Origo says promises need to become outcomes for youth, tourism, environment & transport

The Shadow Minister for Youth, Tourism, the Environment and Transport has used his Budget speech to urge the Government to deliver on their promises.

Giovanni Origo said greater investment is needed in environmental sustainability, youth development, infrastructural transport needs, and the promotion of tourism.

The GSD MP argued that in all his areas of responsibility, the statistics show the investment priorities and outcomes don’t match the rhetoric and promises in the GSLP-Liberal election manifesto.

Youth being 'failed'

Giovanni Origo says we are failing our youth.

"If I may speak plainly, the youth services are unsatisfactory, underfunded, undervalued, and underperforming…. When compared to the millions poured into refuse collection, it’s painfully clear: we invest more in bins than in our young people."

"I must express my deepest concerns at the Government’s complacency in addressing Gibraltar’s growing youth drug problem…. very little action has followed…. year after year, young people top, they top the list of the RGP’s most arrested age groups. These are not just statistics. These are lives. Young people turning to drugs, vandalism and petty theft."

Tourism 'limping'

On tourism, Mr Origo said the sector is limping.

"Does the Minister genuinely believe that our port entrance is up to standard? … Quite frankly, if this is the welcome we’re offering cruise passengers, we might as well hang a sign that says: Lower your expectations, you're in Gibraltar now."

"He said the Museum has seen an 8% decline in visitor numbers since September. If it’s a "world leader" in its field, Mr Origo asked why is that reputation not translating into visitor engagement?"

He referred to the recently tabled Tourist Survey Report and land arrivals.

"We can see a modest increase of 1.5% in arrivals compared to the same period last year. But let’s not overstate it — that small uptick still leaves us two million visitors short of pre-pandemic levels…"

"As for air arrivals, the picture is equally bleak. By the end of 2024, just over 210,000 passengers had arrived in Gibraltar — a 10% drop from 2023."

He said the UK-EU deal offers a glimmer of hope.

"That glimmer is worthless if those tourists land here, only to sip sangria in Spain instead of enjoying a pint in La Piazza. … then let’s be honest: we’re not running a tourism strategy we are running a transit lounge."

Environmental promises unfulfilled

Painting a dim picture of our quality of life, Mr Origo said Gibraltarians bathe themselves in fumes, pollution, dust and sewage on a daily basis.

"Whilst the Minister advised that the government was “leading by example” in carrying out a review of the Government fleet and to electrify as much as possible, it is notable that of the 21 public vehicles that were acquired or replaced last year, only 1 was electric and another was a hybrid. Meaning that the other 19 vehicles, representing 90% were powered by petrol. This is certainly by no measure, leading by example Madam Speaker."

He said he hoped his criticisms are received in a constructive spirit and result in improvements.