The Gibraltar Magazine - May 2017

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MARCH 2017

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MARCH 2017

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editor’s letter

MAY ISSUE

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t the end of Chancery Lane in London, on Fleet Street, there is a stone arch leading to a quiet courtyard where I spent many lunch breaks marvelling at the change of atmosphere between this place and the busy street outside. Tucked into the courtyard is the Temple Church, featured in Dan Brown’s ‘The Da Vinci Code’, built by the poor Templars as a place of worship.

That’s right, ‘poor Templars’. It might sound strange but this is how that order of knights began on their mission to protect pilgrims travelling to the Holy Land. They became rich and powerful by growing into one of the first bankers of the modern world and Temple Church became the first bank in London. The journey to Jerusalem was long and dangerous, with robbers behind every corner, so instead of carrying funds with them, pilgrims deposited their money at Temple Church and withdrew it upon arrival at their destination. This service wasn’t free…

There are many more stories of how financial services developed - the Templars were by no means the first. There are records of temples being used as safe refuges for wealth as far back as 18 BC in Babylon, where you could borrow money from priests. Then, in 4th century BC, Greece became the global leader in 4

financial transactions: deposits, loans, currency exchange, etc. Fast forward to the 21st century and we no longer need any physical objects to weigh us down, regardless of how much money we’ve got.

We barely see our money. We have plastic cards which are ‘soon’ to become obsolete too. In the 21st century, we have terms like ‘bitcoin’ or ‘tokens’ and technology to satiate all our financial needs.

This month, you can see just how far we have moved on from the 12th century Templars’ services by diving into our Business section (p. 21), where Cryptocurrencies, Fintech, Blockchain, ICO, etc., are explained ahead of the conference to be hosted by Albert Isola where experts in the field will be defining future regulation for digital money.

We have a few interesting suggestions for tourism in Gib (p. 39), all of which I would happily take part in. We talk to Mari Montegriffo, the first local female mayor, elected in 1988, and learn about her various skills, including singing and playing squash very well.

first ever Comic Convention is bringing all comic enthusiasts together as of May the 4th (p. 62).

Rugby fans can read about our recent victory over Finland (p. 68) and photography junkies can add Burma to their destination list (p. 73). Those with a taste for fine wines will find out what Tasmania has to offer (p. 80), whilst gardening lovers can check out the Chelsea Flower Show (p.

70) - it is said to be the Mecca for all flora enthusiasts.

Today, even if you’re not on the way to your Holy Land, or are not particularly worried about carrying a stash of gold on you, would you rather have banknotes stuffed into your wallet or just a password stored in your head allowing you access to virtual money (p. 18)?

Anna

In Scene, you can read all about this year’s World Music Festival showcasing artists from Mali and Ethiopia, bringing us closer to African beats (p. 55). Also, Gibraltar’s GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2017

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2017

Life.

Spend it well.

Our naturally cool, stylish linen makes every day worth celebrating.

Linen Shirt £27.50, Trousers £25, Skirt £29.50 GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2017

Marks & Spencer Gibraltar, 215B Main Street 3

contents 8 NEWS 16 Around town 18 Hello there: cashless world

BUSINESS 21 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 39 42

Cryptocurrencies - Defining future/regulation Fintech? - What’s it all about then?

Insurtech - Another opportunity for Gibraltar Online Money - The new world of Bitcoin Initial Coin Offerings - and the growing token market Regtech - Not a regular technology!

Company Culture - Which environment to work in?

Global Centre - Looking beyond Europe Brexit Pill - A cure for our stale tourist product Solid & Stable - Property market to stay as is

LIFE 44 48 50 52

The First Female Mayor - Playing squash with men Understanding Gibraltar - Tolerance for export Finding Balance - between terror and contentment Marine Nuisances - Nautilus: a living fossil

SCENE 22#07 May 2017: Albert Isola Contributing writers: Albert Isola, Alex Puig, Ian Le Breton, Christian Caetano, Félix Moreno, Joey Garcia, Eran Shay, Ayelet Mamo Shay, Sylvia Kenna, Alicia Bowry, Blythe Reeves, Jorge v.Rein Parlade, Mike Brufal, Richard Cartwright, Nicole Macedo, Lewis Stagnetto, Liana Penny Peklivanas, Elena Scialtiel, Sophie Clifton-Tucker, Julia Coelho, Andy Blackburn, Marcus Killick, Chris Hedley, Elaine Caetano, Andrew Licudi, Polly Lavarello.

The Gibraltar Magazine is published monthly by Rock Publishing Ltd Portland House, Suite 4, Glacis Road, Gibraltar, PO Box 1114 T: (+350) 20077748 | E: info@thegibraltarmagazine.com Copyright © 2017 Rock Publishing Limited. All rights reserved. No part of this periodical may be reproduced without written consent of The Gibraltar Magazine.

www.TheGibraltarMagazine.com

@gibmag

Magazine & website archived by the British Library

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We’d love to hear from you. Sometimes we get a bit lonely in our office, and we like to get letters, phone calls and emails with your feedback and photos. We might even publish the best so keep them coming. This is your magazine so get involved.

Email: anna@thegibraltarmagazine.com Tel: 200 77748 GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2017

55 58 60 62

African Uprising - Gibraltar World Music Festival 2017 For K & Country - Eazi-K became The Ace Of Slades Dandy Dandelions - and drop-dead delish detectives May The 4th Be With U! - The first Comic Con in Gib

LEISURE 65 68 70 73 78 80

Swimwear - Summer styles for 2017 Festival Of Rugby - Sportsmanship and comradery Floral Tributes - and foliage fisticuffs Burmese Myanmar - The place to practice photography Focus On Depression - It’s good to talk...

Wining In Tasmania - Geography of wine flavour

82 84 86 96 98

Recipes: Stuffed Med Loaf & Blueberry Mini Muffins Spring Festival 2017 Schedule Guides and Information Mum on the Rock - Is having kids worth it?

Coffee Time and Schedules Editor: Anna Kolesnik anna@thegibraltarmagazine.com Sales&Marketing: Helen Reilly helen@thegibraltarmagazine.com Distribution: Jordan Brett jordan@thegibraltarmagazine.com Accounts: Paul Cox paul@thegibraltarmagazine.com 7

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MENTAL HEALTH WEEK TH TH 8 -14 MAY

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lubhouse Gibraltar would like to invite you to participate in their annual campaign themed ‘Surviving and Thriving’.

Thursday 11th – Clubhouse Gibraltar Annual Report Presentation at John Mackintosh Hall at 3pm.

Friday 12th - ‘Wear Yellow’ Day: Wear Yellow in support of Mental Health and give a donation. (Supported by schools & organizations) Saturday 13th - Yellow Walk at 10.30am from The Convent to Casemates and Family Fun Day at Casemates from 11am to 4pm.

Yellow printed t-shirts are sold at £4.50, if you are interested please contact Clubhouse Gibraltar on 20068423 or admin@clubhousegibraltar.com.

GHA REFORMS IMPROVE ACCIDENT & EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT

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he Gibraltar Health Authority is proud to announce the first step in a series of reforms in the Accident & Emergency Department.

The reforms have begun with the deployment of two additional A&E Charge Nurses. This ensures that a highly skilled, senior member of the nursing staff leads and manages the A&E team in every shift.

The Charge Nurse role is crucial, as they are the front line management on the “shop floor”.

They are responsible for organising and supporting the whole clinical team on each shift and ensure that all A&E patients receive high-quality, safe, compassionate and timely clinical care.

This A&E reform comes after the success of the recent Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) Courses carried out in Gibraltar for the first time, provided by the faculty from St George’s Hospital NHS Trust in London. The intensive four-day course ensured that our front line A&E staff are fully trained and accredited to provide gold standard clinical care.

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Further, the services of A&E will be streamlined so while they will continue to issue initial sick certificates for patients, where appropriate, extensions of these certificates will no longer be issued from A&E. Patients who need further sick leave will need to make an appointment at the Primary Care Centre with a GP for medical review and further sick certification.

The recent launch of the repeat prescription service at the PCC saved 300 routine appointments in February alone

and is forecast to save at least 320 GP appointments every month. Additionally, the new sick note telephone service saved 192 GP appointments in March and is forecast to save over 220 appointments every month. The combined result is an increased availability of over 500 GP appointments per month. These saved appointments mean that the excellent and dedicated clinical staff of nurses and GPs will be able to spend more meaningful time with patients at their consultations.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2017

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NEW MATRON TO BE INTRODUCED AT ST BERNARD’S HOSPITAL

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he Gibraltar Health Authority will advertise the new position of matron at St Bernard’s Hospital.

The new role will be tasked with the maintenance of adequate hygiene and cleanliness in the wards, together with high standards of care and good practice.

Other core functions will be to ensure that individual patients are nursed back to health in a comfortable environment and with the right plan of clinical care for their needs.

Historically, matrons have played an important role in the Gibraltar Health Authority, although the position was discontinued in modern times and its functions absorbed by the Nurse Management Team. It has now been deemed appropriate to reintroduce the role of the matron, as patients and relatives needed someone they could relate to with a strong, approachable presence in the wards to supervise their nursing and medical convalescence needs.

Director of Nursing Services Sandie Gracia said: “This has been a positive move, as the patients and their relatives will have an authoritative and empathic figure they can identify with. Our health professionals will also benefit, as matrons will provide encouragement and motivation to members of the nursing team and support staff.”

Minister for Health, Care and Justice, Neil Costa added: “With the introduction of the matron, we provide a visible and accessible presence in wards to support our clinical environment that is patient and public focussed. Not only will the matron be an asset across a whole range of multidisciplinary clinical areas, but will also provide a source of information and choice for patients, together with a reassuring physical presence that can make such a positive difference when a person is recovering from illness. Matrons will also contribute to patient management, ensuring measures

to reduce length of stay and facilitate early discharge.”

CANCER RELIEF CHILDREN’S PLAY PARK OPENING

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he Guardian Angel Foundation, a Gibraltar registered charity, was set up in 2013 with the intention of improving the standards of care and living for local children affected by genuine financial distress or suffering from any illness or disability which impairs their physical or mental well-being.

They also seek to fund activities which may benefit children and make their lives happier with less worry, which really is what childhood should be all about. This charity will specifically find projects to fund and complete, and therefore always have a focus and reason to improve the life of children in need. Every penny raised is used solely for the projects that have been identified. Therefore, all administrative and other costs associated with running the charity will be met by the Committee members themselves.

Last month, the Gibraltar Cancer Relief GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2017

Centre officially opened a children’s play park at their premises on South Barrack Road. The park was kindly donated by the Guardian Angel Foundation following their fund-raising exploits in October 2016 when a team of 15 cyclists and 5 support crew made their way from Portugal to Gibraltar, in conjunction with Ocean Village & Atlantic Suites Health and Spa. The event was extremely well attended and judging by the smiles and jolly spirits a total success!

The children’s play park at the Gibraltar Cancer Relief Centre represents the fifth major project delivered by the Foundation in less than four years. In this regard, the Guardian Angel Foundation would like to thank HM Government of Gibraltar and the general public for all the support shown and for opportunity to make a difference. The charity is already organising delivery of its next project.

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THE GEDIME MOTORS GOLF TROPHY

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unday 2nd April saw the return of Med Golf to La Cańada for the Gedime Motors Trophy tournament. The event was played in warm sunshine and a gentle breeze – ideal golf conditions.

Peter Grüetter was champion of the day with a very fine 36 Stableford points.

Peter won the Gedime Motors Trophy and two green fees on the San Roque Club Old course. He also won the Best Senior Trophy and the prize for the Best Pair with his playing partner Patrick Holmes with a combined score of 61 Stableford points. Moreover, Peter will have made a significant move up the Jyske Bank Order of Merit List.

The best performance on the par 3 holes was Duncan Hamilton with a gross score of 1 over par beating John Hunter on handicap. The Longest Drive Trophy was won by Duncan Hamilton. The Best Gross Trophy, for which every hole must be scored, was won by Kevin Jones with a score of 84.

Category 1 (handicaps 0 to 12): the runner up with 29 points was David MacGregor who also featured strongly in the nearest the pin prize list below. The winner was Javi Hunter with a score of 32 points.

Category 2 (handicaps 13 to 22): the runner up was Peter Andlaw with 33 points and the winner was Kevin Jones with score of 34 points.

Category 3 (handicap 23 and above): James Barr was runner up with 24 points having narrowly missed out on handicap from winning the Fiduciary Trophy at the last event. The winner was George Clayton with a score of 28 points.

Nearest the pin winners were: David MacGregor twice, Pedro Manzano, Roy Azopardi and Matthew Gerard. Nearest to the pin in 2 on a par 4 was Jorden Brown and nearest to the pin in 3 on a par 5 was David MacGregor.

The prizes were presented by Med Golf’s Camille Benezrah. The prize giving was followed by a card draw for a litre bottle of Johnnie Walker Red Label whiskey, and invitation vouchers for 2 green fees on the San Roque Club Old, and lunch at the Star Bar in Gibraltar both courtesy of Jyske Bank, the Med Golf Order of Merit sponsor.

DONATION TO RAINBOW WARD

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he Lifesaving Sports Association has raised £8265 to purchase a handheld Abbott i-Stat blood analyser, downloader and printer, which was donated yesterday to the Rainbow Ward at St Bernard’s.

The Association organised several events to promote lifeguarding in order to compete internationally and to raise funds for the equipment. Some of these events included, a Fun Day held at the GASA pavilion, an Aqua-aerobics marathon and a Waterpolo marathon.

The Abbott i-Stat is a handheld blood analyser and is widely used in paediatric high dependency units and neonatal units worldwide. It has the added advantage that it is portable and can be used in interhospital transfers of critically ill children.

The i-stat is beneficial to paediatrics and will help to improve clinical efficiency.

It is simple to use and enhances patient centred care without compromising staff numbers, especially during an emergency.

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The i-Stat system requires just two to three drops of blood to deliver lab-quality results.

Using the system can significantly reduce blood requirements by:

diagnosis of a potentially life threatening condition in an emergency allowing early treatment which in turn could improve the clinical outcome for the patient.

- eliminating re-sticks due to delays with multi-use analysers,

Minister Costa said ‘On behalf of all the staff at the GHA, I would like to give my sincerest thanks to the Lifesaving Sports Association for this generous donation.

This new piece of equipment is an asset for the Rainbow Ward and could potentially save lives.’

- minimising the risk of sample clotting before or during testing, - consolidating analytes on one cartridge.

Overall, this analyser will allow early

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2017

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GOLD MEDAL FOR GIBRALTAR AT THE SUSSEX FESTIVAL

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3 year old local dancer, Amy Avellano from Transitions Dance Academy, has won gold medal at the Sussex Festival of Dance and Song. Amy, who is also a member of the Gibraltar National Team, participated in the senior section of the ‘Sussex Dancer of the Year’. She performed two dance routines that were especially choreographed by Gillaine Alman.

Director of M.O. Productions Seamus Byrne said: ‘Amy has once again been a great ambassador for Gibraltar and we

are delighted with her performances and the result. Her participation at this event has been very well received by festival organisers, international choreographers and everyone enjoying the festival.

It has been an extraordinary educational experience and we look forward to furthering our relationship with the Sussex Festival and in hosting the winner of the Gibraltar Award at Sussex, Tara Yasmin Holland in February 2018.’

50TH ANNIVERSARY OF 1967 REFERENDUM

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he Government has announced a number of events that will take place in order to mark the 50th anniversary of the 1967 referendum. This was the first time that the people of Gibraltar were given the choice to remain British or to come under Spanish sovereignty.

On 14 June 1967, UK Minister of State at the Commonwealth Office Judith Hart told the Westminster Parliament that a referendum would be held in Gibraltar on 10 September that year. There would be two options on the ballot paper open to the people of Gibraltar. The first to pass under Spanish sovereignty in accordance with the terms proposed by the Spanish Government to Her Majesty’s Government on 18 May 1966. The second choice was to voluntarily retain the link with Britain, with democratic local institutions and with Britain retaining its existing responsibilities.

There will be an exhibition at the Casemates galleries which will open on 14 June this year. This will mark 50 years to the day when the United Kingdom Government announced that a referendum would take place in Gibraltar.

The exhibition is being organised by the Government Archivist, who already holds a considerable number of media news reels, press cuttings and photographs of the time. However, members of the public who hold photographs, footage and memorabilia which relate to the 1967 referendum which may be suitable for

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2017

displaying during the exhibition are invited to come forward and contact the Archivist on 20079461 so that an initial assessment can be made.

The exhibition will run until the first week of July and will be followed later in the year by a memorial event and concert. This is intended to bring together both the lighter and the more serious political message of the time.

There will be special coins minted to mark the 50th anniversary of the referendum and a set of stamps will also be issued.

A project is already in the pipeline, in conjunction with residents, for the repainting of the steps at Devil’s Gap in red, white and blue. This part of Gibraltar was an emblematic representation of the spontaneous actions taken by the people of Gibraltar to decorate the areas in which they lived in the colours of the Union Jack.

A commemorative booklet, similar to the one issued to mark the 75th anniversary of the Evacuation in 2015, will also be published and distributed to schools around Gibraltar in order to highlight the anniversary of this important event.

The Deputy Chief Minister Dr Joseph Garcia said:

“The referendum took place on 10 September 1967. On a turnout of 95.8%, 12,138 people voted to remain British and only 44 voted for Gibraltar to become a part of Spain. This was the first time that the Gibraltarians had been given the choice and encouraged to exercise it. They spoke with devastating clarity.

The referendum represented, at a symbolic level, that fact that British sovereignty over Gibraltar had come to rest on the living wishes of the descendants of the people who had lived on this Rock since 1704.

The 10 September was later chosen as the date for Gibraltar National Day because it marks the anniversary of the day on which this referendum took place. This year promises to be extraspecial.”

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LOCAL PUBLIC TO PARTICIPATE IN UNESCO WHS EXCAVATIONS

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orld Heritage is the shared wealth of humankind and protecting and preserving these amazing places demands the collective efforts of all of us. In order to celebrate its first year as a World Heritage Site, and a member of the global community of special heritage places, the Gibraltar Museum is pleased to announce the introduction of a scheme aimed at involving the local public in the annual excavations at the Gorham’s Cave Complex UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Eight places are being offered to local residents of Gibraltar wishing to participate on a voluntary basis in this year’s excavations which will run from the 19th June to the 18th August. No previous experience is required as volunteers will work under the direct supervision of specialists at all times.

The places offered will be divided equally into four slots of two weeks each covering the period of the excavation.

The slots will be staggered to ensure two persons participate at any one time.

Persons interested in participating should be aware that participation requires a commitment of six days a week (Monday to Saturday inclusive) for a minimum of two weeks. Excavations typically take place between 9am and 6pm daily but additional laboratory work may be involved after 6pm. In order to make the places accessible to as many persons as possible, work will not just involve the site itself but also analytical post-excavation work at the Gibraltar Museum’s laboratories.

Persons interested should write to Dr Geraldine Finlayson, The Gibraltar Museum, 18-20 Bomb House Lane. Email geraldine.finlayson@gibmuseum.gi.

GIBRALTAR LECTURE AT THE FT WEEKEND OXFORD LITERARY FESTIVAL

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he Minister for Tourism, Gilbert Licudi QC, introduced the Gibraltar Lecture at the FT Weekend Oxford Literary Festival. The lecture was delivered to a packed auditorium by bestselling historian Laurence Rees who talked about his landmark publication on the Holocaust.

In his book, Mr Rees examines two of the fundamental questions in history - how and why the Holocaust happened.

Laurence Rees spent 25 years meeting survivors and perpetrators of the Holocaust, and his account features their previously unpublished eyewitness testimonies. His book is the first authoritative and accessible account of the Holocaust published in three decades and is supported by the Holocaust Educational Trust and the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust. Mr Rees is a former head of BBC TV history and creative director of BBC television history.

At the invitation of HM Government of Gibraltar, the first Gibraltar Lecture at the Oxford Literary Festival was given by Ben Okri in 2014, by Professor Frank Close in 2015 and Boyd Tonkin in 2016.

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In introducing the lecture at the Oxford Martin School, Gilbert Licudi QC made particular mention of how Gibraltar commemorates Holocaust Memorial Day and referred to the work of the charity Learning from Auschwitz. Mr Licudi talked about the uniqueness of Gibraltar’s multicultural and harmonious society. He said,

“Laurence Rees delivered a deeply moving and captivating lecture about this horrific episode in human history. We are honoured that he has accepted our invitation to repeat the lecture at the 5th Gibunco Gibraltar International Literary Festival in November this year. HM Government of Gibraltar continues to support the concept of event-led tourism.”

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GLOBAL RECOGNITION FOR UNIVERSITY OF GIBRALTAR

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he University of Gibraltar has joined the prestigious Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP) bringing global recognition and an acknowledgement of its PhD research programme. The CSFP was established in 1959 since when over 30,000 individuals have benefited. The scholarships aim to sustain the principles of the Commonwealth. It is one of the largest and most prestigious scholarship schemes for international study in the world.

The Minister for Education, Dr John Cortes, explained why this is such an important milestone – ‘Our University’s postgraduate research work is proving to be one of its earliest successes. Bringing an international student into our growing research community will greatly benefit development in this area.”

Prof Daniella Tilbury, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Gibraltar said: ‘This is a significant milestone in the development of our institution. It places Gibraltar, and our PhD research degrees, on a global map of prestigious universities. To have achieved this in less than 18 months is testament to the work of the team here and our success in establishing the research degrees as meeting a tough, globally recognised, standard.’

Commenting on the research programme, Prof Daniella Tilbury said: ‘A core objective for our programme is to create an ongoing legacy for Gibraltar that sits as comfortably in its exploration of our unique past as it does assessing the outlook for our future.

Gibraltar is known as a centre of excellence for finance as well as online and digital businesses and we are immensely proud to be able to add our PhD programme to this global profile.’

The chosen scholar will spend three years in Gibraltar contributing to a core area of the University as a PhD researcher.

60 wines by the glass 40 small dishes of Mediterranean cuisine

30 John Mackintosh Square GX11 1AA Gibraltar Tel: 200 70201 info@vinopolisgastrobar.gi www.vinopolisgastrobar.gi GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2017

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GIBRALTAR YOUTH SERVICE “CARING FOR OUR COMMUNITY”

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aring for our community came alive on last month with over 60 food hampers being distributed to the homes of the vulnerable and elderly around Gibraltar.

This annual event is a joint venture with the young people from Gibraltar Youth Service, RGP and Care Agency.

The event was the culmination of weeks of planning at Laguna Youth Club by the agencies and young people to ensure the day was a success. Whilst the theme of the day was to circulate the food hampers young people also provided tours of the newly refurbished Laguna Youth Club and show off their art work on the walls as well as their new IT suite.

On the sports pitch, a number of activities were on offer for everyone to enjoy including face painting, bouncy castle, skittles, BBQ, cake stall and music. The highlight of the day was visiting the vulnerable and elderly in their homes with food parcels.

GYS was overwhelmed with the generosity of food donations provided from a variety of individuals and organisations including schools, wholesalers and local businesses.

A big thank you to everyone in the community who gave up their time voluntarily and worked together as a team

showing a true genuine care for the vulnerable people who live in our community.

For any general information about the Gibraltar Youth Service or future events please contact Mark Zammit, Principal Youth Officer on gibyouth@gibtelecom.net or call 20078637.

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2017

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INTERNATIONAL MACAQUE WEEK

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fter a twelve hour journey to cross the strait to Morocco, Jess Leaper and Steve Bryant from the AWCP arrived in Martil, the town that serves as a temporary home to BMAC Director Sian Waters and Researcher Lucy Radford.

The aim was to locate some of the elusive wild macaque groups in the surrounding forests. ‘Elusive’ might seem a strange term for the Barbary macaques given the gregarious nature of the monkeys in Gibraltar, but wild Barbary macaques are naturally fearful of humans, probably due to persecution. Poaching, loss of habitat and the illegal pet trade has also lead to a decline in numbers of wild macaques in the Atlas Mountains but the Bouhachem groups are in relatively good shape. The BMAC team have recently discovered more groups high up in the mountains.

Jess said: “It was an exhausting but exhilarating trip that rewarded us with not only our first sightings of wild Barbary macaques but also an insight into the fascinating work BMAC carry out, not only researching the macaques but also the important awareness building and the community work they carry out in this area of Morocco.”

Celebrating International Macaque Week: May 1st: 1.30pm-4.30pm, Bank Holiday Funday. Fun crafts, keeper talks and more.

2nd - 5th: Children’s workshops 4-5.30pm: Tue&Thu - Barbary Macaque Theme, Wed&Fri - Long-Tailed Macaque Theme Check the AWCP Facebook page and website for more info: www.awcp.gi/events.

NEW HOMES FOR OLD BIRDS

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s part of a wider initiative to re-wild the Gibraltar Nature Reserve, the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Climate change (DEHCC) and the Gibraltar Nature Reserve Management Team have begun building and installing artificial nests with decoys in a bid to entice Ospreys back to The Rock.

In consultation with the Gibraltar Ornithological and Natural History Society and regional experts from Andalucía, scientists from the Department of the Environment recently joined the regional efforts to increase population numbers.

The last breeding pair were recorded nesting on Gibraltar’s eastside cliffs in the 1930’s, however, thanks in part to successful reintroductions all over Europe during the past decade, these iconic bird of prey can been all year around the Bay.

In conjunction with other conservation measures being implemented within the Gibraltar Reserve, it’s hoped that as the Ospreys migrate from their wintering grounds in Sub-Saharan Africa, they will be attracted to settle on the Rock and will successfully breed.

SHOP WINDOW AND BLOCK & PATIO COMPETITIONS

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s part of the National Celebrations in September, the SDGG announced the Shop Window as well as the Block and Patio competitions.

Entry forms forms can be collected and handed back when completed at the John Mackintosh Hall reception, Monday to Friday between 9.30am and 4.30pm.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2017

The theme is Gibraltar National Day with all entries required to display the red and white colours prominently. Originality of decoration, time, effort and impact will form the criteria for selecting the winners.

Prizes will be awarded to the three winning entries in each competition.

For more info, please contact the Events

Department at the Gibraltar Cultural Services on 20067236 or email: info@culture.gi.

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around town

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2017

around town

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hello there

Zoe Radley, 49 Retail Business Owner, All Wrapped Up, Main Street

Lauren Linares, 23 Midwife/Student

I’m all for it because I am that annoying person at the till scrabbling for that elusive 5p at the bottom of my bag. As a small business owner, any advancement that makes transactions more convenient is a plus. On a larger scale, cashless transactions are traceable which can help to prevent money laundering, fraud, tax evasions and terrorist funding—all good. However, it would be a sad day for the Tooth Fairy!

On one hand, it can be quite convenient in certain cases, such as if I’m in a rush and I don’t have time to go to the ATM, or if some people don’t feel that it’s safe carrying around cash. On the other hand, it can be quite dangerous because of how easy it is to use a contactless debit card. If your card gets stolen then it’s accessible to anyone. Also, there is technology available nowadays which makes it so easy to steal money from contactless cards.

HOW ABOUT A

Sarah Reilly, 19 Uni Student

Louise Bruzon, 46 Teacher

I really don’t like the idea as I much prefer cash. As a student, knowing what I have in a physical form means I think twice about what I will buy. If you’re just using a card, it’s so much easier to spend without thought and no matter how good your intentions, you will forget to check your account. However, sadly, it is the direction the world is moving in.

Personally, I’m not ready for one yet! I’m happy to use online banking too but to be cashless completely… no, I like having real money in my purse and my son is happy to receive pocket money.

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2017

hello there

Chandru, 66 Manager M. Marquez & Co Ltd

Richard de la Rosa, 18 A-level Student

A cash free world is the future and inevitable. This, however, can only be achieved as long as there are guidelines in place, spending controls and limits and security. As long as the right measures are taken, it can also guard against fraud on a small and large scale.

For me, the concept is quite scary. I can’t really imagine having to use a card for everything. There’s also the issue of what happens if you lose your card? I also enjoy getting cash gifts for birthday and Christmas so it wouldn’t feel quite the same being told an amount has been transferred to my account. Budgeting would also be an even bigger challenge.

CASHLESS WORLD?

Colin Hughes, 58 Fork Truck Driver

Daniel De La Heras, 12 Middle School Student

It’s an interesting concept though it won’t happen in my lifetime.

I think without careful planning and strategies, it is open to abuse as buying without thought will be so much easier.

I think a cashless society is more sophisticated and it’s inevitable.

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words | Albert Isola, Minister for Commerce & Alex Puig, Digital Currency Summit

CRYPTO CURRENCIES Defining future/regulation

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successfully deliver these in a competitive am delighted to be opening the upcom- providers have given us the necessary environment requires “joined up” governing Digital Currency Summit, to be held robust connectivity that is so vital in the at the University of GibralFinTech world. ment, as it requires fiscal, regulatory and We have tar on the 9th of May. This legislative changes to operate smoothly together. This is what we have done. summit marks an important proved our In setting out our ability to meet milestone in Gibraltar’s comthe needs of this area, we don’t ability to mitment to becoming a leading simply have to point to the future But we have not done it alone. Without respond to centre for the development and promise; we can show our track a regulator willing to invest in supporting changes in and provision of products and new initiatives and without a private sector record and prove it. technology services in the ever growing willing to give time and effort to assist in through the Financial Technology space. these development, none of this would be FinTech covers a massive scope in growth of our opportunity for businesses and the possible. online gaming consumers who use them.

FinTech, after all, plays to the community... Distributed Ledger techstrength of our jurisdiction.

It may seem strange to make We don’t We have proved our ability to these comments in what is, after nology/Blockchain is clearly simply have respond to changes in technology through one, which along with virtual to point to the all, a very non-tech way, via the the growth of our online gaming commuprinted word. However, the fact currencies is an area Government future and nity, and have demonstrated our ability to has worked with industry and the that even this magazine tweets, promise; we react to new market opportunities through blogs and is online again demonFinancial Services Commission can show our strates the seamless way the old the massive development of our insurance to create a solid but responsive track record sector. Our Stock Exchange, GSX, has metamorphoses into the new. regulatory environment in which and prove it. shown how our effective partnership beBranch banking becomes online it can flourish. Our plans in this tween regulator, government and industry banking. Cheques are being area are well advanced. So is our can deliver speed of service and a compet- work to make Gibraltar attractive for Peer replaced by online transfers and contactitive price. Our local telecommunication to Peer lending and Crowd Funding. To less cards. Government too is working to GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2017

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develop its own e-services platform to communicate and interact with our people and businesses.

Indeed, we sometimes forget how fast this change occurs. How many cheques did you write this year compared to last? The change has not finished. It’s just getting started.

That is why this summit is a milestone; it tells us how far we have come already, but also how far we still have to travel.

Alex Puig is the founder and of Blockchain as a new, and improved, verCEO at Digital Currency Sumsion of the Internet. We are now capable mit. Besides his role as orgaof, just like in the physical world, exchangnizer of this FinTech event, he ing any assets or properties completely is an R+D Engineer. His peer to peer, no intermediary job is to solve problems needed.

Regulation using the latest technolcan kill ogies. He explains: What’s even more importinnovation, ant, this new way of digital but also has What is Blockchain and exchange allows us to embed the potential why is it so important? code, business logic, at the to benefit core of each transaction. This Blockchain changes the way we inentrepreneurs is like programming a £10 teract on the Internet. Usually, I think and start-ups. bill with the condition under which it could be spent.

We are now capable of exchanging any assets or properties completely peer to peer, no intermediary needed.

How did you get into this technology?

Five years ago I was living in Andorra.

There, I was organizing a meet-up for entrepreneurs. One of the attendees asked me if I could work for him as a freelance developer, he needed help with a Bitcoin application. I had heard about Bitcoin before, but had never touched a line of code in this technology. I was really curious so decided to help him. Less than one year later, we held the first conference about Bitcoin for the financial world, also in Andorra. One of the speakers was one of the VPs of the Federal Reserve Bank.

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business Now you organize conferences about Blockchain, around which topics?

I always focus on Blockchain plus a particular topic: Macroeconomy, Capital Markets, Democracy, IoT… Our main goal with this event is to educate about the technology and all its applications.

How did it come to Gibraltar? Why here?

I was invited by the GFIA to talk about Blockchain in Gibraltar last November.

There, I had the chance to speak with the local community, about Blockchain, FinTech and regulation. In many countries around the world, regulation is key. It can kill innovation, but also has the potential to benefit entrepreneurs and start-ups. I was surprised to learn how the Government of Gibraltar was learning about Blockchain, and already working on a regulatory framework.

What is the conference about?

Mainly about regulation. We plan to discuss the work being done by the Government of Gibraltar around Blockchain. As attendees, we expect to have lawyers, regulators and entrepreneurs alike.

Talent is scarce and can only be seduced by favourable conditions to operate.

What could it mean for Gibraltar to have a regulatory framework around Gibraltar? What does it offer us and what can we offer to the world?

In a globalized world, the competition to attract FinTech start-ups is huge. Talent is scarce and can only be seduced by favourable conditions to operate. Starting a company is a really hard task, that’s why

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Alex Puig, CEO at Digital Currency Summit

innovators carefully choose their bases from where to start their ventures. A favourable regulation would mean to go positions up on the list of best places to start a FinTech company.

Albert Isola, Minister for Commerce

For sure. Right now, Blockchain is a hot topic and there are many FinTech conferences around the world talking about regulation. Main difference is while other events talk about a theoretical regulation governments should adopt, here, we will discuss the regulatory framework actually being developed by the Government of Gibraltar.

Gibraltar has the right size. It is difficult in bigger countries to align all A favourable the players: entrepreneurs, regulators and corporates. regulation Smaller hubs allow for would mean to more flexibility. go positions up Have there been similar conferences elsewhere and how do we compare?

Who are the speakers and how were they chosen?

When I started Digital Currency Summit I just had two simple rules: “learn something new” and “a place where I can do business, not just networking”.

These two basic rules help me decide about the speakers. First, I design a storyline for the conference, the topics that should be covered, the knowledge I need the speakers to have. Then, I choose the best speaker for each talk: knowledge plus experience.

on the list of best places to start a FinTech company.

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Local experts: Nicholas Gómez (GFSC) and Joey Garcia (Isolas)

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Tech lawyers: Sian Jones (Coinsult), Adam Vaziri (Diacle).

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Innovation Consultants: Steven Francis (EY) and Alejandro Gómez de la Cruz.

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International entrepreneurs: Michael Hudson (bitstocks) and Felix Moreno (Xapo)

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FIN TECH? What’s it all about then?

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veryone’s talking about FinTech – or Certainly not me and I’m sure I was not become increasingly affected by the appliso it seems. Several articles in this cation of these new technologies – indeed, alone. Even today when the term has beedition of The Gibraltar Magazine you might be surprised the extent to come common parlance, I’m not sure that are dedicated to which it is already doing so. Read on. many people really understand this brave various aspects of this vast All of us new world and the ways in which FinTech topic, and for very good will become will change their lives. Back to basics then.

Before I joined Sovereign, more reason. On 9 May, a full-day increasingly Let’s start by defining FinTech. than a dozen years ago, I had enconference is being held at affected by the joyed – yes, that is the right word the University of Gibraltar’s application – a wide-ranging 20-year career At first sight, it all sounds disarmingly new Europa Point Campus of these new innocuous. FinTech stands for Financial in banking. Even in those days I under the heading A New Technology and simply describes a busiwas asked to present on matters of technologies...

Regulatory Framework for ness that uses technology – both software topical interest to audiences all over Cryptocurrencies. No doubt, and ways to exploit it – to provide financial the world. In the last five years at it will be well publicised and readers will be the bank, my favourite subservices to its clients. Perhaps able to read detailed press comment after the easiest way to demonject – Offshore Banking in the the event.

I admit to strate FinTech’s importance is New Millennium – became my taking a childlike to highlight a few of the more soapbox. As many of my friends For my piece this month, I thought I would pleasure in paying obvious examples. will recall, it kept me going for widen the scope from the cryptocurrency for things in years – well past the year 2000 world – made famous by its best-known anyway.

Gibraltar using my The seeming unstoppable example, Bitcoin – to look at the whole chequebook... advance of technology has concept of FinTech. What is it all about radically altered almost every But did anyone really predict and what impact will it have on the general area of the financial sector in recent years, how the FinTech revolution would take off public? The answer, it may not surprise but let’s start with banking.

It seems as in the first decade or so of this century? you to learn, is a great deal. All of us will 24

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business though digital banking has been with us forever. After all, it is probably 20 years now since many of the major players rolled out their first digital services. I know that there are many people for whom “on-line” banking remains a totally closed book. I, for instance, admit to taking a childlike pleasure in paying for things in Gibraltar using my chequebook, even scrawling my home telephone number on the reverse as “proof” of my credit standing! But the truth is, of course, that most readers will be used to managing at least part of their finances online – some, probably the youngsters, will do the lot.

But the revolution had only just begun. As the dust settled on the 2008 financial crisis, the Bank of England started a process that would eventually open the door for a new type of bank to enter the market. In an attempt to introduce more competition into an industry that had lost touch with its low (or no) cost payments to others who customers, the Bank of England introduced use the App. Banks and their fees are thus a simplified two-step process neatly avoided. with lower capital requireThese new ments for setting up new banks can start It should therefore come as no banks in 2013. surprise that banks are closing

that FinTech has arrived – and we should all be prepared for it.

This whole area is critically important to Gibraltar because our economy is so reliant on financial services. That’s why I afresh from a branches – and not just in Europe am thrilled to see this conference coming reputational and As a result, a new breed of but across the world. A greater to the University of Gibraltar. The pace technological challenger banks – with very emphasis on technology that of change in the increasingly fast-moving standpoint. “unbanky” names like Atom, relies less on human intervention, FinTech space is likely to test all firms in Monzo, Tandem or Starling – and delivers low cost, accurate the sector over the next few years. The have sprung up. These new banks can start and secure solutions is no bad thing changes we have already seen are just the afresh from a reputational and technolog(providing that all those redundant beginning. I think it is no exical standpoint. Add to these the plethora staff can be re-deployed). And aggeration to say that this will It should of payment companies who offer fund consider the vast areas of the globe, lead, inexorably, to an overtherefore come haul in the financial system transfer services and the scale of the sea where millions of people had little as no surprise change becomes obvious. or no access to traditional financial that will perhaps be the most that banks services and products. They used to significant in our lifetimes. are closing be “unbanked” but FinTech has the Is this a good thing? Imagine for a moment branches... potential to refresh the parts that that you are a bank manager in the old I conclude by wishing all other banks cannot reach. style – a Capt. Mainwaring figure – surparticipants in the forthcomveying the profitability of your branch. I can almost hear Corporal Jones shouting, “Don’t panic!” at you as the hopelessness of the situation becomes apparent. What profit? Interest rates remain at record low levels so depositors are not saving. Lending is getting better, so we are told, but it is still difficult and there are a plethora of new options that compete with traditional banking products. It gets worse. There are a range of FinTech money transfer options – PayPal springs to mind – that avoid using traditional banks altogether, so all those lucrative fees have vanished.

Currencies, the very bedrock of the world financial system, are also being challenged by new technologies. Cryptocurrencies, which use encryption techniques to regulate the generation of units of digital currency and verify the transfer of funds, operate independently of central banks.

Furthermore “blockchain”, the technology underpinning digital currency Bitcoin, could speed up transactions and take costs out of the system, meaning cheaper, more efficient services for all of us. But that is perhaps a subject for another day.

I have recently been introduced to the Asian phenomenon that is WeChat. At first, the application, which can be downloaded onto a smartphone or tablet, looks just like a standard messenger service such as WhatsApp. The difference is that WeChat has grown rapidly into a multi-level “platform” that incorporates shopping or

As so often in financial revolutions of this kind, not all regions of the world are exploiting the opportunities provided by these new technological advances at the same rate. Generally, Asia is far ahead of us in Europe and even the US when it comes to realising FinTech’s vast potential and how to exploit it. But there is no doubt

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ing conference success in their deliberations. Do I think local firms could exploit opportunities arising from the ever-wider universe opening up as a result of FinTech?

No, the word isn’t could. It is must. The FinTech revolution is happening now and we must embrace it or we risk being stranded on the beach when the tide changes.

Ian Le Breton is Corporate Services Director, Sovereign Group Tel: +350 200 76173 Email: ilebreton@ SovereignGroup.com 25

business words | Christian Caetano, ISOLAS

INSUR TECH

Another opportunity for Gibraltar

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sizeable number of Insurtech start-ups n recent times, the use of technology applications. One such app is ‘Cuvva’, focusing on group, or people-to-people, in the provision of financial services has which offers hourly car insurance whereby become well estabusers enter the registration number insurance. ‘Friendsurance’, which was founded in 2010, is one such P2P compalished, with the likes of and approximate value of a vehicle, InsurTech ny. The basic premise of this model being crowdfunding platforms and along with the period (usually itself refers to the hours or days) to be covered and that you and a group of your family or ‘Peer-to-Peer’ (P2P) lenders implementation friends, will pool your money together and already considered fairly then send a picture of the vehicle pay this towards your group’s insurance mainstream. The insurance to Cuvva for an instant quote. One of technology premium. If your group then succeeds in industry has, however, interesting aspect of this model is by traditional keeping claims down, or not claiming at all, traditionally, been slow to that it allows users to check social insurance firms... then the remaining funds are used for the embrace new digital trends. media platforms for available vehifollowing year’s premium. It is, however, A shift in this attitude is now cles from nearby located friends. becoming apparent as a number of develItem by item insurance is also being invest- also true that this P2P model has been challenged for not being as innovative as opments in the area of insurance technolo- ed into quite heavily. Start-ups like ‘Trov’ it may first appear. In particular, gy, or InsurTech for short, continue to gain or ‘Simplesurance’ focus on industry detractors claim that this prominence. InsurTech itself refers to the providing specific coverage for It allows is what mutual insurance compaimplementation of technology by tradiindividual needs by allowing users to check nies have essentially been offering tional insurance firms in the targeting of all insurance to be purchased at social media for centuries. This may stand true, areas of insurance, including distribution the point of sale of goods or but often, the repackaging of old (how insurers reach consumers) and analyt- services. Although not an altoplatforms or existing concepts will be just as ics (how insurers collate and use data). gether new concept, the range for available successful as altogether new ideas of items which can be covered vehicles from when the branding and functionality extends far beyond traditional Primarily, InsurTech innovations have been nearby located are exceptional. items such as smartphones, developed by insurers in partnership with friends. laptops or televisions. insurance technology start-ups. As expectIn terms of investment within ed, the emphasis of many consumer facing InsurTech, a report from CB Insights stated start-ups has been to reach the public Conduct an online search for peer-to-peer that funding for insurance technology firms directly by, for example, developing mobile (P2P) insurance and you will also find a

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business rose from $740million in 2014 to $2.7billion in 2015. Most recently, CB Insights has reported that InsurTech investment in 2016 was approximately $1.43billion, but this drop (when compared to the previous year) appears to have been due to a number of particularly significant investments during 2015. That being the case, all current reports point towards investment in InsurTech continuing to rise year on year.

So what is driving the growth in InsurTech?

To a large degree the answer is customer expectation and how the general public now expects, and is increasingly demanding, that they are able to interact with insurance service providers. With the age of smartphones and online connectivity upon us, there really are no excuses for insurers to continue lagging The range behind other industries, such of items which as the banking sector which can be covered has so successfully leveraged extends mobile and online platforms. It is also of note that many global far beyond accountancy and business adtraditional visory groups are investing and items... and no VAT, capital gains or withholding quartered locally. In addition, other recruiting InsurTech experts sub-sectors have grown around the taxes. In terms of personal taxation, there in senior executive positions. are favourable special tax statuses for gaming sector, such as those e-commerce These individuals are bringing a wealth executives, such as the Higher Executive companies, payment services providers of experience in the application of digital Possessing Specialist Skills (HEPSS), which platforms to traditional insurance offerings, and data storage centres which have add to Gibraltar’s attraction as a base made Gibraltar their home. These entities in their roles as Chief Technology Officers from which to conduct business. During provide invaluable operational support to (CTO) or Chief Digital Officers (CTO). the 2016 budget announcement, HM the gaming sector, as well as the wider Government of Gibraltar also announced financial services industries, meaning that From a local perspective, there are already new InsurTech and FinTech firms could very the establishment of a dedicated fund to a number of InsurTech firms established in support the development of new business easily plug into the existing infrastructure.

Gibraltar as part of our evolving FinTech start-ups in Gibraltar. This scheme is community. Furthermore, the jurisdiction’s comprised of a points based system, There are countless sucreputation as a centre of excellence for inThere really where successful applicants are providsurance business means that it is well posi- cess stories in Gibraltar’s are no excuses ed funding in the form of loans. Furtherrelatively short history tioned to attract further investment in this more, another start-up incentive scheme for insurers to as a finance centre and area. Gibraltar has a wealth of expertise, th therefore great optimism continue lagging is available (currently until the 30 June both in its regulator, the Gibraltar Financial 2017) for newly established companies amongst many that othServices Commission, and in the private behind other or limited partnerships meeting certain ers will follow, regardless sector through its network of insurance industries... targets, such as a minimum number of what shape the UK/ managers and advisory firms. The jurisdicof employees. Under this particular EU withdrawal negotiation has a proven track record for innoscheme, eligible entities are able to claim tions may take. InsurTech can of course be vation within financial services, with the a tax credit of up to £50,000 per year for another one of these stories. As menimplementation of protected cell company the first three years of operations. tioned, Gibraltar already has the insurance legislation and the expansion into Insurexpertise, along with many of the elements ance Linked Securities (ILS) being particurequired for InsurTech (as well as FinTech) Gibraltar’s continued access to the UK larly pertinent examples. Gibraltar’s online firms to thrive. These include a committed financial services market should also prove gaming sector is also widely regarded as attractive for insurance start-ups lookone of the world’s best regulated and most and proactive Government, as well as an attractive fiscal and regulatory regime with ing for a domicile from which to provide attractive gaming hubs, with a majority of a headline rate of 10% corporation tax services to the UK market directly. At global blue chip gaming operators headpresent, Gibraltar already enjoys access to the UK market via bilateral arrangements and, as reaffirmed by Robin Walker (the UK Government’s Minister for Exiting the European Union), during his recent visit to Gibraltar, the UK wholly intends for these direct access arrangements to continue.

When the aforementioned factors are combined with existing incentives already introduced by the Gibraltar Government in past years, then it is apparent why the Rock enjoys such a business friendly reputation. With an established environment for innovation, an all-important low cost base and enthusiastic support from both the public and private sectors, Gibraltar is undoubtedly a perfect fit for InsurTech business.

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business words | FĂŠlix Moreno, Xapo

ONLINE MONEY The New World of Bitcoin

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itcoin is the first successful The simplicity of this idea belies its huge A Kenyan farmer can perform the same attempt to create a native digital impact. A large part of the world still has transactions as a London trader. There is currency, a fully decentralized, very reduced access to the financial system no hierarchy or privilege. persistent, resilient digital form of or relies on ancient banking infrastructure money. As such, it is the most interesting that takes days for transfers, is subject to Bitcoin is the base layer, the first part of development in Economics in all types of arbitrary restrictions the infrastructure. On top of it can come the 21st century. and has a high cost. Bitcoin and What Bitcoin an infinity of services, smart contracts and multiple layers of complexity that will not does for money and the multitude of cryptocurrencies that have followed in its Bitcoin is also a protocol and only give global access to sending and payments is what footsteps have opened the door receiving value, but to the entire spectrum consensus mechanism that e-mail has done for to changing this. allows the most powerful disof financial services from insurance to communications. tributed computer network in lending. existence to validate its rules It is now possible for a farmer and ensure that the qualities that make it in Kenya to instantly and securely pay a Since its inception in 2009, the Bitcoin valuable are not compromised. Because it’s programmer in India for Network has functioned uninternot just money, but also software, it is just his services without the rupted. Its decentralized architecAll participants the first building block in what has rightly possibility for external third ture makes it incredibly resilient. It in the system been called The Internet of Money. parties to interfere with that is designed to survive catastrophe abide by the same from a simple power outage to full transaction.

In practice for the average user what Bitscale nuclear war. It is resistant to rules and have coin does for money and payments is what The qualities of Bitcoin as a interference from corporations, access to the e-mail has done for communications. It P2P open source protocol same advantages. governments, hackers and any makes it possible to send value to anyone also make for a really level malicious actors. No single entity in the world with an Internet connection playing field. All participants controls Bitcoin. No-one has the instantly, cheaply and by-passing any in the system abide by the same rules power to censor or reverse Bitcoin transartificial barriers. and have access to the same advantages. actions.

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In this new world, value can instantly move anywhere. Creating a safe and welcoming environment that atBitcoin tech tracts and retains such value can is still very raw reap massive rewards. No barrier and requires will be able to stop the flow of an intellectual value from unsafe, expensive jueffort that keeps risdictions where Property Rights it contained to and Free Trade are subject to the whim of rulers to those where early adopters they are recognised as individual and high-need rights as fundamental as Free use cases.

Speech.

So what is missing for Bitcoin to be used massively by billions of people?

Time and usability. Just like the Internet in the 1990s, Bitcoin tech is still very raw and requires an intellectual effort that keeps it contained to early adopters and high-need use cases. This will change as the large investment made over the past few years by a number of companies on creating the tools to allow anyone with a smartphone to reap the benefits of this new technology bears fruit.

The opportunity for Gibraltar is spectacular. The jurisdiction that first manages to attract critical talent and infrastructure could become the Silicon Valley of Fintech, the financial hub of the 21st century.

As with all things new... the grey areas and lack of specific regulation are big roadblocks for investment. Regulatory clarity and strong protection for property rights will be the key in creating such a hub. Connectivity between this new online financial system, which started with Bitcoin but now encompasses thousands of new cryptocurrencies, and the traditional financial system will also be key in the early stages of mass adoption. The on-ramps to the value superhighway must have capacity to meet the growing demand.

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Similarly, the independence and resilience of a city that is connected to the world through an uncensorable network will be formidable.

No foreign governments or supranational entities will be able to blockade what is essentially just valuable data.

The most valuable and massive applications of this technology have not been invented yet. Few could imagine the ascent of Google or Facebook when first playing around with Usenet and IRC. Similarly, it is hard to imagine all the possibilities that instant, global value transfer and smart contracts will bring.

Just install a Bitcoin wallet on your favourite device, buy a few bits and spend them online.

Don’t be surprised if when your virtual assistant orders a drone delivery of your 3-D printed smart sunglasses these AIs pay each other in Bitcoin.

So how can you begin to learn about this brave new world of cryptocurrencies? It’s easy: just install a Bitcoin wallet on your favourite device, buy a few bits and spend them online. A quick Google search will tell you how to do each of these steps and there are a great number of free resources available online. Millions of words have been written about the theory and consequences of cryptocurrencies, but nothing beats hands-on experience to really get something. Until you see for yourself how simple it is to pay somebody on the other side of the world as easily as you would send them an e-mail, you won’t grasp the scope of what is coming and how our lives are going to change.

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business words | Joey Garcia, ISOLAS

INITIAL COIN OFFERINGS and the growing token market

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n ICO is essentially a process in investment. There may be plenty of potentypically regulated, so for example, there which a Blockchain based comtial in any particular Blockchain innovation are no defined disclosure requirements for pany or project pre-sells a crypor technology but there is also something investor protection in place. There are only tocurrency or token of an assumption these days that self-governing best practices and principles that grants investors early everything with a potential network that are typically adhered to. Many ICOs Tokens access to a future platform or effect is going to work with a deare marketed as software pre-sale tokens, are typically product. They have become a centralized starting point. Without which is much like giving early access to an purchased by popular way for a start-up to a solid business model that is online game to early supporters participatearly adopters, designed to generate and increase fund a Blockchain project and ing in a reward-based crowdfunding camenthusiasts or has led to a rethink of how value when decentralization and/or paign. Tokens do not typically represent an start-ups can actually raise tokenisation of actions take place, interest in a business (in the same way as speculators in money early in their develthere is the inevitable a share in a company would) and a Blockchain opment cycle. Tokens are are normally structured so they based start-up. risk that there will be no The typically purchased by early business in a few months are not captured or treated as a acquisition of share or other form of security in adopters, enthusiasts or specor years. A solid and tokens offered the business. There are also some ulators in a Blockchain based start-up. An sustainable business plan is ultithrough ICO usually takes place before the project mately essential for any start-up major differences between an is completed and helps fund the developbusiness, regardless of whether ICO and a typical crowdfunding an ICO is a ment of the underlying goods or services they pursue a decentralised or initiative. For example, in a crowdpotentially that will be offered. ICO participants are tokenised approach to project funding investment, an investor is profitable then invested in the success of the project development and/or fundraising. more likely to be aware of what to but risky as they would be in a crowdfunding investexpect when the product is cominvestment. ment (much like a ‘Kickstarter campaign’.) plete. An ICO, on the other hand, The tag ‘ICO’ draws an analogy may have a white paper and other to the Initial Public Offering key information (project goals, timelines The acquisition of tokens offered through (IPO) of a company, but there are some etc.) accompanying its announcement, but an ICO is a potentially profitable but risky significant differences. An ICO is not 30

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tion of new features. While this can have The distribution of ether (ETH) tokens the end product or project behind the ICO advantages for the start-up, the exchange amongst participants very much reflectis almost impossible to value when comprice means that the business will need ed the open nature of the network. In pared to, say a crowdfunded smart watch to immediately be able to withstand the the genesis state, 80% of tokens were (whose value can be compared to existing scrutiny of a more or less public market allocated to those who donated to or equivalent products in the from day one. Something which may not the foundation in the ICO and only market). With an ICO, there There is be easy.

20% of tokens were allocated to the may be no guarantee of project appetite for Ethereum foundation reserve to be completion and an initial value participation provided as a means of compensathat is not based on any comThere is a certain allure of being able to in genuinely tion for early project development parable product or software. In invest in emerging Blockchain projects open contributors. Vitalik Buterin was that sense, it could therefore with token sales. Both, the industry and decentralized the largest individual recipient, but be said that they are more like the ICO trend are still in their infancy and protocols... received only around 1% of ether, early stage funding bets. entrepreneurs and investors are showing a far less than the proportion of shares mixture of caution and interest. The legal a start-up founder would expect to framework for ICOs is also an interesting In 2016, around 48% of total venture capiand developing area, which has tal funding in the Blockchain entrepreneur- receive. been considered in detail in the US ship space was raised through ICOs. There Tokens are Once an ICO is completed, have even been some institutional capital typically listed (in respect of whether and when a token will constitute either a although it may not have been investors in the token-investment space. and traded on security, or the issue of a security) the purpose of the tokens or However, although it is clear that there cryptocurrency but the reasons for this are quite the intention behind the ICO, is appetite for participation in genuinely exchanges... specific and beyond the scope of tokens are typically listed and open decentralized protocols and new this article. In Gibraltar, an analysis traded on cryptocurrency practical case-uses for the technology, of how ICOs are structured and how they exchanges (often against other cryptocurthere are also significant risks in investing may be captured by relevant financial serrencies rather than against fiat currencies), in businesses that may be built on only vices legislation is required but it is an area and the price will reflect the overall market a few snippets of code or a superficial of development and of clear interest. sentiment, project specific news, and addidescription of their services. There are a great number of ‘cowboy entrepreneurs’ out there who can quite easily make unjustified claims in an attempt to attract speculators to invest in projects or entities with little or no governance framework or who take a significant amount of the founder token allocations and then simply dump these on a secondary market aiming for a quick profit.

At the other end of the scale, Ethereum remains one of the largest and best known ICOs to date, raising around $18million.

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REG TECH

Not a Regular Technology!

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RegTech has emerged as a hot topic in ncreasing levels of regulation and more tion which has meant increased business financial services and beyond. While some challenging regulatory expectations are costs, slower customer service and more having significant operational impacts complex operations. Moreover, as of May have defined RegTech as a tool to improve on firms requiring peo2018, many other businesses efficiency and effectiveness, others describe RegTech as a phenomenon, a global ple, process and technology and organisations in Gibraltar Regulation and paradigm shift and a strategic opportunibased solutions. will be subject to the EU General compliance rules ty that will help companies successfully exData Protection Regulation are changing all ecute their business models in the context (GDPR) which will affect every Regulation and compliance of a safe and sound global financial system. rules are changing all the the time, which can EU based organisation that protime, which can create create challenges... cesses the personal data of EU residents. The GDPR will come Not only will RegTech help firms define challenges for firms to into force before the UK and standards and guidelines to provide more understand, implement and Gibraltar leave the European certainty when purchasing new embed the new requirements. For banks, Union, and the government has technology capabilities, it will also innovation has been hindered by strict Many other already confirmed that the regfree up large sums of operation and ever-changing regulation. Whereas for businesses and and capital expenditure that ulation will apply, despite Brexit. firms operating within the Fintech space, The GDPR requires organisaorganisations businesses are currently using a lack of guidance and tailored regulatotions to develop clear policies ry framework has stalled their ability to in Gibraltar will to ensure ongoing compliance and procedures to protect permaintenance and demonstrating flourish. be subject to sonal data, and adopt technical the EU General compliance during an audit. By and organisational measures But the changing regulations and evolving Data Protection adopting technology, firms will be appropriate to identified risks. able to view their compliance on compliance rules are not just the realm Regulation... a continuous and real-time basis of the finance sector. Online gambling, and will essentially be able to shipping, transportation and air-travel have This is where Regulatory Techdeliver this process faster. nology (RegTech) is coming to the rescue! all been plagued by cumbersome regula32

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business However, the complexity, scale and diversity of legacy infrastructure and existing systems within firms make the implementation of new technologies challenging.

Moreover, the RegTech market is still in its early stages and few documented case studies exist to demonstrate return on investment (ROI).

Right now, we’re seeing four broad categories of technology enabling RegTech innovation: Tech-enabled process efficiency refers to capabilities that streamline business processes. Examples include robotic process automation, intelligent automation, and self-learning systems for intuitive tasks.

Data sharing and aggreRegTech gation makes decades of market is still stored data available to all in its early of a firm’s business lines. stages and few This includes refurbishing documented old data, automating the island, but must efficiently inter-operate ledger technology (DLT), platforms case studies data collection process, and may soon house records of anti-monwith both their regulators and with their exist... applying “big data” capapartners who supply identity and third ey laundering, “know your customer,” bilities. Also included are party transaction data. transaction reporting, and other comsecure networks and application programpliance activity. ming interfaces (APIs) that allow financial Already, numerous online gaming cominstitutions to share proprietary data. panies in Gibraltar are using the services As we move through 2017 we expect to of RegTech providers in their customer see more RegTech vendors blending interData-driven insights result from the onboarding process. Acting as technolnal company data with externally sourced application of advanced analytics to ogy-scouters for various companies, we public and private data. This will help cut massive sets of data in support of a have also advised financial firms in finding the time it takes to manually match regurange of compliance activities. Intelligent the right RegTech provider for their needs. latory processes, client identities and their automation and predictive analytics fall financial behaviours with the publications, into this group. So do tools that monitor consumer identity and financial Complex regulations mean that structured and unstructured compliance transaction trails that need to many firms still do not feel comComplex data in real time. be acquired from third parties. fortable adopting new technology. regulations For RegTech that assists with Larger enterprises may be able mean that KYC, Anti-Money-Laundering Platforms, such as real-time databases and to weather ongoing regulatory many firms Software-as-a-Service cloud systems, make and Regulatory Compliance this changes better because they still do not feel typically have legal teams on hand is key, as these are areas where up the final category of RegTech innovacomfortable tion. With the application of distributed no individual organisation is an to analyse and advise them on adopting new new situations and mountains of technology. people to throw at problems. However, smaller firms are likely to be unfamiliar with the technology and the compliance requirements, and should therefore seek specialist expertise from an experienced advisor in order to gain the greatest benefits from RegTech.

Eran Shay is Managing Director & Ayelet Mamo Shay is Business Development Director of Benefit Business Solutions Ltd. Tel: (+350) 20073669 Email: general@benefitgibraltar.com GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2017

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business words | Sylvia Kenna, The HR Dept.

COMPANY CULTURE

What environment do you prefer to work in?

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wanted more freedom in their roles, and hat kind of company culture it is called micro managing and one of the a third (34%) said their work was too regexists where you work? Is victims of micro managing is trust. ulated, and that they were forced to work it a company with lots of policies, organisation charts, Teams feel they cannot trust the managwithin excessively controlled structures. and job titles that begin junior Therefore, if you recognise this descriper because he or she is constantly tion as typical of where you work, you are or senior? Is it a place where trying to catch them breaking the Some certainly not alone. there is a very clear ‘chain of rules. Managers do not trust their companies command’ and an individual’s team unless they can be involved have very power depends generally on in everything the team does. The This culture will suffocate creativeness important their place in that chain? and innovation, and mask serious errors result of this type of management or people who and mistakes because there is no trust culture is that people refuse to be are called and everyone is looking out for himself or Some companies have very imresponsible for their actions and the managers... herself. This type of culture will lose good portant people who are called policies or rules are used as a line of managers, who see themselves defence rather than employees and be unable to deliver as ‘people who tell other people what to a standard of practice. An a good quality service to clients.

Managers do do’ and they love having policies and rules example is a process that is not trust their because they can use them to tell other blatantly wrong for the cliIn the same survey mentioned team unless they people how to do things. So far so good. ent; however, the rules say above, 53% of employees said they can be involved would seriously consider leaving I have to do it this way so I Some managers feel that the rules and pol- will. If there is a problem – “I in everything the an organisation if the culture did team does. was just following the rules”. not change. The struggle to find icies are the most important thing about good people with the right skills the job so they spend their time checking and attitude is going to get more and more and re-checking that everyone is strictly A recent survey found that nearly three following the rules. When that happens, quarters (74%) of staff surveyed said they difficult. Add to this that the quality of ser34

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business vice provision will have a massive impact on whether business succeeds or not and you have a recipe for disaster.

On the other hand, maybe you work in a place where the culture can be described as being less structured and where people are not generally bothered by job titles or their position in the structure of the business. You possibly work in a place where people are taken seriously because they are good at what they do and are supportive of others. This type of culture still does have policies although, it is understood that in today’s ever changing environment the policies cannot cover all eventualities and If people therefore a more flexible, understand the common sense approach objectives of the is used. business and

they can better work out what is the This culture requires leaders (or managers) the company The leaders in this type best thing to do. This will engage to choose good people and then, when values, they can employees to care more about the of culture communicate they are comfortable, let them get on with better work out company and their role in it. regularly with employees the job. Which they can do because they what is the best and this communication are technically competent at the job and thing to do. is two-way so that each are also able to understand When there is trust between party can learn from the the outcomes of their job in leaders and employees, evWhen there other. Treating employees like adults and eryone understands that making is trust between relation to the values of the letting them make decisions about their company. They don’t ‘just mistakes does not equal punishleaders and jobs leads to the promotion of ideas, and follow orders’, they respond to ment because they are trusted to employees, who better to make improvements than each situation with creativity make decisions and take action everyone the person who is doing that job. This also and make choices that are best using their best intentions. This understands means sharing business information with for the client and the business. is called empowerment and this that making employees, such as why decisions are type of culture makes it clear mistakes does made and what are the expected outwhat the outcomes of the job are, I know which type of culture I not equal comes. If people understand the objectives as opposed to step by step, never prefer to work in. of the business and the company values, to be diverted from, procedures. punishment...

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business words | Alicia Bowry

GLOBAL CENTRE Looking beyond Europe

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rexit is clearly a game changer for Let’s check the Chinese perspective of Gibraltar financial services, with the looking at Gibraltar. When looking for a possibility of the European market place for its international hub, the same being less open to it. Finding new considerations will apply. The Chinese business further afield, including the Far business will be asking itself the following: East, has become a priority.

Can Gibraltar transform 1. Familiarity and Confidence: How Gibraltar has itself from being EU familiar is the jurisdiction to me? Do an excellent focussed to being more of I have confidence in the government governmental an international centre? and in its legal system?

system and good reputation generally...

Let’s consider a perspective of Gibraltar selling services into the Far East. We might see Hong Kong as an attractive international hub with a legal and economic system we are familiar with. It has sensible regulation that works without creating unnecessary burdens; a tax system that ensures no double taxation between it and other countries that may be serviced by that hub; it is extremely well connected not only to China but beyond, and has a considerable number of service providers of the highest quality.

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3. Skills: Does the jurisdiction have an abundance of people highly skilled in my field of business? Are its businesses predominantly local or do they have an international flavour?

4. Market Access: Does the jurisdiction have accessibility to the markets I intend to serve? It is a suitable location to service other places?

2. Business Environment: Are there 5. Appropriate Regulation: Is the jurisdiction complexities or potential obstructions lacking in regulation, or conversely, is it in setting up and developing business? over-regulated?

Is business open and transparent or is protectionism and corruption an 6. Appropriate Tax: Are tax rates issue? How expensive is it to set competitive without being The legal up and maintain operations in the system is based regarded as a tax haven? jurisdiction? Is the jurisdiction one on English that can adapt quickly to changing 7. Internationally Connected: Is law which is circumstances? Are immigration the jurisdiction well connected understood and politically, economically and rules such that overseas trusted... employees can readily re-locate physically to other regions? and be secure in their jobs?

How good are its transportation

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business links? How good are its relations with other countries? Does it have a network of international agreements, such as doubletaxation treaties?

No regional hub will have all the above, in part because some are conflicting. For example, accessibility to markets may be possible, as with the EU, but come at the cost of significant regulation.

How does Gibraltar compare? The above is a tough list to satisfy. However, each international business has its own particular needs and therefore different hubs will be attractive to different businesses.

On the positive side, Gibraltar has an excellent governmental system and good reputation generally, and with the considerable Familiarity financial services, approved non-EU The UK considers itself to be something efforts being made by its is still an issue countries that have laws equivalent more than simply the EU. The balancing act government in particular, the to EU standards can use the EU is to remain closely linked to the EU whilst jurisdiction is becoming more as Gibraltar is also exploiting opportunities elsewhere. familiar to those overseas. not particularly passporting system if conditions are fulfilled.

Financial services are hugely The business environment well known important to the UK and a priority in Gibraltar is recognised as Gibraltar may need to take the same to Chinese for it in the Brexit negotiations. It being good, having an open approach. That does not mean giving up businesses. will aim for passporting rights at and flexible economy with on the EU, but it does mean recognising least equivalent to those currently no perceptible corruption. the existence of other markets. Gibraltar existing for approved non-EU countries, or Gibraltar has quality service providers in has already made efforts in the Far something better. Although Spain is making many areas including in financial services.

East market, establishing connections this a controversial issue, Gibraltar will aim The legal system is based on English there and elsewhere. There is also, for to share the UK position. law which is understood and trusted, example, a Gibraltar-America Chamber of and Gibraltar is also recognised as being Commerce and a Gibraltar-Israel Chamber well-regulated to international standards.

2. Embrace change to exploit the of Commerce. Gibraltar can look east and It is also a low tax jurisdiction (not a noopportunities created by Brexit. west, and indeed, south. tax jurisdiction) and is thus attractive to international business, but is not by Gibraltar law in respect of financial services Gibraltar’s closest connection of influence objective standards a tax haven. is predominantly EU law. It should be is the UK, and it is therefore crucial that recognised that EU law was designed for Gibraltar maintains the highest and closest On the negative side, familiarity is still an the benefit of the EU’s largest members. connections with the UK as possible. issue as Gibraltar is not particularly well EU law was not enacted with any Any existing rights that Gibraltar has visknown to Chinese businesses. Gibraltar consideration of the particular needs of à-vis the UK as a consequence of their is a comparative newcomer as a finance Gibraltar.

EU membership must be centre, and there are many large and well replaced by UK and Gibraltar EU law was established finance centres in our particular A hard Brexit will give the UK, arrangements following Brexit. not enacted region. Gibraltar does have quality service A tax treaty between the and Gibraltar, the opportunity to with any providers in financial services, but its jurisdictions would also be completely re-visit their laws and industry is not of the magnitude of its main re-engineer their financial services, consideration greatly beneficial to Gibraltar.

European rivals. Its competitors are well designing them for what actually of the connected often with offices in multiple works for the UK/Gibraltar, its The UK is acting quickly particular jurisdictions. people and its businesses. to establish new trading needs of arrangements outside the Gibraltar.

We then turn to the matter of market EU. Gibraltar should leverage The hardest thing to do is to change, access, which inevitably leads us to Brexit. its UK relationship as much and this seems particularly true of Market access is, without doubt, a key as possible to benefit from those new governments and regulators. A government ingredient for any international centre. arrangements. If the UK succumbs even or regulator that is too attached to partially to EU pressure in terms of On the face of it, therefore, Brexit is a existing practices or too slow to adapt to Gibraltar access to the EU market, may significant negative. So what can Gibraltar a changing future will be unhelpful. A risk compensation lie in Gibraltar gaining do? I suggest the following: to Gibraltar is missing the opportunity to access to the UK’s non-EU network? A completely re-think its financial services treaty between UK/Gibraltar and China, 1. Notwithstanding Brexit, retain as much regime to ensure it is designed specifically for example, could be very interesting and market access rights to the EU as possible. to meet the needs of Gibraltar. ultimately more rewarding.

Brexit may well limit EU market access but 3. Stay connected to the EU but look it will not end it. For certain sectors within beyond it.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2017

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Legal 500 EMEA Edition.

business words | Blythe Reeves, Special Ops Gibraltar

BREXIT PILL

A cure for our stale tourist product

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ncertainty, fear, loss, a weak pound are all the doom and gloom terms associated with the oncoming divorce from the European Union and Common Market.

The potential Whilst there surely mass exodus cannot be a miracle of jurisdiction pill, there are pallisavvy migrant ative treatments to ensure the health of businesses would our core business. negatively affect

Gibraltar in loss

90% of businesses of corporate in Gibraltar are small and customer businesses. It cannot volume. be argued that ‘we’, the small businesses are ‘The Gibraltar Product.’

Our finance and betting industry is teetering on the conditions of Brexit which Government will undoubtedly fight for tooth and nail. However, how does this affect our local service providers and retail business?

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2017

We know Spain will have no remorse if our businesses fail, and can we truly rely on the UK to watch our backs, when the PM’s main concerns are to the majority who voted out and those potentially voting to keep her in? Will this pawn be sacrificed for the greater good?

In simple terms; the potential mass exodus of jurisdiction savvy migrant businesses (which tend to be multinational), would negatively affect Gibraltar in loss of corporate and customer volume. Demand pressures will no longer fuel office and housing rents and less services and Most crossconsumables will border workers be needed. Albeit spend little it is argued that in Gibraltar; most cross-border PAYE, Social workers spend little Insurance, and in Gibraltar; PAYE, Social Insurance, Corporate Tax all and Corporate Tax contribute to the all contribute to the economy. economy.

Back to basics If British citizens are going to find it inconvenient to visit the usual Spanish resorts because of visas, a weak pound or the likes, this shines a new light on ‘Britain in the Sun’ just a convenient direct flight away.

The question is how do we retain custom and a sector of the tourist market we have previously failed to attract? Do we have ‘cannot-do-at-home’ activities and attractions compared to other destinations?

In the eyes of visitors, our tourist product has changed little since the 70’s. The apes, St. Michael’s Cave, the dolphins, cheap fags and booze has fared us well thus far.

“Once you’ve been to Gib once, you’ve seen it all”. “But,” I hear you all shouting, “there’s so much more!” Indeed, there is, but we do not do enough to tell them and keep them. We should sell ourselves better at the entry points of Gibraltar. The frontier, airport, marinas and cruise liner terminal lack information on what to do 39

business the Marbella nightlife. Yet, many land and run across the border almost not setting foot on the Rock for all those reasons. By retaining visitors, all our small businesses, directly or indirectly benefit. The only way we can do this is by offering that which cannot be found at home. Gibraltar has it all, but understandably at a smaller scale.

Although in our travels we may spend some of our ‘valuable holiday time’ at the Odeon, visitors are not likely to visit Gibraltar for our very much loved cinema.

ZipWorld, Wales

and reasons to stay, possibly because we have little to show.

We have cornered the middle-aged, cruise faring, package tour, sandwich-in-a-bag, half day visitor, but what about attracting a younger, more dynamic and family orientated segment of the market?

How do we retain custom and a sector of the tourist market we have previously failed to attract?

The much coveted ‘event-led tourism’ is great, but mayor events are annual and fail to retain visitors as most events worth travelling for do not warrant an overnight stay for the lack of reasons to stay. Events such as the GMF, the Chess Festival, darts and snooker should be our cream and

not our daily bread. Our repeat business continues to be family, friends, frontier workers and the notorious heavy smoker.

‘Activity-led tourism’ must be the way forward for our day-to-day business to compete with the rest of the world; albeit duty-free high-end shopping.

A list of attractions for all tastes and abilities, mainstream and non-mainstream sites, prestige retail and culinary experiences would warrant an overnight stay, even if we then lose the long stay business to

Are we making the most of what we have?

I don’t believe we are. Chatting with my experienced friend Clive Martinez Snr who has worked around the world and with tourism since I can remember, he reignited an idea which has obviously been thought of by more than one. A directory of sorts; albeit an app with all our activities, attractions and retail options that can be stamped on arrival which gives visitors an incentive to either, stay or come back to do and see that which they have not had time to.

Our repeat business continues to be family, friends, frontier workers and the notorious heavy smoker.

We are now offering walking tours, WWII tunnel and Lower St. Michael Cave tours and attractions like the Windsor Bridge and Sky Walk, but are these enough to attract and more importantly, retain visitors?

Bounce Below - the underground adventure park with giant trampolines inside an abandoned Welsh mine

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business

Remember?

A sensitive transformation of the Upper Rock of which details remain highly secret, but still proposed by a local entrepreneur seems to have fallen on deaf ears.

Battle of Trafalgar re-enactment

We do little or nothing to commemorate The Battle of Trafalgar, yet a model re-enactment is hosted in the UK and US, whilst we, the stars of the show,... I rest my case.

Why is no one maximising the waters Government currently have four fully fundaround us with water sports like water-skied proposals that could add and revamp ing, Ringo, Jet Ski hire and the the tourist industry. The Top of the I invite all activity and retail providers to forward details of their offerings to be The RGP likes? Most visitors come from Rock Zipline is one example. This included in the ‘Gib.holiday’ Directory, as inland and relish the sea, even would bring back repeat customdeems their small businesses can add much variety to when we, the locals, would ers and adventure seeking tourcannon ‘to be too the touch and go tour service currently on never think of going for a ists with a very inclusive (eldest loud’. But what offer. This sort of search product needs to swim in March. I understand 99 years old), speed controlled does a cannon do have every single business that has somethe authorities make it difficult attraction. Visitors that would thing to offer to visitors for it to work. if not go boom? to import and set up such a otherwise not return and pay our business, yet these attractions nature reserve fees will have a But why take my word for it? Well, you are available around the world. reason to. Zip World (the providers), are don’t have to. Mr Verde (speaker of the fully booked daily in the Welsh mountains event organised by the local American of Snowdonia and have quoted up to 500 Furthermore, we do not maximise re-enChamber of Commerce), did hit the nail daily customers would need transport actments of our history, with only the on the head with regards to helping to the top of the Rock. This much enjoyed weekly volunteers of the our local entrepreneurs in the face We do little has been welcomed by the Re-enactment Association (RA). If we were of Brexit. CM Picardo supports Cable Car operatives and Taxi or nothing to to advertise the firing of the mid-day gun entrepreneurs after speaking at the drivers alike. from the Tower of Homage (at a fee), I am commemorate launch of Startup Grind and Minister certain we would sell out daily and add yet The Battle Costa did the same with the Gibralanother thing to see and experience. Yet, I The trampoline style Bounce of Trafalgar, tar Entrepreneurship Meetup Group.

TM am told by the RA members that the RGP Below is set up inside a disyet a model deems their cannon ‘to be too loud’. But used mineshaft and tunnels re-enactment The question remains, is Governwhat does a cannon do if not go boom? to which Gibraltar lends itself is hosted in the ment listening and facilitating?

However, we shoot daily rockets for bird perfectly. This has transcontrol and never miss a Royal Gun Salute. formed the derelict neighUK and US...

Are we our own worst enemy? bouring mining town of old.

Blythe during Lazer-Tag and Adventure Activities

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property

SOLID & STABLE

Property market to stay as is for years to come...

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fter Prime Minister Theresa May constructive peace and a good relationship • has triggered article 50 of the is a highly desirable asset by all members.

Lisbon Treaty, with all its advanIt is therefore quite possible that a positive tages and disadvantages, what agreement is reached where possible. are the immediate and not so immediate consequences with At the moment, the feeling is that The market regards to Gibraltar property the market could very possibly stay could very market? The plain truth is that • where it is right now: solid and stapossibly stay nobody really knows at presble. And it could stay like that for where it is right years to come. Personally, I cannot ent, however, there are some now: solid and see the Gibraltar property market indicators which can help stable. evaluate some of the odds. making drastic changes. My point of view being based on the following There is a feeling that there might be points: a stony road ahead with possibly large The so called queues at the border and more difficulties • Gibraltar is a small market “paperwork than we face right now. But this is not new with a limited offer of hurdle” is very and we know about it, nobody is going to property. Demand is or simple and be taken by surprise. Au contraire, most loseems to be directly conpractical. cals probably believe it is back to “business nected to a short supply. as usual”. But hopefully, our politicians will So this very fact seems to continue their constructive work as well as make prices quite stable. And theretheir counterparts on the other side of the fore investors and private buyers feel • border and that they both realize that that comfortably safe with their Gibraltar the UK and Spain have massive social and investments. This applies to both resieconomic interests in common and that dential and commercial property.

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The yield on property investments for those who are looking for a good and steady safe income is a very attractive and handsome 6% to 9% and sometimes more. This makes investments here quite desirable.

The taxation system in Gibraltar is very reasonable. Corporate tax is merely 10%, amongst the lower in Europe without being a tax heaven.

Hungary, Lithuania, Bulgaria being at more or less the same level. And income tax is lower than in most of European Jurisdictions. With the added bonus of no inheritance tax to account for or any capital gains tax in most cases. This tax factor is an extremely important point to account for when it comes to investing in property.

The so called “paperwork hurdle” is very simple and practical. The system is user friendly so in general it is much easier to buy in Gibraltar than in other GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2017

property

markets. And again, very attractive for buyers both local and overseas.

Gibraltar has not got one single buyers’ market but several...

•

Residency status. High net worth individuals need to buy or rent prime property to comply with Gibraltar regulations and therefore obtain the different advantages of relocating to Gibraltar.

This benefits the market, no doubt.

•

Several markets in one town. Gibraltar has not got one single buyers’ market but several: The local market which needs housing, the CAT 2 market (mentioned above), the overseas market which seems to be growing and possibly a more future substantial market from Mainland UK who could see a clear investment opportunity in Gibraltar without a currency

fluctuation risk factor that yields a healthy rate of return plus no language barrier and balmy Mediterranean weather…So all these markets put together keep the sales flow running steadily.

•

If all the above mentioned reasons are taken into consideration plus the fact that most new properties are well designed and built plus the strict protection laws that exist in Gibraltar for properties bought on plan for future delivery, there is no reason to stop a buyer or investor from buying a property in Gibraltar which looks, de facto, Finance is right now very competitive as solid as a rock. And why not say that it as far as interest rates are concerned. should do very well in the mid-long term.

Banks will consider lending via mortPrices have gone most of the time up-stagage loans and will look into a maxible-up-stable. And will probably stay that mum of 90% for personal buyers who way for a long while or raise further if deare end users or up to 75% for rent mand is stronger that supply. We all know for income investors. All the above that across the border prices are lower and cases, subject to status as anywhere that an investment could be made abroad else. This can play a major role and in lieu of buying locally. But we all know certainly benefits the market flow. as well that it is not quite Banks will the same and that the consider lending convenience of buying inside Gibraltar makes it in via mortgage general more attractive if loans and will you have the means.

look into a maximum of 90% for personal buyers...

Jorge v.Rein Parlade MBA Business Consultant Tel: +350 54045282 Email: jorgeparlade@ icloud.com

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2017

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life

life

words | Mike Brufal

THE FIRST FEMALE MAYOR Playing squash with men

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ari Montegriffo, 67, has been Her first job, aged 17, was as personal sec- Upon her return to the Rock in 1974, she a hard working supporter of was employed by Blands on the shipping retary to Bob Peliza where she remained the GSLP for almost 40 years, for five years. This was her introduction side. Joe Bossano, on a visit to recruit an elected representative for to local politics where she worked for the members for the TGWU, met Mari, who 23 years, a Minister for eight years and hugely impressed him and, when she had fledgling Integration with Britain the first female Mayor of joined the union, invited her to become Party. Bob went on to win the elecGibraltar. As a politician, she Much of the the shop steward for the private sector. tion of 1974. In 1970, she moved always worked for Gibraltar teaching by to London for four years to work for Her name was put forward and she was to remain British and to the nuns was the National Data Processing Service elected. This was the moment when she persuade the Foreign and started her political life which she dedicatthrough fear but which was part of the Post Office.

Commonwealth never to ed to working to keep Gibraltar British and This was to encourage the use of they provided a give away any sovereignty improving life on the Rock. computers by the to the Spanish Government. good education.

From general public. At the same time, with the tennis, she Her uncle, Aurelio Montegriffo, She went to the Loreto Convent School permission of her manager, approached her to join the AACR but transferred where she remembers Jane Bassadone she attended a course to this was declined after she met Joe to squash teaching her English. Much of the teaching learn about business studies. and was convinced that the AACR where she by the nuns was through fear but they proIn 1973, Bob Peliza called was moving to the political right, away was female vided a good education. She was appointon her to thank her for her from its working class roots. ed prefect of her class, school captain of champion of previous help in assisting to sport and head girl. In sport, she specialGibraltar for achieve the election victory In 1980, she joined the GSLP and ised in tennis, basketball and net ball. From twelve years. soon after was elected to the execufor the IWBP. He gave her tennis, she transferred to squash where a signed photo on which he tive council and the following year a she was female champion of Gibraltar for had written ‘Thank you for getting me into candidate for the 1984 election and was twelve years. Her talent was such that she government with your typewriter’. the fourth successful GSLP candidate with played in the men’s league.

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life 3815 votes. The AACR won the election. the House of Assembly as the first female The hated Brussels Agreement was the Mayor, a position she held until 1995. most important matter on the political agenda. Joe Bossano appointed her to be The Government’s greatest achievements shadow Minister for medical and health were the land reclamation, scholarships services plus the environment, sport and for any pupil given a place in a further computerisation. He told his shadow education establishment thus assisting ministers that Gibraltar must not depend social mobility, and the privatisations of on the British Government for any financial companies within the civil service such as aid as there would be a political price to GibTelecom, Aqua Gib (water and elecbe paid at a later date. At the time, the tricity) and to create government owned economy was at a standstill as the Ministry companies like Gibraltar Joinery Building of Defence was pulling out to be followed Services. by the closure of the Dockyard. Joe saw that one way of filling the economic gap, As Minister for Sport she negotiated the as MOD expenditure represented 70% of return of the MOD squash courts in South Gibraltar’s economy, was to make Barracks and handed the buildGibraltar into a financial centre. ing over to the Gibraltar Squash Her talent was such that Association.

The GSLP won the 1988 and she played the 1992 elections and she Other milestones were to allow in the men’s became the Minister for all the schools and the community to league. shadow positions she had held in use all the sporting facilities. The Opposition for the eight years. In Victoria stadium’s surfaces were 1988, she was appointed unanimously in changed to artificial ones and this includGibraltar Song Festival 1980, St Michael’s Cave

During the Tall Ships race in London representing Gibraltar with the Mayors of Arizona, USA, & Saudi Arabia, 1988

ed the laying down of a bolidtan athletic track. This resulted in a huge improvement in local sport and in 1995 the Islands Games were held in Gibraltar.

She There was also a royal visit in the represented form of Prince Andrew.

Gibraltar in a

song festival in Charleville, Cork and came second to the entry from Ireland.

At the time, females were not allowed to join the rowing clubs and she is grateful to Sir John Chapple for forcibly suggesting to the clubs that she should be invited as Minster of Sport to events and dinners.

Mari found the Gibraltar Health Authority to be in meltdown. Upon her appointment as Minister for Health, she was taken on a long walk round the wards, theatres and rooms in the old St. Bernard’s hospital. She found everything to be in a disastrous condition. Her ideas were totally at variance from the previous AACR government who had brought out a Chief Executive, Ralph Murray, who was commissioned to write a report. He made many recommendations but the new Minister did not accept any of them. When his contract expired, it was not renewed. Her first decision was to totally refurbish the hospital. When she started she had an annual budget of £8 million and when she left eight years later, it had grown to £23 million.

Another important decision was the abolition of private practice by doctors working for the GHA. Private rooms in the hospital were discontinued. All doctors had to be registered with the General Medical Council. Overseas doctors from the European Union had to join the GMC. Mari was GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2017

45

life have to fly to England to be registered as a nurse. Instead, nurses could register with the College who would make regular visits and supervise the training. When a nurse decided to study to became a specialist in, say, mid-wifery or mental health then a year or more would be spent at Sheffield and would return with the necessary qualification.

The hated Brussels Agreement was the most important matter on the political agenda.

Reception Mari gave as Mayor of Gibraltar when Prince Andrew visited the Rock in 1993

Mari does not believe that the GHA needs a chief executive. In her time, Ernest Lima was both financial director and de facto, chief executive.

Her time as Mayor was a fantastic experience and she swiftly realised that her knowledge of Gibraltar history was minimal. During her time at school, the syllabus covered British history in detail but there was no mention of Gibraltar’s history. She spoke to Pepe Rosado and other local historians and went on a crash course to remedy this defect. This was to enable her to answer the myriad of questions asked by visitors.

These were so basic that she realised that there is a lack of basic knowledge about Gibraltar in the United Kingdom.

The Sheffield team was told that she was adamant that there was huge abuse of the thinking of appointing a director and a medical services by allowing GHA contract deputy director of nursing with the doctors to indulge in private director taking over the position practice. She was appalled She was of matron. This was agreed with that Gibraltarians on low appointed the director taking on additional incomes could not afford to unanimously responsibilities such as looking pay for consultations and opin the House after the wards and the cleanliness A few changes were made to the civic erations and would be moved of the hospital and looking after to the end of the queue. of Assembly functions in so far that the rule was altered anything to do with the nurses. as to what charities qualify for inclusion as the first There is an essential differin the Mayor’s list of charities. Any charity female Mayor, a ence between St Bernard’s position she held Mari got in touch with the Nursing had to be registered. She also found that Council in the UK to sort out the hospital with 30,000 potential all religions on the Rock had to be formally until 1995. differences in grades between patients and a major English registered and there had been 84 religions England and Gibraltar. The hospital with a catchment registered.

College of Sheffield came to the population of some 400,000.

Her first hospital, liked what was seen and decision was As Mayor, she was invited to said there was no need for Gibraltar When Mari started as Minister, there was many official functions such as to totally to follow the new nursing grades a matron in charge of nursing. This rank refurbish the the Lord Mayor’s Show. In 1988, was abolished in England. Sheffield College in England. It was also agreed that she was invited by the Lord hospital. potential nurses would no longer was consulted and came out to advice.

Mayor, along with the Mayors of

Last elections contested by Mari with the GSLP in 2006 46

Visiting the Old Bailey in 1988 as Mayor of Gibraltar with Mayors of USA & Saudi Arabia GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2017

life Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and Lake Havasu, Arizona to attend the last tall ships’ race. This was the last such race because London Bridge had been bought by Lake Havasu for US$2.5 and was to be installed across a narrow channel leading from Lake Havasu to Thompson Bay. The replacement bridge across the Thames would be too low to allow the tall ships to sail through.

She was able to manage her time to deal with being a full time Minister (85%) and Mayor (15%) and so never felt she was too burdened. The departure of the MOD also meant that the number of functions was reduced. Her first granting of the Freedom of Gibraltar was to HMS Calpe. Ironically, three months later, it was closed down by the MOD. She swiftly

realised that

Mari has always been involved with her knowledge music which is her great love. She of Gibraltar is a singer, guitarist and keyboard history was player. Today, she is a member Trophy winners of the Gibraltar Squash Asso. Men’s Bass Trophy, 1994 minimal. of ‘Our Latin Way’ which sings at charity events two or three times a month. In 1988, she represented Gibraltar Gibraltar. She accepts there is no definite especially the Exit Minister, David Davies. in a song festival in Charleville, Cork and answer until the final agreement is reached I do not know whether this omission is came second to the entry from Ireland. with the European Union. She applauds because he is reluctant to be involved or the decision to engage Sir Graham whether the Chief Minister does Watson to look after Gibraltar’s not consider his involvement to Since retirement in 2007, Mari has found Mari has interests in Brussels and congratbe necessary. that once a politician, always a politician and always been ulates past governors for all their she still finds that many voters approach involved with support ranging from General Sir her with their problems and hope that My overriding concern is for the music which is William Jackson and Field Marshal she will act as a short cut to the relevant United Kingdom Government her great love. to totally decolonise Gibraltar.

Sir John Chapple to Lord Luce. minister.

She is a singer, I do not accept that the 2006 guitarist and Mari said: “I think from now on, Constitution fully did this. In She is worried about Brexit and following keyboard Joe Bossano should be includmy opinion, Gibraltar remains a the delivery by the Prime Minister of the ed in all future top level Crown Colony”.

Article 50 letter triggering this player. negotiations between the into play warns that all Gibral“Thank you Gibraltar Government and tarians must keep a close watch for getting British Ministers. Joe is a seasoned on mandarins in the FCO. The Mari, now 67, with 10 year-old Lucy, me into who was named after Mari’s mother negotiator and has decades of Chief Minister and the deputy government experience dealing with British minare leaving no stone unturned with your isters and also the European Union. in their determination to obtain typewriter.”

He knows all the senior politicians the best possible deal for Mari’s new band, Our Latin Way

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2017

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life words | Richard Cartwright

UNDERSTANDING GIBRALTAR Lesson on tolerance for export

Y

both communities were eventually allowed ou could be forgiven for thinking The idea originally came from Joshua Lhoto remain. It was an arrangement that Understanding Gibraltar would be te, a lawyer who studied in the Sorbonne suited all parties and an absolute contrast something to do with Gibraltar’s in Paris and the College of Law in London. to the racist provision of the Treaty of quirkiness, its history or the expe- He grew up in France, Israel and Gibraltar, Utrecht.” 300 hundred years have passed riences of a population of worked at Hassan’s International Law and Christians, Jews, Muslims, Hindus 30,000 living in such a confirm and is now focussed on promoting It is so and other religious and secular believers fined piece of land... Well, it business ventures in Morocco where small yet have co-existed with a level of tolercould well be interpreted as he feels much of our business future the different ance Understanding Gibraltar believes is all of that and more, rolled lies. Joshua is married to a Gibraltarian communities unmatched elsewhere in the world. They into one! Many newcomers and is now a firm ‘Gibraltar belonger’ want to promote and maintain that level of to the Rock often point out seem to get on already resident here for a number of the fact that it is so small acceptance between the commuwell with each years... “The events of nities. Successive Spanish sieges of yet the different commuGibraltar’s history for over other...

What exists every type, the WW2 evacuation nities seem to get on well three centuries have much here is rare and and other landmarks have also with each other presenting to do with the level of needed to be helped to strengthen a common a model of tolerance many are of the view, tolerance experienced here. explored even struggle producing a national sense is not very evident elsewhere outside our Tolerance in itself is already borders. So Understanding Gibraltar is a unusual, these days espeto the point of of belonging bringing together all sections of the community regardsort of think-tank made up of different cially.” Joshua declares, “At a exporting our less of religion or background. members of the community who decided time when Jews and Muslims model as an to meet a few years back on a regular basis were barred from Gibraltar example to the The think tank’s idea is to continue to discuss, analyse and put their minds to and much of Spain, history has world. work. The group concluded that what exshown the authorities turned to focus on what makes Gibraltar ists here is rare and needed to be explored a blind eye and allowed them distinct by welcoming all to become even to the point of exporting our model to trade in goods that were very much involved. Already regular meetings are atas an example to the world. needed here to service the Garrison and tended by members of the Christian, Mus48

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UG team

lim, Jewish, Hindu, Baha’i, “The Humanist and other comauthorities munities including atheists, turned a blind meetings which began just a Ronnie Alecio, Youssef El Hana, Ayoub Mesbahi, Ian Watts, Joshua Lhote & Carmel Khalilian few years ago with a get-toeye and allowed gether in a local bar, later them to trade meeting in the Charles Hunt in goods that place in a peaceful way. What has become to say the least, and felt the Rock Room and now convening in were very much was maybe breeding something ordinary for people here is a strange rarity The Kasbar in Castle Street needed here...” in the face of human history” special! He maintains integrating (formerly the Hole in the is vital amongst communities Wall). Contacting intellectuals although it’s true there’s always going to Joshua Lhute is not a Gibraltarian in the outside Gibraltar from Oxford University be ‘community bias’. It’s felt even though true sense of the word. Coming from a and elsewhere is ongoing also, in a wider you may always gravitate towards your large country where religious tension is effort to study and understand further the own group, approaching others of different elevated to a sensitive level, he’s noticed human condition and how it applies when faiths, political persuasions, other countries something special about our community Understanding Gibraltar. Locally, a seminar and of whatever gender always helps to which so many of us take for granted. was held recently on the Sunborn Hotel understand a little further what the other Maybe there is something very unusual organised by the Sunbow Project where person’s all about – Winston and special about how our difGibraltar’s political and religious leaders Churchill once said, “We need ferent communities interact with and representatives attended. AddressGibraltar’s more jaw-jaw and less war-war!” each other, I think much of it is es were delivered by some of them and population is Hence learning and beginning to indeed, all about...understanding other invited speakers. Topics included predominantly understand how the other fellow Gibraltar! The UG friendship a talk on our evolution, on cultural and is truly serious about what religious harmony on the Rock, - bearing in ticks can, at least, augur well for Christian and a tolerant, peaceful co-existence the fact we were they call, Gibraltar’s powerful mind the Treaty of Utrecht - whether our with those around you, and that symbolism of its history which, multicultural status could be a model for led by a Jew cannot be a bad thing. “Awarewhen studied carefully, may export and a further talk presenting Unnever bothered hold the key to world peace - a ness brings joy,” Joshua claims, derstanding Gibraltar as a scientific study anyone.

“It can take centuries building a serious call for optimism? of the human condition, which is at the centre of the UG think tank consciousness, tolerant community living in harmony. Gibraltar is a good example of existhighlighting the contrast between GibralVisit them on FB at Understanding Gibraltar. ing together at the same time in the same tar and the human division so evidently widespread around the globe these days.

Meanwhile, the Gibraltar Cultural Services Founders Ronnie Alecio & Joshua Lhote (GCS) has registered Understanding Gibraltar as a Gibraltar cultural organisation (ref no. CO/084) and the group is soon to set up an internet channel as a platform to further promote their message.

The group feels these ideas could be emulated by those from afar. Joshua Lhute was also struck by the fact that Sir Joshua Hassan, a Jew, remained a leader of the Gibraltarian people for a number of decades: he was mayor in the 40s, 50s and 60s and Chief Minister from the mid 60s through to the late 80s with a short break in between. Gibraltar’s population is predominantly Christian and the fact we were led by a Jew never bothered anyone. I don’t think anyone ever bat an eyelid because of that fact! So, Understanding Gibraltar’s chairman was drawn to what for those outside Gibraltar could well be an ‘unusual or curious condition’ GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2017

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life words | Nicole Macedo

FINDING BALANCE

somewhere between terror and contentment.

T

he attack

and every opportunity. I think I speak more On Thursday, we all woke up at 6:30, had Spanish in London than I ever did in Spain. a shower, and set off for the train A terrorist attack has alstation at 8am. We stood on the ways seemed like such We chewed Overground, almost physically a monumental, earth The darling buds of May gum, avoided embedded into the armpit of shattering shared experience eye contact a person we did not know. We for a city, well, for the whole As April falls behind us like a distant memand silently chewed gum, avoided eye contact bloody world. That wasn’t the ory, the golden clutches of spring have case on Wednesday 22nd March judged people’s and silently judged people’s taken the city in its grasp, and the rose 2017. As horrific scenes unfoldhandbag brands and the thickness tinted hues of the mid-afternoon sky are handbag ed on Westminster Bridge on a glorious. There’s an Instagram filter lingerbrands and the of their tights. We dealt with the very bog standard Wednesday backlog of passengers on the ing in the tepid May air and it stretches out thickness of afternoon, the rest of us carried Northern line, thanks to the clolong into the evening like a gilded sheet. their tights. on working, and come 6pm, we sure Westminster station and we People fill the parks, sprawled across every headed home on the same pubwalked the mile and a half to work free patch of grass, they walk the wide lic transport that we took home every day, from London Bridge station. It pavements and they drink wine regardless of the height of the city’s securi- is bizarre. ‘Keep calm and carry and fruit cider into the extended This is ty risk. Eyelids were barely bat. Feelings on’ has never had such precetwilight. London in the spring is a the nature were felt, for sure, on a personal level, and dence! This is the nature of the pure dream, a veritable ocean of of the British shared amongst family and friends that British people and I am quizzipossibility and immovable conpeople and I evening, but fear was not instilled into our cally charmed by it. Well, on this tentment. I am finally happy in my am quizzically own company, and some of the hearts. There is a bizarre and very staunch occasion, because I find myself charmed by it. neuroses have been eaten away. I impressed. Generally though, resilience to Londoners. They are not fazed. It sure hardens you, this city, and I do miss the cosy and intruthink it’s because I’m writing again not in a brisk, cold, Dickensian way, just in sive nature of the Mediterranean people. for a reputable big city publication. I’m a ‘life goes on’ kind of way.

Hence why I seek out Spanish people at all making an honest woman of myself. This 50

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2017

life has, however, brought about a very real Farewell to my literary buddies shopping affliction, which I justify as a part So many of the niggling inconveniences I of the necessary transition into my newso desperately sought to shy away from, found City of London journo status. I can’t I suddenly find myself embracing, like tell you why this means so some sick acceptance of inevitable much to me, but it does. I’ve I think I adulthood. These days I’m quite happy always been all about the speak more to tell that pushy microphone touting, status. Status is a measure of Spanish in almighty believer, exactly why it’s not intelligence and intelligence ok for them to be imposing their views London than is of utmost value. Despite so heavily on everyone, or turn back I ever did in much of time now spent into Starbucks to tell the barista she Spain. probing Swedish CEOs for mistakenly gave me dairy milk. ‘Oh no, insider business information, I can’t have another drink I have to go I find the time to manage my studies and home to bed, I know it’s nine o’clock, I desperately keep myself awake through lithave to get up for work at half six. No, no erature lectures. Somehow, I don’t feel like I can’t go to work tired or hangover,’ I hear I’m so far away from everything anymore, myself saying over and over again, taking because as a grand sage once told me, a moment to feel the cringe of the words you’re not missing out on anything when spilling out of my mouth in a responsible they set us up to study at this time of year. you’re getting stuff done. I have a lot less and really rather lame manner, and yet, I After five months of baron bitterness and time to explore, but those free afternoons feel no shame at all. There’s no tiny voice 4pm darkness, and I should be staring I do venture off into far reaching corners of in the back of my head desperate to get at my own reflection reciting Prufrock’s the capital, I enjoy so much more, seeking up to mischief and cause some sense of love song in Eliot’s almost exact, halfout famous vegan street food vendors in uneasiness. I just want to go to bed, sleep dead dulcet tones. Four weeks left and I Hackney, meandering through racks of vinwell, and get up to go to work and drink am free of this literary affliction. Oh but tage clothing on Brick Lane, lazing under turmeric and ginger tea, eat an offputtingly how I will miss my now very good friends; a huge tree for an afternoon of reading in balanced and healthy lunch, and feel like Swift, Byron, Shelley, Burns, Poe, Woolf, Hyde Park, creeping in the seedy depths I’ve progressed even the slightest amount. even you Brontë. I’ll see you next of Greenwich comedy clubs, drinking rosé It’s the end of an era. I think term, for more absurdly intrusive in the garden at the pub next door, and Status is I’m finally a real person. A real readings of your most treasured standing in front of my favourite deejays a measure of person that has end of year musings. Admittedly, university has on a rooftop in Soho’s theatre district. exams looming in the not too intelligence and not proved everything I thought far distance. It baffles me why intelligence is of it would be, but I have found my place somewhere in the middle, an utmost value. unsheltered student.

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environment words | Lewis Stagnetto, The Nautilus Project

MARINE NUISANCES Nautilus: A living fossil

I

Their shell does create a problem for them n 1870, a famous French writer pubbly high intelligence is a true testimony to though. They use gas, which they extract lished an epic tale of adventure whose how far they have come. from the water around them, to fill up influences are still evident in me today. chambered compartments within it, much The author was none other than Jules Their brains are less developed and have like a human diver with a BCD. The deeper Vernes and the book was different structures to some of they travel, the more of this gas is required “20,000 leagues under the their cousins. Scientific studies They have to keep them neutrally buoyant and here sea”. As the story unfolds have shown that they have the the ability lies the problem; gases compress and liqthe reader is introduced to ability to retain information in both to retain uids don’t. At around 800 metres deep, the the reclusive Captain Nemo, short-term and long-term memory. crushing pressure is so great that the shell a mysterious name which information in However, these studies found that means “manly” in Oromo and both short-term their ability to retain this information can no longer withstand it and implodes, killing the nautilus. A poor situation to be “nothing” in Latin and that, in long-term was much less developed and long-term in if you are a deep-sea dweller. my humble opinion, has been in nautilus compared with other memory. ruined by Disney’s animated cephalopods. studio, Pixar. Captain Nemo Humans like to credit themThe most pilots an awe-inspiring submarine called selves with the invention of The most striking part of the the Nautilus a name which is intrinsically striking part of jet-propulsion but in truth, nautilus is its shell which is coiled linked to my life today. and has a beautiful pearly sheen to the nautilus is cephalopods have been using it. Brown bands appear on the top its shell which this form of movement for millions of years. They push a Apart from the submarine, the nautilus is of the shell whilst at the bottom, it is coiled and huge amount of water out of the most archaic of the Cephalopods, a is completely white. The most obhas a beautiful a siphon with the position of it group which include the Squid, Cuttlefish vious reason for this has been as determining which direction the and Octopus. The name cephalopod comes pearly sheen a form of camouflage, dark when animal travels in. from the Greek and literally means head looking directly down on it and to it. (cephalo) foot (poda). Quite unbelievably light when looking from the depths though, they form part of the Mollusca Primarily scavengers, today’s up. This is further evidenced by phyla which include the whelks, nudinautilus live in deep water where there the fact that unlike all of its cousins, the branchs, clams and oysters. Their compara- nautilus does not change its skin colour. is little to no light. They tend to eat any

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environment

detritus that sinks into the depths including the molts of lobsters and crabs and any carrion. Of all the cephalopods, the nautilus has the most basic eyes. Having said that, they do have good vison although they lack a focusing lens like we have.

be trying to preserve them. The Mediterranean hosts around three separate species as described by Carl Linnaeus in 1958. It seems clear that we have a responsibility to review their present ecological status and ensure that our activities do not prejudice their continued survival.

They also have a specialised parrot like beak which forms its mouth parts. This allows it to take bites out of its prey.

With 90 tentacles coming out from the shell, they can also be highly dextrous with prey items.

One final thought taken from Jules Vernes novel, “Your arguments are rotten at the foundation. You speak in the future, ‘We shall be there! We shall be here!’ I speak in the present, ‘We are here, and we must profit by it.” We have an opportunity to preThe crushing serve these amazing creatures right now. pressure is Conservational efforts so great that based on future acthe shell can tions and possibilities no longer might well come too late. Our oceans are withstand it already seeing massive and implodes, changes driven by killing the climatic action and nautilus. the outlook does not look great. Our oceans would be in an even poorer state without them.

Unlike all of its cousins, the Nautilus does not change its skin colour.

The nautilus are sexually dimorphic, with males being larger than females. They lay eggs, like all the relatives in the cephalopod class, and can continuously breed over their reproductive lifespan which is circa five years. This is not very long as they only live up to around 20 years old and it is the latter years where they are sexually active.

It is this fact that makes them particularly vulnerable as a species as their shells are sought after by collectors.

It is precisely because they have been on this planet for over 500 million years and because of this sensitivity that we should GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2017

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music

scene

words | Liana Penny Peklivanas

AFRICAN UPRISING Gibraltar World Music Festival 2017

S

of a whole new dimension of musical and The Gibraltar World Music Festival started ummer 2017 in Gibraltar is fast in 2012, introducing artists from all over cultural thrill. approaching and scheduled in the the world. This year, it will tell the story pipeline are a fair share of music of artists from Africa and their continuous festivals. The Gibraltar Gibraltar Productions are the ones fight to exist as musicians despite the World Music Festival 2017, behind this phenomenal event; they GWMF oppression from extremists. also referred to as GWMF, introduce themselves as a team of isn’t just a being one of the biggest ones diverse people in terms of origins and standard yet to come to us and a great Musicians in Mali have faced a fair share skill sets completely dedicated to the festival, but way to start the season. It is promotion of culture in Gibraltar. For of attacks to their culture and the violence one that could the last six years, they have launched safe to say that the GWMF only continues to increase and become change the isn’t just a standard festival, more frequent. Mali is blues, Mali is jazz. and been running the GWMF, Space world we live 92 (exhibitions), Sephardic Stobut one that could change Extremists have used religion in today. the world we live in today. to justify their actions, to ries and now BrightMed - world The loving justify murder and to justipeace leaders are coming to Gicommunity braltar to discuss world issues, startfy the destruction. Can you GWMF 2016 featured Obrigado! Celedisplayed a ing with Convivencia. They explain; brating cultures of Lusophone with music, love towards imagine a world without music?

“Each year, GWMF tells the story of workshops and a street party. The stages one another Music has become a part of our everyday life and it’s hard a region of the world or a specific were outstanding. The music was beauthat made us to imagine this ever being an tiful. The loving community displayed a style of music with the ambition forget all the issue. It doesn’t work that way of delivering a strong message of love towards one another that made us negativity in in Mali. When Islamic hardliners peace, universalism and spirituality”, forget all the negativity in the world. Stop the world. took control in 2012, music was what we know as convivencia. “We right there! That’s just about what you’ll banned and destroyed due to believe that these messages are the read on every festival. Instead of providing living examples of what the world needs to the harshest interpretations of Sharia law you with a standard review, let me walk in history. From radio stations, instruments you through this. Join us on the journey see and hear today, more than ever”.

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music Gibraltar and the Campo area is invited to submit a piece; there will be a prize of £500 for the “best work on show”.

From 2017, Gibraltar Productions introduces GWMFriends – a group for GWMF supporters. GWMFriends will have a chance to win attractive prizes, tickets, backstage passes, meet the artists and festival organizers. So don’t forget to like our page!

BrightMed Film Festival 6th June, Leisure Cinemas

Bassekou Kouyate

Bassekou Kouyaté, Gili Yalo and Yossi Fine/ being burnt and Mali’s musicians tortured BenAylon. and even killed, forcing them into hiding. Although rather “GWMF than lay down their weapons, Programme of events tells the or shall we say, instruments – story of a the musicians are fighting back! region of the BrightMed Art Exhibition

‘They Will Have To Kill Us First’ starts with musicians on the run, reveals rare footage of the extremists that sabotaged music, captures the torture and the life at the refugee camps. We will witness two female characters perform at the first public concert in Timbuktu since the music ban was imposed: Fadimata Walett Oumar and Khaira Arby. The stories of these artists are not sugar coated, be prepared for an emotional roller-coaster, heart break, inspiration and finally, frustration as we watch musicians make tough choices about their future and existence.

8th May, Space 92 Irish Town – 10amworld or a What we can expect this year: 1pm and 2pm-6pm specific style starting with documentary When of music...” screenings at Leisure Cinemas, In conjunction with Islamic followed by a street party in the Gibraltar Fine Arts hardliners the Commonwealth Park with performanc- Association, an exhibition unes from Ethiopian and Malian artists, food took control der the theme ‘Convivencia’ and drink stalls, face painting for the kids in 2012, displays a piece of art created and other attractions, inspirational talks for by the renowned local artist music was students, art exhibitions at various locaChristian Hook representing banned and tions, peace conference at the University all the existing religions in destroyed... of Gibraltar, and finally, the concert at St. Gibraltar. Everyone from Michael’s Cave with performances from Yossi Fine & Ben Aylon

‘Mali Blues’ tells the story of four musicians from the West African country of Mali, who, through music and using this as their weapon, fight for a tolerant Islam and a country at peace.

Tickets are available at 92 Irish Town for free for both sessions: 17.00 ‘They will have to kill us first’ and 19.30 ‘Mali Blues’.

BrightMed Talks

7th of June, Public schools From CONVIVENCIA to CONCREANCIA Talks given by highly qualified speakers aim to provide students with skills for the future. Together in Gibraltar we already live the ‘Convivencia’ (peaceful co-existence), the Talks at schools are meant to help children become aware of how privileged we are combined with making them aware of the other issues that are happening in the world. ‘Concreancia’ (creation together) means transformation. The key to transform the world starts through inner harmony and self-transformation.

Gibraltar Productions explains: “Gibraltar, special not only due to its superb location in between crossroads of different cultures, but also as a bridge of understanding of different cultures, different spiritual and religious practices, a bridge between the north and the south,

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Gili Yalo

the east and the west. Gibraltar is a daily example proving that living in a peaceful and harmonious environment is possible”.

Street Party AFREEKA 7th June, Commonwealth Park from 6pm A chance to join a massive celebration, when local and international artists will give the best of themselves with an attractive artistic program. Food and drink provided by local companies at the boulevard Sir Herbert Miles Promenade. Save this date, no tickets needed for this part of the festival.

BrightMed International Conference 8th June, University of Gibraltar From CONFERENCE to CONFLUENCE For the first time in Gibraltar, renowned Peace Makers from India, UK, Belgium, Morocco and Iraq will deliver their wisdom, their advice to approach our world and provide a positive influence on their immediate environment.

Bassekou Kouyaté – Only THE BEST ngoni that kept him and his family going through player in the world tells us “The ngoni is the exhaustion and storm. a string instrument considered sacred for the griots of Mali. We have traces of griots He tells us: “I tend not to like to define my playing music for our king’s style but I was initially influenced by way before BC.” reggae music at a young age, and It was the later on by RnB and soul, followed music that Yossi Fine - Whether this be by funk, jazz and rock. Today, I am kept him and as a producer, arranger or very inspired by traditional Ethiopihis family bassist, Yossi’s great talents an music. Through my music, I aim going through to enable the listener to understand have made him one of the bigthe exhaustion who I am and where I’m from and gest names in music industry and storm. for several different genres. to connect to the journey I have He has worked with some of been through. The music that I our favourite musicians, including David make is a true reflection of who I am”.

Bowie. His career went on for two decades and six continents includes seven gold and Tickets will be available at 92 Irish Town at platinum CDs. Yossi has produced over 25 £35 (general public) and £30 (senior citizens albums, having played the bass on many and students), and at buytickets.gi. of the tracks. He tells us “Our approach is to always innovate something, using basic music and instruments, and re-create music that we feel has been here for long time, we just deliver that timeless vibe.”

Gili Yalo combines Ethiopian roots with soul, funk, groove, psychedelic and jazz music combined by Gili’s unique voice with lyrics in both English and Amhar“Our Concert at St. Michael’s Cave ic which makes his music exceptional. approach is 8th June, St. Michael’s Cave Gili likes to tell us his story though to always from 8pm innovate, using music. During Operation Moses, a mass migration of Ethiopian Jews fled basic music and from their native land. Back in those Unique shows from three instruments...” days, the only way to do this was on phenomenal artists: Yossi foot to refugees’ camps in Sudan. ToFine with music from the gether with his family, Gili walked through Blue Desert; Gili Yalo from Ethiopia; and the Malian ngoni player and griot Bassekou the desert towards the Promised Land and sang to his beloved ones. It was the music Kouyate.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2017

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music words | Elena Scialtiel

FOR K & COUNTRY How Eazi-K became the Ace of Slades...

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“We’ve always been into country music,” ce of Slades country & blues Departing from their iconic party and trio is coming of age this May wedding past under the Eazi-K trademark Zoe adds, “even before it became popular with a gig on the 19th at Lord (which is not defunct, but pretty much in Gibraltar with Gerard Teuma’s radio Nelson’s pub, the venue where alive to cater for such functions), the Slade show ‘My Country’. I listen to country music virtually all the time, not just what makes it all started for them in 1999, back when siblings call themselves Ace of Slades, a they were in their early twenties and their the mainstream charts, but all that hits the pun on their surname, with a nod to the band was known as Eazi-K, a catchy pun spades in the standard deck of cards so country charts in the US.” on the initials of the band dear to country & western tradition: “Three members, siblings Ernest, “Cowboys are often portrayed dallying “We have also been to Nashville to hear it Zoe and Keeran Slade. in the saloon and playing cards, with live,” her brothers echoes her, to highlight generations lively music in the background, fit for how committed they are about it. reunite on line dancing,” Ernest says.

“Actually, “This homecoming will be stage and we emotional,” they anticipate.

But the Slade trio isn’t just sing and play our mother has been running Zoe is as line dancing classes for “A balance on how far we’ve about country music: they also together with many years and on several comfortable come in almost two decades perform blues and classic rock, our children...” occasions we have played live of live performances, and not disdaining contemporary pop vocalising for her group’s social events.” how grateful we are that to which they often give a rockier Dolly Parton the band is still together on this long edge, since Zoe is as comfortable as Bon Jovi road, which we are now treading with our Ace of Slades has established itself or Aerosmith, vocalising Dolly Parton as Bon children following our footsteps in music, in Gibraltar and Spain as a grownJovi or Aerosmith, and even and even as we followed our father’s. Sometimes, at up band with its defined character Bruno Mars, whom they love to Bruno Mars... cover for his retro style. children-friendly venues, three generations and repertoire that isn’t imposed reunite on stage and we sing and play on the audience, but carefully together with our children who sing and selected and tailored in order to promote Shy of two decades in front of the mic, play piano, guitar and ukulele.” their love for everything Nashville. the siblings have built quite a repertoire 58

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2017

music and they let it evolve to suit the taste of their audience or the mood of the evening; so if they are constricted by customised requests when playing at private functions with their Eazi-K hat - only metaphorically, because the real cowboy hat is donned when they are Ace of Slades! - they are allowed a flight of fancy when playing concerts, slipping in the odd original song, and getting their audiences up on their feet.

“We’re always up for charity dos, so we were delighted when David Diaz contacted us and invited us to play at the first ever Rock’s Rock Against Dementia bash, where we performed a set of six songs, two country, two blues and two rock.”

Zoe says. “Each of us has got a role in the band: Keeran is on bass guitar and acoustic guitar, Ernest on electric guitar, and I sing and play the piano (although as a country’n’blues band, This strong we seldom perform with keyboards), but I sometimes sense of family join in with my own guitar.” has kept them

when they spent numerous New The trio is working on a number of tracks Year’s Eves giving the beat to they expect to pepper their performance with, to gauge the audience’s reaction. sticking together party goers at glamorous venues.

Ernest adds: “Nobody in “We were working, yes, but we “In country music, songs have complex through the the family is a drummer, so, were working together as a family, lyrics that narrate the story instead of just years... wanting to keep it a family and that made it New Year for us alluding at it like in pop,” Keeran explains, affair, we rely on backing too, despite being away from our “so we are working at storylines inspired to tracks on which we also record ourselves partners and children.” our experience but with a ‘read between playing other instruments. Sometimes the lines’ meaning that our listeners could we leave gaps in the recording, for live relate to.”

Being on the road for so many years hasn’t improvisation. Rehearsals are quite relaxed always been a bed of roses - although Zoe because we practise separately and then does a mean cover of those two Bon Jovi Ernest gives out a sneaky peek at his we meet to mesh together. The upside of anthems! – but the perks outweigh the recent creative efforts: “I am writing a missing a drummer is not having to carry downside of spending so many weekends song about travelling, a vacation to a around a drum kit, which is a plus both for and festivities away, with a collection of dream destination - geographically and our backs and venues with limited stage funny and emotional anecdotes under metaphorically.” space.” their belt, like weddings from heaven and from Keeran adds: “The song is titled “I am writing Music is always in the air for the Slade hell, satisfied returning ‘Raybans On’: when the stress of a song about family: “We usually have Christmas at my customers who hired them everyday life gets too much for you travelling, house,” Zoe says. “Everyone turns up with again for their anniversary to bear, just slide your sunglasses on a vacation presents and instruments so after lunch we party and that one time and enjoy a lazy day on a Caribbean to a dream can have a family jam session.” that Zoe, a skilled patisserie beach or on the deck of a cruise ship.” destination...” baker and decorator, had to This strong sense of family has kept them balance towering wedding “And I am writing about my daughter sticking together through the years, and cake and guitar, as she was being the being away at university in a song I’d like made them feel cosy as a family nucleus bride’s personal confectioner and musician! to title ‘Flying the Nest’,” Zoe says. “It isn’t that obvious what I am talking about at first, and one must listen closely to relate to one’s own experience.”

Having covered just about everything from Sinatra to Aserejé, the trio doesn’t limit their repertoire to crowd pleasers: they will go the extra mile to accommodate your request for virtually any song you’d like to hear performed live, whether in English or Spanish, always with their own twist and style as icing on the cake.

Like their Facebook page or visit www. aceofslades.com for dates and venues of their next gigs.

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literature words | Elena Scialtiel

DANDY DANDELIONS and drop-dead delish detectives

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that the crafty narrator’s thesaurus may ove along, Jessica Fletcher, octogenarian landlady and her grumpy Miss Marple and handsome tenants to the supermarket-romance suggest – and perhaps pee your pants a Sicilian inspector novelist spinster who’s gone from little if you suffer of waterworks leaks, like ‘who swims in world travelling to mind tripping most of the protagonists of this affection“I wanted ate pastiche about the importance of maka sea of satin’: an endearin a flick of her thesaurus, and to to write an ing memories together. The author lays out ingly rickety gang of senior the unofficial intelligence agency entirely frivolous desk set in a corner of the local detectives is hot on the scent idyllic settings, the result of her ‘ramblings of a purported serial killer (or round the East Sussex countryside’ during whodunit where corner shop. shall I say ‘cereal killer’, given the 20 years she lived in Brighton, for a you can take host of fictitious characters she swears their focus on the importance nothing seriously, Mary says: “Having read ‘A Bullet aren’t inspired by anyone real, but surely of the most important meal of in the Ballet’ by Caryl Brahms and no matter how have a bit of all our grandparents and the day?), when the hazy July S.J. Simon at least half a dozen many people heat at the riverside village of elderly neighbours in them – and times in my life, drop dead.”

Puddlecombe is jolted by five the idiosyncrasies we love and towards the end of The author hate about them. suspicious deaths (well, to be writing the Brescialays out idyllic precise, just three, but the drama queen no series with Sam Benady, it settings, the attitude is integral part of this story). occurred to me that I wanted The narrator is 30-something year result of her to write an entirely frivolous old Cassie (Cassandra), constant‘ramblings round ly reminded of her namesake’s whodunit where you can take ‘Shaking the Dandelions... no one gets murthe East Sussex unheeded divinatory destiny by dered in Puddlecombe’ is local murder mysnothing seriously, no matter countryside’... how many people drop dead.” deli shop owner/cleaning services tery queen Mary Chiappe’s latest novel, a mastermind Mrs Petrides, whose few years in the oven and surely baked to golden perfection with all the ingredients broken English is pivotal to close the Indeed, prepare to laugh, giggle, chuckle, of a classic British whodunit – or in this flimsy murder case in court. Lodging at her cackle, chortle, titter, guffaw and occasiononce-actress and forever ‘tragedy queen’ case whodun’t – from the Victorian house ally cachinnate – and any other synonym

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© DLACHICA

literature

Book launch on 24th May

Author Mary Chiappe

cousin Sadie’s, an octogenarian with When a second suspicious death… and a reality, not mushy romance fiction tailored un-dwindling zest for life and high tea parthird… and the next-door spinster sisters’ for quick-quid sale, and there is no dignity ties with an agenda, well-travelled Cassie double poisoning happen in alarming in being involved with a sailor who has a writes fiction ‘with plenty of sexual tension succession for the otherwise quiet town, woman in every port but to each claims he but none of the action’ only to pay the sharp-minded Sadie mobilises herself to has none. bills, featuring dimwit busty heroines with discover why elderly people are dropnames like Amanda, Apassionata, Aurora, ping dead like flies, questioning possible Though this isn’t a ‘crusade’ in defence of whom she despises to the point she plots suspects over tea. Cassie seeks plausible elderly people’s dignity, because Mary’s their violent demises as soon as the manmotives - besides the literary sisterly main objective is entertainment, she claims uscript is submitted to the editor, with the suicide pact Edmund suggest to kick off she is, however, ‘striking a blow for the help of grumpy Esau, the basement tenant her crime novel - for the sudden death of Wrinklies’. “It’s easy to stereotype older who exists on a yo-yo diet and turns Guy, homeless man who is found to have folk, and there is also a temptation to deshiftier as the story progresses, been a wealthy but claustrofine people by their age. We can even do it chasing a mysterious agenda phobic baron with shady heirs, to ourselves with the danger of becoming Well-travelled of his own. and Diogenes, the compulsive ‘professional oldies’ instead of remainCassie writes hoarder and heyday women’s ing vibrant individuals. Besides, having collector with a secret little black fiction ‘with While Cassie dreams of suddenly found myself nearing 80 without moving on from the letter plenty of sexual book, perhaps ‘done for’ by a jeal- having noticed how it happened, I thought A in her onomastic choices tension but none ous husband or a treasure hunter. it would be fun to show that life begins at Throw in the mix an ice-cream for her next book, perhaps 70 or 80 or whenever you decide! Besides, of the action’... addict dog named leaping straight to Ximena, and I know so many friends aged over Attila, a two-centuperhaps upgrading to serious 80 and 90 who are a source of in“It’s easy ry old diary with disturbing historical fiction, she also dreams of falling spiration to me that a celebration to stereotype in her personal Mr Darcy’s strong arms any clairvoyance, two recently of age seemed in order.” older folk, and bereft youngish women - a time soon. there is also a grudge-holding niece and an Designed as a one-off but with overzealous church volunteer temptation to a future sequel, prequel, spin-off After a rather embarrassing first impression, she can’t believe her ears when asked who conveniently suffers a not discarded (“Never say nay define people nasty fall when all leads point on a pub date by broodingly handsome because there always are new by their age.” to her - and you have the and data-savvy detective inspector characters asking to be born”), this perfect recipe for nuts pie, with Edmund Gisburn who misconstrues her must-read book opens a jocular the delightful and forgetful (but unforgetliterary murder file, when he knocks at her but thoughtful can of worms on life after table) character of ill-medicated Frances door to investigate the circumstances of second youth and on ageism, and while the death of the Old Trout, an obese wom- Pembridge a.k.a. Tod (The Old Dear) pulling it abundantly demonstrates how growing the strings together through insanity and an and frankly detestable loner who lived old is inevitable (and the alternative is way remarkably lucid spells. up the street. Over a tall glass cocktail that grimmer) but growing up is still optional, it tastes like fruity antifreeze fluid - because also asserts that when one does it alone, In the end, no murder is certified – or is it? lager is unbecoming for a lady - Cassie old age can indeed be murder. fantasises about how to help him solve not – nor is romance – or is it? – when Cassie gives us a valuable relationships lesson by just that murder, while he plays down foul ‘Shaking the Dandelions’ is available from putting a sensible ending to her non-startplay backed by the reasonable support of selected local bookshops and from the author er love story to prove herself how this is statistics. by emailing marychiappe@hotmail.com.

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scene words | Sophie Clifton-Tucker

MAY THE 4 BE WITH U!

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The first Comic Convention in Gibraltar

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tion Society’ group on Facebook which t’s not every day you find yourself for the full event, as well as professionals wedged between Wolverine and Wonand exhibitors. Amidst this preview is the he formed last year and which has now der Woman, but this is about to begame, ‘Star Dash’ with special guests. May garnered over 500 members. come a new possibility for the Llanitos. the 4th be with you!

The Gibraltar International Speaking with Peter, we picked his brain Comic Con (GICC) 2017 is for what makes this event so unique, and Behind this event is Sunbow Projects, a If fantasy the first ever multi-genre got the low-down on what the weekend novels and the collaborative group of Gibraltarian and entertainment and comic International professionals and artists will consist of. mythical world convention that is to who aim to promote Gibraltar by staging of Marvel is grace our Rock annually as unique events on the Rock. You may How does this event differ from any your bag, then have heard of, or even been a part of, th from the 5 May, promother comic conventions? you’re in luck. ‘ZDay’; an interactive apocaising an unforgettable experience for all. If horror, lypse-themed ‘street play’ that Speaking This year, rather than focusing on animation, anime, manga, toys, collectible saw teams of locals work together actor guests, we’re bringing people with these card games, video games, web comics, to evade hordes of zombies. over that work in other departguests will fantasy novels and the mythical world of ments in the movie business, for give you a Marvel is your bag, then you’re in luck.

The GICC has been made possible more accurate example: special effects, make-up, thanks to a number of dedicated props and costumes. We feel that overview of This year, GICC will be a two-day event hands, of which a pair belong to speaking with these guests will give what it’s like held between Friday the 5th and Saturday Peter Mckay, whose involvement you a more accurate overview of to be in the the 6th of May, and will host stalls, semincludes contacting guests and what it’s like to be in the movie/ business... inars and a wide variety of events based societies, releasing updates and series/game business, offering a on movies, series, comics, games & pop promotions, and dealing with a lot unique learning opportunity to culture. Thursday the 4th will see a special of the marketing and members. Peter runs anyone who has always been interested in preview for select guests pre-registered the ‘Gibraltar Comic & Anime Conventhe subject.

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scene Do you have any special guests planned?

So far, we have a number of guests that can be found on our website including François Petit, the man behind the mask of one of my all-time favourite bad guys growing up, ‘Sub-Zero’ from the Mortal Kombat franchise.

Also a part of the line-up is Hollywood executive producer and screenwriter Steven Bratter, who has had over 25 years of experience in the industry working with some of the biggest names in show business including Sylvester Stallone, Wesley Snipes, Sandra Bullock and Stan Lee to name but a few. Joining Steven is costume prop-maker Simone We also Michaux (who has worked on both Marvel and DC have book as well as Power Rangers writers and and Dr Who), Robb Crafer illustrators (prosthetics and makeup present for artist for Maleficent, World those with War Z and Guardians of the creative Galaxy), special effects enminds.. gineer Will Bazeley (Jungle Book, Beauty and the Beast, Doctor Strange), Jamie Seymour who has been involved in iconic hits such as Thor: The Dark World and Game of Thrones, and lastly, the aptly named Sarah Scarer Smith, whose face and body art will transport you into a different dimension altogether.

Are you going to cater to most/any other fandoms asides from comics (film, television, roleplay games (RPG) etc.)?

Absolutely! Our guests have all worked in the film and TV industry. We also have book writers and illustrators present for those with creative minds like myself. Gibraltar’s Tabletop Society will also be there and hosting games.

Will you be bringing over exclusive merchandise to sell?

We’re still working on the details, but without going into too much detail... yes! We will have ‘merch’ on sale.

What are YOU into personally?

eo games), and perhaps bring some extra clothes in case you’d like to change.

I am a family man first, so most of my hob• Keep hydrated. It’s Gib, it’s hot, and you bies tend to include them. I’ll go to convenmay be in costume. Have a water handy. tions with family when I can afford it, play • Bring some spending money. You might board games or go to the cinema with them, see something that catches your eye but my son is basically a clone of me so we get don’t fancy dashing off to a cashpoint. along nicely. I’ve been a geek since before • Don’t be shy. If someone is in cosplay, it was cool. I love Star Wars, Marvel & DC they expect people to ask for photos! Just and I like games, both console and tabletop. be respectful and ask first.

I am also a roleplayer (no • Bring your kids, bring you parents, bring dress-up yet!) and I tend People can your friends - GICC has stuff to cater for to lean towards anything be someone everyone. creative: from writing a else without story or poem to drawing, • Get involved - if you see a tabletop game painting or creating things judgement, happening and you’re interested, ask! like scenery for miniatures there’s no Same goes for the Star Dash game.

- I get a lot of my creative politics, religion • Have fun! Really, that’s the most importaspects from my mum, or gender in ant thing for us. who has been into craftconventions. work since I was a child.

Why is this a good event for Gibraltar?

Have you got any tips for people who may be interested in attending their first Comic Convention, but don’t know quite what to expect?

•

Get tickets online prior to the event to prevent queuing and sell-outs.

•

Turn up with an open mind.

•

Get involved with the cosplay (the art of dressing up as a fictional character from TV/cinema, books/comics or vid-

I’ve been to conventions in Spain, UK and even the USA; one thing they all have in common is acceptance, I’ve never felt unwelcome at a ‘con’. In these cons, people can be someone else without judgement, there’s no politics, religion or gender in conventions. Gibraltar is a multicultural place with many religions and we’ve generally been a place of acceptance.

With all the political issues happening right now, I think the GICC can act as a reminder that we can be accepting and welcoming to everyone and anyone. It can also act as an escape for people who have trouble in their daily lives, a place to meet others, to shop, to learn from the seminars and their respective industries, to find others alike and to feel at home. GICC is a convention made by geeks, for the geeks... and everyone else! So please, come along and support the event!

With such an exciting plethora of activities, this year’s GICC is sure to be an enjoyable action-packed day for all. Make those masks, collect your capes and grab some gloves... We’ll see you on the other side.

Visit www.gibraltarinternationalcomiccon.com.

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www.ariamedicalgroup.com GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2017

SWIM WEAR

leisure

words | Julia Coelho

Summer styles for 2017

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ummer is just around the corner, and along with swimsuit season comes sunshine and sunscreen-laden limbs, but also the endless dilemma of finding the perfect bikini. Whether Whether we’re ready or not, those we’re ready daily trips to the beach are or not, those only but a mere blink away, daily trips to which means it’s time to start stocking up on our the beach swimwear and beachwear! are only but

a mere blink

When it comes to body away... concerns, we all have our own special set of challenges, I’m sure. Unfortunately, it can often seem as though the many styles we see on the high-street year after year are not designed with a particularly extensive range of body-shapes in mind. But this is slowly changing, and bikini trends are evolving fast, with updates coming in all forms such as textures and silhouettes, many of which are sure to flatter your body type.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2017

This year, we’ll be seeing a huge range of daring styles that aim to make a big statement; we’re talking everything from sexy high-leg silhouettes and cute ruffles to classic nautical stripes. I’ve rounded up some of the most popular upcoming trends in swimwear that are sure to have you beach-ready in no time!

they’re also incredibly flattering for most body shapes, regardless of age, and perfect for those of you who simply prefer not wearing a bikini.

High waisted & high leg

80’s trends burst onto the scene a couple of seasons ago, and this year is absolutely no different! This decade was all about One piece high-waisted styles, which continued well into the 90’s too! Not only does this style The summer 2017 swimwear trends genhit a more flattering part of your torso, erally seem to revolve around one major but also does wonders to elongate the style this year: the one-piece. It’s a trend legs and bring attention to the hip that has been around for a area. So if you have long legs, this few seasons now, and you We’ll be swimsuit style is for you, and if you can rest assured that it is here seeing a huge want to appear as though you have to stay. From low backs, to plunging necklines and strappy range of daring longer legs (who doesn’t?), this styles that aim one’s also for you! styles, anything goes this year, to make a big as long as it’s a one piece! statement...

High-leg styles are absolutely no different with regards to lengthenThere’s a good reason why the ing those assets and bringing attention to one-piece just doesn’t seem to budge; not your hips. I tend to struggle with these as only are they super chic and stylish, but 65

fashion I have a pear-shaped figure and therefore Stripes more bottom-heavy; my main aim, year Nautical motifs in swimwear never seems upon year, is to find a bikini that balances to go out of style, mainly because they’re out my top and bottom halves. If you face the same issue as me but you’re absolutely so versatile and classic, but also incredibly flattering to all body types, no matter what set on a high-leg piece, however, the peryour particular issue may fect way to balance it out is by opting be. It’s quite simple: opt for Not only for texture or print on your top half to make your bust appear larger, and draw are they super vertical stripes if you’re after a slimming and lengthening some attention away from your hips. chic and effect and horizontal stripes stylish, but if you’re looking to accentuthey’re also ate the bust and hip area.

Ruffles

incredibly

Cut-outs & lace-ups Finally, another trend I’ve noticed for this year is cut-outs. We’ve been seeing shoulder cut-outs in stores for a good while now, so it’s no wonder that this gorgeous detail has now made its way to swimwear.

The best part about this trend is that it has a touch of sexy without allowing it to overpower the swimwear. I’ve seen many brands recreating the front lace-up with side ties instead, which brings something a little more interesting to the table. If you’re looking to be super on trend, opt for nude or berry tones, which are looking to become huge this summer!

Ruffles are having a huge comeback flattering...

Halter-necks and sports bra this summer and, once again, it’s all styles are best if you need thanks to the 80’s. Adding ruffles to some lift and support, and any swimsuit, whether around the bust I’ve spotted these particline or the hips, adds a gorgeous feminine The perfect ular silhouettes starting to touch, as well as aesthetically enhancway to creep their way into all of my ing any old simple bikini to something favourite high-street shops balance it out that little bit more special. In a similar recently. Have you ever is by opting vein, dainty scalloped edge pieces will considered the ultra-affordfor texture be flooding the high-street this year too, able Matalan for swimwear? or print on expanding the scope of the simplistic yet You’d have never thought your top half eye-catching range of swimwear available of it right? Considering that to us. The ruffles and scalloped trends are to make your most bikini sets fall under the in stark contrast to the sexier strappy and bust appear £20 mark, you really can’t go low cut styles we’ll be seeing this summer larger... wrong. too, which means that there is sure to be something for absolutely everyone!

As you can see, there are countless styles available, for all ages, skin-tones and body types, as well as to cater for our own personal style preferences.

The trends are endless and the variety is huge; from delicate details like scalloped edges and dainty ruffles, to the sexier low-scoop backs and high-leg silhouettes, there will be something for you in all of your favourite shops this season! Happy shopping!

Secret Slimming™ Lace-up Swimsuit M&S £29.50

Junarose Floral Swimsuit ASOS £40

Textured Stripe Swimsuit Matalan £16

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2017

fashion Clean Cross Back Mono Stripe Swimsuit Motel Paradise Floral Printed Fill Bikini

ASOS £22

ASOS £25

Monki Off Shoulder Frill Flamingo Bikini ASOS £26

Scallop Mesh Bikini Set

Aztec Eyelet Tie-Up Bikini by Jaded London

Topshop £24

Topshop £30

FULLER BUST Eyelet Lace Up Crop Bikini Top ASOS £5

Noisy May Tan Lines Stripe Tape Swimsuit ASOS £30

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sport words | Andy Blackburn, GRFU photos | Rough & Ready Media and Calippo Photos

FESTIVAL OF RUGBY Sportsmanship and comradery

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hile the international media rugby team take on Finland in what turned focusses on the division out to be one of the toughest fixtures the that Brexit is causing behome side had faced at home to date. The tween the UK and its visitors brought a level of intensity and current European partners, the physicality which proved very diffiinternational rugby community Sportsmanship cult to deal with for large portions has shown once again that and comradery of the game, much like their develsport brings people together. opment XV had shown the evening can overcome Where the politicians currently before (7th April) whilst beating political seem to focus on what divides Gibraltar’s Development XV by 17 differences points to 7. us, Gibraltar Rugby has shown between The visitors that sportsmanship and comcountries. radery can overcome political The curtain was brought a level differences between countries. officially raised of intensity at 1pm with a number and physicality Gibraltar Rugby hosted a ‘Festival of Rugby’ of demonstration games which proved on Saturday 8th of April in Victoria Stadium, from the Gibraltar Minis very difficult where Gibraltar, Spain and Finland were section before Gibralto deal with... represented by teams from all ages from tar’s under-12s took on four year olds to the Gibraltar National a visiting side from MalTeam. A large and vocal crowd of many dif- aga. The local juniors ran out as six tries to ferent nationalities was packed into main two victors with some excellent displays of stand of Victoria Stadium. skill and handling from the youngsters, the future of Gibraltar rugby looking very safe in Tom Tunbridge’s capable hands.

The afternoon saw Gibraltar’s national 68

Shortly after 3pm, with dignitaries back in their seats after meeting and greeting both senior sides and anthems played, the fixture was underway with Gibraltar piling on the pressure for the first five to ten minutes of play. Unable to break down the Finnish defence, the visitors soon began dealing with the home side’s fast-paced game very effectively and soon took control of the ball, and the game, for a sustained period of time.

The next 15 minutes of the game saw Finland press hard within Gibraltar’s defending quarter with an attempted drop goal missed during a penalty advantage. Gibraltar moved the ball effectively through their backs once more and were soon putting the pressure on the visitors within their own defensive quarter. A penalty awarded to Gibraltar just five metres short was tapped quickly by Alexander “Chuqi” Cruz who ducked under the defence to score the first try and points of the game.

Chuqi duly converted his own five-pointer GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2017

sport to put the hosts 7-0 up with twelve minutes of the first half left to play.

Minutes after the restart, the Finnish scrum-half box-kicks from a ruck just inside the Gibraltar half which caught the Gibraltar defence unawares. The bounce was favourable for the upcoming winger – Eetu Lahtivuori​– who collected the ball and sprinted in under the posts for the visitors’ first try of the encounter. Antti Lammi​duly converted the simple kick from in front of the sticks and the teams were level at seven points apiece. From the resulting kick off, Gibraltar were unable to deal with a fast move from the Finnish backs. A number of quick passes and Crispin Mäenpää​ was in for a try in the corner. The conversion was never anywhere Gibraltar near the posts and the teams went started the in at half time with the visitors second half leading twelve points to seven.

with the same, frenetic intensity as they had started the first period of play.

Gibraltar started the second half with the same, frenetic intensity as they had started the first period of play. Keen to put the disappointing end to the first half behind them, the boys in red and white began piling on the pressure with hard carries from the forwards followed by various backs moves, trying to draw in defenders. The tactic pays off shortly after ten minutes into the second half, and Tom Lovelace, having only just come on as a substitution for Albert Loddo, dove in for a try on the far side of the field. The conversion was missed and the teams were level at 12-12.

replacements on multiple occasions, no sooner had the crowd calmed down after celebrating the penalty and the Finns form a strong rolling maul from a line out and drive the home side over the line to score. Hooker Mauno Konttila​emerged from the mass of bodies with the ball and is awarded the five points.

Harvey Armstrong stretches out

the lead again with three minutes to play.

With a five point deficit, Finland were unable to successfully kick the penalty they were awarded as the clock had turned red and the final whistle rang out around Victoria Stadium. Final Score – Gibraltar 22-17 Finland.

The match was an opportunity to award first international caps to four players Gibraltar, trailing 17 points to 15 with less (Jibran Pervez, Mark Henwood, Ziad than five minutes to go, refused to believe El-Yabani, Oscar Cruz), all of whom have benefitted from being part of the Gibraltar the battle was over. Pressing up the midRugby Youth Programme. Pervez, dle, they again drew in a number of Finland’s players to defend El-Yanabi and Henwood starred Hooker at the rucks, leaving space out With less than 15 minutes to play, GibralMauno Konttila​ in the Inline Framing Sharks’ wide. A simple move through Super IV’s success this term and tar were awarded a very kickable penalty emerged from the hands and Tom Lovelace was have earned a well-deserved after a sustained period of pressure within the mass of through the defence with only call-up. Meanwhile, Cruz, is one the Finnish 22. Chuqi Cruz converted bodies with the whitewash between him and of five from the extended family, to put the local team three points up at the ball and is the second of his brace of tries. to be named in the squad against 15-12. The physicality was showing across awarded the Chuqi Cruz added the extras Finland. He is cousins with both teams, with Finland’s front row subfive points. with the boot and Gibraltar took winger Harvey Armstrong and stitutions getting the better of Gibraltar’s the Cruz brothers, Freddie, Chuqi Mike Milward, supported by Jack Milton and Chris Lugnanitest out the Finland defence and Charlie. The Cruz brothers made Gibraltar Rugby history over the weekend by being the first trio of siblings to play in an international match.

Kim Chang, General Manager of Gibraltar Rugby told us “I have previously worked for some of the largest organisations in World Rugby (Australian Rugby Union, Queensland Rugby, New South Wales Rugby) and now probably work for the smallest. This weekend we hosted two international matches against Finland. Though these matches might not be the Bledisloe Cup or the 6 Nations, the passion that the players, fans, volunteers and administrators have for the love of Rugby here on ‘the Rock’ is what epitomises the true spirit and ethos of our game”.

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leisure words | Marcus Killick

FLORAL TRIBUTES and foliage fisticuffs

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Anyway, if this was the less crowded day, am not a flower person. I do not have Mecca for gardeners and gardening enthugreen fingers, green thumbs and if siasts. I had been invited by my friend from the public days must be like the start of the Harrods sale. The site there was green anything else, it would Chicago, who is a member of the RHS for the show is quite small be more likely to be evidence of ganand consequently visits the UK to attend The public grene than my horticultural skills. Whilst I every year (I said it was like Mecca). As days must be and they pack a lot in.

Aside from the show garenjoy walking in gardens, I rarely enter one such, I got to go on the first Members’ like the start clutching an odd shaped implement with day. This apparently means it is less dens, there are marquees of the Harrods with every kind of flora a curious name (I don’t know what a “macrowded and you get to see the flowers sale. and fauna imaginable. tock” is, nor do I wish to). I and gardens at their best before the There was the awe-inhave never bought nor read a week begins to take its toll. The preI rarely gardening magazine, watched vious night had been the gala evening spiring 5000 Poppies Project on display enter a garden with lots of frocks (the purchases of a gardening show on TV in front of the Royal Hospital. Comprising 26,000 handmade felt poppies it carpetand am not sure I would which no doubt resulted in the empclutching an ed the lawn (clearly having hit their 5000 recognise Alan Titchmarsh tying of stock in Laura Ashley shops odd shaped target they kept going, or simply failed to if I bumped into him at the throughout the Home Counties), implement keep count). There was a floral tribute to check in at Gibraltar Airport. blazers, straw hats and champagne. I with a curious the Queen. The papers that morning had a wasn’t invited to that bit. name... picture of her looking at it with the face of So, why was I, on a sunny someone who clearly would have preferred Tuesday afternoon in May, As an aside, my friend from Chicago being unattributed. wandering around the Royal Horticulturis also the one who edits and proofreads al Society Chelsea Flower Show, with a every article I write. This has the advanThe breadth of imagination shown, and stupid grin on my face thoroughly enjoying tage of the fact she is very good at it, an occasion I had never previously had the having done it professionally. This has the the love involved in the creations would make a diehard cynic smile (no wonder slightest ambition to experience? disadvantage that she will be editing this I was grinning like an idiot). There was as well and so can censor any comment she deems inappropriate. realism, there was surrealism. There was For the uninitiated, Chelsea is a kind of 70

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keep it simply, like “this year, I plan to do sells houses in the London suburbs for less a boundary dispute between two of the another pond, maybe with some grass”. than some of the furniture on offer. To be designers when one, whose creation “Harhonest, if I paid that much for a rods British Eccentrics Garden” and bench, the last place I would put which seemed to partially comApparently, it is not even grass. Cleve’s pond Only a it is outside. prise a rusty old shed, moved said was encased in “Briza media Golden Bee”, British flower shed next to his neighbour’s more “Descahpsia flexuosa” and “Melica nutans”. show could aesthetic “Cloudy Bay” garden.

Looks like grass, feels like grass but the To these must be added the The latter, which was named after include a seeds cost so much that I swear some dope artisan “studios”. I believe that a rather decent antipodean white the word artisan is now massive- head somewhere has tried to smoke it. Nice boundary wine, shows in my view a refreshing pond though. ly overused. Farmers markets dispute honesty as to under what influence have artisan bread and olives. involving a the design process might have been You can drink artisan coffee in Finally, after a couple of wines (not Cloudy hedge. conducted. Apparently, the dispute an artisan tea room. To be clear, Bay, regretfully) and a fair amount of Pimms actually revolved around the exisartisan is a French word which (editor’s note; him not me), we toddled out tence or absence of a hedge. The dispute simply means “a skilled craft worker who into the streets of South West London. The ended amicable, one hopes over a glass or makes or creates things by hand that may bag in my hand indicating I had succumbed two of the Sauvignon Blanc. be functional or strictly decorative”. It to the enticements of some of the stalls. The doesn’t mean it is more environmentally purchases comprised a new multi-function friendly, tastes nicer or is better for you.

Only a British flower show could include nozzle for my hosepipe and the patented Indeed, many artisans seem to regard even slug repellent. I have to report, only one a boundary dispute involving a hedge.

Perhaps it should become an annual event, the need to be skilled as non-essential. actually works, but I am now getting good at It seems to now mean anything made in “Layllandii v chain saws at dawn”. Imagine drowning slugs with a very accurate burst of a shed by someone with a potter’s the profits from the TV rights alone. water from the hose. wheel, some paint for ceramics, and Farmers a dream of the hills of Tuscany, but There then followed wandering amongst Oh, and that Friday I went to Kew markets the show gardens, peering at the vast array not necessarily any discernible talent.

Gardens, Maybe I am becoming have artisan a “flower person” after all these of stands selling everything imaginable to bread and Despite everything, I loved it all and put in, on, above or underneath your garyears and only a few decades late. olives. briefly considered carpeting the den. There were rocks which balanced on Now, where did I put the keys to each other, apart from when the wind blew deck on the flat roof of my house in my Volkswagen Campervan? artificial grass simply to create someand they suddenly didn’t. £4,350 for that where to place some of the, otherwise sculptural wonder/do it yourself rubble. pointless, articles available for purchase.

There was a man selling his patented slug repellent, his stall complete with a picture of him presenting one to a surprised Ok, there was a bit of pretentiousness. looking Prince Charles. There were clothes The inevitable explanatory notes which for gardening in; there were framed prints accompany the show gardens ooze it. For of people wearing clothes to garden in. example Cleve, the designer of the M&G There were gardening implements which garden is quoted as saying “What I plan would have scared Freddie Kruger. There to do this year is explore a contemporary were more gazebos than you could shake space that acknowledges and reinterprets a rake at. my memories within a contrived garden context”. Result… a pond. A nice pond I grant you, but a pond. Next year Cleve, Then there was the price. Taylor Wimpey GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2017

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travel words | Chris Hedley

BURMESE MYANMAR The place to practice photography

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lot of people toy with the idea of tacking pparently, Gibraltar isn’t the only has resulted in less international sanctions, Burma onto the end of a South East Asia old British colony where place thus opening up the country a bit more to loop, but beware, travelling overland is names are often confusing. Is the prospect of tourism. Technically, the notoriously difficult (perhaps impossible) it Caleta or Catalan Bay? Calle government has been promoting tourism for the average person, and gaining a visa Comedia or Castle Steps? Head eastward for a while now, but there’s been a bit of from the embassy in, for example, Bangkok and you’ll find another an international boycott, what with all can be an extremely complicated process. (former) British colony which, the crimes against humanity.

HowevAny dollars As you cannot exchange your pounds or until recently, hasn’t been er, as things work their way towards with too many democracy, visiting the country has euros into Burmese kyat, you’ll have to synonymous with traditional creases, too take dollars with you, the crisper and newholidaymakers. That place is become more appealing and socially much dirt, or er the better. Seriously. Any dollars with officially named The Republic acceptable. So, what can you expect of the Union of Myanmar or, too many creases, too much dirt, with too many from such a jaunt? or with too many years behind more commonly, Myanmar. years behind You’ll notice them will be rejected. Make sure Of course, most people just By and large, April is the them will be a distinct lack you tell your currency exchange call it Burma. Confused yet? hottest month in Burma rejected. of skyscrapers that your dollars are for Burma, and rain is not on the and a relative they’ll know what to do.

During the military dictamenu, so make sure you torship which ruled the country for over pack your white linen suit and abundance of After you book your relatively 50 years, Burma was renamed Myanmar, plenty of sarongs. Depending slightly-worsecheap flights into Yangon, accomalthough various political parties refuse to on how far in advance you for-wear-yetmodation can be surprisingly pricacknowledge the name change as part of book your flights, things can beautiful colonial ey and booking in advance is higha refusal to acknowledge the legitimacy of actually be surprisingly cheap. buildings. ly recommended. Burma is one of the military rule. Since 2005, the miliA well organised person can the few places I’ve been where tary has slowly been releasing its grip on expect to find flights (return wandering around looking for accommothe country (although there are still very from London, direct and all) for around the powerful party members in play), which £350 mark. Being right next to Thailand, a dation often leaves you homeless for a GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2017

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travel

Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon

Shwedagon Pagoda complex

often looks as though it’s been in circularight hand drive, leading to the dangerous lengthy period, and having to settle for tion for a few decades, dropped in mud, bus alighting scenario we see today. The whatever you can get (usually overpriced). then unsuccessfully washed several times. change in law could have been the On your ride from the airport Apparently, the fascination with clean dictatorship’s act to refute the ways to the town, you may notice The sacred currency isn’t extended to the poor old of their past colonial overlords, but a few things about the traffic.

Buddhist kyat. Scott Market will offer you a better I prefer the version that General Ne Firstly, this is definitely shrine is said to Win’s wife’s astrologer said that the exchange rate than your local hotel, and Southern Asia, but where are a safer environment from the numerous country would be better off driving all the motorbikes? Rumour contain hairs money changing scams dotted around has it that at some point from the head on the right side of the road. the city. Be very careful when exchanging a motorbike crashed into of Gautama money. the side of a high ranking After dropping off your bags, you’ll Buddha... generals car, said general was want to head out to explore the city. displeased to say the least Where would this article be without On walking around you’ll notice a and banned the use of two-wheeled trans- distinct lack of skyscrapers and a relative mentioning Buddhism? As beautiful a port in the main parts of the city, bicycles religious building as anything I’ve seen, and abundance of slightly-worse-for-wearincluded. Fair enough. Another thing to as spiritual a place to boot, the 99 yet-beautiful colonial buildings. look out for is locals jumping out of buses Being in an metre, gold plated Shwedagon PaSoak in the architecture and into the middle of the road, causing a regoda governs the Yangon skyline. perhaps saunter into one such earthquake al-life version of Frogger as they scramble The sacred Buddhist shrine is said as Bogyoke Aung San Market zone, Bagan towards the nearest pavement. to contain hairs from the head of (sometimes referred to as ‘Scott is fairly Gautama Buddha, amongst relics Market’) where you can find a consistently from the three other Buddhas of selection of souvenirs in the form Colonial Burma obviously followed British losing its’ the aeon. Take off your shoes on of Burmese handicraft: clothes, customs, this included right hand drive temples... the way up, and walk clockwise jewellery, puppets, and the like. cars and driving on the left hand side of around the pagoda taking in the the road. In 1970, an overnight law change This area is a relatively safe place calm and serenity oozing every inch of meant cars switched to driving on the right to exchange your pristine dollar bills for your surroundings. For maximum tranhand side, but of course, they were still the local Burmese currency, kyat, which Yangon streets

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Bagan

quillity, I’d suggest visiting at night (before 10pm, when it closes) which will allow you to realise your new found spiritual self without the blistering heat of a thousand concurrent summers beaming down on you. The place all lit up at night is also a breathtaking bonus.

couple of decent museums, a cathedral, and a pretty big Buddha.

There’s also a small theme park nearby with a terrifying ferris wheel.

Horse and

cart is the There are a lot of interesting Typically, if you are taking a bus, and unique locations to visit in write the day off as a ‘travel day’. most likely Burma, however, they are genSome people choose to sample method of erally a double figure hour bus exploration for the kind of beach life Burma has journey away from each other. to offer, the tourist hot-spot in this this beautiful case being Ngapali. I’m sure there The final ‘must see’ of Yangon has to be Furthermore, due to half a cenhill top town.

Inya lake. A long walk or a short taxi ride tury of pretty poor governing, is a plethora of untouched white from the city centre is a picturesque scene the roads are not in favourable sand beaches and small paradise which can be enjoyed with an air of rocondition. Ready yourself for some discom- islands dotted all along the coastline, mance, with friends, or as a solitary being. fort. The first stop, a famous pilgrimage unfortunately, lots of Burma still remains The lake is often blanketed by morning to the Kyaiktiyo pagoda can be done as a out of bounds. In any case, you can take mist, which can be enchanting day trip or overnight stop from long tail boats (in the form of tours or but rather spoils the view. SimYangon, being only around five private rental) out to nearby islands and The gaping ilarly, make sure you skip the hours away (which I believe is the beaches for a change of scene. Again, in 20 lane highway traditional means of transport for midday heat as the wooden taking you into Buddhist pilgrims). The pagoda walkways only offer sporadic Kyaiktiyo pagoda shade from trees. Keep an eye stands on top of a rock, covered in Naypyidaw out for the house in which gold leaves, precariously situated is usually Aung San Suu spent a total of on the edge of a cliff, which is said completely 15 years (over a 21 year perito be held in place by a strand of bereft of traffic. Buddha’s hair. The site is fairly od) under house arrest. commercialised and a little bit out of the way for a day trip but worth seeing For those staying in Yangon for more than if you have the time and enthusiasm. a fleeting visit, other attractions include a Ngapali beach

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Inle lake

the area, there are plenty of pagodas to cycle round trying to find the most impres- skills and capture the picturesque scene visit, although I’d save your pagoda visits sive pagodas. Somewhere in the middle as the boats are often surrounded by gulls for later on in the trip and of all this is a slightly taller pagoda, diving for a free lunch. focus on other activities which you can pay to go up for a Look such as kayaking, trekking, or better view. For the more financially Your boat tour will take you through villagcarefully at perhaps even renting a little endowed traveller, hot air balloon es of huts elevated on wood and woven their rowing quad bike to add some noise rides can be purchased which offer a bamboo sticks where people actually live, and air pollution to the area, once in a lifetime panorama. No matlargely self-sufficiently. There are commutechnique, contributing to the inevitable ter how touristy this place becomes, nities of people who actually make a living which has demise of the setting you’ve from either farming or, increasingly, tourthem standing it’s not to be missed. travelled so far to experience. ism. The local staple diet consists of fish on one leg...

Only joking. Sort of.

Inle lake, the second largest yet most caught from the lake and fruit and vegetapopular lake in Myanmar, should bles grown on floating gardens. Not a bad Further inland we come to the pagan also be on your list of places to visit. Stilt lifestyle at all. On your way through, you’ll capital, Bagan. If you think you’ve seen a houses, temples, and markets are scattered be accosted by merchants rowing up to lot of pagodas so far, you’ve really not. In throughout this scene with marshes and you in order to sell you bracelets and other it’s heyday, Bagan sported over 10,000 floating gardens framing the lake and comsouvenirs. Depending on your marinero pagodas built over 250 years by the city’s pleting the perfect picture. A rickety old you may make several stops throughout rich and powerful. Nowadays, due to gendiesel powered boat will privately escort the village. This can feel akin to being in eral wear and tear, along with the fact that you past fishermen on their rowing boats. a Bangkok tuk-tuk stopping at the drivers’ Mother Earth unfairly decided to bombard Look carefully at their rowing technique, friend’s tea shop or tailor-made suit shop. the area with numerous earthquakes, only which has them standing on You may even find yourself conversing about a quarter of these remain. I say one leg and with either skill with a tailor in the middle of a lake Your boat only a quarter, but there are still enough or magic, wrapping the other in Burma, considering which material tour will take would best suit your complexion. One to keep you sufficiently busy. Being in an round an oar and happily you through of the more fun/less annoying stops earthquake zone, Bagan is fairly consisrowing away. Apparently, villages of tently losing its’ temples; as recently as this style evolved in order for will probably be watching the locals August last year, a massive earthquake the fisherman to see above huts elevated make the cheap cigars that everyone struck the area wiping out almost 400 of the tall reeds in the lake. For seems to smoke. You can have a go at on wood them. Nevertheless, the skyline is unparsome reason, only men pracrolling a few yourself before leaving it and woven alleled. Sunset and sunrise are particularly tice this technique, whereas to the professionals, but be prepared bamboo beautiful times of day to gaze out into the women, perhaps more sento purchase one or two for the privisticks... distance and see countless temples and sibly, opt to row with their lege of this life lesson. monuments as far as the eye can see. The hands while in a comfortsite is so impressive it even made it into able cross-legged position. Passing these Other stops on the itinerary will include my coveted facebook cover photo section. fisherman frequently offers an opportune going to a market, seeing a few more During the day, you can rent a bike and moment to practice your photography pagodas, stopping at a local place to eat Shwe Yan Pyay monastery

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Kuthodaw pagoda

Mandalay Hill

ly opened Ngwe Saung beach, south of lunch, and a rather strange monastery about why the capital was changed includYangon, a nine mile stretch of white sand where sleepy cats stretch out and make ing wanting to geographically centralise surrounded by little villages. Monywa has themselves at home throughout. Apparthe government for military and trade ently, the monks have taught reasons and fear of foreign invasion on a 700 year old temple showered with Buddha statues and bonsai trees, vaguethem to jump through hoops, Yangon. Apparently, a belief popular Pindaya ly resembling the famed Borobudur of although most of them seem among the locals is that an astrologer has caves full presented a military chief with the Indonesia. Pyin Oo Lwin would make my to have fallen into a state of of images of warning, so they hot-footed it across ‘Big Five’, with its picturesque countryside, self-entitled apathy.

Buddha and country. I guess astrology is held in subtropical vegetation, and British-built bungalows. Horse and cart is the most likehigh esteem. The fun and unique nobody can Yangon, Inle Lake, Bagan, and ly method of exploration for this beautiful one more destination make explain how aspect of this city is that it has (or is hill top town. Pindaya has caves full of developing) the infrastructure for a up the so-called ‘Big Four’ of they ended major city, but is relatively underpopu- images of Buddha and nobody can explain Burma. The final piece of the up there. how they ended up there. Exploring caves lated, for example, the gaping 20 lane puzzle is Mandalay, although and finding countless religious relics is highway taking you into Naypyidaw is if you have to choose, unless sure to bring out your inner Indiana Jones. you have any particular desire to visit Man- usually completely bereft of traffic.

Finally, Mrauk U houses the remains of a dalay, I’d choose Ngapali instead. Manda15th century kingdom, a fascinating albeit lay, like Yangon, has a more recent historThe city has a few sites, notably a replica ical presence and remains of cultural and of the Shwedagon pagoda and the imposing slightly deserted part of West Burma. economic importance for Upper Burma. parliament building, which looks incredible, As you can see, Myanmar (or BurThe rebuilt palace stands as an impressive but you aren’t actually ma!) is a unique place of beauty, only structure complete with moat after being allowed to go anywhere The main just opening its eyes and arms to the destroyed in World War 2. Elsewhere is near it. There are also few reason for democratic world and consequently a fairly unremarkable walk along the river parks (including a water visiting is to allowing us a glimpse at its splendour. and a number of decent markets, selling park!) and a zoo. Other With so much to see already and, I’m everything from fruit and veg through to than that, the main reason be able to jade and fabrics. Head to Mandalay Hill for visiting is to be able to experience the sure, much more of the country to open up in the future, Myanmar makes for a panoramic view of the city and (you experience the vast empty vast empty the perfect alternative Asian getaway. guessed it) lots of pagodas. space of a capital city, space of a Whether you have only time to visit safe in the knowledge (but capital city... the main attractions, or get stuck in to still questioning) that you The planned city of Naypyidaw became the depths of this unknown world, you aren’t in the opening scene the capital city in 2005. The government won’t be disappointed. of a zombie movie. cited that Yangon had limited potential for expansion and had become overcrowded.

P.S. Don’t google Burmese python.

Various sources have their own theories Other places of note include the recentMandalay Palace

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health

FOCUS ON DEPRESSION It’s good to talk...

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ccording to the latest research released this year, the World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that incidences of depression worldwide have increased by over 18% between 2005 and 2015. It is a huge concern in many countries and for that reason, this year, the World Health Day on the 7th of April was focused on the theme of Depression.

Most of us are aware of how depression is becoming more prevalent. In the UK, the leading cause of death in men under 45 is We are suicide. In Gibraltar, we especially are also concerned about concerned the increasing rates of about the incidences of self-harm and suicide attempts increasing amongst children and rates of young adults. Even incidences young schoolchildren of self-harm are suffering more and suicide from anxiety and other conditions which can and attempts... do lead to depression.

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Developments in recent decades affecting healthy lifestyle for optimum wellbeing; the way we interact with the world and the importance of diet and activity cannot each other seem to make it be overlooked. However, it seems harder for people to maintain a that talking about our feelings is the We stress healthy state of mind. Advances biggest barrier we are faced with in ourselves in technology, changes in the our Gibraltarian community when it to fill our way we socialise, pressures to comes to addressing the causes of lives with succeed, perform and achieve depression. Although this issue is in a world which appears to being addressed worldwide, some superficial be full of opportunity, are and material cultures are less open to talking complicating our lives. We about emotional difficulties than gains... stress ourselves to fill our lives others and Gibraltar does suffer with superficial and material particularly from very unhelpful gains, removing ourselves from simple stigma around issues of mental wellbeing. pleasures that are naturally fulfilling.

Relationships which are the source of love The stigma around mental health angers and can bring contentment seem more me. I believe that the field of mental health challenged than ever to satisfy what we has suffered from being enmeshed with confusedly believe we need. issues of power and control. I really don’t see any logical reason for shame to be attached to the very challenging conditions 2017 World Health Day classed as mental illness, which are already laden with the most burdening states of The WHO’s campaign is called “Let’s Talk”. affect. The shame just gives the sufferer As a talking therapist, I believe there’s more pain and difficulty in accessing help. no better aide for a depressed person than the opportunity to talk to a trained professional. I also advocate an overall Shame itself causes depression.

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health Depression makes people withdraw and shame makes us withdraw even more.

When withdrawn, we are cut off from help.

Add to this reduced capacity to reach out for help, the lack of understanding that can be experienced from important others.

When we start to unpack the situation in this way, it really starts to look bleak.

This is part of what can be so tricky about depression. When one is depressed, we feel no hope. We somehow get ourselves into a dark hole and in some cases, we can’t imagine ever having been anywhere else, let alone the possibility of getting out of there.

Why is it good to talk?

Talking is not just about ‘letting it all out’ or giving your problems to someone else to solve for you. If you have read my articles in the last couple of months, you will know that I believe that loving and nurturing communications towards a person helps them feel well. On the other hand, unnecessary, critical, and shameful talk is harmful to our hearts and minds. This painful mental beating up at times comes from others but most powerfully, from our internalised dialogue. Talking to someone who understands how to treat depression will address this core dynamic.

Part of this dynamic of lacking love includes cases where low self-esteem and abusive relationships cause depression.

Isolation and loneliness which continue to increase in today’s world are other faces of this problem. Also, when we don’t allow ourselves to feel some emotions such as sadness, anxiety or anger, the habit can cause symptoms described as depression.

Trauma is another leading cause of depression. We can also be driven to despair by experiences of difficult socioeconomic situations where we can’t find support to help us get on with dignity.

Other causes include illness and loss or grief that we require help with managing.

In all these cases, speaking to someone trained to empathise is likely to benefit those suffering.

There’s no better aide for a depressed person than the opportunity to talk to a trained professional.

Getting help in Gibraltar Most of us are aware of the presence of counsellors and psychotherapists whom like myself offer private work in Gibraltar.

There is also a counselling service provided by the GHA, to which people can be referred via their GP. In addition to this, I am glad to see that there are an increasing number of services in the third sector, dedicated to giving people the opportunity to talk.

Several charities have had a consistent presence in our community and people are welcoming additional and specialised support that is now being offered in response to the increased demand for assistance with depression and associated states.

Another initiative that is generally recognised to have been lacking and yet much needed in Gibraltar, is that of a helpline where people can anonymously call anytime they feel that they need to talk about anything they might be having difficulty sharing. For this reason, Marie Lou Guerrero is currently working hard to set up a branch of the Samaritans in Gibraltar.

This new project has been very gratefully received as it will provide us all with the opportunity to anonymously speak to someone, at any time we may need to.

As is the case with BabySTEPPs, our branch of the Samaritans will be run by local volunteers, for our local community. As Gibraltar’s newest charity, the Samaritans currently needs a large number of volunteers to sign up and help Gibraltar it become fully operational. This does suffer One of those is our local organisation is looking for funding branch of Baby STEPPs, particularly from as well as volunteers to help with established by local women in very unhelpful all aspects of running a charity.

2012. Chairwoman Kate Llufrio The biggest need at the moment stigma around states that their purpose is is for people to man the telephone issues of mental to “support new and aspiring line and specialist training of wellbeing. parents through all the highs volunteer listeners will be starting and lows of starting a family, shortly. An information day will be mostly through peer support groups so held on the 13th May for anyone interested. that nobody need feel alone, unsupported or not understood”. Having identified that I urge anyone interested in supporting there was a demand for support with this increase in opportunities for people in post-natal depression; BabySTEPPs has Gibraltar to talk in a confidential setting, to been running a therapy group which gives get in touch with me; whether you would mothers the space to talk. like to sign up for one of the short courses or support these local charities in any other way.

Elaine Caetano is Counsellor, Trainee Psychotherapist and Executive Coach Tel: +350 54001238 Email: elainecaetano@ hotmail.com GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2017

79

wine words | Andrew Licudi AIWS

WINING IN TASMANIA Geography of wine flavour

M

any say Tasmania is the road fine houses for the colonial masters and working on the land - all without pay. kill capital of the world whilst others prefer to highlight the island’s cool climate and its When they had served their sentence, it potential to become Australia’s was virtually impossible to go back wine region par excellence. We to UK so many settled to life in The wine travel there and see if its repTasmania and we met a few of their was certainly descendants who are very proud of utation as an animal graveyard is deserved and if it’s wines good quality their ancestors and their contribulive up to the hype. tion to what Australia is today. but lacked a

little zip and

online menu that they listed Tolpuddle Tasmanian Chardonnay 2013 a wine on our must-taste list. We ordered Blue Eye, the local fish everyone recommended and a bottle of Tolpuddle Chardonnay which at 75 dollars (£45) was on the expensive side of the available whites. The wine is named after the Tolpuddle martyrs - farm labourers in England who wanted to form a trade union in 1834 and who were consequently transported to Tasmania as convicts. The wine was certainly good quality but lacked a little zip and minerality, normally the hallmark of fine chardonnay in our hemisphere. The fish was very good.

On arriving in Tasmania’s capiMost of Tasmanian towns like Swanminerality... tal Hobart, the most southerly sea, Stanley and Strachan are on the point in Australia, one is struck coast which is truly by the clean air, wide clean streets and spectacular and the locals The sight the sparkling dark blue sea. However, one make a living from tourism, of large areas has to wonder what the convicts deported fishing, mining, logging and, We leave Hobart and visit our first here from the UK in the 1850s thought of vines of course, making wine.

Tasmanian winery when they came ashore to a barren waste covered in of dense forests and steep cliffs. Many of white netting Driving in Tasmania is generally a relaxing We try Blue Eye at the these men and a few unfortunate womaffair. Whilst the roads are narrow and is something winding, the traffic tends to be light and Blue Eye in Hobart en had committed fairly low key crimes - poaching, stealing food for a starving we never see drivers stick to speed limits. Vineyards Tasmania abounds with family or petty theft and had spent three are common though; the sight of large in Europe. seafood and our first months on board a ship with horrific living areas of vines covered in white netting evening we headed to conditions, disease and little food. Thouis something we never see in Europe. the Blue Eye Seafood Restaurant not for sands of the prisoners were put to work, Tasmanian birds apparently love grapes. its food but because we had seen on its digging roads through mountains, building Our destination is Domaine A - Stoney 80

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2017

wine

well explain why Spain is unable to pro“Per kilometre, more animals die in TasVineyard, a producer with a massive repuduce white table wines which can stand up mania than anywhere else in the world,” tation and prices to match. Arriving there, to the best in France, Germany or says Dan Knowler author of Riding we ring the bell and we are soon ushered even Austria. Spain simply hasn’t the Devils Highway. The scale of into a modern, no expense spared tasting It would road kill is colossal, he says, with room and cellar. Australian producers seem got the latitude. Burgundy, the producer of white wines par excel- appear that estimates ranging from 300,000 to accept being interrupted by casual visilence, has a latitude of 47 degrees tors like us but they seem to enjoy talking production to half a million. We can certainly North compared to Rioja, to name about their wines and letting the visitor of seriously vouch for Knowler’s comments and one region in Spain, with a latitude we were shocked at what in some taste whatever they have on sale. Domain fine wine is sections could only be described of around 42 degrees North. Only A will charge the visitor $20 for the tasting inexorably as mayhem. Perhaps, it’s the super five degrees of a difference but but will be waived if a bottle or two are clearly a massive influence as far large forests or the sheer number bought. The wines were very good, the linked to as fruit quality is concerned. of animals living there. Possums, best we had tasted in Australia, especially latitude. wallabies, eagles, crows and even their Bordeaux blends which have been Tasmanian Devils die each day acclaimed by wine critics like Jancis RobinSo what about Tasmania? Hobart and many are questioning why there is no son. The high prices of most of their wines with a latitude of 42 degrees South should national outcry. (£100 plus plus) and their gaudy labels have similar wine making characteristics must make selling their wines in Europe as Rioja though the lack of a Gulf Stream an uphill struggle. Why would consumer in the Southern Hemisphere and cold chose an Australian Bordeaux look alike currents from Antarctica makes for a when Europe is awash with cooler climate and gives Tasmania a top notch mature clarets in Australian fighting chance to challenge Burgundy that price range? We took and the likes. I suspect we will hear producers with us a bottle of their 2010 a lot more about Tasmanian wines in seem to Pinot Noir which considering the future. The best Chardonnay we accept being the price of £54 was rather tasted goes to Samantha Connew disappointing suffering from interrupted by who fairly recently arrived in Tasmania the usual Australian malaise casual visitors with her dog and planted some vines. of intense fruity flavours.

Her production is still tiny but her like us...

Stargazer Chardonnay oozes finesse.

Samantha apparently follows Stephen They have the attitude and the latitude Hawking’s advise “always look up at the It would appear that production of serious- stars, never at your feet.” ly fine wine is inexorably linked to latitude.

Why this should be so is the subject of To end on a sad note; we discover Tasmuch discussion but it is accepted that mania really is the road kill capital of the cooler climates are a must for seriously world good wines, especially white wines. It may GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2017

81

recipes Recipe by Miriam Sorrell

STUFFED MED LOAF

Makes a great centerpiece at a picnic or a garden lunch – or just as a treat at home...

INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS

tomatoed surface.

1 large loaf (around 1 kg), well done is better, as it needs to be hard on the outside

Fry sliced courgettes in a griddle pan, and set aside. Then fry onion rings and red pepper slices together in the griddle pan until the onions are golden, and set aside

To stuff the loaf, start off by laying around three slices of pre-cooked courgette, then a layer of tomatoes, and another layer of courgette.

Griddle-fry mushrooms separately, and once they are cooked, add a spoonful of Teriyaki sauce to ‘beef them up’, set aside.

Add a handful of precooked onion rings and bell peppers, making sure to spread them over as much surface as you can.

Prepare your bread by cutting the side off it, as if you were cutting a thick first slice, then put to one side. Remove the inside dough to create a cave-like cavity.

On top of this, add a good handful of mushrooms. Press the mixture down very carefully to make space for cheese slices which you place on top.

Using a silicone pastry brush, brush tomato paste around the inside ‘walls’ of the caved loaf – be sure to cover all the area. Then, brush some on the inside slice you have removed (this will be your side lid).

Add the olives, then the sundried tomatoes, and squeeze in the spinach.

tomato paste/puree/concentrate (if you want it hot, mix in a little chilli powder) sunflower oil or olive oil (not extra virgin) 1 medium courgette, sliced lengthways 1 red bell pepper, sliced 1 large red onion, cut into rings 12 or more mushrooms, sliced a handful of baby fresh spinach leaves (or a combo of rocket and basil leaves) slices of violife cheese of your choice 6 to 8 sundried tomatoes, halved 12 black olives, pitted thin slithers of fresh garlic 1 ‘beefsteak’ tomato, sliced toothpicks, for closing the ‘side door’ of the bread 82

Wash the brush, place some oil into a small bowl, and brush the entire inside of the loaf with oil – be sure to cover all the

Finally, close the door of this magic loaf with toothpicks. Then, using a very sharp serrated knife, cut the loaf in half, and then in quarters. Pour yourself a long, thirst-quenching drink, sit back, and indulge.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2017

recipes Recipe by Renee Reardin

BLUEBERRY MINI MUFFINS For a breakfast or snack that’s equal parts healthy and delicious...

INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS

2 cups whole wheat spelt flour

Preheat oven to 190°C and line a mini cupcake tin with paper cups.

2 tsps baking powder ½ tsp salt 2 cups blueberries ½ cup vegetable oil ½ cup soy milk ½ cup maple syrup ¼ cup agave nectar GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2017

Mix wet ingredients together in large bowl, then stir in dry ingredients, followed by the blueberries.

Using small spoons, divide the batter among the cups so they’re almost filled to the top.

Bake until muffins are golden brown, for about 20 minutes.

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spring festival 1.05 - 17.06 Monday 1st May: 11am - 6pm

10am to 6pm

Saturday 13th: 9am – 5pm

May Day Celebrations Organised by Gibraltar Cultural Services, Featuring: After Hours, Heritage, Layla Rose Band, Gibraltar Youth Choir, Show Dance Company, Stylos Dance Studios and a Fun Day for all the Family, Casemates Square

RGP Fun Day in aid of Calpe House

Annual Mental Health Awareness Family Fun Day

Tuesday 2nd onwards: 11am – 3pm

Casemates Square

Gibraltar Exhibition of Modern Art Gallery, GEMA

12 noon

Montagu Bastion, Line Wall Road, Free Tuesday 2nd to Thursday 4th, 7:30pm Performance on 4th May 7pm A Little Mermaid’s Tale Organised by Transition Dance Academy, Tickets priced at £12 from The Base, 295B Main Street, more info at Transition Dance Academy Facebook page, John Mackintosh Hall Theatre Wednesday 3rd to Wednesday 17th: 10am – 6pm Aaron Seruya Art Exhibition For further info, contact 20052126 or email: finearts@gibtelecom.net, Fine Arts Gallery, Casemates Square Thursday 4th to Saturday 6th Gibraltar International Comic-Con Organised by Sunbow Projects, Gibraltar International Comic-Con, is a multi-genre entertainment and comic convention held here for the first time, for more info, visit: www.gibraltarinternationalcomiccon.com, King Bastion Leisure Centre Saturday 6th: 10am to 2pm Gibraltar National Team Dance Presentation Organised by the Gibraltar National Dance Organisation, Lobby of Parliament

Organised by the Royal Gibraltar Police & Gibraltar Defence Police, For more info contact: 20048013, Casemates Square 10am – 3pm Arts & Crafts Market

Yellow Day - Organised by Clubhouse Gibraltar, Includes the Mental Health Walk along Main Street, For more info contact Tania Aguilar on email: admin@clubhousegibraltar.com, Casemates Square 10am to 3pm Arts & Crafts Market

Re-enactment Society march along Main Street to Casemates Square

Casemates Square

9:00pm

Junior Dog Show

Gibraltar International Song Festival

Organised by The Rotary Club of Gibraltar, Competition entry fee £5, For more info contact email: info@rotaryclubgibraltar.com or Joani Bicknell on 00447849402770 / 0034608281951, John Mackintosh Square

For more info visit www.gibraltarsongfestival.com or contact John Jones at gibjon@ gmail.com, Tercentenary Sports Hall Wednesday 10th: 9am – 3pm Gibraltar Health Authority Awareness Campaign Organised by GHA, Lobby of Parliament 10am -3pm Annual Royal Naval Field Gun Run Organised by the Royal Gibraltar Regiment For more info contact: Claire Talbot on 20055722, Casemates Square 4:30pm to 8pm Ocean Village Health Club Open Day Organised by Ocean Village Health Club Trial classes, prize draw, Spa treatments, For more info visit: www.oceanvillagehealthclub.gi, Ocean Village Thursday 11th and Friday 12th: 7:30pm Art Dance Platform 2017 Organised by Art In Movement, For more info contact: Art In Movement Facebook page, John Mackintosh Hall Theatre Friday 12th to Sunday 14th: 12pm onwards PDC Gibraltar Darts Trophy Organised by the Ministry of Sport, Tickets on sale from buytickets.gi and available at the door, For more info contact: Ministry of Sports at 20047592 or mcmys.info@ gibraltar.gov.gi, Tercentenary Sports Hall Saturday 13th: 9am Med Steps 5 Challenge Organised by Gibraltar Prison Service, Fundraising event in aid of Cancer Relief, Entrance fee £10. Registration as from 8am, For more info visit their Facebook page: Med Steps 5 Challenge

10.30am to 2:30pm

12 noon Re-enactment Society march along Main Street to Casemates Square Monday 15th to Friday 19th Gibraltar Photo Festival Organised by the Gibraltar Digital Photography Club, For more info contact: gdpc@yahoo.com or call 58350000, Airport Terminal, Port Terminal, Casemates Square, Alameda Gardens 9:30am – 9:30pm Spring Gibraltar Flower Show Organised by Gibraltar Horticultural Society, For more info contact: 54040022, John Mackintosh Hall Tuesday 16th, 8:00pm A Celebration of Opera Arranged on behalf of the Ministry of Culture by the Gibraltar Philharmonic Society, Tickets at £20 on sale as from from Sacarello’s Coffee Shop, Irish Town and the Silver Shop at 222 Main Street. A limited amount of tickets at £10 for Senior Citizens and Students available from the John Mackintosh Hall reception, For more info visit ww.philharmonic.gi or contact +350 200 72134, The Convent Ballroom Wednesday 17th: 7.30pm Illustrated Art Lecture by Jeremy Black ‘The Grand Tour’ Organised by the Gibraltar Decorative and Fine Arts Society, For more info contact Claus Olesen on 20002024, O’Callaghan Eliott Hotel Friday 19th: 7:30pm I ♥ Dance

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2017

spring festival 1.05 - 17.06 Organised by Urban Dance, Tickets at £15 on sale from 8th May at Urban Dance Studio between 5pm to 7pm, For more info contact 54012212, John Mackintosh Hall Theatre

Gibraltar

Saturday 20th: 9am to 6pm Gibraltar International Classic & Vintage Car Rally Organised by the Gibraltar Classic Vehicle Association, Drive up Main Street and around Gibraltar approx.1pm, Casemates Square 9.30am onwards 28th Annual Heritage Painting Competition Organised by the Gibraltar Heritage Trust, The Theme for 2017 is Wellington Front, Registration to take place on the day from 9.30am on site, For more info contact the Heritage Trust on 20042844 or check their website: www.gibraltarheritagetrust.org.gi

Festival

2017

10am - 6pm Museum Open Day Free Entrance, Gibraltar Museum, Bomb House Lane Saturday 20th: 10am – 3pm Arts & Crafts Market Casemates Square 10:30am – 2:30pm Christian Aid Book and Food Stall

12 noon Re-enactment Society march along Main Street to Casemates Square Sunday 21st: 10am to 2pm EY Relay for Children

Organised by Christian Aid, Cathedral, Main Street

Organised by EY in aid of Wobbles Charity, For more info contact: janice.zammitt@ gi.ey.com, Casemates Square

11am

Monday 22nd to Friday 26th

Freedom of the City to the Royal Anglian Regiment Organised by HQ British Forces and the Mayor’s Office, John Mackintosh Square

Young Shakespeare Company Sponsored by the John Mackintosh Hall Trust and the Parasol Foundation, School performances only at John Mackintosh Hall Theatre Tuesday 23rd: 6.30pm Spring Visual Art Exhibition Official Opening & Prize Giving, by invitation only, Gustavo Bacarisas Gallery Wednesday 24th: 6:00pm Book Launch “Shaking the Dandelions” by Mary Chiappe A new ‘whodunit comic’, For more info contact marychiappe@hotmail.com, Fine Arts Gallery Wednesday 24th May to Saturday 3rd June: 10.30am to 6.30pm Spring Visual Art Exhibition Free Entrance, Gustavo Bacarisas Gallery, Casemates Thursday 25th: 8pm Van Gogh in Provence

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2017

Organised by Group 2000 in collaboration with Gibraltar Cultural Services, For more info contact info@culture.gi, John Mackintosh Hall, Charles Hunt Room Saturday 27th: 9am – 2pm Save Gibraltar Street Cats Fundraising Event Organised by Save Gibraltar Street Cats Charity, For more info contact: savegibcats@gmail.com, Lobby of Parliament 10am to 3pm Arts & Crafts Market Casemates Square 12 noon Re-enactment Society march along Main Street to Casemates Square Tuesday 30th May to Friday 30th June: 9:30am – 9:30pm Brightmed Art Exhibition with Members of FAA Organised by Gibraltar Productions, For more info contact: info@gibraltarproductions.com, John Mackintosh Hall Tuesday 30th May to 8th June: 9:30 am to 9:30pm The Nautilus Project Poster Competition Exhibition Organised by The Nautilus Project, Prize giving will take place on 8th June to coincide with World Ocean Day, For more info contact: info@nautilusproject.co, John Mackintosh Hall

85

restaurants, bars & pubs

food & drink directory e to wher drink eat &e Rock on th

Casa Pepe

A delightful terrace, bar, restaurant on the prestigious Queensway Quay Marina. Wonderful location for business meetings, weddings, anniversaries and other special occasions. Specialising in fresh fish caught locally with daily specials including seabass, dorada, sole, and bream, plus a very comprehensive a la carte menu. Also available are tapas and raciones (double size tapas) to share (or not!) prior to a main course.

Mixed paellas also available, as well as fish cooked in rock salt, whole suckling pig and baby lamb to order.

Open: Tues-Sat lunch & evening, Sunday lunch only, closed Mondays.

Casa Pepe, 18 Queensway Quay Marina, Tel/Fax: 200 46967 Email: casa.pepe.gib@gmail.com.

Visit: www.casapepegib.com

The Lounge Stylish Lounge Gastro Bar on Queensway Quay Marina serving best quality food prepared by passionate, qualified chefs. Popular quiz on Sundays from 7pm and a relaxed friendly atmosphere. A separate Lounge Bar Area serving a wide range of hot drinks, wines, beers, spirits and cocktails at reasonable prices, with large TV’s for sports and events coverage.

Open: 10am-late Mon - Sun Be sure to arrive early to ensure a seat!

The Lounge 17 Ragged Staff Wharf, Queensway Quay Marina Tel: 200 61118 info@thelounge.gi

86

Nunos Italian

Nunos Italian Restaurant, overlooking the Mediterranean, is popular with hotel guests, tourists and local residents. This 2 rosette rated, AA restaurant is renowned for its eclectic interior, intimate atmosphere and fine cuisine. Savour a wide selection of freshly prepared Italian delicacies, including bread, pasta, meat and fish, followed by delicious desserts. In the summer months, the hotel offers alfresco dining for private parties in the Garden Grill. Sitting nestled in the colonial garden you can enjoy a mouth-watering menu of charcoal-grilled meats and freshly prepared salads in candlelit surroundings.

Open: Mon-Sun 1-3pm lunch, 7–11pm dinner Nunos Italian Restaurant and Terrace Caleta Hotel, Catalan Bay Tel: 200 76501 Email: reservations@caletahotel.gi

Solo Bar & Grill Solo Bar and Grill is a stylish and modern eatery — perfect for business functions or lunches — and part of the popular Cafe Solo stable. Serving everything from Goats’ Cheese Salad, Mediterranean Pâté and Cajun Langoustines to Beer Battered John Dory, or Harissa Chicken, and Chargrilled Sirloin Steak.

This is a delightful venue in Europort with a cosy mezzanine level and terrace seating. Well worth a visit, or two! Available for private functions and corporate events — call 200 62828 to book your function or event.

Open: 12-8pm.

Solo Bar & Grill, Eurotowers Tel: 200 62828

Café Solo Modern Italian eatery set in lively Casem a t e s s q u a re .

Everything from chicory and crispy pancetta salad with walnuts, pears and blue cheese dressing, or king prawn, mozzarella and mango salad to pastas (eg: linguine with serrano ham, king prawns and rocket; smoked salmon and crayfish ravioli with saffron and spinach cream) to salads (eg: Vesuvio spicy beef, cherry tomatoes, roasted peppers and red onions; and Romana chorizo, black pudding, egg and pancetta) and pizzas (eg: Quatto Stagioni topped with mozzarella, ham, chicken, pepperoni and mushroom) and specialities such as salmon fishcakes, beef medallions and duck. Daily specials on blackboard. No smoking.

Café Solo Grand Casemates Square. Tel: 200 44449

Jury’s Café-Wine Bar Next to the Law Courts, with a terrace seating area, Jury’s has a selection of Ciabattas, paninis, baguettes and wraps, plus popular sharing dishes, such as Your Honour’s platter. Jacket potatoes, main courses, pasta and some innocent salads too. For those with a sweet tooth, there are tantalising homemade desserts, Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, as well as Lavazza coffees and frappes.

Open: 7am-midnight Mon-Sat, 9am-midnight Sun. Jury’s Café & Wine Bar 275 Main Street. Tel: 200 67898

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2017

appetite

restaurants, bars & pubs

All’s Well

Traditional pub in fashionable Casemates area. Named for the 18th century practise of locking gates to the city at night when the guard called ‘All’s Well’.

All’s Well serves Bass beers, wine and spirits plus pub fare. English breakfast all day, hot meals such as pork in mushroom sauce, sausage & mash, cod & chips and steak & ale pie plus a range of salads and jacket potatoes. Large terrace. Karaoke Mondays and Wednesdays until late. Free tapas on a Friday 7pm.

All’s Well Casemates Square. Tel: 200 72987

Bridge Bar & Grill Located on the w a t e r ’s e d g e , Ocean Village, just across the bridge from O’Reilly’s. This bar & grill is a fusion of an American themed menu with Tarifa chill out style. Open for breakfast from 9am serving healthy options, freshly squeezed orange juice and Italian Lavazza coffee. Try the spicy Caribbean rum ribs, southern fried chicken bucket, the popular Texas burger or a selection of tasty salads and homemade desserts. London Pride, San Miguel & Carling beer on draught, live sports.

Bridge Bar & Grill Ocean Village Tel: 200 66446

O’Reilly’s

Tr a d i t i o n a l Irish bar with full HD sports coverage and Irish breakfast from 8am (Sunday f ro m 9 a m) .

Guinness on draught.

Food includes salads, jackets, beef & Guinness pie, Kildare chicken, chicken brochette, gourmet burgers, wraps, children menu, homemade desserts, daily specials and more. And just like in Ireland there’s no smoking inside, so a great atmosphere for all.

O’Reilly’s Ocean Village. Tel: 200 67888

Star Bar

The Gibraltar Magazine Portland House Tel: 200 77748 Fb & Tw: @gibmag anna@thegibraltarmagazine.com www.thegibraltarmagazine.com

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2017

Lord Nelson

Situated in the corner of Casemates Square, the bar is a celebration of the life of Lord Nelson. See the collection of nautical art & memorabilia, including a brass pin from HMS Victory itself.

HMS crews’ breakfast served from 10am, full menu including steak & ale pie, traditional fish & chips & much more served all day until 10pm.

Jam session Thursday, live top local band on Friday & Karaoke Saturday nights.

Lord Nelson Bar Brasserie 10 Casemates Tel: 200 50009 Visit: www.lordnelson.gi

Solo Express

Gibraltar’s oldest b a r, j u s t off Main St. Small cosy and famous for its full English breakfast from 8am (9am on Sunday). A full menu including fish & chips, until 10pm. The home of Star Coffee, draught beers include Heineken, Old Speckled Hen, Murphys and Strongbow cider. Managed

by Hunter Twins from Stafford, England, also home to Med Golf & Tottenham Hotspur supporters club.

Located next to Pizza Hut in Casemates and in Eurotowers, serves a variety of salads/baguettes (white, brown, ciabatta) filled with a deli selection such as roast chicken; smoked salmon & mascapone; ham, cheese and coleslaw; or humous, avocado & roast red pepper. Salads fresh and tasty (Greek, Waldorf, cous cous, tuna pasta etc), great value. Jackets, quiches, coffee plus cakes (flapjacks, muffins) available all day. Eat-in area. Soups in winter.

Star Bar Parliament Lane. Tel: 200 75924 Visit: www.starbargibraltar.com

Solo Express Grnd Flr, ICC, Casemates & Eurotowers Tel: 200 62828

Gibraltar Arms

Your Restaurant, Bar, Pub, Cafe...

The Gibraltar Magazine’s appetite guide is a perfect platform to reach local customers as well as tourists. Here you can advertise all the info anyone needs to know about your establishment. Is yours the best food around? Do you cater for special dietary needs? Are your opening hours attractive?

What’s your vibe? Tell everyone on the pages of your local magazine!

e to wher drink eat &e Rock on th

Everyone will see your advert here.

Take a nice photo and invite new customers!

Or remind the old ones why they love your place :)

On Main Street opposite the cathedral, enjoy a meal, coffee or a cool beer on the terrace and watch the world go by!

Bar decorated with rare military plaques from regiments and navy ships visiting Gibraltar. Full breakfast menu served from 7am, draught beers on tap include Old Speckled Hen bitter, Murphys Irish stout, Heineken lager and Strongbow cider.

Gibraltar Arms 184 Main Street. Tel: 200 72133 Visit: www.gibraltararms.com

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1 Raj’s Curry House 1 Ragged Staff Wharf, Queensway Quay, Gibraltar Comorant Wharf

3

4

5

6

ZONE: QUEENSWAY QUAY Queensway Road

1

2

QUEENSWAY QUAY MARINA

6

Casa Pepe

Queensway Quay

The Waterfront Restaurant & Bar 4/5 Ragged Staff Wharf, Queensway Quay, Gibraltar

Rendezvou Chargrill 14 Ragged Staff Wharf, Queensway Quay, Gibraltar

The Landings Restaurant 15 Ragged Staff Wharf, Queensway Quay, Gibraltar

The Lounge Bar (Lunch & Dinner)

17a Ragged Staff Wharf

18 Ragged Staff Wharf, Queensway Quay, Gibraltar Telephone: 200 46967 Email: casa.pepe.gib@gmail.com

APARTMENTS

2

3

4

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The Lounge Gastro Bar 17b Ragged Staff Wharf

(Breakfast, Lunch & Snack)

Queensway Quay, Gibraltar Telephone: 200 61118 Email: info@thelounge.gi

THE SAILS APARTMENTS

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For Property Advice, contact us 3 Convent Place Tel: 200 77789 or 200 42818 Fax: 200 42527 Email: slevy@gibraltar.gi

Tel: 200 73786 PASSANO OPTICIANS LTD British Registered Optometrists

Quality Kitchen Ware Gibraltar’s Best Stocked Cook Shop 46 Irish Town Tel: 200 75188 Fax: 200 72653

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GACHE & CO LTD EST. 1830

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CRAFT CLASSES - PHONE FOR INFO

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HORTICULTURAL CONTRACTORS Tel: 200 43134 Fax: 200 50648 Convent Gardens, Convent Garden Ramp

tel: 200 700 47

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2017

Perspective matters The future asks more of business. A need for wider knowledge, swifter actions and more agile capability. A demand to look at the world from a whole new viewpoint.

Deloitte identifies the new perspectives that will drive decisions; to build confidence in shaping the solutions that matter.

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www. deloitte.gi Merchant House, 22/24 John Mackintosh Square, P.O. Box 758, Gibraltar © 2017 Deloitte Limited. A member of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited

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clubs & activities Arts & Crafts Cross Stitch Club: John Mackintosh Hall, 1st Floor, Mon 6-8pm, fee £1.

Gibraltar Arts & Crafts Association: Children: Mon&Fri 12.30-2pm, Mon-Fri 3.45-5.15pm Adults: Wed 5.45-7.15, Sat 10.30 to 12.30, Tel: 20073865 email: gibartsandcrafts@hotmail.com Knit and Natter Group: Tues 11am-3pm, Thurs 5.30-7.30pm, at Arts & Crafts Shop, Casemates balcony. Free to join and refreshments provided. Tel: 20073865.

The Arts Centre: Prince Edward’s Road, Art classes for children and adults. For more info call Tel: 200 79788.

The Fine Arts Association Gallery: At Casemates. Open 10am-2pm, 3-6pm Mon-Fri, Sat 11am-1pm.

The Gibraltar Decorative and Fine Arts Society: Affiliated to UK NADFAS meets third Wed of month at 6.30pm at Eliott Hotel - lecturers & experts from the UK talk on Art etc. Contact: Chairman Claus Olesen 200 02024 claus.olesen@sghambros.com.

Membership Ian Le Breton 200 76173 ilebreton@SovereignGroup.com Board Games Calpe Chess Club & Junior Club: meets in Studio 1, John Mackintosh Hall Thursday, Juniors: 5p.m. - 7 p.m. / Tuesday & Thursday 7p.m. - 10:30 The Gibraltar Scrabble Club: Meets on Tuesdays at 3pm. Tel: Vin 20073660 or Roy 20075995. All welcome.

The Subbuteo Club: Meets in Charles Hunt Room, John Mackintosh Hall.

Dance Adult Dance Classes: Wed evenings at Kings Bastion Leisure Centre from 7-8.30pm. Contact Dilip on 200 78714.

Art in Movement Centre: Hiphop/Break Dance,Contemporary Dance, Pilates, Capoeira, Acrobatics, Street Kids & Tods, Modern Dance. Performance and Film opportunities. Judo & Jujitsu Classes: Tue/ Thur with Sensei Conroy. All ages. Budokai Martial Arts Centre, Wellington Front. www. artinmovement.net FB: Art In Movement A.I.M, tel 54025041 or 54007457 Ballet, Modern Theatre, Contemporary & Hip Hop: weekly at Danza Academy.

Training from 3 years to Adult Advanced.

68/2 Prince Edward’s Rd Tel: 54027111.

Bellydance Classes, all levels, Tue 8-9pm at the Ocean Village Gym (non–members welcome). Contact 54005593.

DSA Old & Modern Sequence Dancing: Sessions at Central Hall Fri 8.30pm, beginners 8pm. Tel: 200 78901 or tony@gibraltar.gi Everybody welcome.

Modern & Latin American Sequence Dancing: Mon at Catholic Community Centre 8pm. Tel. Andrew 200 78901.

Modern, Contemporary, Lyrical, Flexibility, Hip Hop & Dance Theatre: Classes weekly at Urban Dance Studio, 2 Jumpers Bastion.

Tel: Yalta 54012212 or Jolene 54015125.

Rockkickers Linedance Club: Governor’s Meadow 1st School. www.rockkickers.com Salsa Gibraltar Salsa: Tues at Laguna Social Club, Laguna Estate. Beginners 7-8.30pm.

Intermediates 8.30-10pm. Tel: Mike 54472000 or info@salsagibraltar.com Zumba Classes at Urban Dance: Jumpers Bastion, with certified instructor Tyron Walker. Tel: 20063959 or 54012212 or Twitter: @UrbanDanceGib History & Heritage The Gibraltar Heritage Trust: Main Guard, 13 John Mackintosh Sq. Tel: 200 42844.

The Gibraltar Classic Vehicle Association: Dedicated to preservation of Rock’s transport/motoring heritage. Assists members in restoration / maintenance of classic vehicles. New members welcome. Tel: 200 44643.

Garrison Library Tours: at 11am on Fri, duration 1h 50mins. Tel: 20077418.

History Alive: Historical re-enactment parade. Main Street up to Casemates Square every Sat at 12 noon.

Music Gibraltar National Choir and Gibraltar Junior National Choir: Rehearses at the Holy Trinity Cathedral. Tel: 54831000.

The Calpe Band: Mon & Wed. For musicians of brass/woodwind instruments

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of all standards/ages/abilities 7-9pm. Tel: 54017070 or thecalpeband@gmail.com Jazz Nights: Thurs at 9pm at O’Callaghan Eliott Hotel. Tel: 200 70500.

Outdoor Activities The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Gibraltar: Exciting self-development programme for young people worldwide equipping them with life skills to make a difference to themselves, their communities and the world. Contact: Award House, North Mole Road, PO Box: 1260. mjpizza@ gibtelecom.net, www.thedukes.gi.

Social Clubs The Rotary Club of Gibraltar meets the Rock Hotel, 7pm Tuesday evenings. Guests welcome. For contact or info www.rotaryclubgibraltar.com Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes: (Gibraltar Province) meets RAOB Club, 72/9 Prince Edward’s Road ­- Provincial Grand Lodge, Thu/month, 7.30pm. William Tilley 2371, Thurs 8.30pm. Buena Vista 9975, monthtly, Social Lodge. www.akearn1.wix. com/raob-gibraltar, william.tilley.lodge@ hotmail.co.uk, Clive, tel: 58008074 Special Interest Clubs & Societies Creative Writers Group: meets up on Tuesday mornings at 10.30 in O’Reillys Irish Bar and it is free to attend. Tel: Carla 54006696.

Gibraltar Book Club: For info Tel: Parissa 54022808.

Gibraltar Horticultural Society: meets 1st Thurs of month 6pm, J.M. Hall.

Spring Flower Show, slide shows, flower arrangement demos, outings to garden centres, annual Alameda Gardens tour. All welcome.

Gibraltar Philosophical Society: devoted to intellectually stimulating debate. Frequent lectures and seminars on a range of topics.

Tel: 54008426 or Facebook: facebook.com/gibphilosophy Gibraltar Photographic Society: Meets on Mondays at 7:00 p.m. Wellington Front.

Induction courses, talks, discussions, competitions etc. For details contact the secretary on, leslinares@gibtelecom.net Harley Davidson Owners’ Club: www.hdcgib.com Lions Club of Gibraltar: Meets 2nd and 4th Wed of the month at 50 Line Wall Road. www.lionsclubofgibraltar.com St John’s Ambulance: Adult Volunteers Training Sessions from 8-10pm on Tues. Tel: 200 77390 or training@stjohn.gi The Royal British Legion: For info or membership contact the Branch Secretary 20074604 or write to PO Box 332.

UN Association of Gibraltar: PO Box 599, 22a Main Street. Tel: 200 52108.

Sports Supporters Clubs Tottenham Hotspur Supporters Club: Meets at Star Bar, Parliament Lane, when Spurs games are televised - call prior to matches to check game is televised. Great food for a lunch if KO is early or an early supper if the game is later.

Gibraltar Arsenal Supporters Club: Meets match days upstairs at Time Out Café, Eurotowers. Gooners of all ages welcome.

For info/news visit www.GibGooners.com Tel: 54010681 (Bill) or 54164000 (John).

Gibraltar Hammers: Meets on match days at the Victoria Stadium Bar, Bayside Road. All league games are shown live. All West Ham supporters and their families are welcome. For details visit www. gibraltarhammers.com or gibraltarhammers@ hotmail.com Sports & Fitness Artistic Gymnastics: Gibraltar Artistic Gymnastics Association. Tel: Angela 200 70611 or Sally 200 74661.

Athletics: Gibraltar Amateur Athletics Association holds competitions through year for juniors, adults and veterans. Two main clubs (Calpeans 200 71807, Lourdians 200 75180) training sessions at Victoria Stadium.

Badminton: Recreational badminton weekdays at Victoria Stadium (Tel: 200 78409 for allocations). Gibraltar Badminton Association (affiliated to BWF& BE) junior club/tournaments, senior leagues/ recreational. www.badmintongibraltar.com Ballet Barre Fitness: Adults on Wed 10am & Fri 6pm at The Arts Centre. Tel: 54033465

or pilatesgibraltar@hotmail.com Basketball: Gibraltar Amateur Basketball Association (affiliated FIBA) leagues/ training for minis, passarelle, cadets, seniors and adults at a variety of levels. Tel: John 200 77253, Randy 200 40727.

Boxing: Gibraltar Amateur Boxing Association (member IABA) gym on Rosia Rd. Over 13s welcome. Tuition with ex-pro boxer Ernest Victory. Tel: 56382000 or 20042788.

Cheerleading: Gibraltar Cheerleading Association, girls and boys of all ages.

Chearleading and street cheer/hip hop at Victoria Stadium. Recreational / competitive levels. Tel: 58008338.

Canoeing: Gibraltar Canoeing Association.

Tel: Nigel 200 52917 or Arturo 54025033.

Cricket: Gibraltar Cricket, National Governing Body & Associate Member of ICC. Governs International & Domestic Men’s, Women’s, Boys’ & Girls’ cricketleague & cup competitions and in-school coaching. www.gibraltarcricket.com, info@ gibcricket.com, Twitter: @Gibraltar_Crick Cycling: Gibraltar Cycling Association various cycling tours.

Darts: Gibraltar Darts Association (full member of WDF & affiliate of BDO). We cater for men, ladies & youth who take part in leagues, competitions and a youth academy for the correct development of the sport. Tel: Darren 54027171 Secretary, Alex 54021672 Youth Rep, Justin 54022622 President. Email: info@ gibraltardarts.com Football: Gibraltar Football Association leagues/competitions for all ages OctoberMay. Futsal in summer, Victoria Stadium. Tel: 20042941 www.gibraltarfa.com Gaelic Football Club (Irish sport): Males any age welcome. Get fit, play sport, meet new friends, travel around Spain/Europe and play an exciting and competitive sport. Training every Wed on the MOD pitch on Devil’s Tower Road at 7pm. Andalucia League with Seville and Marbella to play matches home and away monthly. Visit www.gibraltargaels. com or secretary.gibraltar.europe@gaa.ie Hockey: Gibraltar Hockey Association (members FIH & EHF) high standard competitions/training for adults/juniors.

Tel: Eric 200 74156 or Peter 200 72730 for info.

Iaido: teaches the Japanese sword (Katana), classes every week. www.iaidogibraltar.com Iwa Dojo, Kendo & Jujitsu: Classes every week, for kids/adults. Tel: 54529000 www. iwadojo.com or dbocarisa@iwadojo.com Judo and Ju-jitsu: Gibraltar Budokai Judo Association UKMAF recognised instructors for all ages and levels at Budokai Martial Arts Centre, Wellington Front. Tel: Charlie 20043319.

Ju-jitsu: Gibraltar Ju-jitsu Academy training and grading for juniors/seniors held during evening at 4 North Jumpers Bastion. Tel: 54011007.

Karate-do Shotokai: Gibraltar Karate-do Shotokai Association - Karate training for junior & seniors at Clubhouse, Shotokai karate centre, 41H Town Range. Monday: 9:30 p.m. & Wednesday 9:45 p.m.

Karate: Shotokan karate midday Mon beginners, other students 8.30pm. Thurs 8.30pm. In town at temporary dojo or privately by arrangement. Contact Frankie 54038127 or info@fhmedia.co.uk.

Motorboat Racing: Gibraltar Motorboat Racing Association Tel: Wayne 200 75211.

Muay Thai and Muay Boran Club: Tues & Thur at Boyd’s Kings Bastion Leisure Centre at 6:30pm, Tel: John – 54024707 FB: Gibraltar Muay Thai Netball: Gibraltar Netball Association (affiliated FENA & IFNA) competitions through year, senior/junior leagues. Tel: 20041874.

Petanque: Gibraltar Petanque Association.

New members welcome. Tel: 54002652.

Pilates: Intermediate Pilates: Tues & Fri 9.30am, beginners Pilates: Fri 10.50am at the Shotokai Centre, 41H Town Range. Tel: 54033465 or pilatesgibraltar@hotmail.com Gibraltar Pool Association: (Member of the EBA) home and away league played on Thurs through out the season, various tournaments played on a yearly basis both nationally and internationally, Tel: 56925000 gibpool@gibtelecom.net, www.gib8ball.com

Rhythmic Gymnastics: Gibraltar Rhythmic Gymnastics Association runs sessions from 4 years of age, weekday evenings. Tel: 56000772 or Sally 200 74661.

Rugby: Gibraltar Rugby Football Union training for Colts (w+), seniors and veterans. Play in Andalusia 1st Division. Contact: secretary@ gibraltarfu.com Sailing: Gibraltar Yachting Association junior/ senior competitive programme (April - Oct) Tel: Royal Gibraltar Yacht Club at 200 78897.

Shooting: Gibraltar Shooting Federation. Rifle, Europa Point Range (Stephanie 54020760); Clay pigeon, East Side (Harry 200 74354); Pistol, near Royal Naval Hospital (Louis 54095000).

Snooker: Members of European Billiards & Snooker Association - facilities at Jumpers Bastion with 3 tables. Professional coaching for juniors/seniors. Organised leagues/ tournaments and participation in international competitions. Tel: 56262000 / 54000068, or info@gibraltarsnooker.com Squash: Gibraltar Squash Association, Squash Centre, South Pavilion Road (members WSF & ESF). Adult and junior tournaments and coaching. Tel: 200 44922.

Sub-Aqua: Gibraltar Sub-Aqua Association taster dives for over 14s, tuition from local clubs. Voluntary sports clubs: Noah’s Dive Club and 888s Dive Club. Tel: 54991000.

Commercial sports diving schools available.

Time - Thursday 12:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m..

Telephone, Jenssen Ellul - 54027122 Swimming: Gibraltar Amateur Swimming Association (member FINA & LEN) opens its pool for leisure swimming. Junior lessons, squad for committed swimmers, water polo.

Pool open Mon&Thurs: 7-10am, 12.30-4pm.

Tue, Wed, Fri: 7-10am, 12:30-5pm. Sat: 3-5pm. Sun: closed. Mon to Fri from 5-6pm groups training. 6-7.30 squad training. Mon, Wed, Fri 7.30-8.30 swimming joggers, Tues & Thurs 7:30-8:30 junior Water polo. Mon, Tues & Thurs 8:30-10pm Adult water polo. Tel: 200 72869.

Table Tennis: Gibraltar Table Tennis Association training and playing sessions, Victoria Stadium, Tues 6-10pm and Thurs 8-11pm with coaching and league competition. Tel: 56070000 or 20060720.

Taekwondo: Gibraltar Taekwondo Association classes/gradings Tel: Mari 20044142 or www. gibraltartaekwondo.org Tai Chi: Tai Chi for children and adults.

Mon-Thur 6.30-8pm at Kings Bastion Leisure Centre and Sat 9am-1pm at the Yoga Centre, 33 Town Range. Tel: Dilip 200 78714.

Tennis: Gibraltar Tennis Association, Sandpits Tennis Club. Junior development programme.

Courses for adults, leagues and competitions.

Tel: Louis 200 77035.

Ten-Pin Bowling: At King’s Bowl in the King’s Bastion Leisure Centre every day. Gibraltar Ten Pin Bowling (members FIQ & WTBA) leagues, training for juniors and squad. Tel: 200 52442.

Triathlon: Hercules Triathlon Club organises swimming, running and cycling training sessions and competes regularly in Andalucia and Internationally. Contact chris.walker@york. gi or Facebook “Hercules Triathlon Club” Volleyball: Gibraltar Volleyball Association training, indoor leagues, beach volleyball competition, 3 v 3 competition, juniors and seniors. Tel: 54001973 or 54885000.

Yoga: Integral Yoga Centre runs a full programme of classes from Mon-Fri at 33 Town Range. Tel: 200 41389. All welcome.

Theatrical Groups Gibraltar Amateur Drama Association: Meet at Ince’s Hall Theatre Complex, 310 Main Street. Tel: 20042237.

Trafalgar Theatre Group: Meets 2nd Wed of month, Garrison Library 8pm. All welcome.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2017

information

Support Support Groups Groups

ADHD & Learning Difficulties Meetings at Fellowship Bookshop Catholic Community Centre, Line Wall Road. Coffee, chat, books and info on display. Tel: 54027551 or 54014476.

Alcoholics Anonymous meet 7pm Tues & Thurs at Nazareth House Tel: 200 73774.

A Step Forward support for single, separated, divorced/widowed people, meet 8pm Mon at St Andrew’s Church.

Mummy & Me Breastfeeding Support Group those who are pregnant, breastfeeding or have breastfed to get together for coffee / support.

Business Information Financial Serv. Commission Tel: 200 40283/4 Chamber of Commerce Tel: 200 78376 Federation Small Business Tel: 200 47722 Company Registry.Tel: 200 78193 Useful Numbers Airport (general info.).Tel: 200 12345 Hospital, St Bernards.Tel: 200 79700 Weather information.Tel: 5-3416 Frontier Queue Update Tel: 200 42777 Gibraltar Museum Tel: 200 74289 18/20 Bomb House Lane 10am-6pm (Sat 10am-2pm). Admission: Adults £2/ Children under 12 - £1.

Exhibitions also at Casemates gallery.

Gibraltar Garrison Library Tel: 200 77418 2 Library Ramp Mon-Fri: 9am-5pm. Free Library tour offered every Friday at 11am. chris.tavares@gibraltargarrisonlibrary.gi Registry Office Tel: 200 72289 It’s possible to get married within 48 hours. A fact taken advantage of by stars such as Sean Connery & John Lennon.

Emergency calls only: Fire/Ambulance ����������������������������������������� Tel: 190 Police ���������������������������������������������������Tel: 199/112 Emergency Number Tel: 112 94

Partners and older children welcome. Meets 1st Wed / month at Chilton Court Community Hall at 1.30pm. Enquiries and support 54014517.

Childline Gibraltar confidential phone line for children in need. Freephone 8008 - 7 days a week 5pm - 9pm Citizens’ Advice Bureau Open Mon-Thur 9:30am-4:00pm, Fri 9:30am- 3:30pm. Tel: 200 40006 Email: info@cab.gi or visit at 10 Governor’s Lane. Free & confidential, impartial & independent advice and info.

Rock Tours by Taxi Tel: 200 70052 As well as offering normal fares, taxis provide Rock Tours taking in the Upper Rock, Europa Point etc.

John Mackintosh Hall Tel: 200 75669 Includes cafeteria, theatre, exhibition rooms and library. 308 Main Street 9.30am 11pm Mon-Fri. Gibraltar Public Holidays 2017 New Year’s Day Commonwealth Day Good Friday Easter Monday Workers Memorial Day May Day Spring Bank Holiday Queen’s Birthday Late Summer BH Gibraltar National Day Christmas Day Boxing Day

*Monday 2nd Jan Monday 13th Mar Friday 14th Apr Monday 17th Apr Friday 28th Apr Monday 1st May Monday 29th May Monday 19th Jun Monday 28th Aug *Monday 4th Sept Monday 25th Dec Tuesday 26th Dec

*For 1st of Jan and 10th of Sept.

Non-urgent calls: Ambulance Station ������������������������Tel: 200 75728 Police.................................................Tel: 200 72500 Emergency Nos: .................Tel: (5) 5026 / (5) 3598

© Angela Almeida

COPE Support group for people with Multiple Sclerosis, Fibromyalgia or Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Meetings at Catholic Community Centre Book Shop at 7.30pm first Thur of each month. Tel: 200 51469 Email: copeadsupport@hotmail.com Dignity At Work Now Confidential support and advice for those who are being bullied at work.

Tel: 57799000.

Families Anonymous Support group for relatives and friends concerned about the use of drugs or related behavioural problems. Meet weekly on Thurs at 9pm at Gladys Perez Centre, 304A Main Street, Tel: 54007676 or 54014484.

Gibraltar Cardiac Rehabilitation and Support Group meets on the first Tues of every month at 8.30pm at John Mac Hall, except for Jul & Aug. Gibraltar Dyslexia Support Group 72 Prince Edwards Rd Tel: 200 78509 Mobile: 54007924 website: www.gdsg.co.uk Gibraltar Marriage Care Free relationship counselling, including pre-marriage education (under auspices of Catholic Church, but open to all). Tel: 200 71717.

Gibraltar Society for the Visually Impaired Tel: 200 50111 (24hr answering service).

Hope miscarriage support Tel: 200 41817.

Mummy & Me Breastfeeding Support: Meets every Thursday 12:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Narcotics Anonymous Tel: 200 70720 Parental Support Group helping parents and grandparents with restrictive access to their children and grandchildren. Tel: 200 46536, 200 76618, or 54019602.

Psychological Support Group, PO Box 161, Nazareth House. Meet Tuesdays at 7pm, Fridays 8pm. Tel: Yolanda 54015553 With Dignity Gibraltar support for separated, divorced/widowed or single people. Meet Weds 9pm, Catholic Community Centre, Line Wall Rd. Outings/activities.

Women in Need Voluntary organisation for all victims of domestic violence. Refuge available. Tel: 200 42581 (24 hrs).

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2017

The Gibraltar Magazine is published and produced by Rock Publishing Ltd, Gibraltar. Tel: (+350) 200 77748

Email your photo for the #GibsGems collection to anna@thegibraltarmagazine.com and you might see it published here!

finance

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26/05/2014 16:08

parenting

HAVING KIDS Is it worth it?

H

ave you made the decision not to have children? Now that I’m a parent myself, I get it.

Aside from abstaining altogether, many women are delaying parenthood well into their thirties - but is it because we make the choice to put our careers and lifestyles first? Or is it because More women particular financial restrictions are having now dictate it?

People are often shocked to hear that, but it’s the truth. Having children is an children over the enormous responsibility and age of 35 than it’s entirely understandable those under 25 No more 2.4 why some people don’t want years old. to take it on. Indeed, a recent Numerous factors make parentUS census found that 47.6% hood a significant financial presof women between 15-44 had never had sure on women these children, the highest percentage since the days. Starting with the Numerous bureau started tracking data in 1976. recession in 2008, the factors make gender pay gap which is parenthood While an increasing number of women apstill very present, the dea significant pear to be making the choice not to have mands put on a woman financial children at all, UK stats have also shown both professionally and pressure on that for the first time ever, more women domestically, and the women these are having children over the age of 35 than surging cost of childcare those under 25 years old. Significantly, the and education, it’s not days. proportion of women choosing to have surprising that many children in their thirties has doubled within women simply don’t want one generation. the stress or burden of raising a child.

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The trend for smaller families is also emerging as the size of the average European family continues to decrease, with the exception of the UK and Finland.

The rise in numbers in the UK is attributed to immigration and the trend for the wealthy to have large families. Think The Beckhams, The Olivers and The Ramsays.

However, it still remains that the average British woman on reaching 45 has had 1.7 children in contrast to 1986, when it was 2.35 children.

Kids can’t be that expensive though, can they?

In 2016, The Centre for Economic and Business Research reported that the average cost of raising a child in the UK is £231,843, a startling increase of 65% since 2003. The most expensive years are between 0-5 and 18-21. Fortunately for many in Gibraltar, some of these expenses are offset with childcare support from grandparents or close family members, and GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2017

parenting we are fortunate enough to get significant financial assistance from the government with university expenses.

For families in the UK, the average expense of 18 - 21 is an eye watering £18k, but even more alarmingly, the average cost of raising a child for their first year is £11.5k, and almost £16k between 1-4. I’d postpone those holidays to Disney World to 5 - 17 years old where it dips down to £8.5k (Make that 9.5k if you throw in a holiday to Disney!) Yes, you read that right, for a family of 4, it’s almost £4k for a trip to Disneyland Florida - and that’s on a budget! It’s no surprise families are taking schools to court for the right to take children on holiday during term time.

We don’t need no education

The average cost of raising a child in the UK is £232K...

English university students are graduating with an average of £44k debt and staggeringly, The Financial Times reported that two thirds of students won’t ever be able to pay off their debts.

Unsurprisingly, the rate of university applications is dropping.

The Olivers

the UK, and there also are problems over here.

our finances, but many of us take the plunge regardless. Our personal decision was to have two If you are children. We live in uncertain uncertain times, if I were to base too many whether you’d decisions on “what if” then we like to have wouldn’t achieve much.

Property prices in Gibraltar are high and force many to live across the border. At tumultuous times like now, this can be a large pressure on families. While there children, you With the increase of living expenses, are assisted housing schemes in Family mean more to me than don’t need to colossal student debt, home ownership Gibraltar, there is still a large justify yourself anything material and I wouldn’t at the lowest level in thirty demand for more. However, swap them for anything. years (the biggest drop has to anyone.

It’s not for those fortunate enough However, financial factors did been among the millennial surprising that to benefit from it, it relieves play a role in regards to our generation), it’s not surprismany women significant financial burden. family size, it would be a big financial leap ing that people are postponsimply don’t going from two to three children as everying starting a family, if they thing from groceries to holidays and days want the stress decide to have one at all.

Is it worth the investment? out are geared at and cater for families of or burden of The gap between earnings four. and property prices has raising a child. Biology is a miraculous and mysterious thing.

Yes, children might drain created a property crisis in There is no wrong or right decision. Health and happiness is paramount, and if inviting children into your life is also going to invite crippling stress, it’s simply not worth it.

Often one finds a way to make it work, but if you are uncertain whether you’d like to have children, you don’t need to justify yourself to anyone.

Polly Lavarello is Editor of Mum on the Rock Email: polly@mumontherock.com Web: www.mumontherock.com GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2017

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Completed crosswords to be returned to the Clipper by 21st May

Last month’s winner:

John Montagu Nuza Gardens

1) Coming home from Europe? (6) 4) Something added such as an advert loose in a magazine or a small map in the corner of a larger one (5) 7) Dexterous (6) 8) Life’s work; run fast, often out of control (6) 9) Cartoon bear; old Gibraltar aircraft (4) 10) Angered (8) 12) Superb, like the 7 in an old western film (11) 17) Several words in a logical, comprehensible sequence (8) 19) Small open cake (4) 20) Help (6) 21) Go away! Old word used by Shakespeare (6) 22) Most respected experienced member of a society or profession (5) 23) Resolve a problem; Yorkshire town (6)

down

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across

15) ...Rattigan, playwright; old Roman playwright (7) 16) Land surrounded by water (6) 18) German town (5)

1) Where one sleeps (7) 2) Eating away (by the passage of time) (7) 3) Instinct (9) 4) Angered (5) 5) Hat favoured in Western films (7) 6) Angry rant (6) 11) Frequency of law-breaking (5,4) 13) Truce (7) 14) Part of a piece of writing (7)

Flight & Cruise Schedule - May 2017 Day Flight

Airline

From

Mon ZB7240 Monarch Gatwick

EZY8901 easyJet Gatwick

BA492 British Airways Heathrow

BA490 British Airways Heathrow

ZB064 Monarch Luton

ZB574 Monarch Manchester

ZB446 Monarch Birmingham

EZY8905 easyJet Gatwick Tue EZY6299 easyJet Bristol

EZY8901 easyJet Gatwick

BA490 British Airways Heathrow

ZB574 Monarch Manchester from 23rd ZB064 Monarch Luton Wed EZY8901 easyJet Gatwick

BA490 British Airways Heathrow

ZB064 Monarch Luton

ZB574 Monarch Manchester

ZB446 Monarch Birmingham

EZY1963 easyJet Manchester

EZY8905 easyJet Gatwick Thu EZY6299 easyJet Bristol

ZB7240 Monarch Gatwick

EZY8901 easyJet Gatwick

BA490 British Airways Heathrow AT990 Royal Air Maroc Tangier Fri EZY8901 easyJet Gatwick

BA492 British Airways Heathrow

ZB062 Monarch Luton

BA490 British Airways Heathrow

ZB574 Monarch Manchester

ZB446 Monarch Birmingham

EZY8905 easyJet Gatwick

ZB7244 Monarch Gatwick Sat EZY8901 easyJet Gatwick

BA492 British Airways Heathrow

BA490 British Airways Heathrow Sun EZY6299 easyJet Bristol

EZY8901 easyJet Gatwick

EZY1963 easyJet Manchester

BA492 British Airways Heathrow

BA490 British Airways Heathrow AT990 Royal Air Maroc Tangier

ZB064 Monarch Luton

EZY8905 easyJet Gatwick

ZB574 Monarch Manchester

ZB446 Monarch Birmingham

ZB7244 Monarch Gatwick

98

Arrives Flight

10:15 ZB7241 11:00 EZY8902 11:05 BA493 16:20 BA491 19:10 ZB065 19:10 ZB575 19:30 ZB447 20:35 EZY8906 10:30 EZY6300 11:00 EZY8902 16:20 BA491 19:10 ZB575 19:10 ZB065 11:00 EZY8902 16:20 BA491 19:10 ZB065 19:10 ZB575 19:30 ZB447 20:20 EZY1964 20:35 EZY8906 10:30 EZY6300 10:55 ZB7241 11:00 EZY8902 16:20 BA491 18:45 AT991 11:00 EZY8902 11:05 BA493 11:30 ZB063 16:20 BA491 19:10 ZB575 19:50 ZB447 20:35 EZY8906 20:35 ZB7245 11:45 EZY8902 14:35 BA493 16:20 BA491 10:30 EZY6300 11:00 EZY8902 11:05 EZY1964 11:15 BA493 16:20 BA491 18:45 AT991 19:10 ZB065 20:35 EZY8906 20:35 ZB575 20:40 ZB447 20:45 ZB7245

Departs

To

11:00 Gatwick 11:30 Gatwick 12:20 Heathrow 17:10 Heathrow 19:55 Luton 19:55 Manchester 20:20 Birmingham 21:05 Gatwick 11:00 Bristol 11:30 Gatwick 17:10 Heathrow 19:55 Manchester 19:55 Luton 11:30 Gatwick 17:10 Heathrow 19:55 Luton 19:55 Manchester 20:20 Birmingham 20:55 Manchester 21:05 Gatwick 11:00 Bristol 11:40 Gatwick 11:30 Gatwick 17:10 Heathrow 19:35 Tangier 11:30 Gatwick 11:50 Heathrow 12:20 Luton 17:10 Heathrow 20:00 Manchester 20:35 Birmingham 21:05 Gatwick 21:20 Gatwick 12:15 Gatwick 15:20 Heathrow 17:10 Heathrow 11:00 Bristol 11:30 Gatwick 11:40 Manchester 12:05 Heathrow 17:10 Heathrow 19:35 Tangier 20:00 Luton 21:05 Gatwick 21:20 Manchester 21:25 Birmingham 21:40 Gatwick

Arrival Vessel

ETD Pass

Operator

Capacity

Mon 01, 08:00 MAGELLAN 12:00 British Cruise&Maritime Vs 1452 Tue 02, 06:00 NORWEGIAN JOY 15:00 Int’l Norwegian Cruise Line 3900 Tue 02, 07:30 CORINTHIAN 18:00 American Travel Dynamics Int’l 114 Tue 02, 09:00 VISION OF THE SEAS 17:00 Int’l Royal Caribbean Int’l 2000 Wed 03, 09:30 JEWEL OF THE SEAS 16:30 Int’l Royal Caribbean 2112 Thu 04, 08:00 SEVEN SEAS EXPLOR 17:00 American Regent Seven Seas 750 Thu 04, 10:00 INDEP. OF THE SEAS 16:00 British Royal Caribbean 3600 Thu 04, 17:00 MSC MAGNIFICA 22:00 Italian Msc Crociere 3223 Fri 05, 08:00 AURORA 23:00 British P & O 1874 Sat 06, 10:00 KONINGSDAM 23:00 American HAL 3152 Sun 07, 08:00 ORIANA 14:00 British P & O 1880 Mon 08, 08:00 MEIN SCHIFF 4 18:00 German TUI Cruises 2506 Wed 10, 14:00 LEGEND OF THE SEA 22:00 Int’l Royal Caribbean Int’l 1804 Thu 11, 08:00 VENTURA 14:00 British P & O 3096 Thu 11, 08:00 ARCADIA 14:00 British P & O 2016 Thu 11, 15:00 STAR BREEZE 19:00 Int’l Windstar Cruises 212 Sat 13, 07:00 SILVER WHISPER 13:00 American Silversea Cruises Ltd 382 Sat 13, 09:00 THOMSON CELEBR 22:00 British Thomson Cruises 1264 Sun 14, 07:00 CELEBRITY REFLECT 17:00 Int’l Celebrity Cruises 3046 Mon 15, 09:30 NVGTR OF THE SEAS 15:00 Int’l Royal Caribbean Int’l 3114 Tue 16, 09:00 MAJESTIC PRINCESS 18:00 Int’l Princess Cruises 3600 Wed 17, 08:00 PAN ORAMA II 04:00 USA/EU Variety Cruises 49 Thu 18, 08:00 COSTA FAVOLOSA 14:00 Italian Costa 2989 Sat 20, 09:00 THOMSON MAJESTY 15:00 British Thomson Cruises 1462 Sun 21, 08:00 NAUTICA 23:59 American TMR 684 Tue 23, 09:00 PAN ORAMA II 22:00 USA/EU Variety Cruises 49 Wed 24, 09:00 CROWN PRINCESS 16:00 American Princess Cruises 3082 Thu 25, 07:00 SEVEN SEAS EXPLR 23:59 American Regent Seven Seas 750 Thu 25, 08:00 AZURA 14:00 British P & O 3100 Fri 26, 07:00 SILVER CLOUD 23:00 USA/EU Silversea Cruises Ltd 296 Sat 27, 08:00 LEGEND OF THE SEAS 18:00 Int’l Royal Caribbean Int’l 1804 Sun 28, 08:00 VENTURA 14:00 British P & O 3096 Sun 28, 08:00 INSIGNIA 18:00 American Oceania Cruises 698 Mon 29, 08:00 TUI DISCOVERY 16:00 British TUI Cruises 1804 Mon 29, 09:00 ROYAL PRINCESS 18:00 British Princess Cruises 3600 Tue 30, 08:30 MARCO POLO 19:00 British Cruise & Maritime Vs 850 Wed 31, 08:00 PAN ORAMA II 04:00 USA/EU Variety Cruises 49 Wed 31, 10:00 BLACK WATCH 18:00 British Fred Olsen 798

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2017

Gibraltar’s Gastronomic Award Winning Italian Restaurant Winner of the 2 Rosette AA Culinary Award since 2006

Impressive presentation and divine taste combinations make Nunos the top class destination for a true gourmet experience.

Nunos at The Caleta – A Theatre of Fine Italian Dining

RESERVATIONS T: (+350) 200 76501 E: reservations@caletahotel.gi www.caletahotel.com

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When volatility is the only certainty, ISOLAS can help guide you through stormy seas ISOLAS, celebrating 125 years in Gibraltar - Trusted since 1892

For further information contact: info@isolas.gi Portland House Glacis Road PO Box 204 Gibraltar. Tel: +350 2000 1892