Viewpoint

Is the development and planning process fair?  Gibraltar needs homes, investment and expansion - but at what price? Objectors to plans presented at the DPC feel their voices carry less weight than those of developers and government. On this episode, Ros Astengo is joined by Environment Minister John Cortes and Janet Howitt from the Environmental Safety Group - both of whom sit on the DPC. On...

In 2016, Gibraltar campaigned hard against Brexit, warning of uncertainty and the risk of a harder border. A decade later, with a UK-EU Treaty now promising fluid movement at the frontier and access to Schengen, we face an uncomfortable truth - are we actually glad it happened? Jonathan Sacramento is joined by members of the original Stronger In campaign, including its former chair Gemma Arias-Vas...

It's been a significant week for Gibraltar. With less than a month to go before the Treaty comes into effect, businesses have finally received much of the certainty they've been calling for. This week has seen updated residency rules, changes to Category 2 status, and further customs guidance for traders. But has the Government struck the right balance? Do the measures provide the clarity business...

The former Principal Auditor's reports sparked one of the biggest political storms in recent years, prompting weeks of parliamentary debate and fierce disagreement over the role and remit of the office. With a new Principal Auditor at the helm and an ambitious programme of audit reform on the table, Ros Astengo sits down with Phil Sharman to discuss the future of accountability and financial scrut...

One of the key recommendations arising from the McGrail Inquiry, the Conflicts of Interest Bill seeks to introduce new standards in public life. The Government says it goes further than the Canadian model, widely regarded as one of the strongest conflicts-of-interest regimes in the Commonwealth. The Opposition says the Gibraltar Bill is toothless and will allow abuse to continue unchecked. Ros Ast...

Summer hours have been abolished and new holidays added to the school calendar — but does the change strike the right balance for students, parents and teachers? Ros Astengo hears from all sides of the debate. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Private property prices have soared over the years, leaving many locals priced out of the market. With new residency rules and an open border expected soon, what impact could this have on prices, demand and affordability? Joining Ros Astengo with analysis and forecasts are Mike Nicholls (Chestertons Gibraltar), Sammy Armstrong (Savills Gibraltar), Louis Montegriffo (BMI) and Daniel Herbert (TNG G...

Gibraltar relies on a strong tourism sector, and hotels are central to the visitor experience. Tonight’s Viewpoint asks whether Gibraltar’s current hotel offering matches its ambitions to grow as a holiday destination. Joining Ros Astengo are Franco Ostuni, G & JB Hotels & President of the Gibraltar Hotel Association; Ed Allison-Wright, Ocean Village Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy...

With an open border, are we ready to meet the challenges of a potential increase in travel and tourism on the Rock? Joining Ros Astengo this week are the Ministers for Travel and Tourism, John Cortes and Christian Santos, and Opposition MPs Damon Bossino and Giovanni Origo. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gibraltar set out to rethink how it moves, with cycling more visible on its roads, from daily commutes to competitive sport. There was a push towards active travel to make cycling safer and more accessible. But has that momentum been sustained? Are we building a joined-up network, or drifting towards piecemeal solutions? Joining Ros Astengo this week is former Transport Minister Paul Balban, Stu H...

As Gibraltar stands at a crossroads between its past, present and future, decisions are being taken that will shape the lives of generations to come. For those on the cusp of adulthood, with ambitions still to be realised, the stakes are perhaps highest of all. What do they make of the Treaty, and what do they want for Gibraltar? Students explore questions of sovereignty, identity and the politics...

In a post-Treaty world, diversifying and growing Gibraltar's economy is crucial to maintaining financial stability and political strength. Ros Astengo is joined by Nigel Feetham and Roy Clinton to identify the opportunities and risks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bishop Emeritus Carmel Zammit reflects on his profound journey, from his humble beginnings in Gudja, Malta, to his distinguished service in Gibraltar. He shares insights into his vocation, academic pursuits, and his commitment to fostering an inclusive and just Church. Bishop Zammit discusses the evolving landscape of faith, addressing contemporary challenges with optimism and a steadfast belief i...

Karim Gonzalez and Lydia Jimenez reflect on the impact of speaking out about their abuse, and being a voice for others. We also hear from two RGP officers combating child abuse in Gibraltar. Mary De Santos is the Domestic Abuse lead, and is Detective Sergeant of Online Child Abuse Investigation. Sgt Jo Ullger led the investigation against Graham Southwell, resulting in his 39 year sentence. They s...

Two victims of child abuse waive their right to anonymity to speak to Iain Triay Clarence about their experiences. Each of them was the primary witness in the trials that brought Mario Cassano and Graham Southwell to justice. Cassano was imprisoned for his crimes in 2010 and died during his sentence, while Southwell began a 39 year sentence last year. In the first of a two part special, we hear th...

The frontier between Gibraltar and Spain has shaped our history and forged our identity. Along the way, Gibraltar has consistently argued for self-determination, financial security, and recognition of our rights. As the historic Treaty is about to be signed, and the land border removed, past and present Chief Ministers reflect on the long journey from past to present: Adolfo Canepa, Sir Joe Bossan...

The Treaty has been published and the Motion debate calling on the UK to begin the process of ratification has been ongoing in Parliament.  Former Chief Minister Sir Peter Caruana KC joins Ros Astengo and Christine Vasquez for some in-depth analysis. We also hear from Opposition Leader Keith Azopardi and Commissioner of Police Owain Richards. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more in...

As we pivot towards one of the most defining moments in Gibraltar’s history, with the Treaty text now published, Viewpoint begins a series of programmes examining the text, the reactions and the progress towards implementation. On this episode, we hear from the Chief Minister who has called for the issues to be carefully and dispassionately considered as a community and as a nation. Over five year...

This episode dives into one of our favourite subjects: food. We explore how the restaurant industry has grown into a cornerstone of the local economy, fueling tourism, creating jobs, and bringing a rich mix of international cuisines to our tables. But behind the vibrant dining scene lies a tough, competitive business. With the border opening up, restaurants face new challenges and opportunities, f...

Around the world countries are banning social media for under 16s. Should Gibraltar follow suit? That's the question at the centre of this week’s Viewpoint, as concerns continue to grow about screen time, online pressure and the impact of social media on young people’s mental health and wellbeing. Would banning social media genuinely protect children, or does it risk isolating young people and dri...

A discussion on business after the Treaty. What are the challenges and opportunities? A panel debate includes the Minister for Business Gemma Arias-Vasquez, GSD's Craig Sacarello as well as GFSB and Chamber of Commerce followed by a Q&A with the audience. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We continue the discussion on artificial intelligence. Our panel had a wide mix of professions including: law, education, financial services, and the creative industry. We had a really interesting debate on how AI is changing, how we live, learn, and work Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

AI is here to stay, but how can we harness the benefits while avoiding the risks? What industries are changing? Will jobs be at risk? Who controls the data? Can it be regulated? What is the AI ambition for Gibraltar? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The debate on the McGail Inquiry report continued with Justice Minister Nigel Feetham and the GSD's Damon Bosino again going head to head. It did get a bit heated at times. The podcast also features an extended interview with Police Commissioner Owain Richards on some of the report's findings in respect of the RGP. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The first episode of the  Viewpoint Podcast  dives into the McGrail Inquiry report, with analysis and debate from Christine Vasquez, Brian Reyes and Dominic Searle. Featuring an extended interview with Chief Minister Fabian Picardo, plus contributions from Keith Azopardi, Peter Montegriffo and Nick Cruz. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.