Gibraltar received a record number of cruise passengers in the first quarter of the year, according to the latest statistics released by the Gibraltar Government. The figures represent a slight increase over the same period in 2011, which itself marked a sharp rise over previous first-quarter cruise business.
Gibraltar Chief Minister Fabian Picardo and Mayor of Spain’s Algeciras Jose Ignacio Landaluce have both separately highlighted the importance of cross-border cooperation and co-existence, in dealing with the complex issues related to Spanish fishing activity in Gibraltar waters.
The British Government is understood to be supporting a local Gibraltar–Campo (Spain) fishermen resolution to the recent spate of exchanges over fishing rights in British Gibraltar territorial Waters.
Gibraltar appeared to be heading back to scenes of over a decade ago: clashes with Spanish fishermen and politicians. On Monday evening the Spanish ruling Popular Party from neighbouring Algeciras Mayor, Jose Ignacio Landaluce, boarded the vessel ‘Joaquina’ backing a protest sail into Gibraltar waters.
The Gibraltar Port Authority is participating in the Seatrade Cruise Shipping Convention which takes place in Miami between the 12th and 15th March 2012.
Gibraltar Chief Minister Fabian Picardo received at Convent Palace neighbouring La Linea Mayor Gemma Araujo to review issues of mutual interest and concern, during a meeting followed by a press conference which was described as very positive.
Spain’s Foreign Affairs Minister Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo trusts the next UN General Assembly will debate on the Gibraltar and Malvinas Islands conflicts, “and express support for negotiations”.
Britain will not negotiate with Spain on the question of sovereignty over Gibraltar without the approval of the colony's residents, Premier David Cameron said this week during a visit by Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy.
Spain has formally asked Britain to reopen talks over the sovereignty of Gibraltar. The petition was made by Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Garcia-Margallo shortly after UK Europe Minister David Lidington told an audience in Madrid that Britain would not discuss sovereignty against Gibraltar’s wishes.
Political controversy has erupted in Gibraltar following the outbreak of a Norovirus infection in a local hospital. The highly contagious virus which causes vomiting, diarrhoea and dehydration is not unknown to the cruise industry which has been forced to cancel trips and isolate vessels.