Gibraltar Insight™ September 2023

SEPTEMBER 2023

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Admiralty Company Formation, Management & Structuring Financial Services Litigation Matrimonial Property & Conveyancing Ship & Yacht Registration Spanish Property & Law

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SEPTEMBER 2023

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S E P T E M BE R ISSUE 85

Contents

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32

34

Business Insight

Features

6

13

THE BILLABLE HOUR IS DEAD

30

RAFAEL CRUZ

32

KARINA AZZOPARDI

34

NATIONAL DAY 2023

42

COMMEMORATING NATIONAL DAY

68

RADICAL HONESTY

A ROYAL RETURN

Community Insight 20

GCS SUMMER PROGRAMME

Forces Insight 50

Regular Features

JACOB VS THE ROCK

Travel Insight

10

ACE ART

16

MOTORING INSIGHT: BYD ATTO 3

24

RELIGIOUS TRIPS

18

HISTORY: "SAIL, HO!" PIRATES IN GIBRALTAR

26

HARRY'S BAR IN VENICE

46

GFA: THE ART OF THE GAME

28

10 EXPERIENCES ON MY BUCKET LIST

48

WAVE FC

29

CHRISTMAS MARKETS IN EUROPE

63

PACS: DIDDY DISCOVERERS

Health Insight

64

ADOPT DON’T SHOP: DOGS

65

VET'S INSIGHT: CONFINEMENT

52

MEDICAL DIRECTORY

66

ADOPT DON’T SHOP: CATS

54

PHOBIAS

67

HOROSCOPES

56

DEMENTIA

69

MARRIED ON THE ROCK

57

BE AWARE OF SELF-CARE

70

LAS IGUANAS INSIGHT CROSSWORD

58

WHAT IS SOUND THERAPY?

60

SUMMER ESSENTIALS

62

VITHAS XANIT

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Gibraltar Insight Deputy Editor: Jean King

Gibraltar Insight - the Rock’s longest running magazine.

Accounts & Administration: Rosemary Salah-El-Din

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Creative Director: Ben Lewis Executive Editor: Ross Ford

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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.

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.

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BUSINESS INSIGHT

a royal return In a move that’s taken both aviation experts and members of the public by surprise, Monarch Airlines has announced that it is rebooting THE POPULAR CARRIER RAN INTO FINANCIAL DIFFICULTY IN 2017, LEAVING MANY PASSENGERS AND HOLIDAYMAKERS STRANDED ACROSS EUROPE.

A firm favourite in Gibraltar, the airline served the Rock for many years, even gracing the side of the Rotunda building facing runway with a large advertisement.

Monarch was established in Luton in 1968 and latterly became a mainstay for travellers going to and from the Rock.

A spokesperson for the company said, "On the 18th of August we completed the critical first step in our mission to relaunch a much-loved name in UK travel when Monarch Airlines and Monarch Holidays were passed into new ownership.

"We're now building a brand new Monarch and can't wait to share more with the travelling public in the very near future."

Keep an eye on letsmonarch.co.uk to find out more.

UK REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT Other things that were discussed included the recent disruption at Gibraltar Airport. Also, Treaty negotiations with the EU were raised and the Minister was briefed on the plans for a No Negotiated Outcome.

The Chief Minister Fabian Picardo and the Deputy Chief Minister Dr Joseph Garcia met with UK Minister for the Armed Forces James Heappey MP. The importance of Gibraltar to the UK military was reaffirmed during the meeting and the Chief Minister stressed the commitment of the Government and the people of Gibraltar to the armed forces. In total, the MOD is investing approximately £50m in capital expenditure on the Rock.

THE AIM HAS BEEN TO STREAMLINE THE PROCESS INTO CLEAR STAGES AND FRONT-LOAD AREAS OF IMPORTANCE. AS A RESULT OF THIS WORK, A NEW METHODOLOGY FOR THESE APPLICATIONS HAS BEEN DEVISED. A consultation has been launched to garner opinions on this sector-specific approach which consists of a three or four-staged process.

The Chief Minister, the Hon Fabian Picardo KC, said, “James Heappey is a good friend of Gibraltar who will always be welcome here. The visit reflects the positive state of relations between the Gibraltar and UK Governments, and with the Ministry of Defence in particular.”

GFSC APPLICATIONS BOTH HMGOG AND GFSC HAVE BEEN CONSIDERING A NEW APPROACH TO LICENCE APPLICATIONS BY FIRMS TO OPERATE IN GIBRALTAR.

Highlighting on the work of the authorisations review, GFSC CEO, Kerry Blight said, “Our obligation in providing speed to market alongside the highest international standards remains a priority and has been at the forefront of this work.”

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The Minister for Financial Services Albert Isola MP added, “I am absolutely delighted with this work and commend Kerry and his team for this excellent and detailed review which will mark a significant change in our approach to firms applying to the GFSC. Speed to market is critical to our Jurisdiction, especially so when we are working to maintain the highest international standards and committing to faster response times. This is exactly what the industry needs at this moment in time.”

The deadline for the consultation is the 30th September 2023. The GFSC has committed to consider all responses and publish its conclusions shortly after.

SEPTEMBER 2023

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FEATURE

We have a busy month of August ahead; I will be celebrating my 40th Birthday and getting our next exhibition ready!

THE ‘ROCK & PAPER’ EXHIBITION, CURATED BY ACE ART WILL OPEN ON TUESDAY 5TH SEPTEMBER 2023 AT THE FINE ARTS GALLERY, GIBRALTAR. IT WILL FEATURE THE WORKS OF THE CANE-YO GROUP, AN ART COMMUNITY THAT OUR VERY OWN LOCAL ARTIST KARL ULLGER FORMS PART OF. You might be wondering what Cane-Yo is, I asked Karl the same thing a few years ago! During a chat at his ‘Lockdown with Cane-Yo’ solo exhibition Karl answered most of my questions. For Karl, art and the Cane-Yo community was his escape from lockdown. During the pandemic like most of us, Karl felt restricted and couldn’t work on the genre he is mostly known for, landscapes. Therefore for this reason he turned to social media where he found and was welcomed into this creative community. Karl describes Cane-Yo as “a movement or a creative space composed of contemporary artists”. He connected with over 1800 artists from around the world who were in the same situation as he, stuck at home. They all became very close he said, “We all support each other, people put their photos and references forward and whoever wants to paint them can”.

So essentially hundreds of artists joined the community online and shared their lockdown moments via photos and chats and then used these images as references for paintings. Cane-Yo was now a community who had found an escape with their new adopted figurative genre with its artists producing exceptional pieces. Some of which have ended up in my ever growing personal collection. With the pandemic over the community was now free to exhibit their works at galleries. Fellow Cane-Yo artist Tsjebbe Van Damme who I had the pleasure of meeting last year in London has already set the bar very high by curating two Cane-Yo exhibitions in Antwerp, Belgium. Karl Ullger took part in both and now it’s our turn to curate an exhibition here in Gibraltar.

So you should now have an idea of what Cane-Yo is all about now, but if you’re still unsure I also caught up Milo one of the founding members of the community and asked him the same question what is Cane-Yo??

He explained it as “ A collective, an ever growing organism of international artists that communicate and develop together through digital means, utilising the power of the internet to collaborate on ideas within base framework of contemporary figurative paintings, but still open to the wide spectrum of producing art as a whole” The exhibition will form part of the Ministry of Culture National Week programme and has taken about a year to organise. We first met up with some members of the group in Bermondsey, London coinciding with an exhibition of Gibraltarian artists in which Karl took part. We spoke about the possibility of hosting it here in Gibraltar and for the past few months we have had loads of paintings submitted to us and have selected around 50 paintings from 21 different award winning artists many of whom will be attending the opening night here in Gibraltar.

I am personally looking forward to this one as we will be showcasing a very creative and different style of figurative paintings from a community who have helped each other out during hard times.

Join us for some art, music and wine on Tuesday 5th September 19:00 at The Fine Arts Gallery as we open the Rock & Paper exhibition which will run until the 29th September.

As mentioned at the start of the article it’s also my 40th birthday this month so feel free to buy me any of the paintings on show!!! Thanks in advance!!

WORDS BY JP BAUTISTA 10

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FEATURE

The Billable Hour Is Dead, Long Live Upfront Pricing!

For decades, the billable hour has been the standard method of pricing professional services in Gibraltar. However, many professional advisors and clients have grown disillusioned with this traditional approach. It’s time to shed the constraints of the billable hour and embrace a more transparent and client-friendly model: fixed, upfront pricing.

The billable hour is notorious for its lack of cost certainty. Clients often find themselves facing unexpected, inflated bills that leave them feeling frustrated. The uncertainty surrounding costs often stops clients from seeking professional assistance, causing them to delay or abandon important matters. And by billing clients for every 6 minutes spent on a matter, the billable hour discourages open and frequent communication between advisors and clients.

pricing structures and move towards pricing models that better reflect the value provided to clients, rather than simply the time spent.

Think of it this way: you go to a restaurant and order your meal. The waiter tells you the price will depend on how long it takes to cook the food and how busy they are, neither of which they can tell you with certainty right now because more customers could walk in at any time. Would you stick around?

Fixed, upfront pricing brings a breath of fresh air to professional services, with clients knowing the exact amount they will pay from the outset, getting rid of the anxiety associated with unexpected bills.

Beyond uncertainty, the billable hour incentivises inefficiency. Advisors are rewarded for their time, not their efficiency or effectiveness. This creates a perverse incentive structure where advisors may be inclined to prolong tasks or engage in unnecessary work in order to increase their billable hours.

The billable hour creates a misalignment of interests between advisors and clients. Advisors are driven by maximising their billable hours, while clients want a quick and value-driven resolution to their matters. This misalignment can lead to conflicts of interest, eroding the trust and collaboration necessary for a successful advisor-client relationship.

And then we come to AI… One of the most significant factors that will lead to the end of the billable hour is the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) across all professional services. And Gibraltar will not be immune to the growth of AI. This technology has the potential to revolutionise research, document drafting, accounts creation, auditing and other repetitive tasks that traditionally take up a significant amount of a professional advisor's time.

As AI increasingly takes on more responsibilities, it not only speeds up the completion of tasks, but also reduces costs for both advisors and clients. This can only be a good thing for clients, who want the best outcomes at prices that are fair and show value.

AI disrupts the traditional billable hour model by challenging the notion that the value of professional services is solely tied to the time spent on a task. The disruptive force of AI in professional services will provide opportunities to redefine their

The transition to upfront pricing, combined with the transformative power of AI, promises a future where professional services are not only more accessible, but also more effective, innovative, and client-centric.

Unlike the billable hour, upfront pricing incentivises advisors to focus on efficiency, effectiveness and value. Service providers are motivated to complete tasks quickly and effectively, as their compensation isn’t tied to the amount of time spent.

Upfront pricing puts the focus squarely on meeting client needs and expectations.

Clients can make informed decisions about working with their advisors without the fear of increasing costs, leading to a more positive overall experience.

Adopting upfront pricing can provide professional services firms with a competitive advantage in the market, where businesses can differentiate themselves as innovative, client-focused providers of services.

The billable hour has long been the standard in professional services, but its flaws are there for everyone to see. Fixed, upfront pricing offers an alternative that empowers advisors, firms, and clients alike.

Alongside this, the disruptive power of AI, which streamlines research and drafting, poses a significant challenge to the billable hour's dominance. As AI technology continues to advance, it will mobilise the transition towards upfront pricing models that focus on greater value, efficiency, and client satisfaction.

In the face of this paradigm shift, it’s crucial for advisors, firms, and clients to address the shortcomings of the billable hour system and recognise the benefits of upfront pricing.

It is time for professional services to say goodbye to the billable hour and embark on a new era where fixed, upfront pricing becomes the norm. Through this transformation, advisors and clients can forge partnerships based on transparency, collaboration, and mutual success, ultimately redefining the future of professional services for the better.

WORDS BY SCOTT SIMMONS GIBRALTARINSIGHT.COM

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HAPPY NATIONAL DAY

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MOTORING INSIGHT

WORDS BY MARTIN WARD 16

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MOTORING INSIGHT

BYD IS PROBABLY THE LARGEST VEHICLE MANUFACTURER THAT YOU HAVEN’T HEARD OF... I CERTAINLY HADN’T UNTIL VERY RECENTLY. I was invited to the UK press launch of the BYD ATTO 3, the new all-electric C-Segment SUV, although many will describe it as a five-door hatch.

The ATTO 3 benefits from the new, revolutionary Blade Battery for optimum safety, efficiency and reliability.

During the press conference on the event in sunny Bolton, the Blade System was explained to us, but most of it went completely over my head.

There are three models in the range: Active, Comfort and Design with UK prices ranging from £36,490 to £38,990, so not exactly cheap, but there is an awful lot of standard equipment in all models, and you cannot order any options, as none are available.

For those that have driven an electric car, the ATTO drives very similar to all the rest, some EVs are just a bit quicker than others, and some go a bit further than others on a full

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charge. But in my opinion they are all very good, efficient, quick, but drive very similar. The ATTO 3 has a range of around 418km, so not the best, but not the worst by a long way either.

The ATTO 3 has two unique features, and although unique, I’m not sure any other car manufacturers will follow this lead. The first is a huge screen in the centre of the dash, much larger than an iPad, and nearly as big as our telly at home. At the press of a button it revolves, so it can go very quickly from landscape to portrait and vice-versa. It tried it a few times and not too sure why you’d need it.

The second ‘feature’ and a first in a car are the ‘Banjo Strings’ on all four door interior panels are three strings, all tuned so you can play a tune on them, a limited tune, but nevertheless ... a tune of sorts. Can you imagine driving from Gibraltar to Madrid or Barcelona with kids in the back, happily strumming away, erm .... it’s a no from me.

The ATTO 3 is well put together, with a high level of quality, fit and finish throughout. It measures 4.45m in length, but has an amazing amount of interior space, big enough for five adults, with lots of legroom.

BYD was founded in 1995, and is one of China’s largest private enterprises.

It has over 28 years of battery expertise and manufacturing. It employs over 600,000 people with its HQ in Shenzhen, China and its European one in the Netherlands. They produce batteries for many other companies, and make cars, trucks, buses and trains. Virtually everything that goes into their products are made by BYD, with the exception of glass and tyres.

So it is indeed, the largest company you’ve never heard of... well... until now

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FEATURE

“SAIL, HO!” A STORY OF PIRATES IN GIBRALTAR - PT1

When anyone mentions “Pirates” one immediately thinks of the Caribbean, however, long before this, there were attacks on shipping in the Mediterranean.

The Beys on the coast of North Africa, especially in Tunis, Tripoli and Algiers were preying on merchant ships trading between Spain, Italy, Greece and Northern Europe. Most of the large trading vessels were square rigged and were unable to manoeuvre very well as they were limited by the strength and direction of the wind. The Moors, on the other hand, operating from ports along the coast, were able to use small, fast agile craft, employing lateen sails and oars, manned by slaves captured from foreign ships were able to sail much closer to the wind. These vessels could head in any direction, able to overtake the lumbering cargo ships with ease. Not all the pirates were North African, many were renegade captains, Europeans who for one reason or another had thrown in their lot with the Berbers.

One of the most famous of these was Bararossa or Red beard. In fact this was not just one man but two brothers, Oruc (Aruje) and Hazir. (Kheir) They were born in Greece on the Island of Lesbos around 1470 from a Greek mother and a retired Turkish soldier, now a potter. They began their career by attacking ships in the Aegean Sea operation from their home base on Lesbos. Oruc was captured by the Knights of Rhodes (Crusaders) and served as a slave until ransomed by an Egyptian Prince in 1505 and reunited with his brother Hazir. They set up a base in Alexandria under the protection of the local Pasha. They then moved to Djerba, a port in Tunisia, south west of Sicily which enabled them to pillage ships coming through the gap between the North Africa coast and Sicily. This port became very rich as the result of this trade. The two brothers developed a hatred of the Spaniards and targeted their ships and raided their coastal ports. Oruc was hit by a cannon ball and lost an arm in one of his attacks on a Spanish stronghold in 1512.

Note. The invaders were made up of men from many nations, under the protection of the Turkish Sultan, but for the purposes of this story I have referred to them collectively as Turks or Berbers.

WORDS BY PAUL BAKER 18

SEPTEMBER 2023

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Hayreddin as Admniral of the turkish fleet

The Sultan of Algiers was very unpopular among his people. In 1516 Aruj attacked the city and after killing the Sultan, took over the throne.

Spain controlled part of the territory and for the next two years took on his hated enemy. During the siege of Tiemcan in 1518, he tried to escape but was captured, killed and put on display. His brother Hazir took over the throne and continued the struggle, this time with the support of and accord of Suliman I, the Turkish Emperor. Hacen Aga was made his Viceroy by the Turkish Sultan. Hazir was the seaman of the two brothers and spoke a number of languages as well as being a most accomplished engineer. He always admired his brother and in order to perpetuate his memory, he died his beard red like his brother.

He continued to harass the Spanish coast. In 1538, there were some forty Barbary captives living as slaves, some working on the fortifications, others at the oars of Spanish craft.

These latter would often careen their master’s vessels at Los Dos Rios near Palmones where they would watch the coming and going of vessels into the port of Gibraltar and also get all the information they could about the fortifications and realised that the Spanish had let the walls and defences fall into disrepair also that the garrison was undermanned. Their hatred of the Spanish gave them the will to find a way to escape. One group of these oarsmen overcame their guards and made off in the ship that they had spent so much time rowing under the merciless whip of the slave master. Others pretended to convert to Catholicism in order to be liberated and eventually escape. A few climbed over the castle walls and descended by rope, eventually escaping to North Africa by boat.

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Bararosa made a visit to Constantinople. While he was discussing business with the Emperor, his viceroy was approached by Caramani, who was a renegade Italian that had been a galley slave of Don Alvaro Bazan*, with the information on the state of the defences of Gibraltar, suggesting that it would be a easy place to attack, even if it was only for the booty and captives.

The matter was passed to Barbarosa, now called Khier-ed-Din or Hayreddin, who was given the rank of Admiral of the Turkish Navy. In order to maintain the reputation of his dead brother he died his beard red. A number of his advisors were gathered in Algiers, among them was a Sicilian named Azenaga. It was concluded that Gibraltar was an easy target for their vengeance and probably booty was to be had.

Calamani had a number of sailors who, had been slaves in Gibraltar with him, and knew the place intimately..

A plan was swiftly drawn up. A fleet of three galleys. Five galliots, six fustas and two brigantines, 900 oarsmen, most of them Christian captives, under Ali Hamat, a renegade Sardinian, and two thousand troops under General Caramani, Among the Captains, selected for their bravery and knowledge of the coast were, Mohamad and Mami both renegade Greeks, converted to Islam, Alicaur and Martin Juan and Daide all escapees from Don Alvaro’s ships at Palmones. Alisoja was a captain of one of the brigantines, also an ex-slave, the remaining captains were Turks. At this time most of North Africa was under Turk domination but Morocco was the exception.

A typical galley used by the pirates

FEATURE

The fleet left Algiers on August 20th 1540. They stopped on route at Cape Entrefolcos where they sent a brigantine out to find the location of the Spanish fleet under Don Bernardo de Mendoza. The vessel soon returned to report that the Spanish fleet was still in Sicily.

The invasion fleet was sighted by the Spaniards from Melilla who sent word across to Malaga and from there by messenger to Gibraltar warning them of the approach of the enemy. The messenger was received by Gomez Balboa in the castle and immediately called Alonso Moreno, the mayor and the other councillors to a meeting in the Castle Tower.

The Magistrate, Juan de Lujan was at this time in Grenada. The Council ordered guards to be put on alert and that a message be sent to Tarifa and Cadiz to warn them of the fleet approaching from the East. The defenders were now very worried about the state of the city’s defences. The confidence that the council had in the city defences was misplaced but Pedro de Piña laughed at the warnings. Now they would suffer the consequences, the city was undefendable. Canons and powder that had been left by Bazan in 1538 were useless as they were dismounted. Utter confusion reigned. Nobody warned the surrounding countryside of the impending danger and the people in the town went about their business as if there was nothing to worry about.

Article supplied by History Society Gibraltar.

Email: historysocietygibraltar@hotmail.com Dedicated On the 100th anniversary in 2018, to RAF Gibraltar, by the History Society Gibraltar.

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COMMUNITY INSIGHT

GIBRALTAR CULTURAL SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE MINISTRY OF CULTURE HAS BEEN DELIGHTED WITH THE RESPONSE AND FEEDBACK TO ITS SUMMER PROGRAMME. It's featured a variety of workshops, street art tours and storytelling sessions. The programme aims to promote the arts and provide creative opportunities for young people, has offered activities to individuals and hosted groups from the GSLA’s Stay and Play programme, Mindspace and GBC’s Summer Camp mini media crew.

SEPTEMBER IS SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH WHEN COUNTRIES WORLDWIDE RAISE AWARENESS OF SUICIDE PREVENTION AND MENTAL HEALTH. Since 2018, Gibraltar’s community has rallied behind GibSams each September to support the charity’s outreach events throughout the month, spread awareness of GibSams listening services and get the community talking about their mental health.

GibSams’ theme for their awareness campaign this year is ‘Break the Silence’. They hope to highlight the importance of opening up and sharing thoughts, feelings and struggles with others.

Call GibSams for a free, confidential, non-judgemental chat on 116 123 or live chat online at www.gibsams.gi

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CHIEF MINISTER MEETS NAUTILUS PROJECT YOUTH LEADERS The Chief Minister Fabian Picardo met with the Nautilus Project’s Youth Leaders. The 12 Youth Leaders are working with the Nautilus Project throughout the summer. The Chief Minister reiterated his support for the programme and thanked the team for their work on environmental awareness and conservation.

The Ministry of Transport will join the Ayuntamiento de La Linea in celebration of European Mobility Week, from 16-22 September 2023.

For the first time, Gibraltarian cyclists will join the bicycle ‘march’ En bici por La Linea, which follows a 16 kilometre route across the city. The activity aims to promote good neighbourly relations, raise awareness of sustainable transport across both sides of the frontier, and promote healthy lifestyle changes for citizens of both cities.

Participation is free. For more information and to register head to: tinyurl.com/5acpz2z8 The Minister for Transport, the Hon Paul Balban, said, "I’m pleased that Gibraltarian cyclists will for the first time be participating in this important event, which promotes sustainable transport across both Gibraltar and La Linea."

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WORDS BY KATHLEEN NORTH 24

JULY 2023

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FEATURE Religious tourism, which is also known as faith tourism, is the type of tourism whereby people of faith travel in groups for reasons related to religion or spirituality in their quest for meaning. It could be under pilgrimage, missionary, or leisure purposes. For solo travellers, it is an opportunity to join a religious group and embrace the experience with others.

If joining an organised religious trip appeals to you, there are pilgrimages arranged by specialised companies or places of worship often organise their own travel groups. This enables the traveller to experience a profound journey with others you may already know and who you certainly share a regular religious experience with.

Practiced since the dawn of civilisation, religious tourism one of the oldest forms of tourism. For religious travellers, it is not a vacation exactly but, a transformational journey during which, new insights are given, a deeper understanding is attained, new and old places in the heart are visited, blessings are received, healing takes place, and after this journey, life is seen with different eyes.

ten traveling through foreign lands; an ordered march of a group of people, usually with a religious connotation.

• Monastery visits and guest stays • Retreats • Faith-based cruises and Faith-based camps • Religious conventions and rallies There are a number of world famous and religiously significant destinations that organised religious trips visit.

These include, for Muslims, Mecca is hugely popular and is Islam's holiest city and the birthplace of the prophet Muhammad.

Pilgrims gather here once a year to recreate Muhammad's path as the native son returned to his tribal home the leader Sikhs visit at the Golden Temple. It is a gurdwara located in the city of Amritsar, Punjab, India. It is the preeminent spiritu-

Pilgrimage is not only a widespread and important practice in Christianity but also in other major religious traditions, such as Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism and Sikhism.

Pilgrims pay homage to the sacred places and their Gods by traveling around the world (or even if just in the country). These sacred or holy sites may include the place of birth or death of founders (or saints), or the place of their calling or spiritual awakening, or of their connection (visual or verbal) with the divine, to locations where miracles were performed or witnessed, or locations where a deity is said to have lived, or any site that is seen to have special spiritual powers. The religious tourists attach spiritual importance to these sites, which are commemorated with shrines or temples that devotees are encouraged to visit for their own spiritual benefit.

These benefits would be to confirm, deepen or reflect upon their faith. Some visit with the desire to be healed from an ailment or illness. Others are asking spiritual questions and hoping for some answers.

Religious tourism includes many facets of the travel industry. These include: • Visit religious tourist attractions • Go for pilgrimages: Pilgrimage, as a part of religious tourism, is the act of moving from one place to another, of-

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friendship circle to explore with. This is particularly valuable if you joined the organised trip as a solo traveller.

When visiting as part of an organised group, a positive aspect is that the planning details will not be so overwhelming.

Booking accommodation, transportation, excursions and flights can take a lot of planning, especially abroad.

Having to use an unknown language and unfamiliar currency - even catching a taxi can all be issues. When you go in a tour group, those challenges are off your shoulders. All you have to do is pack and show up for your flight while someone else does the work for you.

A reoccurring theme from travellers is about the relationships they built with the people they meet on their religious tours.

A religious trip, much like any other, brings individuals with a shared interest, indeed passion, to a religious shrine or place of religious or spiritual significance. Those visiting will share a unique experience that enriches the whole experience.

Religious Trips al site of Sikhism and is one of the holiest sites in Sikhism, alongside the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur in Kartarpur, and Gurdwara Janam Asthan in Nankana Sahib. Christians flock to not only Jerusalem and Bethlehem but European shrines such as Lourdes in France.Every year, Lourdes welcomes millions of pilgrims and visitors from all over the world, following in Bernadette Soubirous' footsteps on their pilgrimage.

Naturally, the shrine or location of a pilgrimage is a wondrous place in itself but there is also the surrounding village, city or area to explore and enjoy. Visiting a religious site can be emotionally and psychologically energising but also quite tiring in its own way. That is why venturing away for a few hours is a healthy idea. Travelling with a group gives you an immediate

Friendships and connections created by religious travel are priceless and often last a lifetime. Individuals often become longterm friends with their tour roommates.

When you travel with like-minded people, you connect in ways you might not have expected.

Although a religious or spiritual experience is very personal for everyone, the shared experience is powerful in a different way. Similar to any experience that is viewed by many people, we look at physical shrines and objects through our own gaze but we are sharing the feeling with those who are with us.

Travelling as part of an organised religious group offers logistical and practical support, regarding all manner of arrangements.

It also gives us a sense of community and camaraderie. We all take various elements from a travel experience. A spiritual trip adds another layer to the overall joy and fulfilment we are seeking.

The choice of religious pilgrimages is deeply personal and travelling as part of a religious group can offer up not only spiritually enriching rewards but a particular kind of companionship that is quite unique to the human experience.

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FEATURE

Exploring the Timeless Charm of Harry's Bar in Venice There are bars that have invented famous cocktails. There are restaurants that have invented famous dishes. There are very few places that have done both.

Venice, a city renowned for its romantic canals, stunning architecture, and rich history, has long captivated the hearts of travelers from around the world. Nestled in this labyrinth of waterways and alleyways is a hidden gem that has stood the test of time and continues to enchant visitors with its classic elegance and historical significance – Harry's Bar.

A Historical Haven

Giuseppe Cipriani, bartender at the Europa & Britannia hotel where Harry was staying, gave 10.000 lire to this young man to help him to get back to the USA. After two years, Harry came back to Venice, cured of his drink problems and gave Cipriani the money he borrowed from him, plus an extra 30.000 lire to help open his own bar. Cipriani decided to name his place “Harry’s Bar”, as a gesture of gratitude to Harry Pickering and was opened on May 13th 1931.

Established in 1931 by Giuseppe Cipriani, Harry's Bar holds a special place in Venetian history. Named after an American expatriate named Harry Pickering, the bar quickly became a haven for artists, writers, celebrities, and discerning locals. Its unassuming exterior conceals a world of tradition, culinary excellence, and intimate charm.

Cipriani’s venture had an immediate success, building up a clientele drawn from the intellectual, the wealthy and the aristocratic. The first and last “Guest Book” contains amongst others, the signatures of Rino Amato, Arturo Toscanini, Georges Braque,Truman Capote, Charlie Chaplin, Peggy Guggenheim, Barbara Hutton, Somerset Maugham, Gregoire Hetzel, Barbara Carlotti, Mauro Gioia and Orson Wells.

How the opening and naming of “Harry’s Bar” came about is almsot perfectly crafted to add to the legend.

It is reported that the bar had some issues with the fascist authorities of the time; due to certain clients who attended the place. The bar was seen as a meeting point of rich Jews and homosexuals. With the racial laws of 1938, Cipriani was obliged to display in his bar the sign to ban Jews. He was able to bypass that order by displaying the sign on the kitchen door and not on the bar door.

A young American student Harry Pickering, came to Venice with his aunt in the 1920’s, to treat his alcohol addiction. Apparently, Harry was left alone by his aunt in Venice without money; after a fight.

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During WW2, the bar became the canteen for sailors; only restarting “business as usual”, at the end of the war.

During the winter between 1949 and 1950, the American writer Ernest Hemingway, became a permanent client. He had his personal table and befriended Cipriani. Over that period, he was putting the finishing touches to his book “Across the river and into the trees”; in which Harry’s Bar is often mentioned.

The establishment was also briefly mentioned in the second and subsequent editions of Evelyn Waugh’s novel Brideshead Revisited (in the first edition Waugh simply called the bar “the English bar”). It was a frequent haunt of principal characters Charles Ryder and Sebastian Flyte, during their time in Venice.

Location and Ambiance Harry's Bar is discreetly located near St. Mark's Square, adding an air of exclusivity to its allure. Its unassuming façade gives way to an interior that exudes Old-World charm with dark wood accents and classic decor. The warm, inviting ambiance pays homage to its storied past, inviting you to step back in time and savor this legendary establishment

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FEATURE The Culinary Icons Harry's reputation was built on the premise that,“There are bars that have invented famous cocktails. There are restaurants that have invented famous dishes. There are very few places that have done both”.

The Bellini cocktail a mixture of white peach juice and sparkling prosecco, was named after the 15th century Venetian painter, Giovanni Bellini. The dish of Carpaccio of Beef, a plate of trimmed sirloin sliced wafer thin and dressed with a touch of mayonnaise mixed with lemon juice. It was said to have been invented for an Italian Contessa, who was on a diet free of cooked meat. It was also was named after the Italian painter Vittore Carpaccio; who was famous for his love of deep reds.

Apart from the Bellini, Harry’s Bar is also famous for its dry Martini, which is served in a small glass without a stem. Their dry martinis are very dry, apparently with the ratio of 10 parts gin to 1 part vermouth. This is an adaptation of the Montgomery Martini, which is 15 parts gin to 1 part of dry vermouth.

The legacy Harry's Bar in Venice stands as a testament to the intersection of culinary artistry, creative inspiration, and timeless elegance. As you step through its doors, you're not just entering a bar; you're stepping into a chapter of history that continues to captivate and inspire. Raise a Bellini, savor a Carpaccio, and let the spirit of Harry's Bar envelop you in an experience that's as authentic as it is unforgettable.

Classic Peach Bellini Ingredients: • Ripe peaches (or use frozen peach slices) • Prosecco (or any other sparkling wine) • Lemon juice (optional) • Fresh raspberries or peach slices for garnish (optional) • Ice (optional) Instructions: If using fresh peaches, peel and pit them, then chop them into small pieces. If using frozen peach slices, allow them to thaw slightly.

Blend the peach pieces in a blender to get a smooth purée. If the purée is too thick, a splash of lemon juice to achieve consistency and taste.

Chill your glasses in the refrigerator for a little while before serving. This helps keep the Bellini cold.

Pour about 2-3 tablespoons of peach purée into each chilled glass.

Slowly pour chilled Prosecco into each glass, filling it up. You can adjust the amount of Prosecco to your taste, but a traditional Bellini is usually around 2 parts Prosecco to 1 part peach purée.

Gently stir the mixture in each glass to combine the peach purée and Prosecco.

If desired, you can add a couple of ice cubes to each glass to keep the Bellini cold.

Garnish with a fresh raspberry or a slice of peach, if you like.

Serve the Bellinis immediately and enjoy!

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See the Pyramids of Giza

See Angkor Wat in Cambodia

The Pyramids of Giza have been around for approximately 4,500 years and were built as tombs for the pharaohs, along with smaller pyramids surrounding them for their family members. I’ve heard mixed reviews about Egypt and a lot of people found the pyramids to be underwhelming, but it’s still a wonder of the world I’d like to experience for myself.

This is another experience I missed out on because of covid as I had to cut my trip short, but I am determined to make it happen in the next 5 years! Angkor Wat is a temple complex in Siem Reap, Cambodia and is considered the largest religious monument in the world. It is a UNESCO world heritage site and apparently the best way to see the temple is with a sunrise tour in the morning.

Walk along the Great Wall of China This is something that I could have ticked off my bucket list in 2020, but alas after covid broke out we had to change our travel plans and come home after Vietnam instead of travelling to Beijing. Of course walking the whole wall is quite an impossible task as it spans over 21km, but there are tours available where you get the chance to walk through parts of the wall.

Explore Petra Petra is an ancient city located in present-day Jordan. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. What makes Petra unique and awe-inspiring is its architecture and the way it was carved into the rose-coloured sandstone cliffs.

The city is accessed through a narrow gorge called the Siq, which opens up to reveal iconic structures such as the Treasury (Al-Khazneh), the Monastery (Ad-Deir), and numerous tombs, temples, and dwellings. I remember seeing Petra in the movie ‘Death on the Nile’ and was immediately fascinated by it.

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balloon in Cappadocia This is definitely something that I only discovered through social media a few years ago and I had to add to my bucket list. The views look breathtaking and for this unique experience it will only set you back £120. I haven’t given much thought to whether I’d find flying in a hot air balloon scary, so if you’ve done this before I’d love to know your thoughts!

Experience Mardi Gras in New Orleans Visiting New Orleans has been at the top of my ‘countries to visit’ list for a long time, and what better time to visit than the Mardi Gras festival? The festival takes place every spring and involves parades, parties, music, dancing and the wearing of colourful costumes and lots of beads!

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experiences on my travel bucket list

There are a few things I’ve ticked off my travel bucket list in life - seeing the northern lights in Sweden, surfing in Australia, sailing across Ha Long Bay in Vietnam and scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef. There are still plenty of travel experiences I want to have and these are just some of the ones up there.

Eat beignets and gumbo in New Orleans To follow up on my previous point, I’m also obsessed with NOLA food.

Gumbo is a hearty stew made from combinations of seafood, meat or vegetables that's served hot over cooked rice (and can be quite spicy).

I’ve tried gumbo before but would love to have the authentic experience.

Beignets are not as sweet as a traditional doughnut and are slightly puffier and square in shape. If you’re a fan of the Vampire Diaries and spin-off shows then I bet this place is also on your bucket list!

Iceland The Blue Lagoon in Iceland is a popular geothermal spa known for its milky blue waters and natural beauty. The lagoon can be visited year-round, but the weather and crowd levels vary throughout the seasons.

The summer months of June, July, and August offer longer daylight hours and milder temperatures, making it a popular time to visit. However, this is also the peak tourist season, so the Blue Lagoon can be quite crowded.

If you prefer fewer crowds and don't mind colder temperatures, visiting during the shoulder seasons of spring (April and May) or autumn (September and October) can be a good option. The weather is still relatively mild, and you may have a more peaceful and relaxed experience.

I don’t do very well in the cold so even though going at Christmas would probably be beautiful, I don’t think I’d find it a particularly fun experience!

Have a true American road trip The first stage to ticking this off my bucket list, is getting my drivers licence! If not, I can always rely on my boyfriend whilst I’ll be in charge of snacks and the aux cable. When I was a teenager I was always fascinated with America (probably because of the movies I grew up watching) and wanted to experience places like Las Vegas, Nashville, Chicago and of course California. I was lucky enough to spend 5 months living in Orlando when I was a student and managed to visit Miami and New York in my time there.

Hopefully I can explore more states in the near future.

Trek to Machu Picchu There are a few ways to experience Machu Picchu. You can choose to trek to the top on a 4 day excursion known as the ‘inca trail’ or you can take the easier option which involves a train journey and then a less intensive walk to Machu Picchu. Either way you still get to experience the beautiful landscapes.

WORDS BY GIANA SPITERI 28

Relax in the Blue Lagoon in

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Giana Spiteri is a local writer, specialising in lifestyle, beauty & travel. instagram.com/ teawithgi

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CHRISTMAS MARKETS BOOK NOW & SAVE Enjoy the Christmas markets delights. Get in the Christmas spirit and do your Christmas shopping.

We have a wide range of destinations Tallinn, Bruges, Riga, Vilnius, Budapest… for November & December Call in and get a quote adapted to your requirements.

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Some of the best Christmas markets in the world are in Europe. Where better to go for a relaxing break and to take advantage of the opportunity to buy gifts, presents and decorations that are a bit different from those that you can find in your home town.

Look out for local and home-made products that will bring a smile from your loved ones when they open them on Christmas Day. Something that can’t necessarily be picked up online that will evoke the sense of the holiday season.

It’s a good idea to book early to get the best deals available and there are plenty of Christmas market breaks that include a hotel stay with breakfast, transport to and from each Christmas market plus an all-inclusive itinerary for your enjoyment. Choose from destinations that include Tallinn, Bruges and Budapest. Here are a couple of our best recommendations:

Vilnius

Lithuania may not immediately spring to mind as a destination for a Christmas market but Vilnius has become renowned for holding one of the best Christmas markets in Europe. The capital of Lithuania, Vilnius boasts some of the most exquisite examples of Baroque period architecture. Discover the historic landmarks and countless churches of the medieval Old Town which looks especially festive in the months leading up to and beyond Christmas. Cathedral Square features the largest Christmas market in the city and a beautiful giant Christmas tree. Stroll around the square with a glass of

Christmas Markets

. in Europe

mulled wine or a cup of hot chocolate and admire the decorated wooden chalets. Stop at one and buy some of the delicious homemade local foodstuffs, such as cheeses, preserves and sweet pastries.

There is another Christmas market located near Vilnius Town Hall which is smaller and more modern with stunning glass igloos. A good way to see everything that Vilnius has to offer is to hop on the Christmas train, which leaves every half hour, stopping at the best-decorated locations throughout the city centre.

Riga

Situated on river Daugava near the Baltic Sea, Riga is the capital city of country of Latvia. The most popular Christmas market is at

Dome Square (Doma laukums) in the middle of Riga Old Town. According to Latvians, Riga was the site of the world's first decorated Christmas tree. Men of the local merchants' guild decorated a tree with artificial roses, danced around it in the marketplace and then set fire to it. The legend is kept alive each year in the town square, where an illuminated tree stands at the heart of Riga's Old Town Christmas Market. Today a commemorative monument marks the approximate spot in Town Hall Square, just outside the House of the Brotherhood of the Blackheads where the first Yuletide tree originated.

Wander through the streets of Riga taking in the sights and smells, including the sweet odour of mulled wine, roasted nuts, glazed gingerbread and local handcrafts. There are various concerts and workshops taking place each day, not forgetting Santa Claus, of course, who will be there to welcome the children.

The magic of taking a short break and visiting a European Christmas Market cannot be underestimated and is something that definitely arouses the Christmas spirit. It is the quickest way to get into the festive mood, especially if it snows.

Many of the Christmas markets include concerts, ballets and live festive performances that display the local way of celebrating, and if you’re lucky you might find an ice rink!

Don’t forget to pick up a bauble, ornament or topper to hang on your own Christmas tree that will remind you of your special trip.

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FEATURE

RAFAEL CRUZ NOTHING LOST IN POETRY TRANSLATION

RAFAEL CRUZ CAME TO GIBRALTAR FOR THE FIRST TIME IN EARLY JULY ON THE OCCASION OF THE BOOK LAUNCH

BY LOCAL POET GABRIEL MORENO, WHO HAS JUST COMPLETED HIS NEW COLLECTION OF POEMS CALLED ‘HEART MORTALLY WOUNDED BY SIX STRINGS.’ I met him at the launch and was able to see and enjoy his poetic translations. Rafael has also launched his new book ‘Keats Now’ which has already been launched in England and Spain. He did his thesis on TS Elliot and has translated his poems. On the day following Gabriel’s event at the new bookshop by Inces Hall, Rafael launched the Keats translations book called ‘Keats Now ‘at the concert which Gabriel was hosting in the ‘Kas Bar’, where texts in English followed by his new translations were given a premiere and one was able to appreciate various Keats poems in our two familiar languages and also witness the charismatic translator reading them.

Side by side and in the moment it was a first here, the poems were very well re-

ceived, leading to a conclusion on my part that this was a good thing that we need more of and so I sat down with Rafael Cruz to learn more about him and his highly skilled work which he seems to enjoy greatly, sharing and comparing ‘live’ in front of an audience. He has his own publishing house in UK called Goat Star Books and our ensuing chat was the backbone of this text which will fall short in depicting this effervescent and larger than life culture vulture who has fallen in love with our city and its convivial inhabitants. I asked him how and when he first came to translate poetry from English to Spanish and to Catalan also, as Rafael is a proud Catalan who has lived in UK for thirty one years.

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FEATURE “It started during the pandemic when so many people changed. I used to teach Spanish literature and poetry at the London School of Economics among other places and how poetry relates to political and socio-economic issues and I had to teach Spanish because it was Hispanic studies. I thought it was impossible at first but then during the Pandemic people were doing odd things and I started translating TS Eliot’s Four Quartets. It is the poet that I love most in all literature and it was magic and it was flowing, so I shared it with a poet friend of mine in Mallorca and also on Facebook platforms where I am very active. I did rate my translations but being validated by such a good poet whom I admired, I thought I was on to something and then I started translating his own poems from Mallorcan Catalan into English.

He was delighted. He speaks fluent English because as a scientist he studied at the Imperial College in London. He said to me that it seemed as if he had written his poems in English and I took that as a great compliment because it validated my work.

That is how it all began and if you had asked me before the Pandemic, I thought that it was impossible for me to translate poetry.”

How does he deal with rhyme and meter, how does he capture the soul of a poem elicited a surprisingly simple answer. “I deal with it very easily - I do away with it because Spanish and English are very different languages. One is syllable based and the other is stress pattern based. I take the original and think how would I say this in Spanish and this is where the chemistry and the magic happens. I see myself as a medium contacting the spirit of the poem.

The rhyme is beautiful in English but I am free to describe how I am touched by it. All I have to do is say in Spanish in a beautiful way what the poem says. That is how I can best explain what I do. I have read a lot of poetry and I’ve developed a kind of instinct to know when it flows naturally.

If you were to give me a Shakespear sonnet I would be able to translate it in a way that you would think it had been written in Spanish. It is not disrespecting the poet or rhyme or the words or the pattern. What Shakespeare says in the sonnet will mean the same in Spanish. I am a TS Eliot fan and one of the good things that he did was to do away with rhyme. He created modern poetry and used modern speech. That’s what I do and that’s what most poets do nowadays. We try to bring poetry in tune with the way we speak.”

So what is your best hope when translating classic poetry into Spanish and potentially introducing a new market for it? “I’m very daring and never feel intimidated, I just go for it and try to capture the emotion in the original. That’s my best hope - that you the reader feel the emotion. I wouldn’t have carried on with my project if I had not succeeded in that. My reception here yesterday was such that many came up and said ‘Wow Rafael that was so refreshing to hear in Spanish’. I feel validated by that and if it were not so I would stop.“ Goat Star Books is the publishing house behind Rafael Cruz and it’s his company that he works for, deep in the heart of Cambridgeshire. His house is called Capella and it’s a star constellation depicted by a Goat and its kid which is called Capella. “I first translated the poems of Angel

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Terron from Mallorca into English and he suggested to me that I should try to present an anthology to one of the major publishers in UK, but during the pandemic everything was held back till this year, so imbued by the spirit of my generation (70s) rebellious and determined, I had to do it myself. You cannot wait for somebody for three years. You have to displace the old order and move on. I understood where they were at the time so I have since then already published three books. In Angel Terron, the Mallorcan poet, I published an excellent Spanish poet in English and I had very good reception and sold out the first edition. We have been growing ever since and we have to grow more. I need more infrastructure and that takes time. So far it has been a labour of love.”

Rafael only takes on two translation projects a year and he has a new project that could involve a very famous poet in England. He doesn’t have the rights yet but if it materialises it’s the huge responsibility that excites him, but that is in the back burner at present as there are lawyers involved because he is a famous poet and still alive!

He mostly deals with dead poets so there are no lawyers involved with John Keats’ work. His next book is projected for release in November and it will be a translation of a young Pakistani poet called Danial Danish who comes from Faisalabad, a post-colonial city in Punjab where English is a major language, the lingua Franca there, so his poetry is in English and it’s very strong. He talks about inequalities, poverty and his country mainly.

He is 27 and still very young for a poet, but he has something special. Rafael is going to publish him in English and in Spanish as there is a huge Pakistani community in Barcelona. In the centre of the region, the schools are seventy per cent Pakistani children. That is where Rafael Cruz comes from so he has researched the potential market there. The children are born Catalans and there is the potential also for Catalan translations. He feels that he is ‘going into the eye of the storm’ as Catalans still refer to the Pakistani communities as ‘newly arrived’ although there is a whole generation already born there who are native to

Catalonia. With Gabriel having studied in Barcelona I wondered at this point how he got together with Gabriel for this Gibraltar project.

“I hooked up with Gabriel Moreno through a common friend from Barcelona, as Gabriel had lived and studied there, and this poet friend said that I should meet him.

I had never thought of Gibraltar at all so I met Gabriel in London and he had the book that we presented yesterday (‘Heart mortally wounded by six stings’) and was at the time looking for a publisher. I told him that my remit was only translations and that I only publish my translated works. His project was too far advanced to go back and wait for a translation so we decided to work together and explore a future collaboration. I asked him to a write book about a ‘Gibraltarian in the world’ which could then be translated into Spanish and launched here and in Barcelona, in London and in Madrid. Spain doesn’t take into account that in over 300 years, Gibraltar has evolved into a community that is not Spanish. How could they be the same when they haven’t had a civil war, and a fascist dictatorship? They have an English culture which has evolved into a multi-cultural community where religions are represented and respected. The Church still has a strong grip in Spain and we are so different. The language unites us but we have grown apart with over 300 years of history dividing us. That fascinates me and now I’m hooked with Gibraltar and its people.”

As I ponder on how to wrap up this enthralling chat with Rafael Cruz which I have just transcribed, I am dipping into a book he gifted me of Surrealist poems that he has just translated from Spanish into English. Its catchy title is ‘Popping Corn’ and the poet Mendigo Diego (alias Manolo Marcos born in Rotterdam 1968) now residing in Cordoba, where he paints, writes poetry and is also an active musician, a sax player who can be seen playing around the Roman Bridge. In this anthology of some eighty short (three stanza) poems, Rafael puts on the poet’s hat and has given the poems a new life in the faithful translations that almost jump out of the pages because you are quickly drawn to the English texts to see whether they work well and they do, so you get hooked and tend to discard the Spanish language text adjoining, without disrespecting it, almost forcing yourself to look at it only after you’ve read the English. It says something about ‘duende’ a certain ‘grace’ which describes flair and as the readings repay your curiosity you‘re thinking ‘Why didn’t I think of that?’ Too late – you don’t have to. It’s already done and Rafael Cruz has got the t-shirt and the hat which he wears well. This man will be back to visit us and a future project with Gabriel Moreno will twin them up again for our enlightenment and entertainment.

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FEATURE

KEEPING BILINGUALISM ALIVE VIA MUSIC

JUST LAST MONTH LOCAL SINGER / SONGWRITER KARINA AZZOPARDI AKA RIMA RELEASED HER DEBUT EP MADRE MÍA ON ALL DIGITAL MUSIC PLATFORMS. THE ALBUM IN ITSELF IS A FUSION OF GENRES AND ALLOWS THE FIRST TIME LISTENER AS WELL AS THOSE FAMILIAR WITH HER MUSIC TO EMBRACE HOW FORTUNATE WE MUST BE TO BE RAISED AROUND SO MANY DIFFERENT CULTURES AND EVEN LANGUAGES. Just last month local singer / songwriter Karina Azzopardi aka Rima released her debut EP Madre Mía on all digital music platforms. The album in itself is a fusion of genres and allows the first time listener as well as those familiar with her music to embrace how fortunate we must be to be raised around so many different cultures and even languages.

If there is one thing to admire about Rima throughout, it is how she can captivate with her flow and not only that, she is a very diverse musician as evident throughout her setlist when I went to see her perform a few weeks ago. She was able to grab me via her new EP by the first note and take it from someone who has seen her perform quite regularly across the Gibraltar Music Scene, it is very refreshing to hear and witness the mashups as well as her own original material.

If there is one track that stands out in the album, at least to me, it is definitely 'Que Suerte La Mia'. The track is absolutely breathtaking and is a beautiful tribute from Rima to her mother.

It brought tears to my eyes and that is when you know that a fine song has been penned.

Truthfully and honestly every time I have seen she was performing, the timing was never right but on Saturday 15th I guess luck was on my side so I headed down to see her do her thing.

Accompanied by Anselmo Ochello on guitar and Charles Noguera on cajón from local band Wave and also accompanied by the summer sun was sublime.

Shortly after the gig, I was fortunate to sit down with Rima to ask some questions about the album and beyond.

The album: "My new EP, like all my songs are based on experiences. Not just my own but also from experiences from others which I have expressed into song.

This album is worked around an afro beat flamenco style, so I am hoping it reaches not only our local audience but also Spain and Morocco which I believe could have a good impact. I feel Gibraltar has a great diversity of cultures and mixing these genres and languages is a good way to represent who I am as a “Llanita” personally. My songs are mixed between languages specifically because I feel the “Llanito” language is being lost in our younger generation and Spanish is being used less and less."

On her future: "The future is not planned! I will continue to release more music whenever I can and will continue to work hard for it! As for live shows I am the first to say yes whenever I am welcome."

Who to thank? "I guess I would say thanks to everyone who has supported me since day one when I started live performances at the age of fourteen.

It’s now been fifteen years since then and I am finally taking this on as a career. The support from the community is exactly what motivates me to continue on my journey."

Be sure to follow Rima; https://linktr.ee/ rima__oficial

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NATIONAL DAY 2023

THIS

Mountain I stood by the side of this mountain and felt protected by its might I was completely humbled, a prisoner to our measure of time What’s a lifetime compared to the aeons that this Rock our sentinel has been basking in the light What ties me to this mountain securely is my birthright, not the mortar and lime Used to be that we were cave dwellers perched high on the edge of the sea Who imagined then what would come to be That joined to this pillar of Hercules our neighbour would lay claim to our world

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As the sun rules the day and the moon rules the night sky We should be masters of the territory where the bones of our ancestors lie Ours is a cry of freedom why will they not let us be Whosoever has designs on this mountain of mine will have to contend with me I stand by the side of this mountain and try to dispel my fear As we continue to fight for our freedom small fish in such a big sea Armed only with reason, the fear of treason and words of the arguments that we hold so dear

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We continue to ponder on our future plight as we swim against the current of political might So I stand by the side of this mountain and struggle to hold back a tear

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NATIONAL DAY 2023

morating me

n

ional day at

Commemorative sites and monuments do not provide us with the perfect story of history, instead, it should be seen more as an expressive interpretation of historical events from the society that lived through them. For example, the steps in Devil’s Gap Road are more commonly known as the Union Jack Steps or Referendum Steps. This is because the steps were painted in the Union Jack pattern to commemorate the result of the 1967 Referendum; the same thing that National Day celebrates. These distinct colours, and of course, dominant flag, demonstrates the atmosphere of Britishness in Gibraltar in 1967.

The very fact that the steps remain painted, and that National Day honours the same event as these steps, suggests that the aura of Britishness remains.

National day celebrates the decision of the Gibraltarian people to remain with Britain, so it commemorates both cultures. The Evacuation Memorial does just this. Whilst it honours the experiences of the Gibraltarians who were displaced during World War Two, it also gives thanks to the British for their ability to keep the Gibraltarians safe during those dangerous times. This is the same with much of the military history commemorations in Gibraltar, where British military strength appears to be celebrated and memorialized as being the reason why Gibraltarian’s survived all these years. For example, the countless batteries and defences located all around Gibraltar, some preserved in their original conditions thanks to the Gibraltar Heritage Trust and the Friends of Gibraltar Heritage Society, are examples of this mix of cultures. The form of the batteries that we see today date from the British period and are named after British personnel, such as Victoria Battery after Queen

com

On this National Day, and every National Day to come, we commemorate Gibraltar’s first sovereignty referendum of 1967, where it was overwhelmingly decided as a population to remain under British sovereignty. Commemoration is an important aspect in remembering Gibraltar’s history as it maintains a narrative of public memory. This article will focus on the different ways Gibraltar commemorates key events, whilst also highlighting how the work of the Gibraltar Heritage Trust and the UK based Friends of Gibraltar Heritage Society helps to preserve this.

Victoria. Yet, these Batteries and their guns remain in Gibraltar as a signal of our strength and perseverance, whilst also acknowledging British sovereignty.

However, National Day also honours Gibraltar’s unique multicultural history. The Moorish Castle is a popular site and was first built by the Moors in around 1160, and was expanded in 1333. Since then, various nationalities have occupied it, but it remains uniquely Gibraltarian in the sense that it will never be taken away from us. The Tower of Homage displays Gibraltar’s ‘battle scars’ from different attacks and sieges, but it never fell, in the same way that Gibraltarians survived despite countless attack attempts.

Similarly, The Convent, home to Governors of Gibraltar since 1728, was built in 1471 and was originally a convent of Franciscan friars, hence its name. The friars came from Spain during Charles I reign and were granted a plot of land in La Turba where poorer Gibraltarians lived. After British occupation in the 18th century, the friars left, and the convent

was rebuilt to reflect Georgian and Victorian architectural design. The building was used as the official residence of the Governor of Gibraltar since 1728, and it remains in this system in the present day. This site is full of British iconography, specifically the Changing of the Guards and the Guard Mount. Thus, this site which is a blend of different histories celebrates Gibraltar’s unique heritage. Without the combination of all these different histories, Gibraltarian culture and identity might be extremely different, we might not even use Llanito! This is why it is important to remember all aspects of history in Gibraltar, not just the British narrative, because everything has contributed to the formation of the culture that we have today.

It is thanks to the Gibraltar Heritage Trust and the Friends of Gibraltar Heritage Society that we are able to commemorate sites and monuments like these on such a special day like National Day. The GHT are a nonprofit organisation charged under statute with the preservation, promotion and conservation of Gibraltar’s Heritage. FoGHS are a society who are passionate about Gibraltar’s history, and their main mandates are to fund projects related to Gibraltar’s history and to engage people around the world with Gibraltar’s rich heritage.

It is only through my summer placement with them over the last two years that I am able to write about Gibraltar’s history. I think on such a special day like National Day, everyone should have the opportunity to learn and witness Gibraltar’s history and think about why our culture has developed this way today. I encourage everyone to go out and learn about our unique history, and I hope this article has inspired you to do so.

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45

FEATURE

WORDS BY STEVEN GONZALEZ GFA 46

SEPTEMBER 2023

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FEATURE

‘THE ART OF THE GAME’ - TEN YEARS OF UEFA MEMBERSHIP CAPTURES THROUGH THE LENSES OF GIBRALTAR’S FOOTBALL PHOTOGRAPHERS. ON THE 23RD OF MAY 2013, THE GIBRALTAR FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION WAS ADMITTED AS UEFA’S 54TH MEMBER ASSOCIATION. THIS WAS A DAY THAT WOULD CHANGE GIBRALTARIAN FOOTBALL FOR GOOD, BOTH ON AND OFF THE FIELD OF PLAY 2023 marks ten years of this monumental day for football on the Rock, and in the build-up to the 10th anniversary of UEFA Membership, the Gibraltar FA commissioned an independent photographic exhibition telling the story of the last 10 years of Gibraltarian football as captured by Gibraltar’s football photographers.

The independent judging panel was also tasked with selecting a photo of the season for each of the 10 seasons and, ultimately, a "Photo of the Decade," which was unveiled at the exhibition’s official opening.

The judges made their decisions and selected the images on display in the exhibition based on photographic skill and artistic excellence, rather than the footballing context, subject, match, competition, or moment that a photograph represents.

Gibraltar’s football photographers spend countless hours at football matches and events all around Gibraltar and abroad, capturing magical moments on the field of play, very often

with little or no recognition for their efforts and the work they put into each and every photograph they take.

Often, their photographs are used once in a social media gallery, newspaper, or online article about a particular match they are covering, and then the photograph gets consigned to history.

Once all the photos were submitted, a panel of 3 judges, comprising Jon himself (the exhibition's curator), Leslie Linares (the Chair of the Gibraltar Photographic Society), and Artist and

Neil Wilson was awarded the ‘Photo of the Decade’ by the judging panel for his extremely poignant and emotional photograph of the late great Sports Journalist, John Shephard (Senior), presenting his trophy at the annual veterans match to Gibraltar football legend Colin Ramirez.

Titled "The Art of the Game – Captured

by Gibraltar’s Football Photographers," the exhibition ran for 3 weeks at the beginning of July at the Gustavo Bacarisas Gallery in Casemates.

Central to the project was the independent Curator Jon Segui. Jon, himself a passionate and well-known local photographer, meticulously put together an amazing exhibition that centered around inviting Gibraltar's football photographers to contribute and submit their 10 best football images for each of the last 10 seasons (the seasons that Gibraltar has been a UEFA Member).

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At the exhibition, alongside the hundred photos selected by the panel, every photograph that was submitted was put on display on TV screens in the vaults at the Gustavo Bacarisas Gallery.

Teacher Karl Ullger, thoroughly assessed each photograph that was submitted and then selected the ten best images for each season, meaning one hundred photographs were put on display at the exhibition.

The exhibition proved to be an overwhelming success, and the Gibraltar FA would like to express its immense gratitude to Curator Jon Segui, the exhibition judging panel, and all of the photographers who contributed. Here's to the next ten years of Gibraltarian football and football photography!

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47

WAVE FC

Breaking Barriers:

Developing Women's Football in Gibraltar

Football is the most popular sport in the world, with millions of fans across the globe. However, for many years, women’s football has been a topic of debate in many countries. In Gibraltar, there has been a long-standing tradition of men's football, but the development of women's football has been slow and has faced many obstacles. Despite these challenges, at Gibraltar Wave FC we have determined individuals and I`ve seen this in all the other clubs as well as the Gibraltar FA, with the appointmemnt of Scott Wiseman as the New Women's Football Development Manager Wiseman, working hard to promote and develop women's football in the country. Today, we will explore the current state of women's football in Gibraltar and the efforts being made to break down barriers and promote gender equality in the sport. We will highlight what is driving change and share some inspiring stories of women who are making their mark in the sport. Get ready to be inspired by the passion and determination of those working to develop women's football in Gibraltar!

Introduction to women's football in Gibraltar Women's football in Gibraltar has been making significant strides in recent years, breaking barriers and defying stereotypes. While Gibraltar is known for its vibrant football culture, the development of women's football has been a relatively recent phenomenon.

Historically, the sport has been predominantly male-dominated, with limited opportunities for women to participate at a competitive level.

However, with the increasing global focus on gender equality and the rise of women's football worldwide, Gibraltar has embraced the movement and taken steps to foster the growth of the women's game. The Gibraltar Football Association (GFA) has been instrumental in driving this change, implementing initiatives aimed at encouraging young girls and women to get involved in football from grassroots to senior levels.

One of the key catalysts for the development of women's football in Gibraltar is giving the right place to the Gibraltar Women's Football League. Still missing as we go to press is a Website like that of the men`s as well as streaming the matches like the men`s.. The league provides a platform for female players all skill levels to showcase their talent and compete in a structured and competitive environment. It has created a pathway for young girls to dream of playing football and who knows maybe to even aspire playing professionally in the near future in Gibraltar or elsewhere and has given women the opportunity to represent Gibraltar on the international stage.

Additionally, the GFA has invested in coaching and development programs specifically tailored for women and girls. These programs focus on providing quality training, mentorship, and support to nurture the skills and talents of aspiring female footballers.

By investing in the development of coaches and providing resources for women's football, the GFA is ensuring that Gibraltar can produce a new generation of skilled and competitive players.

Furthermore, the Gibraltar women's national team is playing a significant role in raising the profile of women's football in Gibraltar.

The team's participation in international competitions, such as the UEFA Women's Euro qualifiers and opening participation in UEFA Women`s Champiosn League will inspire and showcase the talent and potential of Gibraltar's female players on a broader stage. Their performances have garnered attention and support, inspiring more girls and women to get involved in the sport.

As all can see, the development of women's football in Gibraltar is an exciting and transformative journey. With the commitment of the Gibraltar Football Association, the marketing of the women's league, investment in coaching programs, and the success of the national team, the future of women's football in Gibraltar looks promising. By breaking barriers and providing equal opportunities, Gibraltar is paving the way for female footballers to thrive and contribute to the growth of the sport in our community.

The challenges faced by women's football in Gibraltar Developing women's football in Gibraltar is not without its challenges. Despite the growing popularity of the sport worldwide, women's football still faces several barriers in this small Mediterranean territory.

One of the main challenges is the lack of infrastructure and resources dedicated to women's football. Historically, football in Gibraltar has been predominantly male-dominated, with limited investment and attention given to the women's game. This has resulted in a shortage of training facilities, proper coaching, and competitive opportunities for female players.

Another significant obstacle is the cultural perception of women's football. Traditional gender norms and stereotypes have often resulted in a lack of support and interest in women's sports. Many people still hold the misconception that football is a male sport, leading to limited participation and recognition for female players. .

Furthermore, the limited number of teams dedicated to women's football in Gibraltar has hindered its growth. The lack of a robust competitive structure makes it challenging for talented female players to showcase their skills and progress in the sport. Now with the intelligent reduction of local players to four on the field by the GFA will surely help much in increasing participation and development of women`s football and the Gibraltar Women`s National League.

Additionally, the financial constraints faced by women's football in Gibraltar pose a significant challenge. Securing sponsorship and funding for women's teams and events can be challenging to say the least, which impacts the ability to provide necessary resources and opportunities for players and growth.

Despite these challenges, there has been a growing awareness and commitment to developing women's football in Gibraltar.

Organizations and individuals are working towards breaking down these barriers by advocating for equal opportunities, improving facilities, and promoting the sport through various initiatives.

By addressing these challenges head-on and investing in the development of women's football, Gibraltar can create a more inclusive and thriving football community that empowers female athletes and encourages their participation in the sport.

The progress made in recent years In recent years, the progress made in developing women's football in Gibraltar has been truly remarkable. With a strong emphasis on inclusivity and equal opportunities, the Gibraltar Football Association (GFA) has taken significant steps to pave the way for female athletes to thrive in the sport.

One of the most notable achievements is improvements in the Gibraltar Women's National League. This will mark a pivotal moment in the history of women's football in Gibraltar, providing a well marketed platform, The Gibraltar Women's National League for talented players to showcase their skills and

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WAVE FC compete to aim for the higher level posible, The UEFA Women`s Champions League.

In addition to the league, the GFA has actively invested in the development of grassroots programs and youth academies for girls. These initiatives aim to nurture talent from a young age, fostering a strong foundation for the future of women's football in Gibraltar. Through structured training sessions and competitive matches, young girls are encouraged to pursue their passion for the sport and reach their full potential.

Furthermore, the GFA has been proactive in creating opportunities for female coaches, referees, and administrators. By providing training courses and support, they strive to ensure that women have equal access to leadership roles within the sport. This not only promotes gender equality but also contributes to the overall growth and professionalism of women's football in Gibraltar.

The progress made in recent years has been met with great enthusiasm and support from the community. Attendance at women's matches has increased, demonstrating a growing interest and appreciation for the sport. Local businesses and sponsors are now begining to shown their commitment by providing financial support and resources to further elevate women's football in Gibraltar.

Overall, the progress made in recent years is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the GFA and Gibraltar Wave FC along with all others involved in developing women's football in Gibraltar. With each passing season, the barriers are being broken down, and the future looks brighter than ever for female footballers in this small but mighty territory.

Initiatives and programs supporting women's football development In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of developing women's football in Gibraltar. To break down barriers and promote gender equality in sports, several initiatives and programs have been put in place to support the growth and development of women's football.

The best initiative is the establishing a fixed date and time for training of the teams. The biggest "enemy" has been the constant changes in allocated training days and times.

Just keeping this fixed for a month, if not longer, will help all clubs dedicate more time on actually training then discussing day and time of trainings. The other is more opportunities for club and country to participate and compete more local and international tournaments. By creating these opportunities, it encourages more women and young girls to get involved in the sport and pursue their passion for football.

At Gibraltar Wave FC we not only teach the fundamentals of the game but also instill values such as teamwork, discipline, and perseverance.

Moreover, we have introduced initiatives like our BlockSport created app to help increase the visibility and exposure of women's football.

This includes organizing friendlies like the match we played against Oxford City FC and hosting tournaments, like the one planned for and arranging friendly matches with international teams. By showcasing the talent and skills of female players, it helps to change societal perceptions and challenge stereotypes surrounding women's involvement in football.

Support from GFA and government is also crucial in driving the development of wom-

GIBRALTARINSIGHT.COM

en's football. Funding schemes, grants, and sponsorships are provided to support clubs, coaches, and players, ensuring that resources are allocated to promote gender equality in sports and empower women to fully participate in football.

In conclusion, the initiatives and programs supporting women's football development in Gibraltar are instrumental in breaking barriers and creating a more inclusive and equitable sports environment. By providing opportunities, training, and support, women and girls are encouraged to pursue their passion for football, leading to the growth and success of women's football in Gibraltar.

Despite being a small territory with a population of around 30,000 people, Gibraltar has made significant strides in developing women's football.

Women's football is still in its infancy in Gibraltar, with only three teams participating in the Gibraltar Women's Football League as of the 2018–19 season. However it has grown with 5 teams competing in 2021–22. In 2014, it did host a women's development tournament organised by UEFA, losing 1–0 in its first game to Andorra. The side lost all three games against Andorra, Luxembourg and an Algarve XI. However, as a development tournament, these games are not recognised as full internationals.

Since then, Gibraltar's involvement in UEFA sanctioned women's football has been limited to sending under-16 girls' teams to participate in development tournaments, most recently in Malta in 2019. In June 2021 the team made their debut in a full international, in a 4–1 defeat to Liechtenstein. November 2021 it was announced that an under-19 team would be formed and entered into qualification for the 2023 UEFA Women's Under-19 Championship. Exciting times?

Now to satisfy UEFA`s interest in getting all UEFA member states entering a team, the winners of the Gibraltar Women`s National League 2023/24 may take part in UEFA Women's Champions League and I feel this will be the point at which the growth of women`s football will begin in a big way.

Increased participation and visibility The impact of increased participation and visibility of women's football in Gibraltar cannot be overstated. As more women take up the sport, not only does it provide them with opportunities for personal growth and fulfillment, but it also helps to challenge societal stereotypes and break down gender barriers.

One of the key benefits of increased participation is the empowerment it brings to women in Gibraltar. Through football, they gain confidence, develop leadership skills, and learn the value of teamwork. It provides a platform for women to showcase their abilities and challenge traditional notions of what women can achieve in sports.

Furthermore, the visibility of women's football has a profound impact on changing societal perceptions. As more matches are played and covered in media outlets, the public becomes more exposed to the talent and dedication of female footballers. This exposure helps to dismantle stereotypes and biases, creating a more inclusive and accepting society.

Increased participation and visibility in women's football also have long-term effects. As young girls see female role models on the field, they are inspired to pursue their passion for the sport, knowing that they too can succeed. This creates a positive cycle of growth and development, where more girls are encouraged to take up football, leading

to a larger talent pool and higher standards of play.

Moreover, the impact extends beyond the field. Women's football can have a ripple effect on other aspects of society, such as promoting gender equality and challenging traditional gender roles. By breaking barriers in sports, women are empowered to break barriers in other areas of their lives, contributing to a more equitable and inclusive society as a whole.

In conclusion, the increased participation and visibility of women's football in Gibraltar have a transformative impact. It empowers women, challenges societal stereotypes, and inspires the next generation. By breaking down barriers, women's football paves the way for a more inclusive and equal society, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.

Conclusion: The importance of developing women's football in Gibraltar In conclusion, the development of women's football in Gibraltar is of utmost importance and holds immense potential. As we have explored throughout this article, breaking barriers and promoting gender equality in sports can have far-reaching impacts on society as a whole.

Not only does developing women's football offer opportunities for female athletes to showcase their skills and pursue their passion, but it also provides a platform for empowerment, leadership, and personal growth. By investing in the growth of women's football, Gibraltar can foster a sense of inclusivity, diversity, and equality within its sporting community.

Furthermore, the development of women's football can have positive effects on the overall sporting landscape in Gibraltar.

It can contribute to the growth of football as a whole, attracting more fans, sponsors, and investments. It can also inspire younger generations of girls to get involved in sports, encouraging a healthier and more active lifestyle.

To ensure the successful development of women's football in Gibraltar, it is crucial to address various aspects, including infrastructure, coaching programs, funding, and media coverage. By providing the necessary resources and support, Gibraltar can create a solid foundation for women's football to thrive and flourish.

Developing women's football in Gibraltar goes beyond the realm of sports. It is a powerful tool for social change, breaking down gender barriers, and promoting equality.

Let us continue to champion and support women's football, paving the way for a more inclusive and diverse future in Gibraltar's sporting landscape.

In conclusion, I hope this article has shed light on the importance of developing women's football in Gibraltar and breaking the barriers that exist in the sport. We have discussed the significant progress that has been made in recent years, as well as the challenges that still lie ahead. By investing in infrastructure, providing equal opportunities, and fostering a supportive environment, Gibraltar has the potential to become a powerhouse in women's football. It is crucial that we continue to advocate for gender equality in sports and empower women to pursue their passion for football. Together, we can create a future where women's football thrives in Gibraltar and inspires generations to come.

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ARMED FORCES INSIGHT

Young Jacob Newson, known as ‘Jacob the Pilot’ because of his love of aviation and ambition to become a RAF pilot, who raises thousands of pounds for the RAF Benevolent Fund (RAFBF), recently visited Gibraltar to complete the Mediterranean Steps (locally known as the Med Steps) that ascend the 426-metre Rock of Gibraltar.

Also taking part were personnel from RAF Gibraltar and No. 2 Gibraltar Air Cadet Squadron. On August 21, 2023, the group started their hike at MOD Gibraltar’s headquarters at HM Dockyard.

Even though this is one of the smaller peaks Jacob has conquered, the conditions were particularly poor, with low visibility and 100% humidity. So far, he has raised over £1,300 for the RAFBF on this challenge.

Jacob VS

THEROCK

The Med Steps were built by the British military to allow access to various defensive positions around the southern part of the Rock. The route finishes adjacent to the summit of the Rock of Gibraltar at O’Hara’s Battery.

All personnel taking part from the RAF are stationed at RAF Gibraltar and have volunteered their time for this good cause.

Flt Lt Nurse was one of the participants and said, "Walking with Jacob and the Air Cadets on such a steep route was made easier due to their unwavering enthusiasm. When you consider some of the steps were as tall as Jacob, it would have been easy for him to be put off by the route, but he took it all in his stride."a If you would also like to sponsor Jacob for this challenge, please visit his Just Giving page.

TOP STUDENT Private Dominic Salmon, a Class 3 Chef in the Junior Ranks Mess, recently completed his introductory training as a chef and received the Best Student award.

A 14-week course called "Chef Class 3" included an eight-week kitchen component where he acquired a variety of technical skills like butchery, pastry, vegetables, sauces, and seafood.

plete within a 2-year timeframe.

With several credentials available along the way, from fundamental cooking skills to management degrees, Pte Salmon's new position as a chef inside the Army presents avenues for him to advance his career.

Week 4 was test week, during which the chefs demonstrated their knowledge of the material and produced meals to a high standard.

A soldier can be deployed to any unit worldwide to advance in their career when the field phase is finished, upon successful completion of their first training as a Class 3 Chef. They have a Production Apprenticeship to com-

In addition to career advancement opportunities, Pte Salmon's new position also offers him the chance to develop valuable leadership skills. As he progresses through his training and apprenticeship, he will have the opportunity to take on supervisory roles and lead a team of fellow soldiers in the kitchen. This will not only enhance his culinary expertise but also prepare him for future leadership positions within the military.

Congratulations, Pte Salmon!

RAF STATION COMMANDER HANDOVER In mid-August, Wing Commander Nel Doherty handed over command of RAF Gibraltar to Wing Commander Tom Harvey. The ceremony took place outside of RAF Gibraltar’s Station Headquarters with Station and MoD Gibraltar personnel present.

After serving 4 years as Station Commander at the airbase in the British Overseas Territory, Wing Commander Doherty returns to the UK to Standing Joint Command, Aldershot.

During her time in Gibraltar she ensured the critical COVID-19 vaccine flights, has overseen the change of use of Winston Churchill Avenue, supported the West Africa Airbridge and seen the commencement of Programme MARSHALL and the

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installation of a new air traffic control radar on top of the Rock of Gibraltar.

An air traffic controller, Wing Commander Tom Harvey has arrived from the Ministry of Defence,where he was responsible for UK military activity in Latin America and the Caribbean, including support to 10 of the 14 UK Overseas Territories.

Wing Commander Harvey said, “I am hugely excited to take command of the Unit and lead the Station in continuing to deliver its critical output in support of Gibraltar. I wish to thank Wing Commander Doherty for her unstinting effort over the last 4 years, thanks to her leadership the station is well placed to continue its vital work.”

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INSIGHT PHARMACY MEDICAL DIRECTORY USING THE GHA APPOINTMENT SYSTEM Same day appointments – Only when necessary: If you need a same day appointment call 200 52441 between 8:15am and 11:00am If you need an emergency evening clinic appointment call 200 52441 between 4:00pm and 6:00pm Advanced Appointments: Patients who wish to make an advanced appointment or a telephone consultation with their named or preferred GPs may do so for up to 4 weeks in advance by; Calling 200 52441 between 11:00am and 3:00pm Vithas Xanit Gibraltar Medical Centre

More than 20 medical specialties to make your healthcare our priority

Other Services:

The Vithas Xanit Gibraltar Medical Centre has more than 20 specialties, including these recently incorporated: • Dermatology • Paediatrics • Psychiatry

• Pediatric surgery • Neurosurgery

Vithas Xanit Gibraltar Medical Centre Unit 1, Lexington, Midtown, Queensway Rd, Gibraltar

• Gynecology • Diabetes consultation

Ask for an appointment vithas.es 200 42259

Booking online via Gov.gi: By using the Gov.gi eServices app

Patients who wish to use the following services, • Over70’s Driving Medical • Blood Clinic • Well person or Sexual Health Clinic • Smoke Cessation Clinic May either a) Call 200 52441 between 11:00am and 3:00pm, b) Book online via Gov.gi c) On the Gov.gi eServices app

Other Primary Care services: Cancel an appointment - please call 200 72355 between 8:15am and 3:00pm or do so online via www.gha.gi Repeat Prescriptions – please call 200 07909 between 11:00am and 3:00pm or do so online via Gov.gi or in the Gov.gi eServices app Sick Note - please fill in the required form online via www.gha.gi or Gov.gi General enquiries - please call 200 72355 between 8:15am and 3:00pm.

For urgent medical advice, patients can call 111 at any time.

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ON DUTY PHARMACIES The Opening Hours for the Pharmacies On Duty Are: Monday – Friday: 7pm-9pm Weekends/Public Holidays: 11am-1pm & 6pm-8pm Duty Pharmacies for September: ​29TH Aug to 4th Sept 2023 Mill Pharmacy 20/21 City Mill Lane

Tel: 20050554

5th Sept to 11th Sept 2023 New Chemist 19 Main Street

Tel: 20045039

12th Sept to 18th Sept 2023 Valmar Eurotowers 1-0-08 Eurotowers

Tel: 20063868

19th to 25th Sept 2023 Omega Pharmacy 13 Cooperage Lane

Tel: 20044544

26th to 2nd Oct 2023 Rock Pharmacy 12 Winston Churchill Avenue

Tel: 20066992

Please contact our main Call Centre on Tel: 200 79700 or the Hospital Pharmacy on Tel: 200 07107 for any queries.

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HEALTH & WELLBEING

PHOBIAS YOU MAY BE FRIGHTENED BY THE MERE SIGHT OF A SPIDER, BUT REST ASSURED YOU’RE NOT ALONE. You may be frightened by the mere sight of a spider, but rest assured - you’re not alone.

About one in fifty people suffer from a severe form of an irrational fear of spiders, otherwise known as arachnophobia, and a good tip here is to remember that a spider is more terrified of you than you are of it.

Phobias and fears come in all shapes and sizes. So just what is a phobia? It is a type of anxiety disorder that manifests itself in an uncontrollable, irrational, and persistent fear of a specific object, situation, or activity. However, whatever your phobia, it is unlikely to cause harm. The word itself comes from the Greek word “phobos,” which means irrational fear. The good news is that there is no need for anyone to continue to suffer from phobias.

Phobias are different from regular fears because they cause significant distress, possibly interfering with life at home, work, or school.

There may be little threat, or even no threat at all, but you could experience symptoms of anxiety. Fear, on the other hand, is an intense emotion in response to a threat in the moment.

What causes phobias? If you perceive something as a threat, even though it may not be a threat, stress hormones are released and there is a fight-or-flight response, with symptoms such as an increased heart rate, breathing and sweating. This can lead the person to fight, flee, or freeze.

Other phobias include agoraphobia, a fear of places or situations that trigger fear or helplessness, which can make it very hard to lead a normal life. Social phobias, which are fears related to social situations where you may be scrutinised and observed by others, can cause people to avoid them, especially in the case of a fear of public speaking (glossophobia). There are a lot of myths surrounding the fear of public speaking, with one recommendation being to imagine your audience naked,

because supposedly a naked audience is less intimidating! This advice may not be the best strategy to follow and to calm your nerves you are better off using ‘cognitive reappraisal’. Research has shown that people who deliberately re-evaluate their nerves as excitement rather than anxiety perform better than those who try to calm themselves down.

Phobias typically fall within five general categories: fears related to animals (spiders, dogs, insects); fears related to the natural environment (heights, thunder, darkness); fears related to blood, injury, or medical issues (injections, broken bones, falls); fears related to specific situations (flying, riding in a lift, driving); and other fears such as a fear of choking, loud noises or drowning.

There’s also such a thing as a fear of fears (phobophobia), a fear of being afraid, which is actually more common than you might imagine!

So how can you overcome a phobia? Before resorting to medical help, there are some self-help strategies that you could try, including exercise, visualisation, and breathing techniques.

Breathing: Try the 4-7-8 breathing technique.

Breathe in for 4 seconds, hold your breath for 7 seconds, and exhale for 8 seconds.

Visualisation: Take a moment to imagine how proud you will feel when you successfully handle your phobia. Now imagine yourself in a situation where your phobia arises, and picture yourself handling the situation with confidence. Imagine feeling free of anxiety and picture your life without the fear and limitations of your phobia.

Exercise: exercise can refocus you (your mind can only focus on one thing at a time).

Whether you go on a short walk, head to a gym for an all-out sweat session, or turn on a 15-minute yoga video at home, exercise is

good for you and it will ground you and help you feel more capable.

Courage: appreciate your courage. Every time you don’t allow fear to keep you from doing something that scares you, it will make you stronger and less likely to let the next panic attack stop you.

If self-help techniques to overcome phobias aren’t successful, you can seek the help of a healthcare professional such as a psychologist or psychiatrist. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is the primary treatment option for phobias. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a commonly used technique. One specific method is a type of CBT called exposure therapy that involves confronting the fear in small steps, in a controlled and safe environment.

Exposure therapy is the term for repeated exposure to the event(s) that created the trauma which can help the anxiety subside.

For example, the treatment for fear of flying (aviophobia) is often exposure therapy that involves slowly and repeatedly being exposed to the object that is feared in a controlled environment, and there are several airlines that offer ‘Fear of Flying’ courses. Hypnotherapy is another popular method for treating this fear.

Short term medications, such as anti-anxiety drugs, beta-blockers and antidepressants may also be used along with talk therapy. This type of treatment does not help the person overcome the fear, but it can relieve some of the symptoms.

Remember though that It is recommended that you make an appointment to see your doctor as soon as possible if you are troubled by phobias, fears or anxieties that are disturbing your peace of mind; interfering with your personal relationships; or preventing you from functioning normally at home, school or work.

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Dementia

Dementia is not a usual part of the aging process. It is the name for a collection of symptoms that signify damage to the brain for varying reasons. There are different types of dementia that affect people differently, each person experiencing symptoms in their own way.

September marks Alzheimer’s awareness month and the theme this year is 'Never too early, never too late'. This centres on the key risk factors and risk reduction, aiming to emphasise their crucial role in delaying and potentially preventing the onset of dementia. This also importantly includes ongoing risk reduction for those who have already been diagnosed.

Some dementia risk factors are difficult or impossible to change. These include: • age: the older you are, the more likely you are to develop dementia. However, dementia is not a natural part of ageing • genes: in general, genes alone are not thought to cause dementia. However, certain genetic factors are involved with some of the less common types.

Dementia usually develops because of a combination of genetic and "environmental" factors, such as smoking and a lack of regular exercise

Experts agree that what's good for your heart is also good for your brain. This means you can help reduce your risk of dementia by:

• Problems with language • Disorientation to time and place • Poor or decreased judgement

• eating a balanced diet

• Problems keeping track of things

• maintaining a healthy weight

• Misplacing things

• exercising regularly

• Changes in mood and behaviour

• keeping alcohol within recommended limits

• Challenges understanding visual and spatial information

• stopping smoking

• Withdrawal from work or social activities

• keeping your blood pressure at a healthy level

10 of the most common warning signs involve: • Memory loss • Difficulty performing familiar tasks

Symptoms are often mild to begin with and may worsen very gradually. If you think that these problems are affecting your daily life, or the life of someone you know, talk to your GP or healthcare professional.

More information and resources can found locally at Gibraltar Alzheimer’s & Dementia Society Telephone : 00350 56001422 Email: gads@gibtelecom.net

• air pollution: research suggests that air pollution may affect the brain and could increase the risk of dementia Research suggests other risk factors may also be important. These include: • hearing loss • untreated depression • loneliness or social isolation • A sedentary lifestyle • Cardiovascular health. Cardiovascular disease risk factors are most strongly linked to vascular dementia.

This is because vascular dementia is directly caused by problems with blood supply to the brain.

The research concluded that by modifying the risk factors we are able to change, around 4 in 10 cases of dementia could be prevented.

WORDS JOE ADAMBERRY WORDS BYBY ALASKA SANZ, GHA 56

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WHY IS SELF-CARE SO IMPORTANT? Practicing self-care empowers you to become pro-active in your own healthcare, helping you to stay both physically and mentally healthy. Ultimately, it can help relieve pressure on the health systems The World Health Organization (WHO) defines self-care as activities individuals and communities engage in that help prevent disease and increase well-being.

The first step to mental wellness is to recognise stress. There are many different things that can make you stressed, including moving home, starting a new job, and even having a baby. When stress gets out of hand, it can negatively impact our physical and mental health, leading to burnout, anxiety and depression.

There are things that you can do to manage your stress levels.

Find time in your day to use guided meditation. Meditation can produce a deep state of relaxation and a tranquil mind. During meditation, you focus your attention and eliminate the stream of jumbled thoughts that may be crowding your mind and causing stress. This process may result in enhanced physical and emotional well-being. Look online for some of the many guided meditations that are available.

Practice mindfulness. Mindfulness is a quality; meditation is a practice. Whilst mindfulness is similar to meditation, the difference is that mindfulness requires us to be aware of what's around us and how our bodies feel, whereas meditation is a practice that reels in our thoughts to calm the mind.

getting outside can help you gain a fresh perspective on whatever it is that is stressing you out.Join a walking group or find a friend to go walking with. Set goals by counting your steps and reward yourself when you reach certain milestones, whether that’s getting a massage or buying yourself a gift.

Start a gratitude journal to keep track of events or things that you are thankful for on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. Studies have shown that taking the time to feel grateful may improve your emotional well-being by focusing on the positive aspects of your life.

Sometimes it may be something big, such as passing an exam, sometimes it may be one of those little blessings in life, such as the plant you have nurtured coming into bloom.

Connecting with others can help you find a sense of community. Loneliness can increase

BE AWARE OF SELF-CARE Sometimes stress can creep up on you, so it is a good idea to be aware of the symptoms.

Some of the signs to look out for include feeling angry, irritable or impatient as well as anxious, nervous or afraid. Do you feel overwhelmed? Maybe you are uninterested in life, and feel unable to enjoy yourself in any situation. Do you have a sense of dread and are constantly worried or tense?

The physical signs of stress might include having difficulty in breathing, panic attacks, sleep problems, muscle aches, headaches, chest pains and high blood pressure.

Scientific studies have shown that controlling your breath can help to manage stress and stress-related conditions. Deep breathing is a great way to reduce the activation of your sympathetic nervous system, which controls the body's response of fight or flight to a perceived threat. Take a deep breath in for a count of five seconds, hold for two seconds and release for a count of five seconds.

Take a walk in nature. Spending just 20 minutes connecting with nature can help lower stress hormone levels. Walking is an inexpensive and low risk form of exercise and

stress and people who feel lonely have less immunity and more inflammation than people who don't. We all need some human interaction to help us feel supported, and engaging with social groups, joining clubs or groups or taking part in sports or activities can lead to positive mental health effects and reduce feelings of loneliness.

If you catch yourself feeling depressed, run down, exhausted, or irritable, just pause and consider what may be the cause of the stress and take action to resolve or manage it.Prioritise some ‘me’ time

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WHAT IS SOUND THERAPY WE HEAR PEOPLE ASK... IT'S ALREADY USED IN THE MAINSTREAM AND MAY JUST BE THE HEALING OF THE FUTURE Are you curious... Jeff Moran answers the question "what is sound therapy" and its effects upon our physical, emotional and mental wellbeing in a down to earth way.

He takes away any notion that the use of sound in a healing capacity is quackery. In fact you will realise that it's more like the future of healing, without many of today's chronic side effects.

It’s easy to think sound therapy is taking a gong bath, chanting the OM, playing crystal bowls and many other methods which unfortunately for many have given it a type of mysterious mumbo jumbo feel. This is far from the truth as sound therapy is based on the technology of frequency with its many facets and can be effectively used to help with many of today’s challenges including leaning, relaxation, behaviour and general well-being and more.

Sound therapy in the mainstream Sound therapy has been used for many years in the mainstream, an example of this is that tuning forks are used for bone conduction, reflex testing and hearing and have been since I can remember.

Ultra-sonics has been used in bone stimulation, soft tissue healing, also used to disperse kidney stones and the imaging of organs or a scan of a new born.

Sonography also uses high frequency to produce visual images of organs and blood flow in the body. So as you can see, Sound Therapy is not a new quirky therapeutic treatment.

Take a deeper dive and you will see that there are thousands of research papers on the positive effects that sound and music can have upon concentration, focus, behaviour, sleep, brain co-ordination as well as our emotional and physical states.

WORDS BY JEFF MORAN 58

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reduced exposure to sunlight during the shorter days of the year, the result being that many people feel depressed when they are not getting sunlight or the full range of frequencies that they need to stay healthy both in body and mind.

How some sounds hold us in tension I guess we all know that sound and music certainly has an impact upon the way in which we feel, both mentally and emotionally. We have all experienced some negative aspects of sound in our daily lives. You may walk past a building site and hear the jackhammer pounding and want to cover your ears. It may be a siren that's going off, a dog barking furiously, a room with noisy air conditioning or a dentist’s drill, to name but a few.

However, if you recall when those sounds are turned off, your whole body feels like it's been holding on to tension and you instantly feel better or give a sigh of relief.

When we hold the body in these tense states it has a negative effect upon the way in which we feel as stress hormones are created and flood into our body often weakening our immune system.

However, on a positive note you hear the laughter of a young child, your favourite relaxing music, a bird song in the morning, the bell that ends a boring lesson, or maybe you took a vacation and relaxed on the beach listening to the sound of the waves breaking upon the shore.

These sounds can have a really positive effect upon your emotions, as you relax and your physiology starts to produce more of the happy hormones such as serotonin and dopamine.

There is a lot to be said in the saying “Your environment is everything”.

Does Sound Have an Effect upon Our Body and Mind?

Based upon the knowledge that everything is created through patterns of frequency which include our physical bodies, mental thoughts, and our emotional feelings.

These frequencies are in a constant state of vibration, so although the physical body appears to be solid, quantum physics has now proven beyond any doubt that it's actually in a state of movement and therefore can be influenced by sound within our environment.

Take seasonal affective disorder as an example. Due to the fact that we are made up of frequencies, research has shown that when we are missing a certain range of light frequencies, it can lead to SAD which is linked to

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Now, what is interesting is that the same thing happens with sound as with light because it's all frequency.

When we are missing certain tones and frequencies within our energetic system, then we don't feel as healthy and balanced as we naturally should do and this is where sound therapy can help by delivering those missing frequencies back into the body.

In essence “Sound and light frequencies act like vitamins and minerals in the body, so the body needs a full spectrum of frequencies to stay fit and healthy”.

be most beneficial to start from.

So, in essence, we look to speed the brain up or slow the brain down.

You might be processing too quick, and there's a lot of confusion and thoughts running around your head, so we need to slow the brain down.

There are slower learners also and with these we train the brain to the level where the brain can start to learn a lot more effectively.

We're also looking at crossing the brain hemispheres over, so we've got a part of the program that creates brain hemisphere synchronization, which is great for co-ordination issues, whether that be dyslexia, dyspraxia and other areas that need an improvement in co-ordination.

When we cross the hemispheres, we look at whole-brain learning and improvements in learning through

How sound therapy can help specific learning and emotional disorders This is one of the main areas where we focus our sound work, with adults and children with ADHD and other disorders. If you look at ADD/ADHD we often need to bring the brainwaves down naturally due to fast processing which is often what is happening with those with an ADHD diagnosis.

We use “The Sound Therapy Listening Program” which is a 5 level sound programme to address many learning and emotional issues. The aim is to use the levels to entrain the brain to help focus and calm the kids and adults who have these conditions.

Dyslexia and especially dyspraxia is often about exercising the two hemispheres of the brain, therefore bringing about hemisphere synchronisation and improving co-ordination, so by using sound therapy we look to improve the brain hemisphere co-ordination especially with the Sound Therapy Listening Program which is designed to do just that, with really positive results.

Our preferred sound delivery method Our preferred method to help those with challenging issues is through the Sound Therapy Listening Program.

It can be used to relax the brain, therefore bringing the brainwaves down to an alpha/theta state, alpha being the ideal brainwave state used in accelerated learning.

utilizing the left (logic) and right (creative) side of the brain. But don't forget all the user needs to do is listen and they can also use the programme whilst doing other activities also.

Well done you got this far If you have read to this point then you might be left with questions, so by all means, whatever question you may have, then get in touch.

We have sound therapy for tinnitus, short-term memory, sleep and insomnia, dyslexia, dyspraxia, auditory processing disorder.

Jeff Moran MA jeff@soundtherapy.co.uk www.soundtherapy.co.uk

In those states the brain relaxes and the by-product is that being in alpha can also boost the immune system due to it being a relaxed brainwave state.

The program can also take the brain up to levels of beta/gamma which can be used in high level focus. We assess the user and what the challenges are, then give direction as to what program level we think would

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HEALTH & WELLBEING

Keep your Summer Essentials Topped Up It’s summer and it’s hot and the last thing you want to do is exercise, but you are determined to carry on with your usual workout routine. With a few adjustments you can still exercise safely during the hot weather. The first thing to remember is to keep hydrated. If you become dehydrated it could affect your ability to regulate your temperature and also can put pressure on your heart. You are at risk of heat exhaustion and heatstroke, which at worst can be life-threatening. The NHS says you should drink 6-8 cups or glasses (1.5-2 litres) of fluid a day.

However, they recommend drinking at least 2 litres during a heatwave. Remember to drink enough before your workout, not just during. If you’re dehydrated when you start exercising, your heart needs to work harder to do its job. Get your body primed and motivated with PE Nutrition Pre-Workout refreshing and fruity pre-workout drink from Holland & Barrett.

Once you’ve worked out you will most probably be hot and sweaty and a good deodorant is key, especially if you don’t have time for a full shower or wash before you continue with your day. Have you thought of switching from your usual antiperspirant to a natural deodorant? Some antiperspirants use aluminium salts which dissolve into your skin and form a coating that “plugs” part of your sweat glands. Natural deodorants aren’t antiperspirants. Instead, they use ingredients that help prevent odour while still letting your body sweat when it needs to. Salt of the Earth, available from Holland & Barrett, has a range of 100% natural products that are vegan friendly and come in either a spray or roll-on deodorant for long-lasting and effective protection from body-odour.

Sunscreen is for life, not just for hot days! It’s especially important to make sure you’re wearing an SPF of

at least 30 and topping up every 2 hours (sooner if you’ve sweated a lot or used a towel). It’s worth investing in a sweat-proof sunscreen if you’re exercising outdoors. Try HB Mineral Sunscreen SPF50+ from Holland & Barrett and feel safe in the knowledge that you have effective protection.

If you do get sunburnt, the first thing to do is get out of the sun. Go inside, find shade, and drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration. To soothe the burning sensation, take a cool shower or bath to calm your skin. Then, over the next few hours, continue this cooling process using a damp towel as a compress. Alternatively, use a bag of ice wrapped in a towel - this helps to drain the heat from the skin. As well as soothing the sunburn, this can help reduce further redness. Aloe vera is often recommended as a hydrating gel to help soothe affected skin. In fact, you’ll probably find many after-sun products contain aloe vera as a key ingredient. You should continue to use a cooling gel or cream for a few days to keep burnt areas moist and hydrated. Dr Organic Aloe Vera Gel with Tea Tree from Holland & Barrett ensures that the plant’s beneficial polysaccharide levels are captured and maximised to help soothe, moisturise and restore dry and sun exposed skin.

Many of the most popular and fun festivals are held in the months of August and September. Aside from the obvious tent, wellies and sleeping bag, there are a few festival essentials that you may not have considered when putting together your packing list. No festival essentials list would be complete without the inclusion of some immune system-supporting vitamin C! Holland & Barrett High Strength Effervescent Vitamin C tablets are an easy to take and easy to pack orange flavoured effervescent Vitamin C food supplement.

Another tip to make sure you enjoy the summer safely and healthily is to remember that it is all about balance and that sometimes it can be stressful to decide when to say yes and when to say no. Treats are more than just “healthy” or “unhealthy”, some provide your body with nutrients and others taste good and make you feel good. Sometimes, treats are more about joining in with everyone and doing the things you love. It’s fine to overindulge every so often but listen to what your body is telling you.

If you do over-do it, try Kombucha – a fermented drink made from tea, sugar and a bacterial culture called a SCOBY (symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast). Holland & Barrett Energy Kombucha drink is formulated with Ashwagandha, Vitamin B12 and Live Cultures. Vitamin B12 contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.

Ashwagandha is known for being an adaptogen, a natural agent that reportedly can potentially help with everyday pressure and Live Cultures are a type of good bacteria that come in the form of microbes associated with foods and drinks helping the normal function of the gut.

Finally, embrace every moment of summer... try not to spend it nursing a headache or suffering with a bad gut.

Take some simple precautions to ensure you stay healthy and remember that the best advice is to stay hydrated and don’t wait until you feel thirsty to drink water

Advisory Information: Food supplements must not be used as a substitute for a varie d and balanced diet and a healt hy lifestyle. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking any medi cations or are under medical supervision, please consult a doctor or healthcare profession al and always read the label before use.

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PREVENTION AND HEALTHY HABITS MAY HELP RELIEVE MENOPAUSE SYMPTOMS

DURING THE MENOPAUSE, THE LEVELS OF CERTAIN HORMONES - ESTROGEN AND PROGESTERONE - BEGIN TO FALL. MAINTAINING GOOD HEALTH DURING THIS STAGE MAY HELP ALLEVIATE THE SYMPTOMS. Sleep disturbance, lack of energy and loss of sex drive are some common symptoms that many women suffer from when they start experiencing menopause. However, prevention and healthy habits play a very important role in facing this climacteric stage.

“With the end of menstruation, the levels of some hormones decrease: estrogen and progesterone. That is why maintaining good health during this stage may help alleviate the symptoms", explains Dr Emilia Villegas, Gynaecologist and Head of the Women's Health Unit at Vithas Xanit International hospitals, Vithas Malaga and Vithas Xanit Gibraltar.

Gynaecological examinations are essential at any stage. Therefore, Dr Villegas insists that “it is advisable to be checked by a doctor, since it is important that women are aware of any possible treatments, therapies and lifestyles.

At the same time, some diseases can be prevented when detected early, with appropriate treatment or surgery.” In addition, she adds that "menopause in women may lead to a number of disorders related to other medical specialities that can be easily detected by a gynaecologist and be then referred to the different specialists for treatment and follow-up.”

In this sense, Dr. Raul Cardenal, Gynaecologist at Vithas Xanit Gibraltar, insists that “it is important to raise women's awareness about various issues related to this period of life, such as the importance of keeping a healthy diet, regular physical exercise and, if necessary, access to different treatments to reduce/alleviate the associated symptoms.”

Menopause symptoms can be relieved Prevention and healthy habits may help relieve menopause symptoms.

It is important to exercise regularly to prevent diseases such as osteoporosis. Our gynaecologist emphasises the importance of strengthening the pelvic floor, because it is during menopause that pelvic dysfunctions occur, leading to incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse.

Gynaecology Unit at Vithas Xanit Gibraltar Vithas Xanit Gibraltar has recently expanded its portfolio of services by adding 9 new specialities, including Gynaecology. The main goal is to offer women in Gibraltar the highest quality of care thanks to the extensive experience of the team of professionals that make up the unit, providing a more complete and specialised service.

Dr Raul Cardenal also states that "cervical cancer is closely linked to Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection. For this reason, the Gynaecology Unit of Vithas Xanit Gibraltar is committed to preventing and early diagnosing this type of cancer, as performing an HPV diagnosis and screening is a way to prevent cervical cancer.”

Vithas Xanit Gibraltar The clinic started operating in May last year and is located at Unit 1 Lexington, Midtown, Queensway Rd. All professionals at Vithas Xanit Gibraltar have extensive experience and they also lead the services of their respective specialities at Vithas Xanit International Hospital. The clinic has five multi-purpose consulting rooms, as well as a nursing consultation, a blood-sampling room with a laboratory area and a radiology room using the most-advanced direct digital radiography technology.

About Vithas Vithas Group is made up of 20 hospitals and 37 medical and assistance facilities distributed throughout 13 Spanish provinces. There are 12,500 professionals who make up Vithas and who have successfully turned it into one of the leaders in Spanish healthcare. In addition, the Group integrates the following institutions: Fundacion Vithas, Vithas Red Diagnostica and the buying centre PlazaSalud24.

The corporate strategy of Vithas, supported by Goodgrower Group, is based on accredited healthcare quality, patient experience, research and innovation, and a social and environmental undertaking.

Furthermore, Vithas Xanit Gibraltar professionals add that “it is advisable to take care of food by following a healthy diet low in fat and rich in vegetables and fruits, as well as to increase the intake of oily fish”.

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PACS

WELCOME TO

DIDDY DISCOVERERS

AFTER A SUPER BUSY WEEK, WE'RE ALL SET FOR OUR LAST PLAYGROUP OF THE WEEK! One of our favourite mornings of the week is Friday. Its almost the weekend and we've usually had a crazy fun week at PACS. From the moment we open our doors at 9.45am, we get to enjoy some very happy faces. Dress-

development. Learning what’s nice and what isn't (!!), seeing how others play and generally interacting with children of all different ages is invaluable. During this session we offer a less structured environment compared to

after a busy week. After all that play, the children love to listen to a story.

Then it's time for songtime, sleeping bunnies is a firm favourite and we always finish off with a bit of Hokey Cokey!!! Dancing, laughing, singing

ing up, trains, babies, duplo, sliding, jumping and climbing are just a hand full of things on offer. Playgroups can provide children with some vital social skills and be a huge part of a child’s

our other groups. Not only does this allow the children to explore the group in their own way by using their imagination and creativity, it also allows the parents / carers time to sit and relax

ad jumping. It’s a lovely way to end a week at PACS!! Come along and see for yourself. We'd love to see you!!!

What's On @ PACS TOTALLY TODDLERS - MONDAYS 9.45AM - 11.15AM Mid Harbours Family Centre. Come join us for Storytime, craft and play.

PLAY SENSE - TUESDAYS 9.45AM - 11.15AM Play Sense from 9.45-11.15am at Mid Harbours Family Centre.

A quieter play session for those children who may find our other sessions overwhelming. To book, please email pacsgib@gmail.com BUMPS & BABIES - WEDNESDAYS 9.30AM - 12.00PM The 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.

VOLUNTEERS ALWAYS NEEDED! always on the If reading this inspires any of you, we are always welcome, lookout for new volunteers. Any help is h of people! and you’ll be working with a great bunc

COOKING CLUB – WEDNESDAY & FRIDAY The Methodist Church. A fun session aimed at toddlers aged from 2.5 upwards giving children the chance to make and try different foods. Booking required.

SENSORY STORY TIME – THURSDAYS 12.30 - 2PM The Methodist Church. Come join us for some interactive Story Time Fun! Different themes every week!

DIDDY DISCOVERERS – FRIDAYS 9.45 - 11.45AM The Methodist Church. Come join us for free play, story time and song time fun!

MONTHLY CRAFT CLUBS Ages 2.5 upwards. Details will be announced on our Facebook page.

FACEBOOK PAGE D FOLLOW OUR PLEASE LIKE AN OUR GROUPS: DATES ON ALL OF FOR REGULAR UP R TA AL PACS GIBR

Contact Us for more information!

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ADOPT

DON'T

SHOP

Spanish Stray Dogs

Spanish Stray Dogs

UK

UK

RAMSE

Ramses arrived at pound in August 2022 and was about 3 months old on arrival. Ramses was in foster during one of the floods with his best friend Edgar, they told us, “We have been lucky enough to have fostered Edgar and Ramses for 8 weeks now. Both these handsome, beautiful creatures are the best of buddies but have quite different personalities. Ramses is placid and extremely affectionate.”.

More info: www.spanishstraydogs.org.uk

PEGGY Peggy is around three years old who loves to hug and is good with all dogs and children. She is a beautiful, friendly girl who was abandoned and is now looking for a family to offer her a forever home.

More info: www.ainf.gi

ROBERT RUFUS Rufus is a super friendly boy who loves to play with people and other dogs. He is very sociable, and loves walks and is looking for someone to give him love and play time.

More info: www.ainf.gi

64

Spanish Stray Dogs

Spanish Stray Dogs

UK

UK

Robert arrived at the pound in June 2021 and was about 3 years old on arrival. He is such a sweet and gentle boy! He is very calm in the cage, but he loves it if one of the volunteers has the time to visit him. He loves cuddles and prefers to sit on your lap if possible.

A real sweetheart! Robert was in foster during one of the floods, they told us, “Robert is super good in the house. He is super affectionate and loves having a cuddle. He walks well on the lead and great with children. He really is a very good and obedient dog.

SEPTEMBER 2023

GIBRALTARINSIGHT.COM

A VET'S INSIGHT

KEEPING WILD ANIMALS IN

CONFINEMENT,

The recent planning application to install an aquarium in the Victualling Yard raises some moral issues that should extend far into society and question the keeping of certain animals in cages, confined environments or aquariums. should be protecting their enIS THIS vironments and the climate and MORALLY looking after their welfare.

We should be having companion animals under our roofs rather One of the memories I had as a ETHICAL than pets, such as dogs and cats young child was going to see perI grew up in an era of performing animals, circuses, substandard inhumane zoos, pet shops selling wild caught wild caught birds, monkeys in cages etc.

joyment’ and ‘education’, we

forming dolphins at the Montagu Pavilion, one can only imagine the suffering of these animals as they were transported. Pet shops in the 1970s used to stock wild caught birds for sale in cages, Goldfinches, Greenfinches, Sirens, Siskins etc etc . People used to keep male Goldfinches in small cages about 20 x 20 cms for their immaculate song , tragic to confine an animal that could fly miles a day into this prison just for human enjoyment .

These songbirds sing for a reason, to attract females so that they can mate, not so that it gives a human a few minutes of pleasure.

that are an integral part of our family, I can assure you that they will love you more than 95 % of the humans For more out there. please

we should shake off these impulses to see animals in confinement for our pleasure.

Aquarium fish are also another tragic tale. One in 6 aquarium fish die from reef to retail. It is estimated that tens of millions of fish die annually to feed the global aquarium industry. TENS OF MILLIONS!!! I was ignorant of this fact until very recently. As we educate ourselves on the realities of what happens behind the scenes

I remember a conversation I had with a very religious gentleman, who argued that all animals were put on earth for our gratification.

What a load of nonsense, what’s more humans as the most intelligent species on this planet has a duty of care to all its fellow animals. We shouldn’t be sticking them in confinement for our ‘en-

information

So I come back phone Gibraltar to the large Vetinary Clinic on Aquarium that 200 77334 they want to build, a backward step for society, if you want to be educated on these splendid wild animals that belong in oceans then go out on a boat, or visit the seashore. If physically this is impossible there are loads of high quality documentaries out there that will show these animals in their natural state. Absolutely no need to imprison them for out ‘enjoyment’ and ‘education’.

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ADOPT

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SALLY

66

KIT

Super affectionate Sally was found on the street very skinny and hungry. This human loving circa 5 year old girl adores people. Presumably abandoned this makes it even more heartbreaking. Sally is looking for a home to give her the love that she craves and needs.

She loves kisses too!!

Meet “Kit”, the kitten who lost his meow. Found on the street in an extremely emaciated state, this incredibly loving 5 month old boy is gradually putting on weight. He’s a true survivor….and a very cute one at that! Yet to meow, we’re hoping Kit’s forever family will be the ones to hear his voice for the first time. Could that be you?

More info: (Facebook) @SaveGibStreetCats

More info: (Facebook) @SaveGibStreetCats

SEPTEMBER 2023

GIBRALTARINSIGHT.COM

HOROSCOPES

YOUR FUTURE IN THE STARS

SEPTEMBER WITH KATE MCHARDY

ARIES (Mar 21 - Apr 20)

LEO (Jul 23 - Aug 23)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23 - Dec 21)

Your inner patience will be called upon this month, Aries. You may find it challenging to stay in balance and not become frustrated with those around you who you feel may be holding you back on your path. Stay calm and allow them to catch up.

As the vibrations on our planet evolve, Leo, we must all evolve with them and you have an important role in this. As a natural leader you are being guided to develop your psychic abilities which, in turn, will encourage others to do the same.

Be open and the answers will come.

Focus on your creativity this month, Sagittarius. Follow your instincts and either develop something that you already enjoy or just go mad and learn a new skill.

Tapping into our creativity keeps our brain nourished and alive and connects us with the soul of the Universe.

TAURUS Apr 21 - May 21)

VIRGO (Aug 24 - Sep 23)

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 - Jan 20)

As the dark energies around us seek to be in control, we must keep working in the light. Strive to meet the light in everyone, Taurus, and not only will your path be lighter but so will the path of everyone you come into contact with.

This month, you must tune in to the comfortable, motherly, nurturing and stable aspects of your nature, Virgo, and balance them with the strong protective energy that is also part of you. This will help you to make a decision that has had you oscillating between your heart and your head.

Its time to step into your power, Capricorn, and accept that you have strong leadership qualities that you have been hiding away.

The world needs you and so do the people around you, so, examine your life, decide what brings you satisfaction and step up now!

GEMINI (May 22 - Jun 22) Turn your attention to your home life this month, Gemini. Remember, also, that your body is the temporary home of your soul and may be feeling a little neglected at the moment. Check where you are putting your energy and call it back home.

CANCER (Jun 23 - Jul 22) You may feel like closing your heart, Cancer, but now, more then ever is the time for you to keep it open. Trust yourself and listen to your inner wisdom. Your heart may feel heavy but it will lighten as you keep it open and trust love to be the answer.

LIBRA (Sep 24 - Oct 23)

AQUARIUS (Jan 21 - Feb 19)

Your listening skills are going to be needed this month, Libra. Someone close is feeling very confused and afraid to take a wrong turning. With your ability to ‘see both sides’ and to seek fairness at all times, you can be the lifeline this person needs, at this time.

Take care of your heart this month, Aquarius and listen intently to the messages it carries for you. Be gentle with yourself and stop procrastinating. Be vigilant for signs from the Universe which direct to a specific course of action and remember that they are simply drawing your own desire to you.

SCORPIO (Oct 24 - Nov 22)

PISCES (Feb 20 - Mar 20)

Remember that you are a magnificent and unique person, Scorpio. Perhaps you are feeling a little bit guilty or even shameful over something. Simply, take a step back and acknowledge this. We all carry these energies and sometimes they trip us up and we feel defensive. There is always a lesson to be learned in self-compassion and letting go.

You will be a busy bee this month, Pisces, buzzing from person to person and project to project. Remember to hold your heart open at all times while calling upon your angels and guides to keep it safe. You will be drawn to geometrical shapes and will find yourself fascinated by their energy.

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

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FEATURE

HONESTY radical

Have you said ‘yes’ recently when you really wanted to say ‘no’? Agreed to do something that just felt wrong because you didn’t want to let someone down? I know that I have and the repercussions came home to roost and I found myself saying, “I knew I shouldn’t have gone ahead with that!”

Honesty implies a refusal to lie, steal or deceive in any way. Honour suggests an anxious regard for the standard of one’s profession, calling or position. Integrity implies trustworthiness and incorruptibility to a degree that one is incapable of being false to a trust, responsibility or promise.

“I can only tell the truth that is my truth at the moment. We don’t have to agree with each other about how things are. We just have to listen to each other and get how things are for each other, now.” Dr Brad Blanton.

Radical honesty requires mental deep cleaning. And just like cleaning your house, the result is well worth the process.

Fundamentally, we all wish to be known and accepted for who we are. Sadly, most people don’t know who they are so seek recognition and validation elsewhere. When we don’t find it within, we seek it from without. In other words, when we don’t find it inside ourselves, we seek it from outside of ourselves … which means we are ‘without’. Without what? Without authenticity. Honesty is truth and truth is authenticity.

The main components to honesty are. Transparency, Authenticity and Vulnerability.

Transparency leads to trust because it serves as a window into the inner workings of another person. The window to the soul.

Without transparency, we are left in the dark to make up the truth about what is happening or what the other person is thinking.

And, we can be sure to get that wrong!

The quickest way to build trust is through transparency.

With transparency, problems are exposed and solved faster and people are more easily and honestly connected because they are operating with the same information, allowing the relationship to deepen and develop more quickly which brings greater closeness.

Authenticity is about remaining true to what we believe in. It is about being approachable

and showing up consistently in all circumstances. We have many different ‘selves’ and we evolve in every new role so we must ask what is our core self and how can we remain true to it? Is it possible to always align what we feel with what we say and do?

As relationships grow and change, we may

When you tell a lie, you steal someone’s right to the truth.”

Khaled Hosseini, The Kite Runner

find ourselves facing a forced change of values. Therefore, we have to closely examine our core values and decide if we are willing to change what they stand for (given that we are clear about that in the first place).

Remaining authentic requires conscious effort, especially as relationships grow and challenge us.

Vulnerability is about sharing our fears and setbacks, particularly when we are facing difficulties. Not to gain sympathy, but to open up to greater connection and relatability and to feel safe in doing so.

If we want to enjoy strong emotional connection and experience mutual caring and respect, then vulnerability is essential.

When we choose honesty, it starts with ourselves. It starts with going within which is no easy task. We are so conditioned into lying to ourselves that it takes commitment and almost obsessive introspection to get to the truth of our daily little lies. Our daily little inauthenticites. How many times today have I not spoken up? How many times have I said yes (to be polite and not hurt another’s feelings) when my truth was no? This simple, re-

curring act brings a lie into the situation and creates an atmosphere of dishonesty. It often seems so much easier to just tell a (little white) lie and say ok but how many times do we do it in a day and then all these little lies join up and become pervasive of our energy.

Without being harsh on others, it is essential that we learn to ‘just say no’.

We live in a world ruled by dishonesty. We are bombarded and brainwashed by dishonest rulers who have only their own interests at heart. The world we live in would be a much better place if people just said no instead of yes, every day.

Our very sense of self is being gaslit by a plague of narcissism and our sense of reality is being challenged every day. I believe that it is essential, for our survival as a species, that we delve deep inside ourselves and find our authenticity and sense of selfworth.

As we know, we are spiritual beings living in material bodies and we must hold to this truth. Dark energies have always been sneaking around but we are being manipulated by them now more than ever and we must reclaim our spiritual strength if we want to live from our hearts. We can do this by starting out with a simple ‘no’. No thankyou, I do not want another coffee. No thankyou, I do not want a slice of cream cake. No thankyou, I do not want to go out tonight.

Or just ‘no thankyou, I don’t want to .. (fill in the blank).. as it just doesn’t feel right’.

Be gentle with yourself as you would with a child. Encourage yourself to be honest in the little ways and acknowledge yourself generously when you do so. That way it will grow.

Your quality of life and those around you, will grow positively and the ripple effect will spread further than you can possibly imagine! Speak your truth – it matters!

KATE MCHARDY MA(HONS) PGCE MSPH. SPIRITUAL COACH, TEACHER AND HEALER. The University of Light Group www.thehealingretreat.net katemch@gmail.com • +44 7712889534

WORDS BY KATE MCHARDY

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MARRIED

on the

Rock

MEGAN & RYAN, MARRIED IN GIBRALTAR ON 19TH JUNE 2023 PHOTOGRAPHER JENNA BROWN

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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.

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BMI GROUP ESTATE AGENTS info@bmigroup.gi

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www.bmigroup.gi

WORDS BY RICHARD CARTWRIGHT # B M I G ro u p SEPTEMBER 2023

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

# G i b ra l t a r

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