Chief Minister in New York Chief Minister Fabian Picardo has flown directly from the Conservative party

con ference in Birmingham to the United Nations Fourth Committee in New York. The Ch ief Minister and the Deputy Chief Minister, Dr Joseph Garcia are being accompani ed by Ernest Gomez, the Chief Secretary, Michael Llamas, European lawyer, Albert Poggio from the Government Office in London and Gareth Flower from Number Six C onvent Place. Fabian Picardo will address the committee at 15.00 hours New York time. He expected to cover a number of areas in his speech including the economi c challenges faced by Gibraltar because of pressures from Spains Partido Popular government, the ongoing incursions in to British Gibraltars Territorial waters an d sovereignty issues. Also the importance of de-listing, asking whether the Comm ittee believes the Constitution offers the maximum level of Self Government and a response to Spanish Prime Minister Marian Rajoy , who wants to hold bilateral talks with the UK , that Trilateral talks are the only way forward and that only Gibraltar can decide its own future. The UK government have said that they will not enter in to any talks with Spain against Gibraltars wishes. Introduction of a streamlined system for visiting yachts The Gibraltar government has announced the introduction of an electronic system which will enable registered users of yachts and small boats to reduce clearance time when entering Gibraltar. The web based system will allow users to store ve ssel details and reuse them when adding crew, passenger and stores details to cr eate new notifications. Links to the system will be made available through vario us websites including the HM Customs and Port Authoritys and the Government of Gi braltars. The system should go live on the 22nd of October. Minister for Tourism, Public Transport and the Port Neil Costa stated I am pleased to have been able t o complete this project that has been ongoing for the past 18 months, to which; we have given our full backing since being elected. This system will facilitate the activities of HM Customs, the Gibraltar Port Authority and the Borders & Coa stguard Agency, whilst making Gibraltar a more attractive commercial and leisure hub for vessels. It further demonstrates the Governments commitment and investme nt in E-Government projects. This should also have a positive knock on effect on the local trade and the local economy. The Marinas also welcome this new initiati ve as it will facilitate efficient birthing allocation. Royal Gibraltar Regiments Captain deployed to Afghanistan Captain Timothy Cummings of the Royal Gibraltar Regiment has been training hard for four months in preparation for todays six month deployment to Afghanistan. Hi s deployment comes as part of Operation Herrick 17 and he is looking forward to the challenges it will present. My aim is to successfully take over my new role a nd ensure the good work that has been carried out so far continues whist I am th ere. I am sure that the whole of Gibraltar wishes him well. Sign-up to www.GibBook.com