Chief Minister to have emergency eye surgery; publication of McGrail report delayed to mid-December

The Government says Fabian Picardo was urgently referred to a hospital in Jerez yesterday afternoon for a retinal detachment in his right eye, and stayed there overnight awaiting emergency eye surgery today.

It says his recovery time means he'll have to be "as immobile as possible for fourteen days". During that time, Joseph Garcia will assume the powers of the Office of the Chief Minister.

Number Six says the "full, unedited report of the McGrail Inquiry" was scheduled to be published tomorrow afternoon at three, in accordance with the Government's statement that it would be published well ahead of Christmas.

It says advance copies were provided electronically to 34 individuals, as well as the RGP, the Police Authority and the Governor. An advance copy was also provided yesterday to GBC and to the Gibraltar Chronicle.

Number Six says as Mr Picardo's alleged actions have been central to the Inquiry, it would be "inappropriate and unfair" for the report to be published when he's unable to address it and take part in the "foreseeable public debate about its content".

Therefore, it will be published "early in the week starting 15 December". 

The Government says other events will also have to be delayed. These include the Chief Minister answering questions in Parliament, which was meant to happen on the 11th December; and Direct Democracy on GBC Television, which was programmed for the 16th December.

Fabian Picardo says he's grateful to those of his colleagues who insisted he should have his vision checked given minor concerns - as, he says, leaving this condition without immediate attention could have led to permanent loss of vision in that eye. He said he was not looking forward to being out of action for 14 days, and will remain in close contact with Joseph Garcia during that time.

The Cabinet wishes the Chief Minister a full and speedy recovery.

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Fabian Picardo said, "I am very grateful to those of my colleagues who have insisted I should have my vision checked, given minor concerns, as leaving this condition without immediate attention could have led to permanent loss of vision in the relevant eye. I am sorry that the procedure will require me to be completely out of action in person for two weeks. I am not looking forward to being out of action for 14 days! I know that Joseph Garcia will be able to do an excellent job in my place, and we are and will remain in close contact during the whole period."

The Deputy Chief Minister said, "All the members of the Cabinet wish the Chief Minister a full and speedy recovery from this emergency operation and look forward to his return to the Office as soon as his health permits it.”

Meanwhile, the GSD has agreed to postpone any non-urgent parliamentary business scheduled for next week pending the Chief Minister's return.

The Leader of the Opposition says he's spoken to Mr Picardo to wish him well on his emergency eye surgery. 

Keith Azopardi has extended the Opposition’s well wishes for a speedy recovery.