More confusion than confidence over Rooke home, says GSD

The GSD says the Government’s recent announcement that the long-delayed Rooke Elderly Care Facility will be ready by July has raised more questions than confidence.

Shadow Minister for Care and the Elderly Residential Services, Atrish Sanchez, says there is a lack of transparency.

The Opposition says Minister Gemma Arias-Vasquez told Parliament there were “no plans” to relocate Mount Alverniaresidents, prompting confusion over who the new facility is actually for.

The GSD's Atrish Sanchez calls for urgent clarity on who will operate the facility and whether local providers are being fairly considered.

She says concerns have also surfaced over reports that UK-based firms have expressed interest in the project, raising fears that local operators may be excluded.

Given recent changes in the Domiciliary Care contract, Ms Sanchez warned against repeating mistakes where cultural context was ignored.

She also called for guarantees on the building’s safety and compliance, noting the £38 million borrowed from the Gibraltar Savings Bank to fund the project.