CONTENTS MAY 2015
12 14 16 20
22 23 27 28 30 42 44 50
FASHION, BEAUTY & HEALTH Spring Florals Style Me Up! This Month - The Casual Lunch Look Fashion Hottest In Store This Month Feeling Fab While Getting Fit - Gym Bag Essentials
Would You Dare To Go Grey? 7 Ways to use Vaseline in Your Makeup Routine Everyday Beauty Uses For Lemons Fix Your Cardio Workout Healthy Breakfast Recipes That Will Promote Weight Loss Find Your Perfect Gown & Accessories to Fit Your Venue Model Weddings
HOUSE & HOME Ways to Decorate with Paint
COVER MODEL : Elke Hurtado PUBLISHER & MARKETING BRYAN ZAMMIT
EDITOR IN CHIEF & SALES
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FEATURES Sport it
BIANCA ZAMMIT
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
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CHRISTOPHER BORGE
Contributing PHOTOGRAPHER Aimie Marie Desoisa
6 38
COVER PHOTOGRAPHY & EDITING Joanna Kustra
Cover Makeup Artist Debbie Goodman
Cover Stylist BIANCA ZAMMIT
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25 Ways to Update the Bathroom
EVERY ISSUE
B Obsessions - Modern Safari Totally Exposed - Gilbert Licudi QC MP
7 Great Reasons to Exercise While Pregnant Take Your Workout Outside
Cover Clothes & Accessories Model’s Own
Fake-Bake Tan Aphrodite Beauty
Location Atlantic Suites Health Club & Spa
58 73 74
Gib Social Scene Healthscopes Confessions Of... Elke Hurtado
Please note that the material and opinions expressed in B magazine do not necessarily reflect the views of the editor or the publisher. No responsibility whatsoever is assumed by the publisher or editor of contents, opinions and for claims made by advertisers. Products and prices mentioned are subject to change without prior notice. Copyright of the magazine and its contents belongs solely to B Magazine. Material in this publication may not be reproduced in any form without written consent. Copyright 2015. All rights reserved. B Magazine is Designed & Printed solely by B Magazine.
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Fitness and health can certainly complement each other. And you cannot be healthy without some degree of fitness. But health is about living life without aches and pains, without the need for prescription drugs and living without allergies. Living healthy means you don’t get diagnosed with Type II diabetes or arthritis in your 40’s or 50’s and blame your age or genetics. Being both physically fit and healthy is an amazing feeling. Imagine waking up after a great nights sleep full of energy with no aches and pains, at any age, clear headed, and ready to take on the day. For some people this isn’t possible, but for most people, including a great many who think they have no choice, health is a viable option.
Bryan & Bianca Zammit MAY 2015
Publisher & Editor’s Letter
This month’s B Mag is packed with some great fitness and health articles, such as ‘Healthy Breakfast Recipes That Will Promote Weight Loss’, ‘Fix Your Cardio Workout’, plus our lovely and fit cover model Elke Hurtado, aka ‘THE’ Muscle Baker shares her ‘Confessions’. If you want to look fit this summer we recommend you ‘Take Your Workout Outside!’ Think hitting the gym is hard? It’s even tougher when the weather beckons you to ditch the four walls and stale air of the indoors for the sun and breeze outside. Nature is a perfect buff-body training ground. Turn to page 26 for some top reasons to get your sweat on in the summer sun. Exercise and fitness is not only for people who want to look and feel good or lose some weight. There are some great reasons to exercise when you are pregnant, but unfortunately most pregnant women are scared to exercise because they think they can harm the baby. Exercising when you are pregnant is actually good for you and your baby, but you should pay attention to what kind of exercise you are going to do. Exercise can reduce high blood pressure, lower your risk of gestational diabetes, control hormones and help you to prepare for labour. But, before starting your fitness program, you should definitely talk to your doctor about exercising during pregnancy and find out all the necessary information and recommendations. Turn to page 24
for ‘7 Great Reasons to Exercise While Pregnant’. Fashion continually changes. That’s kind of its thing. One year we are all craving maxi dresses, culottes and a wardrobe of black and white; the next it’s all about wild, colourful prints and body-con. But if there’s one thing that’s a safe bet whatever the season, it’s some good workout clothes, and the reason for this is that it’s never exactly in fashion and never exactly out of fashion. When hitting the gym doesn’t come easy, or motivation doesn’t truly last, some new workout gear is guaranteed to do the trick. Sometimes it’s all the inspiration you need to get totally back in shape, particularly if you love your active wear to match the rest of your stylish wardrobe. Proving that working out doesn’t have to be a dull affair, turn to pages 8-9 ‘Sport It’ to find some awesome active wear brands that make gym gear sexy. And their clothes are so good you can easily wear them beyond the gym. On another topic, the 10th annual Wedding Dress Competition 2015 will be taking place at the end of the month on Friday 29th May at the Alameda Open Air Theatre. As usual there will be some great performances, various fashion shows and not forgetting the beautiful brides. Tickets are priced at £15 and will be on sale from Diamond Occasion as from Monday 11th May. Proceeds this year will be in aid of RICC. Don’t forget to book your table early at either Mamma Mia (200 64444), Paparazzi Café Restaurant (200 69966) or Gibraltar’s newest pizza place Papa Luigi (200 61000) to celebrate your child’s First Holy Communion/Confirmation. All menus can be found within the magazine. Remember that children under 10 years old eat for free at Paparazzi between 12noon-5pm. We hope you enjoy this issue as much as we do. We always look forward to bringing you the best in fashion, beauty, health, local entertainment, culture and more. Until the next issue… Ciao for now. B&B
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J.W. Anderson Wool Blend Twill Mini Skirt £329
Madewell Cotton & Linen Blend Twill Shorts £50 Givenchy Mini House De Givenchy Bag in Textured Leather £1,017
Maje Venezuela Belted Cotton Jacket £200
Modern Safari From the African savannah to the city streets, the contemporary adventures comes clad in exotic safari style. The modern safari trend is all about revamping classic styles with a new sophistication. If clothes can be transportive, prepare to take a wild adventure this season. Popping up everywhere on the runways, khaki in all of its wonderful nuances, is the shade expected to add the needed amount of freshness. From military, to modern safari takes, expect khaki to take on many characters this spring. Major designers seemed to have a safari in mind, as they created chic dresses, skirts, shorts, and brilliant pieces that were anything but invisible. Not at all about roughing it, these safari-inspired looks have an upscale aesthetic.
Sacai Layered Organza & Chiffon Top £679
Marc by Marc Jacobs Flared Cotton Skirt £229
Isabel Marant Johanna Studded Leather Sandals £412.50 Alexander Wang Antonia Suede Sandals £304 Zeus+Dione Chalki One Shoulder Silk Mini Dress £317
Day Birger et Mikkelsen Alpha Crepe Shirt Dress £179 BMAG 6
Michael Kors Stretch Cotton Poplin Dress £975
Jason Wu Suede Wrap Dress £2,808
Laain Ribbed Jersey Mini Dress £158
Isabel Marant Vega Stretch Canvas Wide Leg Pants £225
Michael Kors Samantha Stretch Wool Twill Skinny Pants £346
Michael Kors Silk Crepe Wide Leg Jumpsuit £262.50
From the gym to the street, these active wear brands create workout clothes you’ll actually feel sexy in. Get motivated by checking out the best. When hitting the gym doesn’t come easy, or motivation doesn’t truly last, some new workout gear is guaranteed to do the trick. Sometimes it’s all the inspiration you need to get totally back in shape, particularly if you love your active wear to match the rest of your stylish wardrobe.
Nike Pro Bolt Printed Dri-Fit Stretch Jersey Shorts £29
Proving that working out doesn’t have to be a dull affair, here are some awesome active wear brands that make gym gear sexy. And their clothes are so good you can easily wear them beyond the gym. Falke Ergonomic Sport System Stretch Knit Biking Socks £12.50
Adidas by Stella McCartney Boost Stretch Mesh Sneakers £220 Nike Zoom Fit Agility Mesh Sneakers £121
Athletic Propulsion Labs Joyride Mesh Sneakers £100
Nike Pro Classic Dri-Fit Stretch ersey Sports Bra £25 BMAG 8
Shock Absorber Active Zipped Plunge Stretch Jersey & Mesh Sports Bra £29
Nike Pro Stretch Jersey Tank £21
Laain Satin Jersey Sweatshirt £179
Ballet Beautiful Belle Wrap-Front Knitted Jersey Top £112.50 Banjo & Matilda Uber Cashmere Hooded Top £325
Lucas Hugh Classic Stretch T-Shirt £71
Adidas by Stella McCartney Media Player Armband £29
Fendi Embroidered Cotton Tank £237.50
Live The Process Paneled Printed Stretch Jersey Leggings £100
Zoe Karssen Cotton Blend Jersey Track Pants £79
Nike Epic Lux Snake Print Stretch Jersey Leggings £100
Adidas by Stella McCartney Run Climalite Cropped Stretch Leggings £58 BMAG 9
Your spring wardrobe starts right here with our fashion edit of SS15’s prettiest trend - florals. From jackets, skirts, skirts, trousers and dresses, be fashion forward with these high-street best buys.
Uniglo Ines PleatedPrint Skirt £29.90 Zara Floral Print Trousers £39.99
River Island Pink Floral Print Structured Midi Skirt £60 BMAG 12
French Connection Freida Flower Maxi Skirt £80
Net-a-porter Draped Printed Silk-Crepe Skirt £570
Ted Baker Freena Skinny Distinguishing Rose Scarf £35
H&M Patterned Blouse £29.99
DVF Freya Floral-print Stretch-crepe Dress £340 Ted Baker Ravina Distinguished Rose Midi Dress £159
Jigsaw Bloom Tea Dress £129
Ted Baker Azeeza Palm Floral Bomber Jacket £169 River Island White Textured Floral Bardot Top £20
Zara Printed Jacket £59.99 Zara Floral Printed T-Shirt £25.99 Zara Devore Kimono £59.99
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The Casual Lunch Look Aurélie Bidermann Marcello Gold Dipped Turquoise Necklace £621
Adam Lippes Crepe Blouse £579
Balmain Hopi Leather Sandals £1,187.50
Aurélie Bidermann Wapiti Enamelled Gold Plated Earrings £267
Saint Laurent Emmanuelle Small Fringed Suede Bucket Bag £1,262.50
Gucci Aviator Style Bamboo & Gold Plated Sunglasses £750 TOTAL
£4,942
R13 Layered Distressed Denim Shorts £275
Marc Jacobs Orbit Gold Tone Earrings £37.50
Michael Kors Smocked Chiffon Blouse £116
Michael Kors Beatrice Leather Platform Sandals £120
Kenneth Jay Lane Gold Plated Pendant Necklace £25
Diane Von Furstenberg Disco Fringed Suede & Leather Shoulder Bag £191 Ray-Ban Aviator Metal Sunglasses £116 TOTAL
Madewell Distressed Denim Boyfriend Shorts £62.50 BMAG 14
£668
Janey Leather Platform Sandals
£592
Claire Whipstitched Leather Shoulder Bag £279
Cotton Poplin Wrap Shirt £346
Cutout Floral Print Cotton Poplin Midi Dress £937.50
MICHAEL KORS
Macramé Lace Playsuit £2,483
Pleated Lamé Wide Leg Pants £846
Floral Print Silk Satin Gown £2,746
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Gold Plated Resin Necklace £383
Stretch Cotton Twill Mini Skirt £600
Panelled Printed Silk Satin Maxi Skirt £892
Stretch Knit Mini Dress £854
ROBERTO CAVALLI
Crochet Knit Maxi Dress £1,233
Martini Striped Textured Leather Sandals £317
Cropped Satin & Twill Top £233
The Pashli Mini Textured Leather Trapeze Bag £487.50
Matelassé Cotton & Suede Dress £562.50
3.1 PHILLIP LIM BMAG 17
You can’t dress up when you go to the gym, but you can still feel fabulous while you’re there. Even once your workout is over and you’re sweating through your clothes, you can make yourself up to be beautiful. All it takes is the right equipment. Here are some gym bag essentials that’ll make you feel fabulous while getting fit:
No one looks like a superstar at the gym, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t feel fabulous. As long as you bring these items along with you, it won’t take long for you to transform from drab to fab! BMAG 20
NEW SALON OPENED AT 262 MAIN STREET
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Grey hair is the latest style to trend on Instagram and we love seeing women getting in on the ‘silver fox’ look. Whether you sprout the odd grey hair, spend hours eradicating them or let your silver locks flow free, the latest hair trend is good news for women everywhere. Grey hair is on trend with silver hair lovers the world over posting images on social media under the #grannyhair. Instagram is awash with the grey haired images - from beauty shots featuring professional models to selfies uploaded by proud grey haired Instagrammers. For the younger granny trend followers, going grey takes serious effort in the beauty department, but for others it means emancipation from timely and costly hair dying regimes. Either way, the look has an air of defiant feminism. Men have always enjoyed grey emancipation - the salt and pepper look is often deemed distinguished - whereas women’s grey hair is rarely viewed in a flattering light. But whether it’s a feminist statement or a quirky fashion fad, the look has feel good factor. The trend can be tracked back to Jean Paul Gaultier’s catwalk show at Paris Fashion Week featuring silver haired models. The statement to embrace older models and leave their natural hair untouched was applauded by fashion fans. And it’s not the first time the designer has experimented with the grey-haired look. At his Autumn/Winter 2011 show the models sported eye-catching grey beehives.
Nevertheless, think carefully before you try the trend at home. Find out what your options are and remember using your skin tone to find the right colour is key. For the grey hair trend, option one is to slowly reduce the amount of colour and gracefully allow the grey to appear (if you are going grey naturally) and option two is to add lighter ash highlights to enhance and complement the grey tones. A great haircut is key to going grey so you don’t end up looking like you have given up on yourself! Also use a silver shampoo. It helps brighten the hair and remove yellow unflattering tones that grey hair has a tendency to do.
Kelly Osborne was also an early fan of the grey hairstyle and stepped out with a shock of white hair back in 2012. Since then Lady Gaga and Nicole Richie have dared to go grey as has Rihanna, who posted a silver-haired image of herself on Instagram. And Dame Judi Dench and Jamie Lee Curtis both let their natural tones shine through.
For too long grey hair on a woman has been considered a sign that she is letting herself go, so it is refreshing to see a trend that challenges the notion that only youthful looks can be beautiful. BMAG 22
Vaseline is a wonderfully versatile product, and it’s more valuable than you think. In a pinch, it can replace so many beauty products, plus it can create a truly beautiful look when you use it on your lips, eyes, and even your cheekbones. Before you know it, you might be incorporating a few of these incredible ways to use Vaseline, and chucking some of your old beauty products.
Don’t forget, Vaseline is also an ideal moisturiser, especially for those notoriously rough, dry areas, such as your elbows, knees, and heels.
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Unfortunately, most pregnant women are scared to exercise because they think they can harm the baby. Exercising when you are pregnant is actually good for you and your baby, but you should pay attention to what kind of exercise you are going to do. Exercise can reduce high blood pressure, lower your risk of gestational diabetes, control hormones and help you to prepare for labour. But, before starting your fitness program, you should definitely talk to your doctor about exercising during pregnancy and find out all the necessary information and recommendations. Here is a list of some great reasons to exercise when you are pregnant.
As you can see, exercise isn’t bad for a pregnant woman. Just follow your doctor’s guidelines, listen to your body, and enjoy moderate exercise and don’t forget to drink enough water to stay hydrated.
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Model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley has just landed another major campaign with the Coca-Cola Life initiative, which promotes less calories and sugar in the new drink. Available in stores already, the drink is made with stevia which is a zero calorie sweetener made from the stevia leaf extract. The 27-year-old British supermodel – who is currently dating Hollywood hunk Jason Statham – looked sensational in a gorgeous jade coloured gown for her campaign with Coca-Cola Life. With her perfect figure, she is ideal as the face of this reduced-sugar cola. The eye-catching floor-length dress showed off the model’s slim figure to the maximum, with the frock featuring a cut-out detail to one side, teamed with a long sleeved shoulder. Wearing her glossy blonde locks down in loose natural waves, Rosie certainly oozed heaps of elegance as she helped promote the new drink, which boasts a third less sugar and calories. Speaking about the drink, Rosie said: “I’m a great believer in not denying yourself when it comes to what you eat and drink but, like everything in life, it’s about finding a healthy and happy balance. My favourite life moments are when I’m with hanging out with my friends and family, cooking and eating good food, sharing funny stories and dancing and singing to great music. I love to relax at home with my dogs, go swimming in the sea and take long walks in the countryside. Sometimes it’s the simplest of things that can make you happy.”
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Most people struggle to put enough money away to fund a comfortable retirement but the challenge is particularly difficult for women who take time out of work to raise a family. Whether taking an extended career break or returning to work part-time, mothers will usually see their income reduce significantly. With the added costs of raising a family, pensions are often relegated to the bottom of the priority list. Almost 20% of women in their thirties prioritise financially supporting their children above saving for retirement, according to the latest annual Scottish Widows Women and Retirement Report. Furthermore 21% of women in this age group expect to rely on their partner’s income for retirement. This can be a risky move – especially considering the rising divorce rate among couples in their fifties and sixties.
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You are a lawyer by profession, yet you are the Minister for Education. How did your interest in Education come about?
“I have been Minister for Education since the 2011 elections. Before that, I was Shadow Minister for Education on the Opposition benches. This is an area of great importance to me personally. In our 2011 manifesto we said, under the heading “Second Chance Education”, the following: “We will provide everyone – of whatever age – a second chance for all levels of formal education… [T]here are some who are not ready, at school age, to fulfil their potential. They deserve to be able to try again to attain the qualifications they need to advance in their chosen profession.” I am a real life example of how to make the most of a second chance in education. I left school after completing my ‘O’ levels. At the time I was studying for my ‘A’ levels and when it came to apply to University I realised that I had no idea what I wanted to do with the rest of my life; I decided to leave school. I nevertheless promised myself that I would return to education when I knew what career I wanted for myself. It took me eleven years to take that decision.”
What happened in those eleven years?
“What happened during that time is responsible for my interest in politics. In 1984, the Brussels Agreement was signed and two sovereign nations decided that they would engage in bilateral discussions on all matters concerning Gibraltar, including the possibility of discussions on sovereignty. I heard a speech by Joe Bossano, opposing the Brussels Agreement, and identified myself with everything he and the GSLP said. It is important to put the Brussels Agreement in context. In 1969, the Frontier was closed – I was nine at the time. In 1982, the Frontier opened but only for pedestrians – I was twenty-two. I had spent my entire adolescence, formative and teenage years in a closed Frontier situation during which we had been subjected to a political, economic and social blockade by the Spanish in an attempt to strangle Gibraltar and bring us to our knees. By 1984 we still did not have a Frontier, which was open for vehicular traffic, and yet an agreement was made by the UK with the country that had subjected us to years of isolation. This was not just the thin edge of the wedge; it was a very thick wedge, which was threatening to map out Gibraltar’s future against the interests or wishes of Gibraltarians. It was clear to me that I had to join the campaign, led by the GSLP, to oppose the Brussels Agreement. I was invited to join the executive committee of the GSLP and it was evident that my thinking was entirely aligned with that of the GSLP. There were serious problems at the time. Housing was in a state of crisis; Education needed investment, as did Health Care and Social Services. The problem was that there was no money. The economy was stagnant and depended to a very large extent (around 60%) on the MoD. The GSLP had answers for this. It was necessary to diversify the economy for economic growth to be generated. This was only possible by using the tools of a capitalist society – the creation of wealth – to diversify and regenerate the economy and have the funds available to meet Gibraltar’s acute social needs. That was the GSLP philosophy at the time, a philosophy which continues to allow us today to carry out the many projects and commitments we promised in our 2011 manifesto. The GSLP was a strong political force in the 1980s. It had won all the Opposition seats in 1984 and was in a good position to challenge for Government in the 1988 elections. The GSLP had seven seats in BMAG 38
A barrister by profession, Gilbert Licudi has been a member of the Gibraltar Socialist Labour Party since 1984. Following the 2011 general elections, he was given ministerial responsibility for education, financial services, gaming, telecommunications and justice. He studied at Bayside Comprehensive School but left at the age of 17 and went to work for Blands and GB Airways. After marrying in 1979, he moved with his wife to England, where he worked for the Russian airline Aeroflot at Heathrow. In 1981 they returned to Gibraltar and at this time he also joined the GSLP, and after the 1984 elections, was invited to join the party’s executive. During this same period he began writing a weekly column for the “The People”. At age 28, he was a member of the GSLP executive when he decided to move away from Gibraltar and study law in Chelmsford, East Anglia. He concluded his studies at the Inns of Court School of Law, London, and was admitted as a barrister in 1992, in London and Gibraltar. He made a career in Hassans International Law Firm. At this time, he came back to politics, willing to bring his experience of conflict resolution in favour of the political changes he thought necessary about Gibraltar. In 2007, Gilbert ran for the GSLP in the general elections. He was appointed Shadow Minister for Employment, Traffic, Youth and Sport. In April 2011, when Fabian Picardo became leader of the GSLP, Gilbert was appointed Minister of Education, Financial Services and Transportation, and the areas of Youth and Sport were transferred to Steven Linares. With the GSLP victory in the general elections of 2011, Gilbert was appointed Minister of Education, Financial Services, Gaming, Telecommunications and Justice. In 2012 he opened new purpose built Law courts in Gibraltar and was also made a Queen’s Counsel the same year. In 2013, after the by-election, the Financial Services and Gaming portfolios were transferred to the new elected minister, Albert Isola.
Parliament. It needed one more candidate for the 1988 elections. I put my name forward. Following a contest, Joe Moss was selected. I was naturally disappointed but participated fully in the 1988 election campaign, chairing the very first public meeting that kick-started it. I was elated when the GSLP won the elections. One of the consequences of the GSLP victory in 1988 was a change in education policy. The points system for access to higher education was scrapped and replaced with a policy whereby everyone who had a place at a recognised institution for an undergraduate programme would automatically be entitled to a scholarship. By then I had developed an interest in law; I had decided that the alternative to going into politics at the time was to pursue a career in the legal profession. And so, eleven years after I had left school, I was given a second chance in education by the GSLP. I was able to obtain a place to study Law and was one of the first to benefit from the new mandatory scholarship scheme. After four years in the UK completing the Law degree and the Bar Vocational Course I returned to Gibraltar and joined Hassans in 1992. Although I clearly still had an interest in politics, I decided then to concentrate on my legal career.”
Have you enjoyed your career?
“Most certainly - it has been remarkably rewarding and enjoyable. There have been many high points, in particular when I was made a partner of Hassans in 1998, and more recently, when I was given the honour of being made a Queen’s Counsel. I have been extremely lucky with the group of people I have worked with, and with the work I have done. I have been involved in very interesting cases and even had the opportunity of getting a practicing certificate for England and appearing in several cases in the High Court. That gave me very valuable experience. Although our legal system is modelled on the English system there are a number of differences in both court structure and the law that is applied. That is why the course on Gibraltar Law, which the University of Gibraltar will be offering as from September of this year, is so important. It will give barristers and solicitors wishing to practice in Gibraltar a qualification on the legal system in which they will be working.”
When was your interest in politics rekindled?
“My interest in politics never left me but it took a back seat to my career as a lawyer. By 2006, I felt that Gibraltar again needed a change. The economy had certainly continued to grow and diversify but I felt that the priorities of the GSD were mistaken. We were starting to see the same social problems as we had in the 1980s. The difference this time was that there could be no justification for the apparent lack of interest by the GSD in Housing, Health Care and Social Services, in particular. I stood for election with the GSLP/Liberals in 2007 and gained a seat on the Opposition benches. Four years of intensive work and campaigning paid off with our victory in the 2011 elections.”
You were given a very wide portfolio following that victory.
“Yes, I was given responsibility for Financial Services, Gaming, Education, Justice and Telecommunications. There was much to be done and although it was hectic, it was hugely enjoyable. We passed some important legislation to further diversify the financial services that Gibraltar offers. We restructured the Government’s Finance Centre Department with additional senior executives. We embarked on an important campaign outside Gibraltar to show the world how seriously we took our international obligations and to prove that Gibraltar is a well regulated jurisdiction that cooperates in the global fight against financial crime. On Gaming, I continued the cautious and selective approach to licensing upon which our gaming industry had been successfully built. This meant licensing only the very best players in the industry. A busy travel schedule allowed us to attract a number of important additional companies, consolidating our place as world leaders in the online gaming industry. The Financial Services and Gaming portfolios were passed to Albert Isola after a by-election caused by the untimely death of our very dear friend and colleague in Government, Charles Bruzon. Albert has followed a similar approach and we now see two industries that contribute in an important way to our economy, and which make us stand out for the excellent services we provide.”
What have been your greatest achievements so far in politics?
“It will be for others to judge my success or otherwise in politics. We embarked on an extremely ambitious manifesto in 2011. Critics said that we could not achieve or pay for the many commitments we made. We have proved those doubters wrong; the programme has not only been shown to be achievable but it has benefitted many people in different ways. Of course, our parliamentary term has not come to an end and there is ongoing work that we need to finish. From a personal point of view, there have been many good moments in the almost three-and-a-half years I have been in Government. Three projects I am dealing with are close to completion so perhaps the highlights are still to come. The small boats marina will create seven hundred new berths and will provide a promenade by the sea as well as a wharf, which can be exploited commercially by the Port Department, in particular for the berthing of super yachts. The two new schools we are building at the site of the former St Bernard’s Hospital will bring a building of great heritage value back to life whilst at the same time creating modern educational facilities, which were much needed in the area. It will also have a gym and sports facilities for community use so that everyone will be able to enjoy the benefits of our investment. It will really be an iconic building that will help to regenerate the upper town area.
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And of course, there is the University of Gibraltar. As from September of this year, Gibraltar will step up to become a university city. At the recent meeting of Parliament I said, when presenting the Bill for the University of Gibraltar Act, that the University would represent a massive advancement of what Gibraltar is, what Gibraltar represents and how Gibraltar can develop. I also described it as a coming of age: a transformational moment and a milestone in our history which comes only once and which we hope many generations of Gibraltarians will cherish. The University will be an institution that will change and benefit Gibraltar in many ways. It elevates Gibraltar to the rank of those cities that are able to welcome international students to carry out important research, to engage in academic programmes or even to learn English tailored to the profession in which they are engaged. It will provide opportunities for Gibraltarians who have either already returned from studying abroad and want additional qualifications or who want to do their first degree locally. There will be opportunities for research into areas that will make a real difference to our community. There will be job opportunities in higher education, which have never before been possible in Gibraltar. A crucial part of the University will be the Institute of Professional Development and Continuing Education. Gibraltar does not manufacture or export anything - We provide services. In order to be able to compete internationally our professionals have to be at the top of their game. The University will play a crucial role, through short courses developed with industry representatives and the more traditional professional qualifications, in ensuring that we retain that competitive edge and advantage.”
You seem to be very busy, but life cannot be all about work.
“Of course not: I value enormously the time I get with my family. I have also always thought that it is extremely important to have interests outside work. This helps keep the mind fresh. I am keen at skiing, playing paddle tennis, golf and backgammon. I also had a horse for fifteen years, which I bought in England when I was studying. We competed extensively in show-jumping competitions in England and all over the south of Spain. Last year I set myself another challenge; I decided to obtain a pilot’s licence. It took much longer than it normally takes because of time constraints but finally, on 29th December, I passed the flying skills test and obtained a private pilot’s licence. I now fly occasionally from Jerez and have also flown in England.”
You’ve had a pretty varied life.
“Yes, but at the same time it has been immensely satisfying. There have been lots of high points – personally, professionally and politically – and I consider myself privileged in many ways. Anyone who is successful in any walk of life has to be ambitious and has to take the odd risk. It is also about opportunities. I had that second chance when the GSLP came into office in 1988 and I took it. Success in politics is about creating opportunities for everyone; that is at the heart of my political philosophy. Once the opportunity is there, the approach is simple – be ambitious, stay focused, aim high and you will be able to achieve what you want.”
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Please finish the following sentences…
. Today I feel so much better because… I went up the Rock and saw this great place we live in. . Sometimes I forget that… I have been very lucky. . When I watch the news, I feel… there is much to do. . If I were in charge of Facebook I would… use its influence in a positive way. . If I were the Manager of a football team it would be… Manchester United – so that I could get the tactics wrong and make them lose every game.
. Coffee goes well with… churros. . The most important thing my parents taught me was… to be considerate. . It’s not good to believe in… failure. . Cooking is better when you… don’t do it yourself. . When I want to cheer up, I… look around. . Sunday afternoon is spent better… at home. . I couldn’t live without… challenges. . The best advice I ever got was… always give yourself a second chance. . In order to be the best person I can be, I have to most work on… being more patient. . I wish I were… able to achieve everything I set out to do.
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PIZZERIA - TAKEAWAY
REFRIGERATION
LEGAL & FAMILY SERVICES
GRAPHIC DESIGN
ACUPUNCTURE
MASSEUR
REMOVALS & DELIVERIES
NURSERY & PRE-SCHOOL
ESTATE AGENTS
HIRING EQUIPMENT
PHARMACY
CONSTRUCTION & HAULAGE
upholsterers
PAGEANT & EVENTS ORGANISERS
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e at i n o r ta k e away
Unit 2 2 , Blo ck 6
Wat e rg a r d e n s G i b r a lta r
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Everything on our menu is available for takeaway... Call us on (+350) 2006 44 44
Celebrate your child’s First Holy Communion & Confirmation with us
MAY 2015
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Photo by Joanna Kustra
Elke Hurtado
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Celebrate your child’s First Holy Communion & Confirmation with us