Marie Lou Guerrero - PDP
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07 July, 2006 08:00
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How did you rise to the head of the GFSB?
I joined the GFSB in 1996 representing the Main Street Association of which I was the President. Shortly after this, I was acting Chair, and officially took over as Chairman in January 1997.
Interestingly enough Nick Cruz who is an executive member of the PDP was the Secretary of the GFSB at the time.
What inspired you to take on the challenge of ESBA and WASME?
I strongly believed that Gibraltar should be represented and participate in International Fora, and our Business sector was not a member of any. In today’s business world, everything that happens out there affects us, and we need to be informed and have input, especially at EU level. It also provides a very good opportunity of informing people from other countries about Gibraltar, what we are and the problems we face.
After linking up with the FSB in UK, they agreed to propose our membership to the European SME Organisation. We were initially blocked by Spain, but eventually succeeded in becoming members of ESBA, where we have played a leading role since.
How did you eventually become the head of the WASME?
ESBA was a member of WASME, and through ESBA, we bid for the Annual Conference to be held in Gibraltar, and this was achieved in 2002.
We were thereafter accepted as members in our own right, and I was elected Vice President.
In 2004, I was nominated for the Presidency, which I held till 2006.
How do you feel your campaigning for businesses has prepared you for party politics?
For ten years I have been involved in the SME world both locally and internationally, and the knowledge and experience this has given me is tremendous.
Locally, I have been very active campaigning for the recognition of the value of small and medium enterprises to our economy, and fought for measures that would improve the environment in which we work. I have participated in Government Advisory Boards and worked with all the different Departments, Agencies and Unions, and fought the small business issues with all the strength I had. My outspokenness has, at times, upset certain quarters, but my intentions were always to be honest in defending the rights of my members.
Internationally, I have met with, and worked with Government Ministers from all over the world, including the Presidents of Nigeria and Romania, and the Prime Ministers of Bulgaria and Israel. I have worked with most major International Organisations, participated in, spoken at and chaired many international conferences in many different countries. I have addressed over 250 MPs in UK on Gibraltar, and twice chaired business conferences in the United Nations in Geneva.
This has all exposed me to how other countries work, and what policies assist the business sectors as well as giving me the platform to promote Gibraltar and to continue doing so in the future through all my contacts. I have tried to use this knowledge and experience locally, and hope to be more successful in doing so from a political perspective.
What inspired you to take the leap from small businesses to politics? Up until now you had said that you would not be entering politics.
I never intended entering politics; I think I have been driven to it!
I have worked proactively with other members of the GFSB Board over the last ten years in the best interests of our members and Gibraltar, and there are many things we have achieved. But there is so much that still needs to be done and I have realised I cannot achieve it through the Federation.
I have consistently refused offers from Political Parties, but I genuinely believe we now need a change, and I believe the PDP can offer this.
I do not believe there is sufficient consultation, and when there is, advice is often not taken. Unfortunately, things take too long to get done, even after they have been agreed. Maybe if the system was less centralised much more could be achieved. We need a team of people to manage Gibraltar PLC, and to get the job done.
In the last report that was issued during my term as Chair of the FedI said that there was apathy, and worse still, a resignation of the fact that this is how things are and we have to accept it as there is nothing we can do. I decided that before I came to that conclusion myself, I would stand up for what I believe and try and change the scenario.
Can you give specific instances of delays in agreements being implemented or advice not taken?
I can give you many, but I will mention just a few.
1) The Social Insurance restructure was agreed in 2000, announced in the budgets is 2001 and again in 2003, then in the manifesto later in 2003. It has now been announced as a budget measure again in 2006. We will await once again with baited breath!
This measure would have not only given businesses flexibility but would have assisted many lower paid and part-time workers. Many people who work part time are paying reduced rate disproportionate to the hours worked and salary earned, and yet are not entitled to any benefit for their contributions.
Why the six years delay in implementation?
2) Office of Fair Trading- agreed to be set up with the Consumer Protection and Citizens Advisory. Still pending, and with no light in the horizon. Hence, we do not have Trading Standards or any recourse for investigating unfair trading practices, competition etc.
3) The Licensing Ordinance-still pending implementation after the consultation process which was concluded in 2002 after several years of lobbying from the GFSB.
This was a comprehensive consultation which dealt with hours of opening for licensed premises, sale of alcohol and tobacco etc. We sought the views of the Police, doctors, teachers and parents to compile our report.
The legal age for purchase and consumption part was taken out of the overall ordinance and legislated separately a few months ago. However, as far as I recall, everyone agreed to the legal age being eighteen, and many bars imposed this condition on themselves at our request. Why did Government decide, contrary to all advice and established practice in most civilised countries, that it should be legal for a sixteen year old youngster to drink and smoke? Has it considered the effects of this legislation, not only on our youth now, but in the repercussions on their health in years to come? Not many parents are happy that their children should smoke and drink alcohol at sixteen, but how can they insist when Government has given them the blessing to do so legally?
I can continue, but I will take up too much of your newspaper!
To what extent does the PDP really provide a viable alternative? Why do you think there is a need for another political party?
At present, the electorate have the choice of re-electing the present Government with which there is widespread disillusionment, or going back to the GSLP, which, although gaining support because of that disillusionment, many are reluctant to do.
The PDP is a group of people who have come together out of necessity rather than political or party ambition. We have people in our ranks who have experience of the community and its problems, and Gibraltar and our people in their hearts. We know and feel what Gibraltar could be, and what we can do to change things, and we are prepared to give our all to do this.
This is the alternative we are offering to the electorate. At the end of the day, the electorate appoints a team to administer Gibraltar (Government), and another to make sure they do their job properly (Opposition). They are all being paid by the taxpayer to do their jobs for the community, not look after their own Parties and fight like cats and dogs all the time. It is time we had a new approach on things and worked better together for the benefit of all.
We believe in Teamwork at all levels; nobody is born knowing everything, and this knowledge is certainly not acquired overnight when you become a minister. What you do have is access to experts and experienced people ready to advise and work for Gibraltar’s best interests.PDP will ensure that the talented resources already in Government employment will be used to their full potential with problems discussed and suggestions considered. We will value the advice of those persons with experience and dedication, which should be freely given without fear of repercussions. We will rekindle the "Pride" in work.
This is what we are pledging to do, and we will put forward people dedicated and capable of carrying out their responsibilities.
It is for the electorate to decide.
The PDP claims to be a centre party. To what extent does it lean left or right of centre? Who is it really for?
It does not lean either way. It is, as I said above, for Gibraltar and its people. We have to do what is right for us all, and not act out of political expedience or the quest for votes.
Everyone in Gibraltar has the right to be treated with respect and dignity, and their needs addressed. As the song says” It takes many kinds of people to make the world go round” and this is just so. Rich/ poor, able/disabled, academically bright or not, all are important and entitled to the same consideration and a dignified way of life. Sadly, I do not think this is so in Gibraltar at present.
How do you react to recent attacks on your party by Govt and other political parties?
It is sad and unnecessary for some politicians to resort to this but, I suppose, this was to be expected and says much about those who adopt those tactics. If we had not been attacked it would indicate we were not considered a serious alternative. The fact that we are means to me we are considered a threat in certain quarters. However, what we are seeing is symptomatic of our political scene today; personal attacks. Why cannot these politicians deal with issues rather than this personal antagonism? The electorate is mature and the PDP believe that they will see through it.
How soon will you make your full line-up public?
We will be announcing people who want to publicly known as part of our executive and are offering a positive contribution to our party. This does not mean they will be in the line-up. Nearer election time, the executive will select the candidates.
This is not about personal egos but about the best people for the job.
Does the PDP support the new constitution?
The text of the Constitution and the Preamble will be published later this week, so we will be in a much better position to comment then. Hopefully, both will meet our aspirations and we can move forward united as a community.
Personally, what would you most like to see improved in Gibraltar in terms of:
Business
I would like to see better support systems, less bureaucracy and faster procedures; a level playing field for our own businesses, ensure that they are get a fair share of the cake. I would like to see measures aimed at assisting businesses and start-ups, including a Loan Guarantee Scheme. I would like our businesses to get a chance to bid in a tender process that is fair and open to all.
I would like to see certainty for our Finance Industry so our Financial Sector can continue to attract business knowing what they can offer now and in the future; for example on tax, the introduction of an across the board, low flat-rate tax regime not so dissimilar to that offered by Cyprus and other modern tax regimes such as those in Eastern Europe.
I would like Tourism to be recognised as a major pillar of our economy, in real terms, not just words. Gibraltar has much to offer as a tourist destination, but we have to improve the product and keep constantly upgrading.
Society
Less division within our society. It is time to unite as a community that feels pride in its home, regardless of political ideology, race or religion.
Housing tackled imaginatively and effectively, not just “affordable” schemes for those that can afford them. We must not be reactive but proactive to avoid Housing issues emerging in the future. Housing schemes must not be knee jerk, badly planned schemes, but rather well thought out schemes that not only take into account the provision of a house for those who need it but also the infrastructural support such as schools, roads, parking and amenities. People who have to stretch themselves to afford houses deserve well thought-out projects.
Anyway, not everyone is in a position to purchase, but still need to live in adequate housing.
Better community services, especially support at home for the elderly, disabled and those with disabling chronic illnesses.
More training schemes for the less academic.
Integrate as much as possible those less able in our community and provide sheltered employment for those who genuinely need this, either in the public sector or with an assistance scheme in the private sector. Keeping them separated is not conducive to their living a normal life.
Listen to our Youth and provide genuine opportunities for them. They are Gibraltar’s future.
The PDP accused Government of lack of planning. Can you explain?
We need to have long term strategic economic, social and infrastructural planning that is sustainable, not dependent on year to year windfalls and sale of lands which once gone cannot be resold. Anyone can simply sell their belongings to meet their immediate demands.
The Chief Minister openly admitted in his Budget speech that the estimates he had just given did not take into effect the new budget measures. Therefore, did they think of them at the last moment and is thus the Leader of the Opposition right? Do the results dictate the policies? What are the effects of the budget on the estimates and why did he not quantify them?
There needs to be a proper Development Plan, open to public scrutiny and consultation. Construction on an ad-hoc basis when and where expedient is not proper planning for the future of our City.
Many areas of the Upper Town are fast becoming Gibraltar’s Ghetto instead of being the Pride of our City. There has to be proper planning to clean up these areas and regenerate them.
Finance Sector and Tourism- Where are we heading for? We need to consult the industry and plan on the medium to long term, not just live on a day-to-day basis and hope we get lucky!
What do you think are the greatest problem areas in Gibraltar?
I think I have already answered this in your other questions, but I will add that we need continuously accountable Government, not just at the beginning, but throughout.
We have policies that will ensure this, and will be announcing them within the next couple of weeks. We have also restricted the Party Leader to two terms of office as Chief Minister. This is healthy for Gibraltar and Democracy.
Why do you think Government is giving little attention to Social Services and Housing?
They may be giving it attention, but I do not think they are dealing properly with it. These are complex areas that need to be addressed imaginatively but sensitively. You need to be fully aware of the needs of people; for this you need to listen to their needs and not presume you know what is good for them from your elevated perspective.
A question that is ever present in the Gibraltarian psyche: How will your party tackle relations with Spain?
We are a party that firmly believes in our right to self-determination and in friendly relations with our neighbours.
Tripartite discussions with Spain, which could lead to improving these relations, are worthwhile.
However, I do not believe in making “concessions” particularly to achieve what is ours by right. The concessions GSD are prepared to make concessions as announced months back by Peter Caruana; the PDP will not period! These restrictions should be lifted, and then we can talk about co-operation to benefit both Gibraltar and the Campo.
I, personally, am very conscious that there isn’t a level playing field at the moment, especially in business and the large numbers of unregistered workers and traders that are competing unfairly with our own. Millions of pounds are leaving Gibraltar through this, contributing nothing to our own economy.
I would like to be re-assured that we would protect our own and not open the floodgates further.
We suspend our judgment on any proposed agreement currently contemplated as we have scant information on what is being discussed.
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