Minutes of the Annual General Meeting of the Mid Harbour Small Boat Marina (MHSBM)

Date: March 26th March 2026

Location: Mackintosh Hall

Time: 18:00

The meeting was pushed to 18.30hrs since there were not enough members for a quorum and according to the Constitution (Rule 19.4), in this case, the meeting has to be postponed for half an hour with the number of voting members at that time present, creating the quorum.  The meeting started at 18.30hrs with a quorum of 27 members.

Attendees:

•             Joe Pilcher (President)

•             John Canepa ( Outgoing Vice President)

•             Graham Olivero (Treasurer)

•             Andrew Camilleri (Outgoing Secretary)

•             Jason Mesilio (Outgoing Captain)

•             Gareth Jones (Outgoing Committee member)

•             Johnny Buttigieg (Outgoing Committee member)

•             Edgar Colton (Outgoing Committee member)

•             Members of MHSBM

Agenda:

1.           Opening Remarks by the President

Welcome and introduction by who wanted to start his submission by thanking those members of the Committee who had given many years of their time and energy on behalf of their fellow members, but who had decided not to stand again. He asked for an ovation for Mr. Pepe Figureredo, Mr. Johhny Buttigieg and Mr. Gareth Jones.

The President the explained that this past year everything was now coming together with the policy decisions etc. that had been taken over the last year were now showing the fruits of this. The reports by the Treasurer and the health of our accounts, Vice President on the Yard and the success of our first year and the fact that we have converted it into the best facility in Gibraltar, and Captain on the Marinetek approach and the maintenance works that the Marina is doing and will shortly be embarked on, were proof that everything is working well.

The President admitted that there were some members discontent on the way that the Marina is run, but fortunately this was in the minority and with very few exceptions, were the result of some member’s abuse being curtailed. The President stressed that this Committee wanted to have a professional Marina  which  is a PARKING FOR BOATS not a fishing port, not a swimming or recreational area and not an area where people berth their boats to die in the hope that somehow they will be able to benefit in the future, something TOTALLY opposed by the Committee. All these things cause our members aggravation and although some do not say so directly, many come to the Committee to complain.

The president stated that he could not give an honest report on the Marina, without making a comment on the TOTAL lack of cooperation by the Port authorities.” I would not know where to begin in our total exasperation at the support that we get from them. We now understand why previous committees gave up. I will not bore you with all the details,  although more than happy to do so at a later stage, but suffice it to say that we sent the Port a report weekly which the Pier Master sends us with the differences between our records and theirs, and have been doing so for the last 6 months and not once has there been any meaningful discussion. Fortunately, the Port is doing something about sunken boats which cause damage to the pontoons and the structure of the Marina.”

The President advised the members that there had been a meeting with the Minister and the Port as part of the newly set up of the new Small Vessels advisory board just before the AGM and advised members that he would report on this during the Motion on the Agenda.

 “This committee will continue to strive to make our marina the best and hope that we can put our differences aside to fight as one for it. I know that I and my Committee have done this last year and will, with your help, continue to do it in the future.”

2. The Secretary’s Report

During the past year, the Committee has met monthly to address operational, financial, and infrastructure matters concerning the Marina and Yard. Minutes of all meetings have been properly recorded and circulated and have been published in the Marina Web Page monthly in arrears.

A significant focus of the Committee’s work has been the review of historical yard expenditure prior to April 2024. This review concluded that, while all expenditure was accounted for, there had been clear mismanagement and insufficient oversight in decision-making. As a result, the Committee has reinforced governance procedures, ensuring that all future expenditure is subject to full Committee approval and proper minuting.

The Yard has now completed its first year of operation. Although it recorded an initial deficit of approximately £20,000, corrective measures have been implemented, including revised contracts, operational efficiencies, and the introduction of winterisation services. These measures are expected to bring the Yard close to a break-even position in the coming year.

An Extraordinary General Meeting was held in October 2025, where members were presented with detailed reports on yard expenditure, operations, security, and the 2026 budget. Key decisions were taken, including the treatment of historical yard expenditure as an internal loan and the adoption of a cross-subsidy mechanism to support member discounts while maintaining financial stability.

Operationally, notable progress has been made across the Marina. Improvements include enhanced security arrangements, replacement of aging infrastructure such as lighting and safety equipment, and ongoing works to water systems and pontoons. A professional inspection carried out in December 2025 confirmed that the Marina infrastructure is generally in good condition, with only routine maintenance and minor repairs required.

The Committee has also taken steps to improve transparency in financial matters, particularly in relation to electricity, water, and security costs, which will be more clearly identified and allocated going forward.

In conclusion, the year has been one of consolidation and reform. The Committee has addressed legacy issues, strengthened governance, and implemented measures aimed at ensuring the long-term financial and operational sustainability of both the Marina and the Yard.

3. The Treasurer’s Report

Good evening everyone,

I will provide a brief financial overview of the 2025 audited financial statements for MHSBM.

I was elected to the committee at the 2025 AGM and assumed my responsibilities from that point onward. My role is to participate in committee meetings and ensure that all decisions are properly discussed and approved by the majority of the committee.

I also act as the gatekeeper for expenses and bank payments. All supplier invoices and bank payments are reviewed and approved by me prior to settlement.

I have reviewed the audited accounts and would like to highlight a few items in anticipation of possible questions from the membership.

Review of the Financial Statements

On Page 6, the results are presented in the format required by law. However, it is generally clearer to review the financial performance by referring to the final page of the financial statements, which presents the figures in a more meaningful format.

Berthing Fees

The accounts appear to show an increase of approximately £18,000 in berthing income. However, this figure is somewhat misleading.

Included within this amount is £31,000 invoiced to the Government, which remains unpaid at the year end.

When this amount is taken into account, the actual berthing income has decreased by approximately £13,000, reflecting the increased number of empty berths during the year compared with the previous year.

Other Income

There is an increase in other income of approximately £14,000, which includes items such as card fees, guest fees, and other related income. These mainly relate to the fact that there had been more activity in Card Fees due to Associate members requiring Cards.

Yard Operations

The yard generated £85,000 in income during the year.
Corresponding costs amounted to £112,000, largely relating to the CYC contract for most of the year.

This results in a shortfall of approximately £27,000 for 2025. This had been discussed at the EGM and an initial subsidy of £2K pm was put in place pending the yard becoming profitable.

In addition, there were cash purchases of fixed assets totalling £78,000, mainly due to the repair of the Nissen Hutwhich was now a permanent structure used for wintering and bringing some £20,000 per annum, and equipment used in the yard.

Therefore, the total cash outflow relating to yard operations during the year was approximately £105,000.

Bank Interest

Bank interest income increased during the year, mainly due to higher balances being maintained on bank deposits.

Operating and Administrative Expenses Salaries had increased compared to the prior year as 2025 reflects a full year of the Pier Master position.

Fire & Security costs relate primarily to security services. In the past, JT Security provided 24/7 security and administrative support.
The current charge of £44,000 relates solely to OSG Security Solutions, as agreed at the AGM, providing reduced costs and a revised scope of services.

Repairs and Maintenance (R&M) costs are lower than the previous year, reflecting that more repair work has been carried out in-house by staff, including the Pier Master and CYC.

Telephone and Internet expenses show a noticeable increase compared with the prior year mainly due to the increased requirements for roaming cameras and standardisation of the telephone and Webb services.

IT Equipment costs are significantly higher this year, reflecting the purchase and installation of new cameras, screens, and related equipment.

Financial Expenses

Administrative costs have increased, reflecting the extension of the office-based administrative role.  The figures now reflect a full year of this arrangement.

Aside from these points, there are no other significant items of note in the Profit and Loss account.

Balance Sheet Review

Fixed assets have increased during the year due to the approved purchase of trolleys and other equipment for the yard. Included the Nissen Hut and basically all the assets which provide a better service for the yard.

Debtors have also increased, primarily reflecting the £31,000 owed by the Government relating to the 2025 berthing fees for empty berths.

All other movements within the Profit and Loss account and Balance Sheet appear reasonable based on my review.

Finally, I confirm that the accounts have been audited and formally signed off by the auditors.

There were various questions and comments from the floor and after a heated argument about the extra monies requested and approved by the EGM, the Accounts were approved.

4. The auditors, AMS Limited, were unanimously reappointed.

5. The Captain’s Report

As the committee settles into its second year, we have worked tiredly to address issues appertaining to the running, maintenance and improvement of the Marina.

This year we have not only faced challenges, but we have also had to look into the future and plan for a maintenance and repair scheme.

As you may be aware last year, we contacted Marinetek in order to carry out a full survey of the Marina’s infrastructure, something that had never been previously done.

As soon as the survey was received the report and costings were shared with the membership via WA , on the web page and a hard copy was/is available at the Marina office for the perusal

of members.

We are now in a position to start the recommended works( date tbc) given all spare parts should arrive by mid April.

I would Like to remind members that under our constitution we have a legal obligation to produce a maintenance program to the COP including costings and works.

We have also been having problems with our fresh water supply , as you are all well aware we have serious issues appertaining to burst water supply pipes .

During works, samples of piping have been given to GJBS on their request and we are still waiting for a reply to assess if these pipes were defective.

I would like to inform the members that the committee is working tirelessly and are fighting for either Govt or GJBS ( contractors) to assume responsibility.

Moving onto security , I believe that this year we have seen an improvement with both Customs and RGP patrolling both on land and sea and curtailing youngsters from outside our marina trespassing via the northern end.

Also OSG both with “boots on the ground” and via CCTV have addressed issues of unruly behaviour by some members ( fortunately a few incidents) and issues of damage to our marina. Damage caused and caught on CCTV was taken up by the disciplinary committee and dealt with and in accordance to the marinas constitution.

I would like to remind members that “WE” are all shareholders of the marina and any issues witnessed by members should be reported to the security; if on duty; Pier master or committee member, it is important to note time and date .

Finally I would like to thank you all once again for your support .

6. The Yard Report by the Vice President

This is the first AGM where a report can be given for a full year, as in the previous AGM the yard had only been open for six months.

From march 2025 to March 2026 there have been approximately 350 vessels lifted, the peak time being, spring and summer 2025, and the least number of lifts from Christmas 2025 to the present date. It is obvious that due to the inclement weather that we have suffered during the past three months, this has had a negative effect on our income.     

We have spent a further 15700 euros on four trailers to enhance our yard trailer capacity, these trailers are from the same German manufacture as the four large trailers that were bought in 2024, but of a smaller size, to cater for smaller vessels.  We took this decision to purchase these four trailers in consultation with the yard contractors, as it was apparent that the eight trailers purchased by the previous committee were dangerous and not fit for purpose! We are looking and the possibility of selling on these eight trailers, but no entity seems to be interested in acquiring them. We now have eight quality trailers, and the Yard contractor, the committee and indeed you the members, are extremely happy with how these trailers have performed. They are the same trailers that the cormorant club have had for several years, and we are very grateful to the club for giving us that information.

A further investment has been the purchase of 24 large boat supports, at a cost of 7270 euros. The previous committee had placed a large order of these boat supports, however most of them were of the smaller size, and larger vessels require the bigger supports.

The committee is glad to inform that the Nissen hut is now fully certified by the Government, after extensive works, and is now a permanent structure, as it previously was certified as a temporary building. The certifying of the hut as a permanent structure is also an important step to ensure that should the need arise, for a request from a government, to move from our present location, they would have to provide like for like facilities, including a similar building, making a move that more difficult for a future administration! This winter we have been able to winterise 16 vessels in the hut, bringing a total income of £17,234 including one vessel that has been winterised on the yard hardstanding. 10 MHSBM members took up the offer to winterise their boats, with 7 other vessels from various clubs and marinas making the total of 17.

The leasing of the stores for various commercial entities that have dealings with the yard, are providing the association with an income of £2100 a month, £25,200 a year, which contributes to the total income figure, enabling us to keep the low yard prices that the membership presently enjoys.

As you will have seen from the treasurer’s report, the yard is still showing a deficit, and the committee will work hard to reduce this deficit in the next year, by promoting and attracting boat owners to our yard, especially during the low season. The committee is also reviewing the price list for vessels that are larger than our marina vessels and will be updating the price list. This is the only way to ensure that we can keep the present low prices.

We are working with our contractors to enhance our yard and provide further facilities to you the association members, and I finally want to thank our contractors, CYC and our pier master, for the hard and excellent work that they have carried out in the yard during the past year.

7. The Election of the Committee.

(a)         The President and the Treasurer will be staying on as per Rule 6.13 (a)

(b)         ANDREW CAMILLERI was re-elected as the Secretary UNCONTESTED

(c)          JOHN CANEPA was re-elected as the Vice President (yard representative) UNCONTESTED

(d)         JASON MESILIO was re-elected as the as Captain UNCONTESTED

(e)         EDGAR COLTON was re-elected as the Committee member UNCONTESTED

(f)           SURESH MAHTANI was re-elected as the Committee member UNCONTESTED

(g)          DOMINIC CURRER of BERTH J5 was nominated as a Committee member UNCONTESTED

All of the committee above were re-elected unanimously by consensus since there were no members who wished to object or become part of the Committee. One member raised the fact that Rule 6.13 had been wrongly interpreted. It was made clear that the Committee felt that this year the President and the Treasurer should remain with the Captain and Secretary seeking re-election. This would be reversed the following year. The rule however had been interpreted correctly since the rule as interpreted by the member who raised it applied for the 1^st AGM only.

8. Committee Motions

(a) This AGM notes the failure of Government to honour the Invoices sent last year for the Empty berths and notes that no action has been taken by the Government to sort this problem out once and for all. It also notes the lack of support given to the Pier Master by the Port in the exercise of his duties and urges the Committee to pursue this actively to ensure the proper running of the Marina. The Committee wish to solicit membership support to identify action to be taken to ensure action by GOG once and for all.

(b)         This AGM asks the Committee to send an invoice to GOG, as we did last year, for the empty berths which are empty because GOG have a moratorium on the allocation of berths to the detriment of the Marina (and the use therein by the people of Gibraltar) and particularly its finances. The AGM notes that the one issued last year remains unpaid but urges the Committee to follow this through actively

The President introduced this motion by stating that although there has been some improvement on the Government’s feedback with reference to the Empty berths, there is still no concrete answer from the Government on the way forward for this.  He stated that he had just come back from a meeting with the Minister who had said that given the issues with the Treaty, the Government would not be taking a decision on this matter until after that date. He also said that the Minister via the new Board was changing the law on the disposal of boats given that the Port had very little power on this. The Minister said that the fact that the Government was taking so long had to do with the legal issues relating to the sale of the water.

Although last year we agreed in the AGM and EGM to invoice the Government for the Empty berths, the Government has not paid for these even though they had only been charged the minimum amount and although we believe that they have a moral (if not legal) obligation to pay for these as these are like “Service Charges” in any housing estate without which, the Association would be unable to maintain the Marina. We will once again put to the vote the fact that we will invoice the Government for the empty berths. This is exacerbated with the fact that due to the hard line on payments and arrears that the Committee are taking, there are berths being handed back. On top of this, there are many empty berths actually belonging to certain members which the Committee are actively seeking to have these either filled or handed back and the amount of boats which are derelict and basically just taking a space to the detriment of the reason why the Government set up the Marina in the first place….for the enjoyment of genuine sea/boat lovers. At the last count, the Marina had a staggering 90 empty berths some 13% of the overall number of boats that fit in the Marina. The Minister was adamant that the invoices relating to the Empty berths would not be paid by the Government although it was clear that if there continued to be non-allocation of empty berths, the MHSBM association might run into financial problems.

The Committee have discussed this at length and are at a point where it does not know how to deal with it. “We cannot force the Government to take a decision and yet, this is causing great concern amongst our members who do not know what to expect for the future and are seeing the Marina get progressively more empty with our members wondering what the reason for this is. Of course, rumours are strife from that part of the Marina is being given to Victoria keys to that the Government is going to sell all the empty berths as one package to a private investor. We need to push the Government to regularise this position. All these rumours have been denied by Government but their failure to take a position on this which fuels this.” The President also noted that in relation to the cost of the Marinetek maintenance cost and given the hesitancy by the Government to pay these invoices, this might well be financed from the monies being put aside for the Sinking fund as Marinetek have stated that the regular maintenance will push the 2041 deadline further. Notwithstanding, this will be decided further into the financial year as we see the shaping of the finances including those of the yard.

At the same time, there are hundreds of persons on the waiting list with seemingly no possibility of getting a berth. They also will need to be consulted at one stage.

Before taking a position, the Committee would like to hear the views of the membership. This will help us take a position in the knowledge that this will be supported by the membership.

The President opened it to the floor for discussion. 

There was a discussion as to what position the Committee should take and some members felt that initially the Committee should wait until early May 26 when the problems related to the Treaty were over. At that stage, the Committee should give the Government a timeline for making a decision and at the same time call a Public meeting where not only existing members but also the persons on the waiting list (as yet not given to the Committee) could make their views known and take concrete decisions.

The floor urged the Committee to send the Government again an invoice for the empty berths in 2026 which would also form a part of the discussions got the Public meeting.

Members felt that we should invite the Press and TV to the General meeting so that this matter was in the domain of the whole of Gibraltar.

These suggestions were fully supported by the Floor and the Committee sked to actively work on this after the Treaty issues were over.

There were no urgent other matters and the meeting finished at 2000 hrs.