D E TA I L S V I SI T W W W.G S D.G I

The experts agree with Daniel Feetham Manifesto 2015 Gibraltar Social Democrats

Top finance experts have joined us because they feel they need to do something about this. But as the electorate, Gibraltar’s future is in your hands!

Policy SUMMARY

Chief Minister to no longer act as Minister with

The payment by GSLP/Liberals using savers Responsibility for the Public Finance money political manifesto Tyingtoinmeet with our policies of democraticpromises reform, too is muchOur power is invested in the officethe of the Chief wrong. mission is to rebuild economy to Minister, Minister would given this austerity, weather theanother storms ahead.

Webewill avoid and responsibility. instead focus on cutting government waste!

We will put the needs of the questions people ofdirectly Gibraltar Financial Secretary to answer above the self-indulgence of its government, from Parliamentary Select Committee on public for the long term good of all Gibraltar. finance The Financial Secretary has a constitutional role and should be directly answerable to Parliament, this policy again is part of our desire to improve our democracy and its transparency.

Independent audit and review of all Government I lostcompanies all faith intothe Chief the owned or controlled determine Minister, true level of public debt when he stated twice thatpicture CreditofFinance We need a clear and true how big our public debt is,was we’ll make sure this happens, it’s your not spending a penny debt, you need know. ontoGovernment projects,

only to reveal the following

Gibraltar Savings Bank no longer to be used to day that Credit Finance fund Government projects lent millionway to of Because this ishad simply not£347 a transparent a Government Company. showing our debt.

These companies have

Credit Finance to be investigated and liquidated always relied on funding This company has been set up to disguise the from the Government and What happens when the way that the GSLP/Liberals have been borrowing from the Savings Bank.

Amend the Public Finance (Audit & Control) money stops rollingAct in and the and spending not money.

In no open and transparent so as to ensure all companies under the direct or repaid? economy should there be a need for such a company. debentures have to be indirect control of theWho Government are reviewed picks up the bill? by YOU. If the the Principal Auditor GSLP are happy to spend your Specific savings products to be designed for At the moment, Government can completely avoid pensioners and first time home buyers by the money, why are they shy about over how it spends large sums of money Savings Bank Robertscrutiny Vasquez telling you much through setting up companies, we’ll how make sure youthey haveWe’d do this because this is what the GSB should QC (former know exactly how Government is using these to fund spent and what they have spentbe for, not so that wealthy foreigners can make a member of the spending. fortune at our expense. it on. Do they have something to Financial Services

Commission and hide?

Parliament to give approval for the creation of any financeGovernment lawyer) owned companies So that you know that these Government owned companies exist and why they are being set up, Parliament will have to approve them. Future Governments will not be able to hide their activity.

Ensure Government’s medium/long term borrowing Roy Clinton requirements are forecast and costed at the best (chartered rate for the taxpayer with a funded repaymentand plan accountant

ex bank CEO, Chris White Project spending to be prioritisedretired) and value for (tax advisor money paramount to Wasting previousyour money is completely unacceptable and GSLP thereand isn’t GSD enough money for everything so we need governments) to carefully prioritise our spending on those things that matter.

3. Credit Finance lends your money

to Gibraltar Investment Holdings Ltd (which funds all Government companies)

4. Government companies then spend

your money on Government projects!

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Gibraltar Social Democrats Manifesto 2015

No mor e l i e s.

No mor e r i s ks.

C h oos e a s a f e a nd s e cur e f ut ur e .

Vote for all ten GSD candidates to secure your children’s future Printer: Roca Graphics LTD, 21 Tuckey’s Lane, Gibraltar Publisher: GSD, 1A College Lane, Gibraltar Election Agents: Isabella Ramognin, Maite Armstrong, John Calderon, Darren Olivero, Dion Darham and Gillaine Chipolina

FOR FULL POLICY DETAILS VISIT WWW.GSD.GI