Gibraltar Insight™ February 2022

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F EB R UARY ISSUE 70

Contents

18

23

Business Insight 7

BID LAUNCH FINALISED

16

FLEET JACK DUSTY AWARD

Community Insight 26

AIRPORT FIRE SERVICE TRAINING

27

NEW GHA CHARGE NURSES

Police Insight 29

Regular Features 9 18 30 32

Forces Insight

SPECIAL BRANCH

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38 39 40 42 46 47 48 55 58

HALF TERM HACKING GIANA SPITERI: 5 CHEAP EUROPEAN DESTINATIONS HISTORY: DEFENCE OF GIBRALTAR GFA: CLUB ASSISTANCE PROGRAMME & MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID OFFICER ADOPT DON’T SHOP A VET’S INSIGHT: BARBARY MACAQUES MOTORING INSIGHT: VW ID.4 HOROSCOPES HEALTH: SUMMER MARRIED ON THE ROCK HEALTH: LOVE YOUR WELLNESS PACS: THE IMPORTANCE OF DONATIONS LIGHT & POWER CROSSWORD

Features 10 15 19 20 22 23 24 34 36 43 44 GIBRALTARINSIGHT.COM

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Gibraltar Insight Deputy Editor: Jean King

Gibraltar Insight - the Rock’s longest running magazine.

Accounts & Administration: Rosemary Salah-El-Din

Published by GBZ Media Ltd, The WorkLab, WestOne, Europort Road, Gibraltar, GX11 1AA.

Creative Director: Ben Lewis Executive Editor: Ross Ford For advertising & general queries, contact: +350 22251308

Printed by Roca Graphics Limited, 21 Tuckey’s Lane, Gibraltar GX11 1AA

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Copyright 2021. All rights reserved.

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The names Gibraltar Insight, Bermuda Insight, Mum On The Rock, SYOG, Superyacht Owners’ Guide & GBZ Media are marks of GBZ Media (Overseas) Limited, used under exclusive licence. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.

@MumOnTheRockGBZ @BermudaInsight @SYOGuide @GBZmedia

Gibraltar Insight places great importance on the accuracy of the information contained within this publication, but cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions. Views expressed by contributors and/or correspondents do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. Neither Gibraltar Insight nor GBZ Media Limited is responsible for any claims made, or material(s) used, in advertisements.

For permission to copy cuttings for internal or client use, contact NLA - nlamediaaccess.com or +441892 525273.

Photo: Elliott Howe

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BUSINESS INSIGHT

SIR BOB NEILL MP VISITS THE ROCK THE CHAIR OF THE GIBRALTAR GROUP IN PARLIAMENT SIR BOB NEILL MP RECENTLY MET THE CHIEF MINISTER AND THE DEPUTY CHIEF MINISTER AT NO 6 CONVENT PLACE. HE WAS ACCOMPANIED BY UK REPRESENTATIVE DOMINIQUE SEARLE. This provided an opportunity for Sir Bob to be updated on the ongoing negotiations for the future relationship of Gibraltar with the European Union and other matters of importance.

The meeting took place following the latest public health guidance.

The Chief Minister, the Hon Fabian Picardo QC MP, said, “It

is great to be able to see Sir Bob back on the Rock as the COVID pandemic starts to recede and travel becomes easier.

He is the staunchest supporter of the rights of the People of Gibraltar and, apart from that, also a dear friend of Gibraltar who has the ability to understand the complexity of the some of the issues we face and advocate powerfully alongside us in Westminster on any and all matters.

The fact that he is a highly regarded member of the governing party lends credibility to any argument he puts forward and that is to our collective benefit! I was therefore very pleased to welcome Sir Bob back to Gibraltar after such a long, COVID induced, absence.”

BID LAUNCH FINALISED THE MINISTER FOR BUSINESS, HON VIJAY DARYANANI, HAS MET WITH THE BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT (BID) TASK GROUP TO FINALISE THE OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF THE PROJECT, WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE IN MARCH. The discussions focused on how the BID would be launched, the legal requirements and what events were being planned during this first year.

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Minister Daryanani commented, “Hopefully we are now starting to come out of the pandemic and it couldn’t be a better time to relaunch Gibraltar as a tourist destination. Our businesses have suffered immensely and are looking for a respite from these difficult times. The BID project will bring life to the town centre for tourists and locals alike.

We need to keep people in Main Street and the surrounds. This will bring optimism and confidence to our small business sector and I am excited to be working with this energetic and enthusiast task force team to help them bring them the much needed success they deserve."

Find out more online: mainstreetbid.com

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FEATURE

HALF TERM HACKING HALF-TERM HOLIDAYMAKERS SHARING HIGHLIGHTS FROM THEIR TRAVELS WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY ON SOCIAL MEDIA ARE PUTTING THEMSELVES AT RISK – AN EXPERT FROM CYBER SECURITY FIRM CSS PLATINUM HAS WARNED. With international travel starting to look like it once did pre-pandemic, thousands of families are set to travel abroad this February half-term. However, cyber criminals will be looking to exploit holidaymakers during the break, Mike Wills, Co-Founder at cyber and data security firm CSS Platinum, has warned.

Mike said: “The threat of Covid-19 and rules around testing and self-isolation have meant that holidays abroad have been off the cards for many families for almost two years. The relaxation of testing rules will have provided a huge boost for half-term breaks – as well as cyber criminals.

“Whether staying at home or heading abroad this February, people tend to put themselves at risk while they are on holiday without even realising it. Social media is a great way to connect and share with people, but unless it is used sensibly and cautiously, your friends and family may not be the only ones viewing your posts.

You would hope that for whatever social media platform you choose to use, the privacy settings are turned on by default. Unfortunately, they rarely are, and this can mean that anything you post – be it thoughts, photos, videos or locations – could be seen by anybody with an account for the platform.

Cyber criminals actively use social media for opportunity and intelligence gathering – whether to find individuals to target or

bolster information to enable them to successfully socially-engineer an attack.

If your privacy settings are not set, they could be able to see the information you are posting. While information in isolation does not amount to much, if you combine it with other pieces of data, it becomes intelligence and can be used to develop a strategy to target someone.

People post all kinds of information on social media: email addresses, mobile numbers, address and more. But it is not always about what is written – it is also the information that pictures, and videos can present, such as jewellery, expensive cars or other luxury assets, as well as the fact you are away from your home and it could be unoccupied.

How to protect yourself Start by turning on privacy settings for all your social media accounts. The information for how to do this for each platform is readily available on Google and doing so can ensure only those people you are connected with can see what you post.

Of course, this only controls what you post, so it is worth setting boundaries with friends and family over what they post regarding you – particularly if their privacy settings aren’t up to scratch.

Next, avoid tagging your location in real-time. If someone is watching, they can easily see you are not at home or that you are in a particular place wearing an expensive piece of jewellery, for example.

Using strong passwords is a critical cyber resilience practice. Doing so means cyber criminals are unlikely to gain unauthorised access to your account, which could enable them to change your privacy settings or gather information for social engineering purposes.

It is also important to never use the same password across multiple accounts. If one site is breached and your credentials are exposed, your risk is amplified exponentially if you use that same password across multiple other accounts.

Finally, turn on two-factor authentication.

This will enable you to know whether someone is trying to access your account and take appropriate action.

Safe social media use is now a life skill and one that everyone should take some time to learn. As the old adage goes, prevention is always better than cure. Act now, rather than experiencing regret later.

Michael Wills is co-founder and chief data officer for CSS Platinum. For further information on the company and the services it provides to Gibraltar businesses and the international yachting industry, please visit https:// cssplatinum.com and/or email support@cssplatinum. com.

WORDS BY MIKE WILLS GIBRALTARINSIGHT.COM

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FEATURE

THE BLOCKCHAIN RENAISSANCE IN

GIBRALTAR

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FEATURE Gibraltar is a major player in the online gaming industry.

This is because, around 25 years ago, Gibraltar took the view that it needed to be regulated to ensure it runs in the best way possible. We can see that this view was successful given that almost all of the top gaming companies in the world are domiciled in Gibraltar, with over 2000 workers employed in those companies. It is a vibrant industry that has created its own ecosystem in Gibraltar.

Eight years ago, it was decided that the same progress could be made with blockchain. In 2014 there was a consultation offered by the Government of Gibraltar to begin working on legislation to deal with Blockchain/DLT, and to create a relevant framework. Several consultants became involved, both at government and regulatory level, and the draft DLT regulations were greatly received, and even imitated in a few other jurisdictions.

At first there was concern that individuals may be put off by the “restrictions” of operating in a regulated jurisdiction, as opposed to the relative freedom they would perceive to have in a non-regulated one. In fact, the opposite proved true. As a lot of the companies providing digital wallets and

lenges in the crypto space, but this is becoming better and more mainstream with some banks in Gibraltar now willing to take on this type of business.

There were also challenges at a later stage when ICOs gained traction. There was no formal regulation for issuing digital assets. The question was always whether those assets should be seen as securities or not, and if so then securities law could apply. There was a world perception that there should be more regulation, at least on the anti-money laundering side. As a result of the 5th Anti-Money Laundering Directive, and to ensure processes were in line with both this and international standards, the Gibraltar Proceeds of Crime Act was amended in 2021 to include the issuance of digital assets. This ensures that virtual asset service providers (VASPs) are registered with the GFSC. Such providers now need to show that they have a very robust framework for anti-money laundering so that whenever they onboard a client, there is stringent process in place to obtain KYC on the client.

The funds industry became very active in crypto funds as the ecosystem in Gibraltar has always been receptive to this.

GIBRALTARS PROMINENCE AS A CRYPTO FUNDS INDUSTRY IS REALLY THE PRODUCT OF THE WORK THAT BEGAN OVER A QUARTER OF A CENTURY AGO. other types of digital value are made by clients who are trusting firms with their wealth, they feel more comfortable knowing that there is a regulator supervising the establishment of their business and the ongoing management of the business. They know that the systems have been tested by a regulator, and that if something goes wrong there is someone there who has powers to assist.

Following a four-year consultation, The DLT Regulations came into force in 2018. The idea was to regulate the service providers who use blockchain to store or transmit value on behalf of third parties, creating a framework for those people and firms which is similar in scope to a MiFID license.

Once the regulations started, so began a whole ecosystem of service providers in Gibraltar. The regulator issued a number of licences for big players such as eTorro and Xapo who are now – in the crypto space at least – household names.

In 2018 and even to this day, crypto is still viewed by many banks as a questionable business as it is difficult to open bank accounts anywhere in the world for crypto based businesses. In fact, although this is much better now, there were cases in the past when banks would ask customers to close any existing accounts they may have had because of their dealings with crypto. This has been one of the biggest chal-

Firstly, there was an effort by the industry to study the subject matter, and as early as 2018 the Gibraltar Funds and Investments Association issued a Code of Conduct for Crypto Funds which identifies the areas that fund managers need to be aware of when they are dealing with this type of fund.

Then, in 2021, PwC issued a report listing Gibraltar as the third place in the world for crypto funds. This was great for Gibraltar which up until that point was not as well-known as many other jurisdictions in this space. The PwC report made it very clear to the world that Gibraltar’s fund regime not only works well, but also extremely well in the context of crypto. It is a very compelling regime and the only real regime this side of the Atlantic that allows you to establish a fund and launch it before you even tell the regulator. There is no regulatory licensing delay. Some jurisdictions have RAIF (Registered Alternative Investment Funds) products registered which also do not require regulatory permission to launch, but for those products you need to have an AIFM manager and depository as extra service providers.

A number of crypto funds have now been established in Gibraltar. One of the reasons why the funds regime works so well here is because there are service providers – particularly banks – who are willing to take this work on. This includes auditors, directors and fund administrators who a few years ago may not have been comfortable dealing with crypto. As a result of the GFIA Code, the DLT Regulations and the involvement of these entities and the government, the crypto space is well known and understood in Gibraltar. A strong and experienced ecosystem exists in this very new area. This can be seen in new projects including Valereum Plc which is in the process of acquiring the Gibraltar Stock Exchange. Their intention is to create a blockchain exchange in which you can use crypto to buy Apple shares.

This is both huge and exciting. When it happens, it is likely to be the first stock exchange in the world to have this capacity. It should bring a lot of additional business and renown to the already powerful Gibraltar crypto landscape.

By James Lasry, Head of Funds & Deputy Head of Financial Services, Hassans International Law Firm Limited.

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FEATURE

CYBER INSURANCE

The Way To Protect Your Business Against The Modern Crime Of The 21st Century.

We have seen in recent years, months and days that there is a growing threat of cyber-attacks. Unquestionably, it has become the modern crime of the 21st century and it is an exposure that no business can escape, large or small.

Most companies purchase ‘traditional’ general liability insurance policies to protect themselves from any claims arising from the wrongful or negligent acts of their employees. So, why would your company not need cyber insurance?

It can be a really valuable protection, although a cyber-attack may not destroy a business itself operationally, it will create potential to cause harm to the reputation of the company.

Cyber insurance, started mainly focused on data breaches but as we become more dependent on technology, insurers are providing a more holistic type of cover.

The cyber insurance market has had a significant growth in the last years and so has the number of insurers offering this type of product, our cyber insurance team works on being able to access bespoke cyber insurance policies but the coverage under each policy does of course vary per provider. In general terms the cover provided may include:

MEDIA LIABILITY cover related to defamation or infringement of intellectual property rights.

PRIVACY PROTECTION cover for third party claims against breach of personal data.

TYPES OF CYBER CLAIMS Cyber-attacks can happen in many ways such as, theft of funds where a hacker will steal money from a company’s bank account damage to digital assets whereby a hacker is able to damage the system which your company works on, resulting in huge business interruption costs and in many cases leaving your business in great reputational prejudice or data breach and privacy crisis management in which the firm’s customers’ personal information is exposed or stolen by a hacker or other criminal who has gained access to the firm’s electronic network.

Cyber insurance should not be seen as a replacement for the cyber security of a business. It is essential for a business to enhance their cybersecurity measures.

SYSTEM DAMAGE cover for costs as a result of damage to a businesses’ computer system.

At Capurro Insurance, we believe that 2022 should be the year that businesses seriously start to consider on reviewing their cyber risks and explore how a cyber insurance policy can provide innovative cover to protect their businesses against the threats of the digital age.

CYBER EXTORTION cover for payments made as a result of extortion incurred in response to a threat.

If you wish to discuss any of the points raised in this article, please contact our Commercial Team.

DATA BREACH/ INCIDENT RESPONSE it will pick up all of the costs incurred by the business which involve the responding to a cyber incident.

SYSTEM BUSINESS INTERRUPTION aims to reimburse the loss of income as a result of a cyber related event.

REGULATORY FINE cover for costs and penalties that a regulator may impose as a result of a data breach.

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ARMED FORCES INSIGHT

FLEET JACK DUSTY AWARD A MEMBER OF THE ROYAL NAVY GIBRALTAR SQUADRON (RNGS) HAS BEEN CELEBRATING AFTER RECEIVING AN AWARD AT A CEREMONY IN THE RNGS HEADQUARTERS. Leading Supply Chain (LSC) Thomas Williams was presented with the “Fleet Jack Dusty” award at the special ceremony in recognition of the highest professional standards and commitment to the RN Logistics Supply Chain Branch.

In addition to his day job as the Squadron’s Supply Chain Logistician, the 32-year-old has proved himself as a highly effective operator on the water and finds himself at the helm of Pacific 24 Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats at short notice.

Father of two, LSC Williams, who is originally from Tamworth, Staffordshire and has been based in Gibraltar for the past two years, said, “I was really surprised to receive the award. With so much going on fleet wide throughout the last year I think it highlights the importance of RNGS and what we do here.”

When asked about his time here in Gibraltar, Williams continued, “Not only has it given my family and myself the unique experiences of living in Gibraltar, exploring the Iberian Peninsula and meeting many new friends, professionally it’s a once in a career opportunity to excel in my primary role and also get heavily involved with operations. Something that my role wouldn’t normally do.”

Commanding Officer Gib Squadron, Lieutenant Commander Lowe, added, “LSC Williams has demonstrated the highest levels of Naval core values and standards within an operational environment. His consistency of success in adverse conditions stands him well above his branch peers and is an example to others on how to fulfil both support and operational roles. Consequently, he is fully deserving of the Fleet Supply Chain Award.”

LSC Williams will be leaving Gibraltar shortly and is looking forward to joining Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) Culdrose, in Cornwall, supporting the Fleet Air Arm.

COLLEGE OF POLICING AWARDS NINE LICENSED SEARCH OFFICERS (LSOS) WERE PRESENTED WITH COLLEGE OF POLICING RECOGNITION AWARDS BY CHIEF OF POLICE, ROB ALLEN, TO MARK THEIR COMPLETION OF FIVE AND TEN YEARS IN THE GIBRALTAR DEFENCE POLICE SEARCH TEAM. The role of the Police Licensed Search Officers was recognised to mark 5 years and 10 years’ service in this specialism – Bronze and Silver respectively. LSOs, led by Police Search Advisers (POLSA), conduct assured searches of venues in advance of public events or visiting MoD assets. In addition, officers are trained to deliver specialised search across land and within premises to identify evidence in criminal investigations and more broadly.

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Addressing the officers, Gibraltar Defence Police (GDP) Chief of Police, Rob Allen commented, “I am delighted to be able to present these certificates to you today to recognise the service you have delivered over a protracted period in this very important specialism. I know that the work is hard, conducted over long hours in variable weather and often inhospitable situations.

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That said the work you do is a vital assurance for both the MoD and often for the wider Gibraltar community. I join the College of Policing, the MoD and the wider community in thanking you for your hard work.”

The recipients of the bronze awards (5 years’ service) were: PC Rowbottom, PC Ferrary, PC Earl, Sgt Cawood, PC Chrayeh, PC Green. The recipients of the silver awards (10 years’ service) were: Sgt Dickson, PC Chipolina, PC Martinez.

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FEATURE With having most of Europe r doors to ei th ed already open holibunch of bank tourists, and a ntage of this spring va days to take ad w is the perfect time ) no y break. (thanks Lizzie! ng your next cit to start planni s on the list are probaie Some of the cit vourite places I’ve ever y fa bly some of m their unique ly because of visited, probab d being able to eat like architecture an of the cost of what it lf looka queen for ha home. If you’re e ck ba be ld wou es th , on so ay ing to head aw p European ea are my top ch destinations.

bratislava, slovakia Prior to booking our trip to Bratislava, the only knowledge I had about the city was how it was depicted in the movie Hostel and EuroTrip. Let’s just say both movies painted a very negative picture of the slovakian capital, so much so that tourism dropped 75% after these movies were released. After doing our research, we realised that in fact it’s quite a charming place and has a great selection of brunch spots (which is always a winning factor). I highly recommend trying Urban House and Cafe Mondieu.

In Bratislava: • Take a walking tour of the old town with Sandermans • See St Elisabeth’s Chirch, known as ‘The Blue Church’ • Visit the cute stalls and shops in Kapitulska Street • Check out modern art at the Nedbalka Gallery • Explore Bratislava Castle, which is often compared to an ‘upside down table’.

• See the other side of Bratislava with an evening ‘Spooky Legends of Bratislava’ tour • Try a slovakian three course meal consisting of Kapustnica (sauerkraut soup with sausage) for starters, Haluski (gnocchi with sheep’s cheese and bacon) and Medvedie labky for dessert!

Krakow, Poland I wrote an article a couple of months back about how underrated Poland is, and I’ll include it in most lists because it really is one of my favourite European cities. Krakow has the best of everything - cheap eats, great nightlife, rich in history and plenty of instagram photo spots. This would be a great choice to visit in Easter as you’ll also get to see all the Easter markets and stalls in the Rynek Glowny central square.

In Krakow: • Take a day trip to the Auschwitz and Birkenau concentration camps.

5 cheap european destinations to add to your bucket list

• Try all of the bread bowl soups - Zurek (sourdough/sausage), Borscht (beetroot) and Berdytchov (meat/honey).

• Pierogi is also a popular dish of stuffed dumplings/ravioli.

• Get 140m below ground in the Wieliczka salt mines, where you can actually lick the walls.

Not sure if that’s been put a stop to now with Covid and all.

• Take a ‘7 Deadly Sins’ night tour of Krakow and learn about some infamous locals throughout history.

• Try local beer and meet fellow travellers on a ‘Krawl Through Krakow’ pub crawl.

Bucharest, Romania The first thing that comes to mind when you think of Romania, is Dracula. At least it was in my case! You can actually take a day trip from Bucharest to Dracula’s Castle (officially known as Bran’s Castle) which takes you around 2 hours to get to. Aside from that, Bucharest is a place that is full of history and I actually thoroughly enjoyed learning about communism in the country and how things have changed throughout the years. If you’ve ever watched the TV show Killing Eve, some of the scenes were actually shot in Bucharest.

In Bucharest: • Get to know the history of the Arcul de Triumf, very closely modelled to Paris’ Arc de Triumf.

• Take a Rroma Heritage Tour to learn about the minority communities in Romania • Book a communist tour and learn about what the country was like under the rule of Nicolae Ceau escu and his wife.

• Relax at Therme Bucharest - which consists of several thermal pools, unique sauna rooms and other wellness treatments, all for 15 euros.

Sofia, Bulgaria Sofia was the last destination I visited in 2021 and it was quite a spontaneous choice.

I had searched for flights from Malaga to

WORDS BY GIANA SPITERI 18

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‘Everywhere’ on Skyscanner and saw that Ryanair were doing flights for £40. I was then even more surprised that a 3 night stay in a 4 star hotel would only be setting me back another £50. So it was a no-brainer really!

• Snap your pics of St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral • Sit in one of the glasshouse restaurants in Vitosha Street • Visit the 7 Rila Lakes • Followed by the Rila Monastery • Make a day trip to the city of Plovdiv where you’ll also see roman ruins • Try a Mekitsa (fried dough) with Nutella and banana • Visit the Red Flat to learn about Communist Bulgaria • Take a free walking tour to learn about the history of the city

Budapest, Hungary Did you know that the city of Budapest is actually split into two parts? ‘Buda’ is the more hilly area whereas ‘Pest’ makes up two-thirds of the city and is where you will find most of the tourist attractions. To get around I definitely recommend taking advantage of one of the Hop On, Hop Off buses.

In Budapest: • Visit the famous landmarks of Heroes Square, Fisherman’s Bastion and the ‘Shoes on the Danube’ memorial • Take a river cruise in the evening and see Parliament lit up • Try Hungary’s famous dish, goulash stew • Eat your way around the Great Market Hall • Head to the House of Terror museum to find out about the history of facist and communist regimes in Hungary • Relax at the Széchenyi Baths, or make it more eventful by attending one of their pool parties in the evening.

Giana Spiteri is a local writer, specialising in lifestyle, beauty & travel.

instagram.com/ withgi tea GIBRALTARINSIGHT.COM

Discover M A L T A Between Sicily and the North African coast, the tiny Mediterranean nation of Malta is one of best beach destinations in Europe. It has a laidback med' vibe with picture perfect beaches and amazing diving. And would you believe that Malta also has the highest density of historic sights on the planet! Whether you want to lounge at the beach, eat all day, explore the depths of the Mediterranean, or wander around a 5000-year-old necropolis, you can do it here.

The quick fire five... There is a massive amount to explore across the three islands of Malta, Gonzo and Comino but we picked five activities that should get you started.

1 EXPLORE VALLETTA: Walk the fortifi-

cations, wander St. John’s Co-Cathedral, visit the history museum and the National War Museum, see a plethora of churches, stroll the narrow roads and alleys. Don’t miss the catacombs that were turned into a secret military base during World War II and the Cold War.

2 WANDER MDINA: Mdina is a fortified city and served as the original capital of the country. Be sure to visit the nearby catacombs and ancient Roman house while you’re here. And don’t miss the Knights of Malta museum if you want a quirky and wonderfully outdated experience.

3 A COASTAL HIKE ON GONZO: The coast-

al trails in Gozo offer a few different routes around the island for anyone looking to stretch their legs. If you can only do one, hike from Marsalforn to the (sadly now gone) Azure Window. Keep your eyes peeled for all the traditional salt pans that have been used to harvest salt over the centuries.

4 SEE THE TARXIEN TEMPLES: Located

near Valletta, this UNESCO World Heritage Site dates to 3150 BC. The temples were used for rituals, which may have included animal sacrifices and cremations.

While mostly ruins and rubble, it’s one of the best ways to learn about the history of the island.

5 RELAX ON A BEACH: If you’re visiting in the summer, be sure to schedule in some time for the beaches. Golden Bay, Mellieha Bay, Peter’s Pool, and Paradise Bay are all great places to soak up some rays. Be sure to arrive early so you can beat the crowds.

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FEATURE

W O SNto love Spain may not presently be in the league of some of the Swiss, Austrian or French ski resorts however the tide is definitely turning as our Neighbour becomes one of the best value ski destinations in Europe.

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FEATURE QUALITY SLOPES, TRAILS, FACILITIES, SNOW-MAKING EQUIPMENT, SKI SCHOOLS, WINTER SPORTS ACTIVITIES, SKI HOTELS, AND GREAT FOOD ARE MAKING SPAIN A HOT SKI AND WINTER DESTINATION. With the Pyrenees mountains bordering the country in the north and the high Sierra Nevada closer to home, there are a lot of options and lots to recommend. Whether seasoned skiers, beginners, or families; we’ve rounded up some of the best ski resorts across the border.

Sierra Nevada: The family one closest to home Situated between the Andalusian city of Granada and the Mediterranean Sea, this is one of the few Spanish ski resorts not located in the Pyrenees, and very familiar to those on the rock. Europe’s southernmost ski resort is our ‘home’ resort and being only 204kms as the crow flies it's an option as a day trip but we prefer a couple of days mid-week!

Sierra Nevada boasts 100 slopes and about 107km of skiable terrain during the height of the ski season and if you are going with the family, you will get a free pass for children under 6 years old. Pista de El Mar, the resort's family-themed area, is located in the area of Borreguiles, and is specially designed for both children and adults to enjoy the snow.

Another standout for families is Pista del Bosque, where there is a 200-meter themed area where children will find figures of forest animals that guide them on the way to an igloo camp that is sure to delight the little ones. And when everyone is tired from lots of skiing and needs a break there are options galore to refuel and recover.

Valdezcaray: The one for the budget minded Located in the region of La Rioja, Valdezcaray is a small ski resort with approx 15kms of skiable terrain and 20 open slopes in the height of the season. If you have a tight budget when planning your snow days, you will find an adult ski pass at around 29 euros and if you go on weekdays that are not considered high season by the resort, the pass costs even less. The rental of skis, boots, and poles is also very reasonably priced compared to other ski resorts in Spain, so you can get everything you need, on a budget.

Like many other resorts, they opened as close to normal as possible this season, despite the ongoing health situation, in a push to get us all back to some sense of normalcy. And if after a few ski sessions you feel like doing something different, take advantage of the rural tourism, gastronomy and wine tourism activities in La Rioja. The area is famous for much more than just the snow!

Candanchú: The one for cross-country skiing For some, gliding down the slopes is not what they are looking for in a ski holiday. But there's no need to worry; Spain also offers cross-country skiing, or Nordic skiing, for those who want to enjoy the stunning winter landscapes, without so much input from gravity! With more than 500km of routes in Spain, there is plenty of choices to be had, but our recommendation is in Candanchú.

Here, in the Aragonese Pyrenees, the cross-country skiing area is located in La Rinconada, with 3 circuits ranging from 2.5 to 7.5 km in length, so you can choose how far you travel across this winter wonderland. This area also has the only facility in Spain dedicated to the biathlon, the popular winter Olympic discipline that mixes cross-country skiing and rifle shooting. .

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Formigal: The one for Instagram!

Formigal stretches across four different valleys and offers some of the most challenging skiing in the Aragon Pyrenees. A purpose-built ski resort, Formigal has introduced state-of-theart detachable lifts as well as Spain’s first-ever eight-seater chairlift - and one of the first hands-free lift pass systems which can prevent inadvertent access to slopes beyond the abilities of the skier.

Formigal which recently got a 110 million renovation, which included the addition of 21 ultra-modern lifts linking to its valleys, has around 140 kilometers of skiable terrain. Night skiing is allowed at the resort, and there is a timed slalom track where you can test your skiing skills. You can do this while being video recorded, a service the resort also offers, so that you can review your run once done and also have a unique souvenir to take back home with you, or share with your friends on social media.

The snow-making system here is equally sophisticated - with over 200 snow cannons, ensuring that the resort has been one of the first to open in recent seasons and has been able to offer skiing right through to the start of May. Almost all the runs are wide cruising trails that lead towards a snow bowl linked to 500 meters of blues. Above this, you will find three-kilometer-long blacks and some extensive off-piste opportunities. If anyone ever tries to tell you Spain isn't a place to take a skiing holiday, send them here and see what they think.

La Molina and Masella: The two for one!

Another resort you can easily get to from Barcelona. Located about two hours away from Barcelona are La Molina and Masella, two ski resorts that are next to each other.

La Molina was the first ski resort to be opened in Spain back in 1943. It also has the country’s first ski school. It is popular with skiing beginners and snowboarders because of its easy runs.

Masella, on the other hand, has more difficult runs and is popular with advanced skiers. Together the two resorts have more have 130 kilometers of skiing terrain combined.

If you’re looking to ski and take in Barcelona then these two offer the perfect accompaniment to the historic city.

Baqueira Beret: The one for boarding One of the largest Spanish ski resorts, Baqueria (if you're wondering about pronunciation, think Shakira) can be found in the Catalan Pyrenees. Its location provides a unique Atlantic climate, guaranteeing high-quality snow, just the right amount of sunshine and, due to its southerly latitude, an hour's more daylight than the Alps.

Baqueira has some of the best snowboarding facilities in Spain, including 2 snowparks, Marmotes, and the Blanhiblar boardercross, the latter being ideal if you are just starting out in the snow as it is an easy circuit and, most importantly, a lot of fun. On the other hand, the Marmotes snowpark has three levels of difficulty: beginner, intermediate, and expert.

With the options here it's impossible to get bored!

These are just a few of the options to choose from when considering your next break in the cold stuff. Give Spain a try, it's our backyard and you might just fall in love with all there is to experience.

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FEATURE

B R E A K A W AY !

Andalucía

If far-flung destinations are off your bucket list this year because of travel restrictions, why not look closer to home for some fun and relaxation? There are a host of different activities available in Andalucía, just over the border, for whatever type of minibreak you decide upon. Here are a selection of ideas that may just inspire you to pack a suitcase or rucksack!

Glamping

Glamorous camping, or ‘glamping’ has risen in popularity over the last few years especially for travellers who have been choosing to stay closer to home.

A step-up from regular camping, glamping offers all the benefits of being close to nature, boosting your health and wellbeing in the great outdoors, whilst enjoying a few more home comforts and luxuries. Perfect for adults and children alike, there are an array of glamping options available.

How much fun would it be to take the family to a luxury safari tent glamping experience in the province of Cádiz? Alternatively, you could stay in a stylish and eco-friendly Yurt situated near to the beaches of Tarifa or hang out in a tree house four metres above the ground in a peaceful location in Vejer de la Frontera.

tions, there is no better time to get out in the fresh air and enjoy some of the best courses in the world before the golf tourists come back. If you are looking to learn to play the game, there are numerous driving ranges and golf schools where you can have lessons from professional coaches.

Walking Andalucía is the perfect destination for those of you who enjoy walking and hiking, offering routes of different levels of difficulty. The beautiful city of Granada, surrounded by spectacular landscapes, is the place to visit for any enthusiast of climbing, offering both demanding challenges for experienced climbers and easier routes for family hikes.

If you are looking for that rush of adrenalin, El Caminito del Rey in the province of Malaga located in the gorges of the Guadalhorce River and reopened to the public since 2015, is one of the most famous hiking paths in Spain. This narrow footbridge runs through the gorge for three kilometres, crossing over a suspension bridge known as the ‘Walkway of Death’. If you are afraid of heights or suffer with vertigo, this walk if definitely not for you, or maybe this is a challenge to consider that will conquer your fear of heights.

Horse Riding If riding along a beach at sunset is a dream, take a look at the options available for both experienced and novice riders. Join a horseback riding group that will take you on a trek through amazing scenery, along mountain paths, through scented pine forests and olive groves or alongside rivers. From the province of Malaga to the Donana National Park near Seville, there are plenty of equestrian experiences to choose from.

Closer to Gibraltar is La Concha Mountain, which at 1200 meters above sea level is one of Marbella's most recognized landmarks taking its name from its distinctive shell like shape. Climb to the peak for spectacular views of the Costa del Sol, Sierra de las Nieves and on a clear day, all the way to Gibraltar and across to North Africa. Depending on your level of fitness, the walk will take about four hours. You can either start your ascent from Marbella itself, from the mountain village of Istán, or from Juanar, situated within the borders of the natural park.

Spa Breaks Taking time out to take care of our health and wellbeing is high on our list of priorities these days. The good news is that there are a plethora of spa hotels just along the Costa del Sol, from Sotogrande to Estepona and beyond, that can cater for your wellness needs. Rest and relaxation is so important for our mental health, but there is no excuse not to take advantage of the hotel spas on our doorstep where you can relax and unwind and indulge in some soothing treatments that will calm your mind, body and soul.

Golfing

Day Trips

It is no wonder that the Costa del Sol is known as the Costa del Golf and that it has been a destination for discerning golfers for decades, with over 70 golf courses between Torre del Mar, east of Malaga, and Sotogrande. In fact, the Costa del Sol has the highest concentration of golf courses in the whole of Europe ranging from worldclass courses such as the Real Club Valderrama and Finca Cortesin to courses with more affordable green fees.

Soak up the culture and tradition of Andalusia by exploring some the famous white villages scattered between the provinces of Cadiz and Malaga. One of the most famous white villages in Cadiz province is Arcos de la Frontera, known as the gateway to the white villages, it is perched on top of a sandstone cliff and has a rich historical heritage.

Vejer de la Frontera is a white hilltop town just 10km inland from the Costa de la Luz set around a former Moorish castle with views that reach as far as the Strait of Gibraltar.

Golf, thought of by some as ‘a good walk spoiled’, is exactly what the doctor would order as it is good for both your physical and mental well-being. With golf tourism having been affected by travel restric-

Whatever you decide to do, there are plenty of places to ‘break away’ to that are just a short distance away where you can take time out doing something different from normal.

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SPA & HEALTH CLUB COMPETITION

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Start the day with a De-Light breakfast at Restaurant Cortijo, the terrace is perfect to enjoy the outdoors and set the good mood for the rest of the day. Follow with a visit to the aquatic and thermal area of SO/ SPA to unwind or join a class at SO/ FIT to activate yourself.

You can choose from a variety of relaxing treatments, invigorating massages, personal training sessions, etc, basically anything on our spa menu.

All guests have complimentary access to the SO/ SPA facilities - indoor pool, sauna, steam room, relaxation area. The SO/ FIT gym is open 24/7 and there’s a schedule of groups classes available on daily basis, as well as virtual training.

The area also offers many possibilities to stay active, healthy and enjoy the outdoors, rental bikes, hiking, golf, tennis, padel, etc. www.so-sotogrande.com / +34 956 58 20 00 Instagram: so_sotogrande / facebook: so.sotogrande

WIN A STAY AT SO/ SOTOGRANDE Win a one night stay with breakfast for two people at SO Hotel Sotogrande. Plus a 75 Euro voucher to use for S0/ Spa & Health club a la carte detox stay. Enjoy our comprehensive wellness concept with our Let’s Detox Offer.

QUESTION: WHAT IS THE NAME OF THE RESTAURANT AT SO/HOTEL SOTOGRANDE? E-mail your answer with your name and contact number to jeaninsight@gibtelecom.net or post to So/hotel spa competition Insight GBZ Media, Worklab, West One, Europort Road. GX11 1AA. Entries Close 1 November 2021 / Prize valid to 31 March 2022. Send your entry with your answer / name / contact details to jeaninsight@gibtelecom.net or post to Insight SO/ competition, GBZ Media Ltd, Worklab, West One, Europort Road, GX11 1AA.

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FEATURE

A NEW ALBUM BY OUR CULTURAL AMBASSADOR READERS OF MY ARTICLES FOR ‘INSIGHT MAGAZINE’ WILL BE NO STRANGERS TO THE NAME GABRIEL MORENO, A LOCAL LONDON BASED POET MUSICIAN WHO LAST NOVEMBER WAS GIVEN THE CULTURAL AMBASSADOR AWARD IN A PLUSH CEREMONY AT THE SUNBORN HOTEL FOR HIS BODY OF WORK AND HIS UNTIRING EFFORTS TO PROMOTE OUR IDENTITY AND CULTURE IN THE UK AND FURTHER AFIELD THROUGH HIS MUSIC, POETRY AND PUBLISHED LITERATURE.

NOBODY WAS MORE SURPRISED THAN GABRIEL, WHO AT THE TIME OF RECEIVING NEWS OF THE NOMINATION WAS BUSY FINISHING HIS FOURTH STUDIO ALBUM ‘THE YEAR OF THE RAT,’ WHICH WAS DUE FOR RELEASE ON 7TH THIS MONTH IN LONDON AT THE TOWER THEATRE AND IT CAN NOW BE CONFIRMED, THERE WILL ALSO BE A LOCAL LAUNCH AND CONCERT HERE ON APRIL 1ST AT THE INCES HALL.

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FEATURE I last caught up with him on the morning after he had received the award to find out what it meant to him and also to check on the progress of this new album. “It came as a complete surprise to me. I knew that our acclaimed writer MG Sanchez had received the same award in 2020 but I had no idea that my name had been put up for it. When Culural Services told me I was very humbled and also very joyful.

To have been recognised in your town is really lovely.

In my acceptance speech I clearly remember saying how important it is to define our identity as a collective of Gibraltarians and how poetry, theatre, literature, music and art will help us to define this personality that we have.”

As a thriving community it’s hard to keep us down as we always aim to punch above our weight and mostly we succeed, so it comes as no surprise that cash strapped artists such as Gabriel Moreno, who is well versed as a curator of the London poetry scene, would embark on crowd funding to make possible the production and release of his latest CD and vinyl offering. This trend of self publishing has enabled many authors and musicians to survive and free themselves from dealing with publishers and record companies whose cut of the cake, should there be any success, usually left them just the crumbs on which to survive. It is a bold move to embark on a project which relies entirely on crowd funding but by pushing the creative envelope further, artists and authors consolidate their fan base by inviting them to be a part of their creations.

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It’s the only way that secures artistic freedom and a meaningful return instead of the usual twenty percent royalties offered in contracts.

“As we speak (November last year) we are past the sixty percent of target and we still have three weeks to go so I am hopeful that the funds will keep coming in.

Mostly it’s the vinyl copies of the album which are incredibly expensive to produce but the trend seems to be that vinyl albums with their cover photographs and sleeve notes etc, are a more tangible memento of the record release and as they can be pre ordered as signed copies, that makes them even more desirable to own. The money from the pre orders goes into offsetting production costs as well as towards promoting the album. It’s fantastic that people are part of the journey as well. They invest in the journey with you and for that to happen they first need to be aware and have subscribed to what you have done before, so that they travel with you in expectation of a product that will fulfil their longing as well as yours.”

“The incredible thing about working in the ‘underground’ (Alternative music scene) is that in the beginning everything seems impossible as you are doing everything yourself, but as you progress and you get exposure on radio, TV and live concerts, the royalties and come in and they are one hundred percent yours. If we were tied to an underground label we would only get twenty percent of all that, so it makes complete sense to remain independent and own your material. At the beginning we thought that the risk was too high but after ten years we now know that we made the right decision to embark on this journey by ourselves and not tied to anybody.”

Fast forward to present day and the new album ‘The Year of the Rat’ which I was privileged to listen to as soon as it was mastered, is now available and will be launched here on the April 1st with a concert by Gabriel Moreno and The Quivering Poets. Look out for further details in the coming weeks, but in the meantime

I would be remiss if I didn’t share with you my first impressions of this exciting new work which was conceived during lockdown at a time when things seemed to be a lot more uncertain than what they are today.

The opening track called ‘Solitude’ is full of promise and great musical touches.

It’s familiar Gabriel territory but sounds fresh and grabs your attention. ‘Painter’ is a duet with London based upcoming Folk sensation

Pearl Fish. There’s plenty of musical space in between and the chorus with the duo draws you into the intimacy of the portrait. The third track is a great song with electric guitars which compliment the strum of the poet’s acoustic nylon guitar and then Ned Cartwright adds some deft Latin touches with his keyboards. Your interest is still on the ascendancy as track four, the most commercial offering of the album, titled ‘Sellotape my Heart’ bounces into the room and lifts your spirits higher- you find yourself smiling in approval and there is no interest lost as the song builds up.

Gabriel the poet singer songwriter draws you into his world as the next three songs indicate a change in direction. ‘Everyday News’ is sparse but beautiful and has a wistful piano break which makes it sublime. No bells and whistles here, just good words lovingly crafted into song. ‘Dreams of the Poor’ stays in the same groove and there is (for me) great guitar phrasing that sets this one apart.

‘Dance in an empty Field’ brings down the curtain on the introspective segment of the album and it signs off with a Spanish ending, a nod to our roots as we then greet ‘All that we have’

which warms you with a slow bluesy feel throughout, later reprised in a trumpet solo by Chilean Jazz master Sergio Contreras Acosta and accented by Hammond organ-like stabs which pick up the vibe and makes this track a musical highlight of the album. The vocals too are given a very interesting treatment in the chorus and so to ‘When the City Wakes up’ which is surely about London, it spins its story of the lock-

down as you are drawn into the lyric’s imagery. This one is indeed a classy song.

The title track ‘Year of the Rat’ closes the album. It would have been easy to fall into pseudo Chinese touches here, but we are treated to a complex and uplifting beat with fine musical touches supporting it all the way. Surprise is everything in music and this song works surprisingly well. A lot of production skills and love has gone into crafting this album and talented Christian Gadd who lives in London has put his producer’s stamp on this in a musical and masterful way. The album has a shine on it which compliments all the songs. Nothing is overcooked. Instead all the musical pieces fit perfectly and allow the lyrical prowess of Gabriel Moreno and his compelling guitar-led troubadour style, to breathe comfortably and please our senses. That is the mark of a great album which will invite replaying again and again because there are always little gems to be discovered in every spin.

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COMMUNITY INSIGHT

AIRPORT FIRE SERVICE TRAINING A number of Airport Fire and Rescue Service personnel were actively engaged in various specialist training courses during December. In the first instance FF Craig Bonnici, who recently qualified as a firefighter in October, returned to the UK for aviation specific training. This 2-week aircraft firefighting and rescue course took

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place at the International Fire Training Centre (IFTC) in Teesside where he was able to further develop his skills and knowledge at this specialist centre.

The IFTC has extensive facilities to allow very realistic aviation related fire and rescue scenarios. This intensive course cov-

FEBRUARY 2022

ered all areas necessary to qualify him for his future role and provided an opportunity for FF Bonnici to widen his experience, working alongside colleagues from various UK airports. Following his return, he has now commenced a further local development training phase as an operational firefighter on crew at the AFRS.

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COMMUNITY INSIGHT

NEW GHA CHARGE NURSES THE SIX NEW CHARGE NURSES WILL TAKE UP THE CLINICAL MANAGERIAL RESPONSIBILITIES OF OVERSEEING PATIENT CARE WHICH INVOLVES FURTHER DEVELOPING THE DIRECT DELIVERY OF QUALITY ASSURED PATIENT SERVICES, STAFF MANAGEMENT AND THE DAY TO DAY OPERATIONAL MANAGEMENT OF THEIR RESPECTIVE CLINICAL DEPARTMENTS, WITHIN THE WIDE RANGE OF THE CLINICAL SERVICES THAT THE GIBRALTAR HEALTH AUTHORITY PROVIDES. This includes the Mental Health Services, Day Surgery, Night Services, the Accident & Emergency department and Medical Rehabilitation services.

The newly appointed Charge Nurses will assist in the provision of an accessible and authoritative presence in the clinical areas, to whom patients, family members and staff can turn to for clinical leadership, advice and support.

Katherine Potte r Charge Nurse in Ocean Views

Director of Nursing and the GHA’s Ambulance Services Ms Sandie Gracia RN, MBE, FRCN welcomed the six new Charge Nurses saying, “this is an important step in the continued hard work and enhancement of current service provision. This will be greatly beneficial to nurse led clinical services that will also prove beneficial towards ensuring that our service users and their relative’s experiences of care delivery are positive and responsive to their current and future needs."

Luis Balmaseda - Night Services Daniella Bright - Medical Rehabilitation Services

Stephanie Steve n and Emergency - Accident Dpts

Fernando Lara - Night Services

Encarni Rodriguez Charge Nurse in Day Surgery

MAYOR'S AWARDS HIS WORSHIP THE MAYOR, MR CHRISTIAN SANTOS GMD, WOULD LIKE TO REMIND THE PUBLIC THEY ARE INVITED TO SUBMIT NOMINATIONS FOR THE NEXT CONFERRAL OF THE MAYOR’S AWARDS TO BE HELD AT THE END OF MARCH. The closing date to receive nominations is Friday 4th February 2022.

The Mayor’s Awards have become a permanent fixture in Gibraltar’s annual civic calendar and serve to highlight the extraordinary achievements of members of our community.

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Having started as a lifesaving award for members of the essential services displaying a high degree of valour, the scope of the awards was later widened to include persons who have served Gibraltar in a distinguished manner, over a prolonged period and/or for a specific event or achievement.

The Nomination Form can be found at www.mayor.gi or collected from the Mayor’s Office in the City Hall.

For more information, please contact mayor@gibraltar.gov.gi or 200 47592.

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FEBRUARY 2022

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POLICE INSIGHT “Our work has three main strands – Counter-Terrorism, Immigration issues and VIP personal protection,’ says Inspector Neil Zammitt who heads up the RGP’s Special Branch. ‘But absolutely everything that we do is linked to Gibraltar’s national security.’

Inspector Zammitt explains that Special Branch plays a key role in protecting Gibraltar from threats to its national security, especially those from terrorists and other extremists. It is responsible for acquiring and analysing intelligence through various methods, the monitoring of travellers at Gibraltar’s points of entry, surveying of critical national infrastructure and delivering protective security advice.

Neil Zammitt also manages two particular projects in order to protect and support Gibraltar’s businesses and public sector with the aim of reducing the vulnerability to criminal and terrorist threats. The first is Project Citadel, an outreach programme which aims to raise security awareness and the promotion of community vigilance by encouraging the reporting of suspicious individuals and behaviours in order to thwart terrorist threats and networks.

Neil Zammitt feels that a time spent in Special Branch always looks good on an officer’s CV. “But it’s not just that we feel that it’s good for our careers. We get a lot of job satisfaction from being in this department. We know that we are being trusted to deal with some very sensitive information and it is this information which provides the top layer of security for Gibraltar.”

The second is Project Servator which describes police activity that aims to disrupt a range of criminal activity, including terrorism, while providing a reassuring pres-

“Personally the biggest case in which I was involved during my time in Special Branch was Operation Iceberg in which, supported by the Policía Nacional, we dismantled an organised criminal group which was smuggling migrants from Morocco to Europe. In 2018/19, these migrants primarily arrived in Gibraltar by plane or ferry from Morocco. In Gibraltar they were picked up by members of the organised criminal group and driven to Spain, hidden in off-road vehicles with tinted windows. In Spain, the migrants were provided with temporary accommodation or bus tickets to travel to another part of Spain or to cross over to other EU Member States. This criminal operation had a presence in 18 Spanish provinces and five European countries but it was halted when house searches were carried out in Gibraltar and Spain resulting in the arrest of 47 people and the seizure of large amounts of cash.

“Gibraltar is unusual in that it has a land frontier with another jurisdiction, a busy commercial port and an international airport,” says the Inspector. “And there are very few police forces anywhere else who have all those three to monitor.

“Within our remit of ‘Ports Policing’, we need to keep an eye on these three entry points into Gibraltar. Clearly, we cannot check every individual who arrives on the Rock but we do look out for certain patterns – someone who claims to be ‘a holiday maker’ but who perhaps flies in and out of Gibraltar suspiciously often. Or we may spot that someone makes regular visits to particular countries immediately prior to their visits to Gibraltar. We might need to have a chat with such people to ask for an explanation of their reasons for being on the Rock.”

“A large part of the job involves liaison, sometimes daily, with a wide variety of law-enforcement agencies. Within Gibraltar, we work closely with Border and Coastguards, HM Customs, Gibraltar Defence Police, the MOD’s Joint Provost and Security Unit and with the Government.

“In the UK we have close links with UK Border Force, the National Crime Agency, the Counter Terrorism Support Unit and the Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure.

In Spain, we are in regular contact with Cuerpo Nacional de Policia and the Guardia Civil.” Clearly, the international exchange of information is a key part of the job.

SPECIAL BRANCH

ence for the public. The approach relies on building a network of vigilance made up of business and community partners and the general public. Project Servator is different to normal policing as officers involved are specially trained to spot telltale signs that someone may be carrying out hostile reconnaissance.

Another area of Special Branch is that of VIP protection. When working, and sometimes even when he is off-duty, the Chief Minister is always accompanied by Special Branch’s specially-trained Close Protection Officers and, depending on circumstances, it is sometimes necessary for him to be accompanied by more than one officer. Visiting politicians and dignitaries may also require a similar level of protection.

SPRAY ENDURANCE

New RGP recruits got to grips with the painful effects of Captor Spray during a recent training session.

As part of their week-long Personal Safety Training, the recruits were sprayed with the incapacitant spray to learn about its effects first hand.

All Response Team officers in the RGP carry the spray, which is used as a non- lethal defensive weapon against violent offenders or those resisting arrest.

The effects of the spray are an immediate loss of vision, shortterm pain and extreme discomfort, symptoms that last between 15-30 minutes.

No permanent damage is caused and no medical treatment is needed.

Sergeant Paul Chiara, who organised the exercise, said: “There are two main reasons why we do this. Firstly, so officers understand the effects of Captor Spray and they can practice the relevant after care on persons that have been exposed to it.

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And the downsides of the job? “Well, Special Branch never sleeps! We need to be available 24/7 and this can certainly have an impact on your family life. My phone is never switched off and it never leaves my side.”

It is reassuring to know that, in its small but dedicated Special Branch, the Royal Gibraltar Police has officers who are so totally committed to protecting our national security.

Next time you are passing through the airport you may be reassured to know that some of the people who seem to be waiting for family in Arrivals or having coffee in Departures are actually our Special Branch officers helping to keep our community safe.

“Even if someone has assaulted a police officer and has been sprayed, we have a duty of care to our suspects and we have to be able to control them if they have been incapacitated – as it is painful.

“The other reason is to experience how bad the pain is, as you always run the risk of getting exposed by mistake while on duty. This way the officers get to feel what the effects will be like in case they are accidentally sprayed, so that they don’t start panicking and they know how to take care of themselves whilst other officers can take care of the suspects.”

Captor Spray is similar to pepper spray and is dispensed from a handheld canister in a liquid stream.

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29

FEATURE IN THE

DEFENCE OF GIBRALTAR MARCH 30 1896

THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE, THE FIRST OF A SERIES ON GIBRALTAR, IS TAKEN FROM THE MORNING POST OF THAT DATE It has taken a long time for the British nation to rise to a full appreciation of the importance of the strategic position which Gibraltar holds. In one way, perhaps, this is not under an unalloyed evil. It is at any rate for certain that if the borrower awakening the of the country on the subject had taken place 10 years ago instead of today we should find ourselves at the present time provided with the docks which would be quite incapable of accommodating of huge battleships. This, however, is the only grain of comfort to be derived from an inexcusable delay. At first, no doubt, the national

and re-victual, with instructions to return as soon as possible. It is said that the thunder of the canonade of the decisive contest reached the years of the captain and crew, and that sail was immediately made and the ship’s heads directed towards the sound of the firing in order to rejoin the flag. The Donegal, commanded by Sir Pulteney Malcolm, hailed the first British ship she met for news, and the answer was, 19 sail of the line taken and Lord Nelson killed. The details of the story may go for what they are worth. The tale is correct in its main particulars and it emphasises the importance of Gibraltar at that time of the base.

Torpedo boats on slipway

Harbour prior to 1900

interest in possession of Gibraltar was to some extent sentimental. A British Fleet under Sir George Rooke had captured it during the War of the Spanish Succession in 1704; the Rock had been formally seeded to England by the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713; and there was a natural disinclination to surrender what had been hardly won, and had been formally recognized as a British Territory. Nelson ward, however, had exchanged it for Fort Mahon, in Minorca, on the ground that the latter, and infinitely better Harbour than Gibraltar could ever be made, and near to Toulon. William Pitt, too, had actually offered Gibraltar to Spain in return for their help in the recovery of Minorca. Happily Spain refused, and the fortress which Captain Mahan calls the watch tower from which England overlooks the road between

the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, still flew as it still flies, the ensign of the union. In those days, however there was in the first place no Suez Canal and in the second plays we had been stiffened by war and were more inclined than we appear to be at present. To rely on the manhood of the nation to seize whatever we wanted in the event of war. Nowadays we are perhaps too much inclined to accept forth as the expression of energy, and a music hall enthusiasm as the outcome of a definite national sentiment.

At any rate the conditions of warfare have altered. In 1759, two years after it had offered to exchange Gibraltar for assisting in obtaining mean older, Boscowen, who commanded in the Mediterranean, and whose ships had been a bit knocked about in an attack upon some French ships Toulon roads, took his whole fleet, which included 14 sail of the line as well as smaller vessels into Gibraltar to refit. De La Clue, the French Admiral at Toulon, hearing of this, sailed from the French arsenal with 12 line of battleships, and made his way into the Atlantic. His passage through the Strait had, however been observed and Boscowen followed, attacked and defeated him. Five of the ships put into Cadiz, and of the remainder two escaped, a fact which they had to thank the magnificent gallantry of a third which fought for 5 hours against enormous odds and surrendered only when in a sinking condition. The Moral of the French navy in those days was far superior to what it was during the revolutionary wars, though even then in spite of the fact that we established the prestige of victory, we could never afford to undervalue our foes. Of the other four ships, two were captured and two were burnt. Here we have an instance of the succour afforded by Gibraltar to a British Fleet and of the strategic value of the Rock. A few days again before the Battle of Trafalgar, Nelson sent five line of battleships to Gibraltar to refit

Modern developments of construction and armament has not diminished this importance, but they have altered the methods of its application. Boscowen’s squadron, Nelson’s ships, could rely largely upon their own crew for all that was required in order to refit them. There was in those days, no danger of torpedo attack; there were no shell bursts in board. After the next great action however things will be entirely changed and the repairs which will be necessary will have to be carried out on a scale which will far transcend the resources of the skilled artisans on board the ships themselves. For this cause alone docking will be necessary, while to allow ships to lie in an exposed anchorage would be simply two invite the attacker of torpedo boats. If,

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FEATURE

GIBRALTARINSIGHT.COM

tion of the mole at Gibraltar, which, when completed will be 3700 feet in length and also of the proposal to commence at once and graving dock at Gibraltar. By 1895 to 1896 a more extensive scheme had been elaborated and so now we have a proposal to build three docks instead of one, to still further extend the mole and to create an enclosed Harbour. To this plan there is only one objection, which will be discussed here after. Apart from that, the schema of the government is calculated to strengthen very materially our position in regard to any action which might be fought within 300-400 miles on either side of the Strait of Gibraltar.

Suppose that we were at war with France, it would hardly be possible to send ships not perhaps under complete control from Malta, on the other hand or to Devenport on the other for repair. The risk of running the gauntlet of the French torpedo boats from Southern France, from Corsica, from North Africa on the one hand or from the whole of the western coast of France on the other would be too great. Gibraltar then would furnish us with our repairing and with our coaling station. Let us see then what it is proposed to do at Gibraltar. The present Anchorage is wholly unsafe it is exposed to south westerly gales, and from these the so called New Mole did not protect it. This The signal station on the rock

as has been said the delay which has taken place in the provision of suitable accommodation is not an unalloyed evil, successive governments and successive the Board of Admiralty can hardly be held blameless for not having risen to the level of their responsibilities, which have continuously increased ever since steamer was introduced as the motive power of warships. In the olden days of sailing ships Gibraltar to some limited extent and no more, commanded the straits and it has often been said that the prevailing wind and the set of the current compelled a large number of ships seeking to pass between the Pillars of Hercules to come within range of its guns. Even allowing for the increased power of modern weapons, steam has altered this position issued if it ever really existed. It is easy for a ship or squadron to pass between Europe and Africa beyond all affected range of the guns of Gibraltar. The Rock is valuable as a post of observation from which everything can be seen by day and from which, if it ever really exists everything can be discovered by night by means of swift very small cruisers. In time of war, in fact no vessel should past Gibraltar either by day or by night without the authorities being aware of it. Here what may be described as the remnants of its ancient utility came to an end. Beyond this, however arises its modern usefulness which may be comprised in the statement that it is necessary to great Britain’s naval position that she should possess suitable dock accommodation in the vicinity of the Western entrance to the Mediterranean. It is somewhere about half a century since Sir William Parker, then commander in chief in the Mediterranean, recognized the growing importance of Gibraltar as a naval station in view of the rapid increase of steamships, and urged his view upon the Admiralty. In March 1891 a question on the subject was asked in the House of Lords, and this was far from being the first occasion on which the matter was brought forward in parliament.

A committee had at that time investigated the subject, and had reported in the previous September. The report recommended the creation of a dock, a prolongation of the New Mole. No vote however was proposed in the estimates are for the year, there being so many more pressing an important matters to be considered. Happily we have arrived at a more just appreciation of matters which are pressing an important in their relation to the nation’s welfare. In the estimate for 1893 to 1894 provision was made for the extension of the New Mole and for the expenditure of a certain sum which was assuredly not spent before it was needed, for the improvement of the magazines. A year later we heard of the further elonga-

mole is a construction stretching on the western side of Gibraltar in a north westerly direction from a small natural cape near the town. It is supposed to be an adjunct of the dockyard so called, it is believed, because all docks and all appliances for fulfilling the ordinary repair function of the dockyard are wanting. It has its origins in 1620 and from that time until 1851 it was only 300 feet long. Then it was extended to about mile, and at this point it has since remained.

The dockyard, such as it is, is to be found at the junction of the New Mole with the mainland. Alongside the mole as it existed a year or two ago, a couple of battleships and a smaller vessel might perhaps be moored.

The Anchorage, who’s bad holding ground

is notorious, could have taken the remainder of a small squadron, but there were, and there are, no facilities for repair whatsoever.

It is now proposed to extend the New Mole for a very considerable distance, so that it shall not only enclose a large amount of sea space but shall afford a great deal of jetty room. At the same time a detached mole is to be constructed, and either a commercial coaling mole, now under consideration, will be built, or other precautions will be taken to render the Harbour, whose entrance will be at the northern end, secure against torpedo boat attack. Within the space thus to be enclosed, on the New Mole Parade, a dock is already in course of excavation, and its length is to be increased to such an extent as to enable it, under certain circumstances, to accommodate two ships at once. Two smaller dry docks of smaller size are also to be constructed and it is to be presumed that these stocks will not be made without due provision for the repair of any ships that may be placed in them. When, therefore, the works are complete and their cost is estimated to be roughly speaking three million pounds, of which rather more than one third is to be spent within the present century, we shall have at Gibraltar a made Harbour with adequate protection from the torpedo boat attacks, three docks, and presumably repairing facilities adequate to a dock system of this magnitude. If we could say this and nothing more it would be obvious that our position in Western Mediterranean would be greatly improved, but it remains to consider what are the disadvantages of a scheme whose adoption must be regarded as inevitable rather than as voluntary.

The Central News says in pursuance of the policy recently expounded by our Mr. Goschen in the navy estimates are, and by Earl Spencer during his term of office at the Admiralty, a number of distinguished officers and officials connected with the Admiralty will proceed upon a tour of inspection of the Mediterranean stations. Rear Admiral Sir Frederick Bedford KCB., Mister J. Austin Chamberlain MP, Mr. William McCartney MP of the Board of Admiralty, Major Raban, royal engineers, director of engineering and architectural works, captain Gallagham, RN, Naval Adviser to the Inspector General of Fortification, and Mr. York and Mr. Pell, of the Secretary’s Dept of the Admiralty, will proceed to Malta and Major Pilkington, Royal Engineers to Gibraltar. They were to sail from Tilbury Docks on a Friday last on board the P&O Steamer Britannia, due here tomorrow.

Article supplied by History Society Gibraltar.

Email: historysocietygibraltar@hotmail.com

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31

FEATURE

Gibraltar FA Club Assistance Programme & Mental Health First Aid Officer.

WORDS BY STEVEN GONZALEZ GFA 32

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FEATURE

The Gibraltar FA recently launched its Club Assistance Programme, (CAP), a partnership agreement with Liberty Counselling Services Gibraltar.

General Secretary Ivan Robba commented:

CAP aims to raise awareness and to provide help to players and club personnel who may be suffering from mental health and behavioural issues through a confidential counselling service deigned to assist individuals in making fundamental and positive changes in their way of thinking, feeling, and behaving.

“Statistically one in four people experience mental health issues, meaning that within the Gibraltarian footballing community, there is likely to be a significant number of individuals who are suffering.

As well as counselling sessions, CAP will also provide the opportunity for each club to appoint a Mental Health First Aid Officer. Once appointed, this person would receive training by Club House Gibraltar funded by the Gibraltar FA and importantly, the role of the Club Mental Health First Aid Officer will become a mandatory part of the Domestic Club Licensing Regulations as from season 2023/24.

We, as an Association, are determined to use football as a force for good in our community and we a are committed to helping our members, our players, our coaches and all of our clubs’ staff and representatives as much as we can. With the launch of our CAP, if anyone is in unfortunate need of such help the right framework is now in place for individuals to receive confidential and professional help and asGIBRALTAR FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION sistance.”

Furthermore, the Gibraltar FA will also be providing mental health awareness courses, which all club coaches will be encouraged to attend, aimed at training coaches and staff members to spot the signs of any potential behavioural and mental health issues in players of all ages.

CLUB ASSISTANCE PROGRAMME TO THE PLAYER/CLUB MEMBER

The Gibraltar FA is ready to enrol individuals on these courses, which will be valid for three 3 years, when refresher courses will be on offer to renew certifications.

The CAP programme will also be used as part of the reintegration process for any players or club officials who have received large suspensions for offences they have committed on the field of play. More details of this part of the programme will be published in the Gibraltar FA’s Disciplinary Regulations in due course.

With your wellbeing in mind, the Gibraltar FA has introduced “CAP”, the Liberty Counselling Services Club Assistance Programme for all Club personnel.

The Gibraltar FA recognises that talking with a professional provides you with a positive opportunity for personal growth and improvements in general health and wellbeing.

Your CAP membership is completely free to you. The membership is funded by the Gibraltar FA and provides you with access to the following professional service, at your discretion, with complete confidentiality, just by calling one of the numbers below.

• • • • • • • • •

Face to face counselling service Support with personal, work and/or non related issues Reduce anxiety and depression Improve self awareness Address addictions Build self confidence Provide referral support to certified clinical providers when necessary Work/life balance issues Access to confidential resource for management

FOR APPOINTMENTS FOLLOW THESE 3 SIMPLE STEPS

1

CALL: 00350 57806000 00350 58009734 0034 667236402

EMAIL: debbie@liberty-cs.com pete@liberty-cs.com info@liberty-cs.com

2

Request an appointment under the GFA “CAP” programme giving your full name and the football club you are part of.

3

On the date of your appointment, go to 12/2d Tuckey’s Lane, Irish Town (first floor above Sacarello’s coffee shop)

www.liberty-cs.com | info@liberty-cs.com 00350 58009734 | 0034 667236402 | 00350 57806000 Offered by Liberty Counselling Services Gibraltar

The Gibraltar FA’s Human Resources Manager, Julian Valverde has been instrumental in setting up this project and added: “Mental health has always been very much of a taboo topic in society. Having experienced issues myself I know first-hand how lonely one can feel whilst suffering We all have our own demons that we sometimes battle silently. If there is one piece of advice I can give anyone is that you are not alone, support is out there, and talking about it really does help. This is essentially why we have introduced CAP, to offer footballers in Gibraltar somewhere private and confidential to turn to if they find themselves in need of help, support or someone to open up to.”

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33

FEATURE

THE MINDSPACE PROJECT A Different Kind of Approach to Mental Health

"We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future."

Franklin D. Roosevelt

COVID-19 has had a major effect on all of our lives, with many of us having to face challenges that are stressful, overwhelming, and which have caused strong emotional upheaval in both adults and children.

The Mindspace Project in honour of her late father Derek McGrail, in the hope of being able to provide the tools and the alternative therapy that he did not have available and for this to be accessible to the entire community.

The Mindspace Project, led by three therapists who have personal backgrounds with depression and mental health, offers a holistic option to mental, emotional and physical wellbeing, without resorting to medication as the first port of call.

Personal circumstances led Galadriel to embark upon a course on counselling, which she took alongside Energy Psychology and Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) based courses. Massively impacted by the effectiveness of the latter, she dropped counselling and in 2020 qualified as an Integrative Therapist.

Galadriel McGrail explains that she launched the Mindspace Project back in November 2020 in the midst of the pandemic in an effort to fill a gap that she believed existed within the mental and emotional wellbeing services provided to the community in Gibraltar.

“After 20 years in the Gaming Industry in Project Management within Software Development, I decided to leave and embark on this journey,” Galadriel states, going on to say that she founded

Kationa Matto had worked as a preschool practitioner for over sixteen years at St. Christopher’s school but wanted to find a different way to working with children and helping families. “Education was very limiting for me, so I started on my journey with yoga,” Kationa explains.

Taking a leap of faith, Kationa retired and took time out to raise her third child whilst also looking for ways to develop

her own growth. This led her to form Mindful Kids, running family yoga classes and parenting workshops. Galadriel and Kationa met studying the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) and NLP and realised they shared a vision in offering similar services, so combined their skills under the Mindspace Project.

More recently, Galadriel and Kationa have been joined by fitness specialist Tony Gaul, awarded an MBE by the Queen for his services to the British Army and to charity, who was diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) two years ago. Tony is an experienced and highly qualified physical training instructor and motivational speaker whose vision is to support those who may be struggling with mental health. Tony had a traumatic abusive childhood, both physically and mentally, but is keen to say that he is not a victim. “I ran away from home at fourteen and joined the army at sixteen, which was the best thing that I could have done because it gave me a

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FEATURE family - but in that process I spent over a thousand days on the frontline fighting, and that had an effect on me,” he states. Tony had got to the stage where he wanted to end his life, but credits an EFT session with Kath Temple, founder of the Happiness Foundation, as having a transformative effect. “It didn’t happen overnight but I slowly realised that I had to look within myself rather talking to someone about my trauma.”

Tony runs fitness programs for children that include life-coaching and motivational speaking that will help empower the kids and provide tools that will help them self-regulate emotionally. “The sessions include anything from a walk to a jog, to using outside apparatus for training - and whilst we are doing that we are working on self-belief,” he says. “It’s all about selflove and self-care, but very much using language that they understand.”

“It’s about being present and mindful,” Tony comments. “The kids often think that they can’t meditate because they have too many thoughts in their head and they will ask how to do it, so we tell them to accept those thoughts and then concentrate on their breathing.” Apparently, the children think that Tony is ‘cool’ and will listen to what he tells them to do. Galadriel says that it is easier for the team to deliver a message that parents may want to deliver themselves, but the kids resist that, so when it comes through true stories and narratives the message gets through. “They accept and engage with it and then they put it into practice themselves,” she states. One example the team gives is of a six year old who had a worry whilst she was at school. “After our storytelling session on worry, she came back and said she had remembered what they had done in the session, so she stopped what she was doing, did her breathing, and the worry went away,” Kationa says, adding that it may be something small to us, but it wasn’t to her.

The team explain that children will model what they learn at Mindspace to their par-

ents, which in turn helps the grown-ups around them apply the same tools and techniques, such as mindful breathing, when angry or stressed. “Living with anxiety and stress have become the norm,” Kationa comments. “People have anxiety because they are thinking anxious thoughts, it is a process,” Galadriel explains. “The Mindspace Project is trying to change that mindset and get back to understanding why people are having those thoughts.”

The team have developed a series of programs for young people under the theme of Emotional Regulation, including The Magic of Storytelling for children aged 4-7 and Fitness with a Difference for teens from 12-16, as well as Fitness with a Difference for 8-11 year-olds and Yoga with a Difference for teens. Their intention is to promote fitness in its own right, but also as a means to engage our younger generation in activities and discussions which will empower them to become healthy happy adults and break the cycle of stress, anxiety and limiting beliefs.

The Mindspace Project provides a space where the children feel safe, where they will be heard, seen and understood. Galadriel explains that there is a theme running alongside the sessions every week, such as dealing with anger, bullying, tech dependency or dealing with hormones.

“Because we are all therapists, if a child needs something we are always on site during Tony’s fitness sessions to notice any problems, concerns or worries that arise and we can intervene and provide help as and when needed.”

The fitness sessions are held outdoors, weather permitting, in places such as Alameda Gardens or Commonwealth Park, but if not then they use the space in their small clinic in Horse Barrack Lane where their therapy and storytelling sessions are held. Kationa has a strong belief due to her educational background that the sessions they provide should be included as part of the school curriculum.

The team undertake one-on-one therapy sessions for both adults and children, and their vision from the start has been to work and support parents as much as the children. “We want to be there for the entire community, and we now have the powerhouse to do that,” Tony comments.

The Mindspace Project is growing through word of mouth and advertising. “We really feel that we are gaining momentum now and it is building really quickly, but it is still important for the team to make sure that we are doing this correctly,” Tony says. “People often feel that when you offer therapy you are intruding, but this is very non-intrusive,” Kationa adds.

At the moment the Mindspace Project doesn’t get any funding, but the hope is that they will soon garner support from local corporations and from the government as the work they are doing becomes more well-known.

Recently there have been two new additions to the Mindspace team. Abigail Garcia is an SNLSA (Special Needs Learning Service Assistant) in a secondary school who believes that there is so much that can be done for the younger generation to be the best they can be in all aspects of life. As a mother herself, Abi is experiencing first-hand the incredible impact the Mindspace Project is having on her own child and her aim is to help the younger generation in Gibraltar achieve their dreams and overcome all obstacles.

The second addition is Odile Matto who has started working diligently behind the scenes to ensure that all their events run smoothly.

This incredible team of transformational therapists, performance coaches, Masters in Neuro Linguistic Programming, Yoga teachers, mediators and EFT Practitioners are on a mission to break through barriers that some of the young people in Gibraltar, as well as the wider community, are struggling to overcome - barriers that keep them from dreaming, believing and achieving.

Follow Facebook: @mindspacegibraltar

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35

FEATURE

COLOUR OF

THE YEAR

Pantone 17-3938

Very Peri

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FEATURE WITH THE LAST 18 MONTHS BEING SHADOWED FIRMLY BY THE GLOBAL PANDEMIC YOU’D BE FORGIVEN FOR THINKING THAT PANTONE’S 2022 “COLOUR OF THE YEAR” WOULD BE A BIG SERVING OF GREY. THANKFULLY THAT ISN'T THE CASE. Each year Pantone, leaders in forecasting global colour trends, announces a new Colour of the Year that they predict will be the next BIG thing. This year the colour unveiled is 'Very Peri' (also known as the very uninspiring Pantone 17-3938). A very strong colour that “embodies a courageous presence and encourages personal inventiveness and creativity" and if you think you've already seen a lot of this then you're not mistaken as it's been a feature on the a-list shoulders, red carpets and magazine spreads for the past few months.

When choosing a colour of the year for 2022, the Pantone Colour Institute did something it has never done before - it created an entirely brand new colour rather than selecting from its already vast array of hues. So before you say 'that's a nice shade of purple' think again! To make sure you don't get kicked out of polite society this year just know that this is actually "a vibrant shade of periwinkle blue with undertones of energizing red and violet". You have been told.

“Very Peri helps us to embrace this altered landscape of possibilities, opening us up to a new vision as we rewrite our lives,” Pantone wrote on Instagram.

“The Pantone Colour of the Year reflects what is taking place in our global culture, expressing what people are looking for that colour can hope to answer,” Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Colour Institute, indicated.

It also reflects the global innovation and transformation that is currently gripping our society.

“As society continues to recognise colour as a critical form of communication, and a way to express and affect ideas and emotions and engage and connect, the complexity of this new red-violet infused blue hue highlights the expansive possibilities that lay before us,” Laurie says.

Now, a lot of people may be shaking their heads that there is a fulltime job/team/company dedicated to selecting this one hue each year but it does have ramifications and influence in a lot of day-today moments. You'll see Very Peri sneaking onto fashion, art, interior trends, paint swatches, and more. This increase will influence complementary industries as they seek to make their products relevant to the trend and that comes right down to the choices you have in the high street and online. A bit big brother for you? Don't worry, it's just a colour... or is it.

The last 23 years have seen Pantone’s Colour of the Year influence industries, including fashion, marketing, graphic design, and interior design. Here we look back at some of the previous trends. How many of these influences can you see in your renovations, your wardrobe and beyond?

Colour Institute has selected Classic Blue its 2020 Colour of the Year.

2021: ULTIMATE GRAY & ILLUMINATING

Executive Director Leatrice Eiseman said: “We are living in a time that requires trust and faith. Classic Blue, a solid and dependable blue hue we can always rely on.

Imbued with a deep resonance, Classic Blue provides an anchoring foundation.

Classic Blue encourages us to look beyond the obvious to expand our thinking; challenging us to think more deeply, increase our perspective and open the flow of conversation.”

For 2021 Pantone decided to launch two colours, Ultimate Gray and Illuminating, which Pantone described as, “A marriage of colour conveying a message of strength and hopefulness that is both enduring and uplifting.”

After a very challenging 2020, the new Ultimate Gray and Illuminating were ‘message of happiness supported by fortitude’.

Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of The Pantone Colour Institute, said of the colours: “The union of an enduring Ultimate Gray with the vibrant yellow Illuminating expresses a message of positivity supported by fortitude. Practical and rock-solid but at the same time warming and optimistic, this is a colour combination that gives us resilience and hope."

2020: CLASSIC BLUE 2019 saw a lot of turmoil, in terms of political, social, and economic uncertainty at home and internationally with the general election looming in the UK and a lack of clarity on Brexit. In the US the impeachment hearing dominated the headlines.

It is perhaps not surprising then that The

GIBRALTARINSIGHT.COM

The Colour Institute explained their choice: “Instilling calm, confidence, and connection, this enduring blue hue highlights our desire for a dependable and stable foundation on which to build as we cross the threshold into a new era.”

2019: LIVING CORAL Described as a ‘animating and life-affirming coral hue with a golden undertone that energizes and enlivens with a softer edge’, Living Coral was the colour of 2019.

2018: ULTRA VIOLET Ultra Violet is definitely not Very Peri.

Don't make that faux pas. At the time of it's unveiling is was described as ‘inventive’ and ‘imaginative’.

Executive Director Leatrice Eiseman said: “We are living in a time that requires inventiveness and imagination. It is this kind of creative inspiration that is indigenous to Ultra Violet, a blue-based purple that takes our awareness and potential to a higher level. From exploring new technol-

ogies and the greater galaxy to artistic expression and spiritual reflection, intuitive Ultra Violet lights the way to what is yet to come.”

Purple is also associated with spirituality and mindfulness, something that is much needed in a hectic and ever-moving world.

2017: GREENERY When Pantone announced its Colour of the Year for 2017 it was widely felt that this was a reference to the social and political environment and the need to regroup and refresh at that time.

Leatrice Eiseman said: “Greenery bursts forth in 2017 to provide us with the reassurance we yearn for amid a tumultuous social and political environment. Satisfying our growing desire to rejuvenate and

revitalize, Greenery symbolizes the reconnection we seek with nature, one another, and a larger purpose.”

2016: ROSE QUARTZ AND SERENITY In 2016 Pantone blended two colours for the first time. Pantone said of the pairing: “As consumers seek mindfulness and well-being as an antidote to modern-day stresses, welcoming colours that psychologically fulfill our yearning for reassurance and security are becoming more prominent. Joined together, Rose Quartz and Serenity demonstrate an inherent balance between a warmer embracing rose tone and the cooler tranquil blue, reflecting connection and wellness as well as a soothing sense of order and peace.”

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37

ADOPT

DON'T

SHOP

RULL

Spanish Dogs

Spanish Stray Dogs UK

Rull arrived at Los Barrios pound in April 2021 and was about 6 years old. Rull lives in a small cage with his little friend, Angela. He is such a softie, so gentle and calm. He LOVES cuddles and kisses, and he could just sit on your lap all day long if you let him. Rull is perfect on the lead too. Rull needs a home without other dogs.

More info: www.spanishstraydogs.org.uk

SASHA

JULIO

Sasha is a beautiful, gentle soul. She is almost 5 years old and she adores human affection and treats. She gets on well with other dogs and cats too. She is friendly and loves a good cuddle. She is looking for a family that could give her the love and affection she craves after years of neglect.

38

ROMY

Romy is only 1 and half years old and was recently rescued from a killing station just before he was put down. He is a lovely, fun and active dog who is good with other dogs and children. He really loves to run and play, he is also obedient and wants to please and learns quickly. He would be great with an active family who can play with him lots. More info: www.ainf.gi

Spanish Dogs

Spanish Stray Dogs UK

Julio arrived at the Los Barrios pound in April 2018 and was about 1-2 years old on arrival. Julio is such a wonderful, handsome boy that desperately needs a family of his own as life at the pound really stresses him. Over the years he has lived with many different dogs, both male and female, and over time they have all been adopted while Julio continues to wait…

FEBRUARY 2022

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A VET'S INSIGHT

BARBARY

Macaques

When I was a child we were told that the macaques travelled to Gibraltar via a tunnel that originated at St Michael’s Cave and traversed the Straits of Gibraltar !!!! The more likely explanation is that they were imported from Morocco , probably by different entities over the centuries , the Moors and the British Army are the most likely.

males tend to remain fertile until well into their 20’s. We have a population of approximately 200 macaques , on average 100 are female , with approximately 70 being breeding females.

If we had 70 births every year it wouldn’t take too long before we were overran by macaques and one of the luxury blocks being built would have to be used to provide housing.

There are in the region of 200 macaques spread across the Upper Rock Nature Reserve , these TO So how are numbers controlled? Vasectomising are divided into different packs . Previous males is a complete waste of time. Females in STEER genetic work done on the macaques has season mate with multiple males, a way to AWAY FROM PET shown that the macaques originated maintain dominance and social cohesion. So COMPANIONS THIS from two regions in Africa . One line the only way to control population is by concomes from the Rif Mountains in MorocMONTH I WOULD LIKE TO tracepting the females. There are two main co and the other comes from Algeria.

WRITE AN ARTICLE ON THE ways to carry this out, either using contraThe females from these two blood lines GIBRALTAR BARBARY MAceptive implants that last around 3 years or are distinctly different , the Moroccan CAQUE, AN ANIMAL THAT by laparoscopically sterilising the females. blood line adult females are larger aniThe latter procedure involves tying off the IS ENGRAINED IN OUR mals , they weigh approximately three to fallopian tubes, in this way the females conHISTORY AND OUR four kilos more than their Algerian sisters tinue to menstruate and mate normally without FOLK TALES. !!! It is as a result of there being two differgetting pregnant. This is crucial as in this way ent genetics pools that the Barbary macaque there is less social interference in the group , if the has been so successful in Gibraltar , if there had females had their ovaries removed this would stop the been only one blood line there would have been normal breeding cycle and have an impact on the pack’s soproblems genetically as a result of inbreeding and very cial structure. Thanks to investment by this Government under little genetic divergence. the direction of Prof John Cortes we now carry out laparoscopic Packs are divided down family lines, all the group structure is sterilisation. A few years ago we used to have around 50 births held together by the females in the pack . As a general rule a year, last year we had 15 births. mothers, daughters , sisters etc form the nucleus of the pack This is just a small insight into what goes on with our macaques and stay together , it is the males that move away from the pack , having wild free ranging macaques is a treasure and one we when they reach puberty and it is this that leads to genetic dimust protect, they are not a nuisance as some people think they versification as they move from one pack to another . are , they are a valuable part of our heritage and one that must Females can breed from as early as 3/4 years of age and they be cared for, both as sentient animals and what they represent produce one offspring every year( rarely twins are born). Feculturally .

For more information please phone Gibraltar Vetinary Clinic on 200 77334

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39

MOTORING INSIGHT

i had a id.4 on test for a week from volkswagen uk press office, and it was the first time i had sat in one, i really hadn't seen one up close before.

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MOTORING INSIGHT

The ID.4 is the big brother of ID.3, and both came to the market around the same time, and both are fully electric.

tres but these figures are generally about 25% too optimistic. I charged it to 99% full and got a range of 252 miles or 405 kilometres, which in realty isn’t a bad range, and you can live with that. During the time I had the ID.4 I went to Lytham St Anne’s near Blackpool, a distance of 84 miles each way, and when I got back home, it still had 100 miles range left in the batteries.

So no ‘range anxiety’ going to the coast and back.

The ID.4 has a 77kWH Motor, which translates to 204ps, it goes from 0-100kph in 8.5 seconds, a top speed of 160kph and a manufacturer quoted range of 490 kilome-

I usually go to a public charging point to charge up the batteries as it is much quicker than charging at home. With the ID.4 using a 50kW charger you can get in around 120

When it arrived at my house, the first thing that I was surprised at was, just how big it was, both on the outside, and the interior. To put the size into perspective, it is the same size as the VW Tiguan on the outside, but has much more room in the inside.

miles in one hour, so from empty to full will take just under two-hours.

I liked most things on the ID.4, but the one thing I did find a little annoying was the position of the gear-shift lever (button) as, VW in their wisdom have decided to put it just above the windscreen wiper stalk, and not in the traditional and usual place of in the centre, in between the two front seats, I guess they moved it to a bit of a silly place, because they could, and for no other practical reason.

Volkswagen offer a 8-year 100,000 mile battery warranty in the UK, but not sure what they offer here in Europe.

Driving the ID.4 is a real pleasure and so easy to drive, all the controls, switches and the on-board systems are very intuitive (except the gear shift) and with minutes you instinctively know where everything is, and what it does, although I have heard other reports that say exactly the opposite, I’m not technically minded at all, but I seemed to manage to work it out relatively quickly, I even surprised myself.

With the batteries it is a heavy car, and although you cannot detect it weighs nearly two-tonnes, but at lower speeds, and going over uneven road surfaces you do notice it’s a heavy thing.

The price in the UK for the ID.4 First Edition is £40,800, but prices range from £34,595 to £55,485.

Although the ID.4 is quick, it is not throw you back in your seat quick, which makes a refreshing change for an electric car, and the way I see it, what you loose in acceleration, you gain in range, which suits me.

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HOROSCOPES

YOUR FUTURE IN THE STARS

FEBRUARY WITH KATE MCHARDY

ARIES (Mar 21 - Apr 20)

LEO (Jul 23 - Aug 23)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23 - Dec 21)

Happiness and good fortune is coming your way this month, Aries! Prepare for this by giving thanks for everything you have already so that you allow all good things into your energy sphere. Also, take care to communicate graciously with everyone you meet.

There are always several different ways to solve a problem, Leo, and this month you are being called upon to be creative in your thinking processes. Be inquisitive and you’ll come up with all sorts of ideas. Persevere and you will inevitably receive a fine reward.

If you feel misunderstood this month, Sagittarius, don’t let it dim your light. At this time there is much disharmony on the planet and many people seek to put out the light in others. Remain true to your purpose and hold your vision like a bright flame.

TAURUS Apr 21 - May 21) Focus on the present moment. Taurus, as the past has gone and the future is yet to happen. No one is faultless but that is past. As a light bearer you are carrying the special energy that the planet is in dire need of right now. Value yourself and what you have to offer. .

GEMINI (May 22 - Jun 22) Patience is your key word this month, Gemini. You will be feeling rather ahead of others at this time and this will frustrate you as you can see a certain situation very clearly while others can’t! Steps at a time… they will get there

VIRGO (Aug 24 - Sep 23)

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 - Jan 20)

Trust can be difficult sometimes. Virgo, particularly if you have had a bad experience. Recently, you have had a tendency to have a protective wall around you most of the time but it is time to begin to come out from behind it as, while it can protect your sensitive side, it also keeps out the positive.

You must prepare for change this month, Capricorn. A sudden change may catch you unawares but will have an unexpectedly positive outcome if you examine your intentions and make clear ones for the highest good of all.

LIBRA (Sep 24 - Oct 23)

This month your stars are aligned in the way of the peaceful warrior, Aquarius.

That is the energy of a well balanced and compassionate leader. You will be called to support someone more vulnerable than yourself and you will be able to uphold justice and equality in their favour.

AQUARIUS (Jan 21 - Feb 19) Focus is important this month, Libra.

Get clear on your heart’s desire, set your vision and ask the Universe that it comes your way with the highest and best result for all concerned. Then be prepared by being calm and patient while focusing on it intently.

CANCER (Jun 23 - Jul 22)

SCORPIO (Oct 24 - Nov 22)

PISCES (Feb 20 - Mar 20)

ou are being guided to follow your instinct this month, Cancer. You may feel that you are striving to maintain a sense of balance and so get a sharper perspective on an issue. This will bring you peace and allow to be your best self.

You are advised to regain control of a situation or area of your life, Scorpio.

You can start to do this by paying attention to your breath. When you focus on breathing naturally you connect consciously to the energy of the planets which always move in perfect harmony.

Courageously seize an opportunity that presents to you, Pisces. You are a visionary and you have powerful clarity and awareness at this time. View a situation from an enlightened perspective and remain motivated so that you can take action immediately.

For Private Readings Tel: (0034) 666 966 502 Email: katemch@gmail.com Facebook Group: Horoscopes Gibraltar

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FEBRUARY 2022

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FEATURE

YEAR OF THE

TIGER According to Chinese Astrology, each year corresponds to one of twelve animals (Rat. Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig) and this cycle repeats every twelve years. The Chinese base their New Year celebration on the lunar calendar instead of the solar one that is used in the east. Therefore, people who follow the solar calendar always celebrate New Year on January 1st. But the Chinese New Year depends on the moon. Usually it is celebrated in February, but the exact date does vary from year to year depending on the phases of the moon’s cycle. This year it happens to be on February 1st.

The most recent Tiger Years are 1938 1950 1962 1974 1986 1998 2010 2022 and so this year, of 2022, is The Year of the Tiger.

Tigers are known to be brave, to value their independence and to have a strong sense of justice. Sometimes they can be silent but deadly.

Tiger has very powerful energy and so in a Tiger year we can expect volatility in our relationships. Of course, we can also expect to find our inner strength and, like Tiger, find ourselves standing our ground and even seeing off those who do not respect or play fair with us.

Tiger energy is also good for learning, for travel and for education. This could involve undertaking a new training which could link to travel with your job or even a change of job.

This is naturally a perfect year for Tiger people to engage on a deeper journey of personal and spiritual development. This is always the case for the animal celebrating its own Chinese Year According to the Chinese horoscope, 2022 is the year of water Tiger, which would suggest a year of all types of extremes. Chinese zodiac animal signs are grouped in six pairs according to the balance between yin and yang. Each of these groupings is associated with one of six destiny aspects known as

Houses. These Houses influence the overall characteristics of the time period in which the animal sign rules.

The second House is the House of expansion, which is associated with the Tiger and the Rabbit (sometimes known as Cat). In the year of the Tiger there is likely to be expansion through aggression and conflict in the world and in the year of the Rabbit there will be expansion through diplomacy and talks usually to repair the damage caused by the Tiger’s aggression.

In life and love, the Tiger is the epitome of grandness. Tiger is a loyal and fierce protector of those he loves or who may be entrusted into his care. Tiger is a leader, logical and determined and successful in helping others to become the best versions of themselves they can be.

The animal energy of the year affects everyone. In this Year of the Tiger, 2022, many people will develop strong self-confidence and overcome fear which may have been gripping them. They will find themselves easily overcoming even deeply ingrained fears and taking risks they never thought possible.

Because 2022 is the Year of the Water Tiger, there will be abundance available and coming to those who trust. Water amplifies the vital force, health and the very essence of the Tiger spirit. However, Water Tiger is discreet and does not like to stand out. Instead, it always trusts its instincts.

Under the influence of Tiger energy, we can all take risks with the confidence that we won’t fail and that, in fact, both romantically and financially, success is assured.

It is a known fact that first impressions count so grab the opportunity to engage with Tiger's enthusiasm or miss out, for the water Tiger has webbed feet that enable him to ride the rapids and negotiate the challenges with no time to spare for looking back or to pick up straddlers.

Tiger energy means that this is a year of opportunities coming your way and you really mustn’t miss them. Tigers do not procrastinate nor do they suffer fools gladly. Remember that opportunities rarely present themselves twice.

Tiger represents the direction of Northeast and the month of February and both of these aspects support new beginnings.

The northeast is where the sun begins its journey of the new day and although it is not yet showing above the horizon the adventure of the new day has begun.

The month of February marks the beginning of spring in the Chinese calendar and is also the month of the Tiger, bringing a double impact of the Tigers energy with which to launch our intentions for the coming Year.

The northeast is where the leader of the year sits thus highlighting the importance of respecting this area of your property. To block the northeast with heavy furniture or a cluttered garage, for example, will be to prevent your projects taking off. Construction and buildings extensions in the northeast also need careful consideration for to break the ground and disturb the leader is to curtail any progress the project may have made. The best policy is to keep the area light and bright, well maintained and fit for a king.

Tiger energy is awesome and I think all of us can recognise just how much the world needs it right now. So, go forth and enjoy the year and the new and exciting things it brings you, not least of all the more confident, capable and prosperous you!

Kate Mchardy MA(Hons) PGCE MSPH Spiritual coach, teacher and healer. katemch@ gmail.com / Tel: +44 7712889534. Facebook: The University of Light Group / Readings at The University of Light (@tarotangelspiritreadings).

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FEATURE

WORDSWORDS

BY STEVEN GONZALEZ GFA

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FEATURE

KARL ULLGER Jo Ward talks to local artist Karl Ullger about his work as a teacher and artist and where he gets his creative inspiration from.

There is no doubt that Karl Ullger was born with an innate talent but it wasn’t until his last year at Leeds University where he was studying Graphics, Art and Design, that he became serious about painting. “I got a commission from Leeds Opera House to produce a poster for Handel’s Radamisto,” Karl explains. “I enjoyed working on that commission, which I created in a fine art style, and it was then that I realised that I wanted to create paintings.”

Karl juggles his passion for art with teaching, something he does as an Art and Design secondary school teacher here in Gibraltar, teaching art at GCE and A levels. “I try to stay current and fresh and every three or four years I will do an exhibition of my work, interspersed with taking part in group exhibitions and events,” he says.

It is in the nature of most artists to investigate, explore and experiment, and there is no doubt that Karl likes to do just that. “My favourite artist of all time is Joaquín Sorolla (known as the painter of light), followed closely by Velázquez, but I also like the work of John Singer Sargent,” Karl states, going on to say that lately he has been doing a lot of limited four colour palette work in the style of the famous Swedish painter Anders Zorn.

“I always tell my students that like them I am learning all the time and there are periods when I concentrate on painting landscapes, but then I may jump to doing portraits or a little bit of still life – so it is what you have the most hunger or drive towards, perhaps focusing on that topic or genre and then combining the contemporary with the traditional.”

In 2015 Karl’s landscape entitled ‘Bayview Clock Tower’ was selected for the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition. “That piece was the first in my scrap metal series titled ‘Raw’,” Karl explains. “I found the piece of metal and was using it to clean my brushes, and because I loved the texture of it and the effects that it generated, I decided to paint something on it and look what happened to that painting!” The last time a Gibraltarian had a piece exhibited at the Royal Academy was in 1913 when Gustavo Bacarisas was invited to show his work there. “That is probably when Gibraltar started to recognise me as a household name as an artist,” he says proudly.

Other moments of note in Karl’s artistic career have been to have his paintings of four schools featured on a set of stamps issued by the Gibraltar Philatelic Bureau and the Government of Gibraltar, meaning that his art will have gone around the world! “I was also one of forty eight artists who took part in the Sky Arts Landscape Artist of the Year television programme in 2016,” he says. “Unfortunately, I got knocked out in the quarter final.”

Locally, Karl is better known for his landscapes than his portraits.

“I would say that I have more of an expressionistic approach as opposed to abstract, and I like the exploration of materials in my landscapes, whether that is metal or wood,” he comments. “Currently I am painting a patio with broken shutters where I have used actual plaster from the walls in some sections, added to which there are hyper realistic parts of the slate from the rooves.”

“My portraits are more influenced by the work of Sorolla or Sergeant, but of course both genres have one link and that is the exploration of light, so I try and emphasise light and dark tones quite a lot whether it be landscape or portrait.” At the moment his dominant medium is oils but if you had asked him six years ago Karl says that he would most probably have said plaster and resin.

Last year was a particularly successful period of time for Karl who not only won quite a few local prizes, but also published a book ‘Lockdown with Cane-Yo'. For many artists and creatives, technology provided a lifeline during the coronavirus pandemic. “Lockdown was very hard for so many people, with the limitations and restric-

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tions in place causing mental anxiety and depression, because they weren’t able to go out and meet up with family and friends, but I was fortunate that I had my art that I could fall back on.”

“Creating art definitely helped me to carry on through lockdown,” Karl says. “I would wake up in the morning and play with my daughter during the day, then when she went to bed I was able to go straight into the studio in my basement and start painting, and that was a way for me not only to interact with other people but also to keep my brain safe and active.”

Karl was churning out paintings every two or three days, mainly portraits or figure work, based on people that had connected with him via his Instagram or Facebook pages. “It just blew up” he says.

“People started to react with me and send me photographs, to the extent that they were even painting portraits of me!”

This online interaction between creatives, including dancers, actors and musicians, kept lockdown more interesting and Karl’s book is the result of his reaction to photos that they had taken of themselves in lockdown showing the frustration of their daily routines - maybe someone sitting outside their house, having a coffee, or someone cutting their hair or doing their makeup – displaying the emotional connections that he made with those individuals. “It was because I knew what a difficult year it had been that I donated £10 from every sale of the book to GibSams, an admirable charity who had received an unprecedented amount of calls from people during lockdown.” Alongside the publication of the book Karl held an exhibition of his work, including paintings from the book and a series of landscapes, at the Fine Arts Gallery.

Yet another accolade for Karl in 2021 was the news that he had made it through to the 1st Round of the Jackson Painting Prize Competition in the UK, with his painting ‘Los Glacis’ having been whittled down to the top 400 from 8674 entries. He was also one of the nominees for the 2021 Gibraltar Cultural Awards in the senior category. “That was a privilege in itself just being nominated amongst people like Richard Garcia who won it and who, to my mind, was a deserved winner,” Karl states. “I hope to be in his position in thirty years’ time, but I have still got a lot to do in my career - a lot in my future to still conquer - and I think it is exciting to go on to the next challenge.”

What about those unfulfilled ambitions and, having achieved so much already, is turning professional something that Karl would like to do? “Well, I didn’t think I was ever going to publish a book, but I have learnt to never say never!” Something that Karl would like to do in the future is to have a retrospective of his work. “Before that happens there are still a lot of things to do,” he laughs. “As for turning professional, although I have exhibited in London a couple of times it is very hard to sustain if you don't have the backing of a gallery or to have someone to represent you in the art world nowadays,” Karl explains. “There is an exciting project coming up in the UK in September and also something in Belgium - so there are little pockets of things happening that will get my name out there.”

Karl’s light is shining bright and his fame as an artist is spreading.

“I am very grateful because through lockdown I connected with a lot of famous artists because we were all going through the same thing at the same time, and they message me now to talk about casual stuff, not necessarily art, and through this connection I can safely say that I can call them friends.”

Karl Ullger’s art is available to purchase from his online shop: Website Facebook: Instagram /Twitter:

www.ullger.bigcartel.com KarlUllgerArtworks @ullger_art

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FEATURE

TAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF

and even depression is reduced. Being outdoors is especially safe if you’re worrying about Covid, as these areas are naturally well ventilated, open and less crowded that the indoors.

Another great thing about summer is that, in many cases, the world seems to slow down. Children are out of school, and families tend to take vacations during the summer because of the warmer weather.

With the ease of the summer months, take some time out for yourself. Take a calming walk by yourself, and use that time to meditate or reflect. (The exercise and vitamin D are an added bonus.) Go to the pool and enjoy the warmth of the sun and the cool, soothing water.

If you are not one for outdoor activities, find an indoor activity like doing a puzzle, playing music, or making art. Simply find an activity that makes you happy and relaxed. There are so many ways to take time for yourself, even if just for five minutes. Take advantage of the relaxed nature of summer, and find little ways that you can slow down and de-stress.

MAKE THE MOST OF FRESH PRODUCE Summertime brings sun and warmth (well, we can all hope!) and that of course stimulates growth. Because of this fruits and vegetables are in abundance at the moment. What a great opportunity to incorporate these into your regular diet and try to boost your vitamin levels.

Seek out farmers’ markets or greengrocers where you’ll be provided with the freshest produce. If there aren’t any locally, then you can still source fresh ingredients in your local supermarket. Try to buy produce that’s produced locally whilst it’s in season.

Fruit and vegetables are a great option for a summer diet. When the weather is warmer we tend to shy away from heavy meals so fresh produce is ideal.

From salads and smoothies to delicious soups there are a variety of options to make the most of everything that’s currently in season.

MAINTAIN A HEALTHY SLEEP SCHEDULE Just because school is out for summer and your kids can stay up late and sleep in does not mean they should. As parents, try to maintain a healthy and steady sleep schedule for ourselves and our

Once we have waved goodbye to our colder months, we have the longer, brighter and hopefully warmer days ahead of us.

How can we ensure the Summer can psychologically, physically and mentally make us feel freer, more balanced and motivated? kids, regardless of our work and school schedules, have become more lenient. It is recommended that we obtain 8-10 uninterrupted hours of sleep, as sleep hygiene is an essential component of our mental health.

Dr Tom MacLaren is a Consultant Psychiatrist states that ‘Waking up to bird song, sunshine and warmth of the summer months can be hugely uplifting, evoking the happiness, optimism and positivity which many of us struggle with in the depths of winter. Summer can bring lots of psychological, physical and mental benefits.

Nature connectedness can help improve our mental health with the fresh air, longer days and calmness of open spaces offering a retreat and distraction from our standard routines. Being closer to greenery, gardens and parks that will provide a boost to your energy and sense of wellness. The colourful, fragranced Summer blossoms can also be uplifting and make us appreciate the beauty of nature.

Finding the motivation to go out for a run in cold, dark and miserable conditions of winter can be very difficult, but the longer, brighter days of summer afford no excuses, meaning we are more likely to be physically active. Walking or cycling short distances, rather than driving, becomes a joy, not a chore and just by walking outdoors, the risk of heart disease, diabetes

Watching the sunrise and changing light during the day is a great way to re-set that body clock if you have missed sleep.

Watching the sunset is also a very beautiful and therapeutic experience, helping us unwind, relieving stress and providing us with inspiration – many authors, painters and poets have used sunset as their muse.

Those longer and sunnier days will be toping up your vitamin D, a great boost to your immune system which also helps keep your bones healthy. Vitamin D deficiency has also been linked to depression, so this sunshine vitamin is not only beneficial for our bones but also our mood and mental health.

The summer is a great time to get work done and be more productive. With the sun rising earlier, you will have more energy to meet friends, take time off, complete DIY projects and even travel. The longer day means you’ll have time to gradually wind down in the evening and even enjoy eating outdoors, socialising with friends and fitting more into the day.

All this activity provides a lot more cognitive stimulation than the winter months.

Your mind and brain will be busier processing your increased activity levels and this boosts your memory and helps protect against conditions like dementia.

We also tend to be much more social in the summer months, which is crucial to our mental health. Friendships help reduce stress and anxiety, improve self-confidence and can also help reduce the risk of many health conditions including obesity, blood pressure and even dementia.

The longer hours of sun have well known effects of improving chronic skin problems, like eczema and psoriasis, but make sure you take care in the sun. Wear sunscreen, sunglasses and enough clothes to protect your skin, so you don’t get too much sun.’

Dr Tom MacLaren, Consultant Psychiatrist at Re:Cognition Health www.recognitionhealth. com

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HEALTH & WELLBEING

We’re often told to trust our gut, and in fact the phrase ‘gut instinct’ springs to mind when associated with this. Do you suffer with constipation, bloating, straining and abdominal pain? Maybe you are feeling sluggish and uncomfortable, and your clothes feel tighter around the middle than usual. If these symptoms persist, it goes without saying that you should see a doctor, but it could just be something that you have eaten or perhaps your diet is lacking in fibre, making you constipated. Whatever the reason, it’s not an exaggeration to say that bloating can ruin your life.

The first thing to do is to understand what foods are making you feel bloated.

These can include:

Beans

- a great source of protein, fibre and carbohydrates, but they could cause bloating in some people.

Onions are another food that may cause bloating for some people. This is because onions contain fructans which are harder for the body to break down.

Broccoli - while broccoli is a great addi-

tion to your diet, unfortunately, it could cause bloating because of raffinose, a type of sugar that stays undigested in the stomach until the gut bacteria ferments it. However this doesn’t mean that it should be cut out completely, as consistently eating veg like this supports a healthier digestive system that is less prone to bloating. Cabbage, cauliflower, lentils and sprouts contain raffinose so eating them could also lead to bloating.

Apples – although one of our most popular fruits, apples can cause bloating due largely to sorbitol, a type of sugar alcohol that contributes to gastrointestinal activity that can lead to bloating.

Grains - some of the most popular cul-

prits for bloating are grains – especially wheat, rye and barley which contain gluten and can be difficult for people with coeliac disease or gluten sensitivity to digest.

There are a host of different drinks that may cause you to bloat, including fizzy drinks, carbonated beverages, coffee and apple juice. Heavy or occasional alcohol drinking can lead to irritation and inflammation in the abdominal area. Instead try drinking ginger tea. Ginger has been used for stomach problems throughout history and is said to speed up the emptying of the stomach, help digestive issues, and to reduce intestinal cramps and bloating. Take a cup of Pukka Ginger Joy Latte from Holland & Barrett with organic ginger, turmeric and spices to set you on your caffeine-free way. With nutmeg, clove and cinnamon it's the ultimate herbal latte boost to your day. Alternatively, have a cup of Holland & Barrett Organic Pure Green Tea. The polyphenolic compounds in green tea hold antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making green tea the ideal choice for beating the bloat.

There are some drinks and foods that can help you to reduce bloating quickly, and these include:

Cucumber - since cucumbers are 95% water this makes them a great food for reducing bloating. Likewise with celery, another vegetable containing lots of water.

Avocado - packed with vitamin C, vitamin K and folate. As well as this, avocados are a great source of potassium, which is a key mineral in balancing body fluids and sodium levels and this therefore reduces water retention.

Berries are one of the healthiest snacks

to add to your diet, but they can also help with your bloating!

Yoghurt

- whether for breakfast or a mid-afternoon snack, yoghurts have been a staple part of the western diet for many years now, but the probiotics in them can also have a positive impact on bloating and abdominal distension.

Another useful remedy is to start taking ‘gut friendly’ bacteria. Lactobacillus is one of those bacteria that is often used in fermented foods like yoghurts and can also be found as lactobacillus supplements such as Pro-Ven Womens Lactobacillus & Bifdus Wi capsules from Holland & Barrett.

Support your immune system and boost your digestive health with Holland & Barrett Forever Young Probio 7 capsules which give optimal levels of good bacteria and fibre. Each capsule of Probio 7 contains a simple and highly effective formula of over 4 billion active friendly bacteria from seven different strains, plus two types of fibre.

Collagen can improve gut health by healing the gut lining and Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation. Collagen is a protein that supports the key areas of your body, including skin, bones, teeth gums, blood vessels and joints. Holland & Barrett’s Marine Collagen with Vitamin C tablets will help to keep your skin healthy and to support your immune system. Bioglan Beauty Collagen powder available at Holland & Barrett, is a high strength Collagen supplement specially formulated with readily absorbed hydrolysed Marine Collagen and Hyaluronic Acid to help support the maintenance of healthy looking hair, skin & nails.

Advisory Information: Food supplements must not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking any medications or are under medical supervision, please consult a doctor or healthcare professional and always read the label before use.

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HEALTH & WELLBEING WORLD CANCER DAY, MARKED ON 4TH FEBRUARY EACH YEAR, AIMS TO RAISE AWARENESS OF CANCER. IT HIGHLIGHTS THE IMPORTANCE OF PREVENTION, DETECTION AND TREATMENT. Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally, and remains one of the consistent top three causes of death In Gibraltar. Although significant advancements have been made in the detection and treatment of cancer, the burden of this disease continues to be felt by individuals, families and healthcare systems.

Screening is a vital and often under-utilised service in the prevention and early detection of cancer. Screening can detect disease in people who show no signs or symptoms; and it is often in these cases that best health outcomes are achieved.

There are several Cancer Screening services offered by the Gibraltar Health Authority.

Breast Screening Breast screening invitations are given to women aged 40-70, at two yearly intervals. Attending your regular mammogram is important as changes can be detected, even if you have no visible lumps or symptoms. Whether you are in the regular screening programme or not, if you notice any changes to your breasts at any time, it is important to seek advice from your Consultant, GP or Specialist Nurse.

have any questions, speak to your healthcare provider who will be more than happy to discuss any concerns. For more information about cervical screening, visit: www.jostrust.org.uk.

The cervical screening programme in Gibraltar is open to all women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64 years of age.

All those eligible should receive a letter to attend once they turn 25 years old.

If you are aged 25-50 and have not had a smear test in the last three years, or if you aged 51-64 and have not had a smear in the last five years, please call +350 56004698 to make an appointment.

Bowel Screening A bowel screening test kit is sent to all individuals aged 60-74 with an invitation to take part in the programme.

Individuals aged over 75 years that wish to participate may contact the screening office on 20007025. Anyone below 60 years who feels they are at higher risk of developing bowel cancer may visit their GP and get referred to the program earlier.

Those who participate in the programme return their completed kits to the hospital laboratory for analysis.

Colon cancer is common in Gibraltar; and the third leading cause of cancer deaths. Yet, engagement with the Bowel Screening Programme remains low, at around 40%. Participating in Bowel Screening is important as this programme can: • Detect polyps in the large intestine. Over time, polyps can develop into cancer. Early removal of polyps prevents cancer from developing.

• Result in the early detection of Bowel Cancer. This results in a 90% chance of being cured after treatment.

If you have been affected by cancer and require support, you can reach out to the local charity Cancer Relief Gibraltar.

Cervical Screening Cervical screening (a smear test) checks the health of your cervix. This is not a test for cancer; it is a test to help prevent cancer. Many people put off attending their screening appointment because they are embarrassed or anxious. If you

Tel: 20042392 www.cancerrelief.gi

WORDS BY EMILY LOPEZ 50

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HEALTH & WELLBEING

Here are a few examples of what really gets us riled up:

household items in the street Who hasn’t walked past a discarded mattress or a wobbly coffee table left on a pavement? Unsightly? Yes. Unhygienic?

Definitely but also just plain inconsiderate.

self proclaimed experts You know that friend or family member who informs you of what is healthy to eat, what exercise to partake in or the best destinations to travel to. Well informed and knowledgeable?

Well, it transpires that this ‘expertise’ is simply them googling it for 10 minutes - calling it research. In that case, we must all be experts on everything.

virtue signalling So you want to upload a photo of you cleaning your local beach of plastic - a positive environmental task. However, shaming others who don’t - or perhaps cannot - join in, dilutes your good work.

excessive plastic packaging There seems to be a universal cry for goods not to use so much packaging but little changes. In the U.K. alone it is estimated that 5 million tonnes of plastic is used annually - half of which is on packaging.

password amnesia Back in days gone by, many of us would use the same, one password for everything. Technology is too sophisticated for us to do that now so on a daily basis, I, like many I know, need to hit the ‘forgotten password’ key. Writing passwords down is a possible answer, although not too helpful if you mislay the book you wrote them in.

low level sound low level annoyance is part of our everyday lives - or so it seems. have you noticed how everyone appears to be irate most of the time?

Gill Hasson is an author and delivers teaching and training across all sectors.

Gill suggests we simply ‘breathe. Yes, it’s advice you’ve heard so many times before. But it works. Here’s how and why: When you’re irritated, annoyed, frustrated etc the amygdala in your brain - the part of your brain responsible for your emotions - is triggered. This sets off a fight or flight reaction in your body; your heart starts thumping and your breathing increases. (You’ve probably noticed that your heart rate and the rate of your breathing automatically speeds up whenever you’re annoyed, frustrated or angry.)

The increase in heart rate and breathing provides your body with the energy it needs to fight or flee from whatever is annoying you.

Unfortunately, this reaction, triggered by the amygdala automatically shuts down the neo cortex - the thinking, rationalising reasoning part of your brain. So what ever has happened to annoy you - instead of allowing you to calmly think through

what rational, reasonable action to take, your body and mind work overtime getting more and more uptight, preparing you to fight or flee.

Fortunately, this phenomenon also works the other way round: when you slow down your breathing, you send a message to the body that things are in fact, ok. If you are able to slow your breathing down to six breaths a minute, this tells your body and your brain that there is no real threat.

The neo cortex in your brain then kicks in and you are able to think clearly and find a sensible solution to whatever it is that’s annoyed you. (In any one particular situation, what that solution might be, will be up to you and the particular circumstances at the time.)

Try it right now : breathe in for five seconds, and then let your breath out for five seconds. At the end of a minute you’ll have only taken five breaths, yet you won’t feel short of air; rather you’ll be aware that you CAN control your breathing, bring your heart rate down, feel calm and able to think clearly. Through this type of controlled and deliberate breathing, you’re sending your body the message that all is ok.

Take and Acceptance and Commitment approach This calming down in order to think of a reasonable way forward is related to what is known in mindfulness practice as an acceptance and commitment approach.

Whatever has happened to annoy you the excess plastic packaging, the rubbish in the streets or the sides of main road, other people hogging the middle lane, being cut off the phone call after you’ve been holding on for 10 minutes - you have to accept it. Whatever it is, it’s already happened. Nothing can change that.

Instead of railing against what’s happened, filling your mind with how unfair/ ridiculous/ stupid it is, once you can accept this fact - you tell yourself that it’s already happened and that can’t be changed - you then free your mind to find a helpful solution.

You accept what’s happened, then you commit to a sensible solution.’

Gill Hasson is author of more than 30 books on the subject of wellbeing for adults and for children including, most recently, Moments of Comfort: Embracing the Joy in Life’s Simple Pleasures, and also Positive Thinking Pocketbook (both published by Capstone)

WORDS BY KATHLEEN NORTH 52

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PACS

The Importance of Donations,

FLAG DAY, POSITIVE PARENTING AND A TV APPEARANCE! We at The Parent & Child Society love what we do. From watching your baby learn how to smile, roll over and eventually grab toys!

To seeing them come running in happily to playgroup where they learn vital social skills and then eventually Cooking & Craft Club where we get to watch them become independent and ready for school. It really is a joy to watch them grow. We never underestimate the importance of our groups. We are continually working on making the sessions better and developing new ideas. But PACS can’t run without the all-important donations. We are a registered charity run purely by volunteers. Any money received is always reinvested. With Covid restrictions still in force, the purchasing of cleaning products is currently our biggest outlay. New toys, insurance and of course ingredients and items for our craft club all need to be purchased.

There is of course no obligation to donate, and it is definitely something we would never police. Our groups are open to all members of the community. But please, when you see our tin at groups, if you have a spare £1.00 then we’d love you to put it in! As we are writing this, the final planning for our annual Flag Day on Friday 28th January.

Flag Day makes a huge difference to us as a charity. The more money we have, the better we can be

GBC “Join the Club” As always, we are constantly trying to find ways to promote what we do to ensure that we reach the whole community.

GBC are running a new season of the programme “Join the Club.” The programme takes a look at Gibraltar’s many clubs, societies and associations and lets you know how you can join in. Some lovely Mums who attend the groups, agreed to be interviewed along with two of our trustees. We’ll let you know when we will be on! Thanks, GBC, for taking the time to come and film one of our playgroups and our ever-popular Cooking Club!

Positive Parenting with ChildLine Last October we had the pleasure of working with Childline to offer a Positive Parenting Course to some of the Mum’s who attend our groups. The course was a great success! So much so, that in February we will be offering the course again to a new set of Parents. We are very proud that we are able to offer this to our parents. If you are interested in discussing it further. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch!

year!

We l!k forward to a big and be"er Love Team PACS x

Whats on @ PACS

TOTALLY TODDLERS - MONDAYS 10.00-12.00PM

Mid Harbours Family Centre. Come join us for Storytime, craft and play. Please note that due to COVID restrictions, this group is currently closed. Please check our Facebook Page for updates.

BUMPS & BABIES - WEDNESDAYS 9.30AM - 12PM The Living Room Café (Methodist Church). Our regular social catch up for parents to be and babies in a home from home atmosphere. This is a relaxed session where parents can meet up with their young babies to enjoy a cup of tea, make friends and talk about the highs and lows of parenting.

COOKING CLUB – WEDNESDAY & FRIDAY 12.30 – 2.15PM

at toddlers aged from 2.5 upwards giving children the chance to make and try different foods. Booking required.

SENSORY STORY TIME – THURSDAYS 1.00 – 2.00PM

Sensory Storytime from 1-2pm at The Methodist Church.

Come join us for some interactive Story Time Fun! Different themes every week!

DIDDY DISCOVERERS – FRIDAYS 9.45 -11.45AM Diddy Discoverers from 9.45 - 11.45am. Come join us for free play, story time and song time fun!

MONTHLY CRAFT CLUBS FROM AGES 2.5 UPWARDS. DETAILS WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE.

Cooking Club at The Methodist Church. A fun session aimed

PLEASE LIKE AND FOLLOW OUR FACEBOOK PAGE FOR REGULAR UPDATES ON ALL OF OUR GROUPS. PARENT AND CHILD SOCIETY – PACS GIBRALTAR

WORDS BY THE PARENT AND CHILD SOCIETY GIBRALTAR (PACS) GIBRALTARINSIGHT.COM

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MEDIA LIMITED

GRAPHIC DESIGN | PODCASTS | SOCIAL MEDIA AUDIO | VIDEO | MUSIC RECORDING & PUBLISHING GBZ Media is headquartered right here in the Rock, with global reach to a team of best-in-class experts in media and the creative arts. We can provide you with a one-stop media portfolio management solution for your business, whether it’s strategic & co-ordinated social media management, a rebrand, producing podcasts or a corporate video.

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MATTHEWS JEWELLERY & REPAIRS

Chocolate Lava Cake

Cash for gold, Jewellery repairs, Engraving, Watch straps and batteries 4/4 crutchett's Ramp - Gibraltar - Tel/Fax 20050478

This cake is something out of a chocoholic fantasy. Decadent and rich and intensely chocolatey the orange zest adds a refreshing zing to the dessert. Make sure you make this just before serving as it’s best enjoyed hot from the oven.

INGREDIENTS 175G Butter

125G Caster Sugar

180G Dark Chocolate

30G Plain Flour

3 Eggs

1 Orange

METHOD Using the baine-marie method, melt the butter in a large bowl. Remove the bowl from the heat and melt almost all the chocolate in the butter, saving 5 cubes or so to use later. When melted, place the bowl to one side to cool in the meantime.

In a second large bowl, cream together the sugar and the eggs. You want to whisk this together until you have a light and fluffy mixture, resembling a mousse.

Continue by adding the melted chocolate mixture in with

the eggs and the grated zest of one orange and folding evenly. We fold this to keep the air that we whisked inside.

Sift in the flour and fold until smooth. Grease an oven dish or alternatively several small ramekins with butter and pour in your mixture.

Heat up an oven to 180°C and pour the mixture into the dish, add the remaining cubes of chocolate you set aside earlier throughout the mixture and transfer the dish inside for 20 minutes.

For more delicious Mama Lotties recipes visit:

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CROSSWORD

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WIN!!! WIN!!!

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ACROSS

DOWN

1. Similar or alike in every way, (9)

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A FABULOUS HIMALAYAN SALT LAMP

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Fill in the details below and send it, with the completed crossword, to GBZ Media Ltd, WorkLab, Eurotowers Complex, WestOne, Europort Road, GX11 1AA (Tel: 22251308). Entries to be received before 24th of the month. A winner will be drawn from all correct entries and will receive a Himalayan Salt Lamp from The Light & Power Shop.

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Take the time to seek

serious advice BMI Group are an established and a leading real estate agency with a strong presence in Gibraltar. Over the past three decades we have successfully played a key role within the local property market and acted as consultants for major residential and commercial developments such as, Atlantic Suites, Kings Wharf, Buena Vista Park Villas, The Sanctuary and The Anchorage to name but a few.

BMI offers sales, lettings, commercial, management and consultancy services to a worth clients and private clients.

BMI GROUP ESTATE AGENTS info@bmigroup.gi

(+350) 200 51010

BMI Group Limited, Unit 7 Portland House, Glacis Road, P.O. Box 469, Gibraltar 60

www.bmigroup.gi

WORDS BY RICHARD CARTWRIGHT # B M I G ro u p FEBRUARY 2022

# Le a d i n g Ag e n t s

# G i b ra l t a r

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