Gibraltar’s new coastguard agency ‘unacceptable’ says PP

SPAIN’S Popular Party (PP) has criticised Gibraltar’s creation of the new Borders and Coastguard Agency. It may be “an attempt to create borders,” said Jose Ignacio Landaluce, a Member of Parliament for the PP.

A series of parliamentary questions to find the Spanish Government’s position on this “unacceptable” situation will be raised by Landaluce.

“This situation could lead to another turn of the screw to the already maligned relationship between Gibraltar and Spain, which could also lead to further clashes between the colonial authorities and the Guardia Civil in these waters,” he warned.

Chief Minister of Gibraltar Peter Caruana announced the creation of this Agency earlier this month at the keynote presentation of the Rock’s budgets.

The Security and Immigration Company which currently provides immigration controls will be incorporated into the Agency which will see its duties widened and powers heightened, including operating boats and aircraft.

The Agency will carry out passenger, cargo, vehicle and baggage security checks at all air and sea passenger terminals and ports.

It will patrol Gibraltar’s territorial water and the land border and monitor the supply of fuel for ships and upholding shipping laws and port rules and enforcing leisure laws.

Vehicular and pedestrian circulation controls and maritime search and rescue will also fall under the Agency’s responsibility.

The Chief Minister or another minister designated by him will be the chairman of the board which will also consist of a CEO, various ministers and a secretary that will meet at least every six months.

By Nicole Hallett