3 December
The massacre on the streets of Paris some weeks ago may turn out to be the turning point in the fight against Islamic State (ISIS) or Daesh, the pejorative Arabic acronym used widely across the Middle East), as the West and Russia are spurred into belated diplomatic and military action.
This battle will be the defining event of the first quarter of the 21st century in the Middle East.
The chilling warning by Daesh's chief spokesman a few months ago that "We will conquer your Rome, break your crosses, and enslave your women. If we do not reach that time, then our children and grandchildren will reach it, and they will sell your sons as slaves at the slave market" has been given horrific reality in Paris.
It could have happened in any of Europe's major cities. The presence of barbaric Islamic malcontents from every corner of the planet - including on our doorstep across the straits constitute a geostrategic convulsion from which Gibraltar is not immune.
France has invoked the "mutual defence clause" in the Lisbon Treaty, which states in imprecise language that if a member state is the victim of an armed attack on its territory "it can rely on the aid and assistance of the other member states, which
It is not the scale of terrorism that has changed, as terrorism has been a feature for decades. In the recent past, from 9/11 to Tunisia and Sharm-el-Sheikh, and for much longer before that (the IRA bombings in Britain, Bader-Meinhoff in Germany, the Red Brigades in Italy and the PLO in the 1970s and 1980s, to take but a few at random), terrorism has been a scourge claiming many innocent lives. Liberal democracies have triumphed over all of them.
Two Essential Ingredients of a Terrorist Threat Have Changed
What has undoubtedly changed today are two essential ingredients of that threat. The first… is that the Daesh jihadist extremists carrying out attacks of terror in Paris, Lebanon, Turkey and elsewhere, are prepared to kill themselves in the process of killing others in the name of their perverted 'religion'. This is a dimension, which, in a free and open democracy like ours, is virtually impossible to guard against.
The second… and perhaps most importantly, the information and telecommunications revolution of the past 20 years, has transformed the way billions of people, including terrorists, communicate with one another.
The ability of even the most sophisticated security services to monitor all this data to provide up-to-date intelligence to prevent the kind of atrocity perpetrated in Paris where fatal intelligence failures occurred has become extremely difficult.
The centrepiece of successful counter-terrorism is first-class intelligence.
Good intelligence and comprehensive surveillance can thwart (almost) any terrorist attack. However, in a liberal democracy like ours, intrusive surveillance has to be balanced against peoples' rights to keep their data private.
Gibraltar Has Prepared For a Variety of Security Threats
As to the vulnerability of Gibraltar to a terrorist attack, its not a secret the Rock has prepared for a variety of security threats, we hope will never happen. With a changing terrorist landscape, many of these dangers are unfamiliar and unsettling. But as we have seen elsewhere the best way to fight these dangers is to anticipate them, and act against them with focus and determination.
The present security threat was set after the 'Security Coordination Group' (SCG) met following the Paris attacks a few weeks ago. They took into account the increased state of security alertness all over Europe, deciding to maintain Gibraltar's 'security level'
RGP Counter Terrorism Security Advisors [CTSA]
The Royal Gibraltar Police provides protective and counter-terrorism advice in order to protect and support the public, businesses and public sector. The ultimate aim is to reduce the vulnerability to terrorist threats. CTSA officers work very closely with Special Branch Officers and police forces throughout Europe and Worldwide, in order to achieve this. 'Project Citadel' is the local project that provides awareness, education and improved vigilance, not only to police officers, but also in most sectors of the community.
The RGP has no doubt, that the public plays a very important role in supporting them in the fight against terrorism, simply, by implementing measures that can improve all round security
Gibraltar has never been immune to terror alerts reflecting the situation generally in Europe, but especially those threats that are in a closer geographical position.
When security is in danger, many places, even in Gibraltar can become high-profile targets. Any government and security services have the overriding responsibility to ensure not only their security but also the lives of citizens who are simply going about their business who could be caught up in any collateral damage from a terrorist attack.
The Rocks geographical position located at the western entrance of the Mediterranean overlooking the Straits of Gibraltar, and the northern coastal areas of Africa puts Gibraltar in a unique position but also a target. All these features will obviously make the Rock vulnerable in one way or other. Any assessment of the current threat leads to a range of possible dangers which as much as possible must be anticipated…Easier said than done!
Luckily because of our size, and unlike countless other places across Europe, Gibraltar can hardly be used for the infiltration of terrorists as a stepping-stone into mainland Europe with the aim of mounting spectacular terrorist atrocities against a target in one of the major European capitals. Such a situation can never be discounted although it must be highly unlikely.
However, having said all that, the lone jihadist or a very small cell operating from here bent on causing havoc against a high-profile target in Gibraltar as a proxy for other EU targets (simply because it's a member of the European Union) is the kind of threat the Rock must be prepared to counter, nothing can be ruled out!
The possibility of Daesh militia mounting a military assault on Gibraltar from North Africa seems highly improbable at present. Even a rogue air strike by jihadists flying a fighter aircraft across the straits is very remote. The likelihood of a terrorist attack in Gibraltar must be less than one on a world city, where the international political impact is spectacular. Likewise it would be irresponsible for Gibraltar not to prepare against an assumed threat, which must be deemed to exist as anything is possible.
Dealing with terrorism requires several tools. The paramount defence is good security intelligence. The ability to expose terrorist networks or to pre-empt attacks is the central purpose of good peacetime intelligence.
Local Security Services Limited to an Extent
Gibraltar's security services to an extent are obviously limited in capability. I presume they are mostly focussed on serious organised crime, drugs and money-laundering and I suspect, also have limited technical capacity to carry out mass metadata surveillance of potential terrorists.
But the British and US, French and German intelligence services are probably the best in the world and it goes without saying the local intelligent services are in constant liaison with links being close allowing our security services to be fully plugged into intelligence-sharing through Europol and other official intelligence platforms
As to how Gibraltar counters the threat, it isn't the smallness of our nation that makes us vulnerable. No matter how small, good intelligence must go hand in glove with coordinated and rehearsed contingency plans to deploy well-trained, quick reaction by the police and armed forces. Coupled, with absolute vigilance of BGTW and at the frontier to prevent any attempted infiltration by terrorists under the guise of immigrants or casual visitor to the Rock.
Given the creativity of those committed to carrying out acts of terrorism, counter-terrorism planners everywhere including here in Gibraltar are being challenged to "think outside the box" to plan for responding to the unimaginable. Today security planners are being asked to consider a broad range of terrorist incidents, including assaults on infrastructure and electronic information systems resulting in serious safety concerns affecting human life, health, and protection.
In any such battle, it is essential to see the enemy objectively. One should not underestimate it. However, overestimation whether of its capacities or its objectives…can also lead to fatal misjudgements!
03-12-15 PANORAMAdailyGIBRALTAR
Gibraltar gets ready for EU referendum
December 03, 2015 | By Joe Garcia
Gibraltar is getting ready for the EU referendum. Britain has been told that Gibraltar's line is supportive of David Cameron's efforts to achieve continued EU membership on the basis of reforms.
These are two points that have emerged from a private meeting held yesterday in London between chief minister Fabian Picardo and Europe minister David Lidington.
The private session took place at Lancaster House to discuss issues of interest to Gibraltar. The main issue discussed between the two ministers was the question of 'Brexit', Mr Picardo taking the opportunity to signal the Gibraltar government's support for Prime Minister David Cameron's efforts to achieve continued EU membership on the basis of reforms.
Mr Picardo told the minister that the necessary legislative work by the Gibraltar Parliament to ensure readiness for the referendum on EU membership was being carried out. He reassured Mr Lidington that Gibraltar would not be the source of any delays.
The meeting came at a time when Brexit is looking more and more likely, with observers suggesting that the prospect of Britain leaving the EU is becoming more real, as opinion polls continue to show increased support for an exit trend.
The negative effects on British public opinion flowing from issues such as the migrant crisis is swaying opinion away from continued EU membership.
GIBRALTAR IMPACT
The Gibraltar government is still to complete a study into the economic impact of Britain leaving Europe. It has been exploring the possibility of Gibraltar joining Schengen even if Britain opts out of the EU. But it is not clear what are the real benefits of such a move and also of joining the customs union.
Although Gibraltar is geographically connected to Europe, this is via Spain which continues to claim the sovereignty of Gibraltar, as the ruling PP party have again made clear in their election campaign in Spain. There is a school of thought that Gibraltar should do nothing that, directly or indirectly, might make it easier for Spain to swallow Gibraltar.
Even if Britain left the EU, Gibraltar would want to stay within. The Gibraltar government takes the view that the conduct of EU matters as they affect Gibraltar is for Gibraltar ministers to determine - and argue that this is made clear in the Gibraltar Constitution. Hence, the appointment of a Gibraltar minister for European affairs.
But it should not be lost sight of the fact that Gibraltar is in Europe as a European territory for whose external relations Britain is responsible.
OVERSEAS TERRITORIES
In London yesterday, Mr Lidington had earlier addressed a gathering of British Overseas Territories leaders attending the Overseas Territories Joint Ministerial Council.
He warmly congratulated Mr Picardo on his landslide win at the General Election in Gibraltar who, in turn, took the opportunity to brief Mr Lidington on the Government's new manifesto commitments.
Earlier, the Chief Minister participated in a session of the Joint Ministerial Council chaired by the Minister for Overseas Territories James Dudderidge. The main themes addressed at this session were Child Safeguarding and Economic Development, said No. 6.
The JMC is the principal forum for reviewing and implementing the shared strategy for promoting the security and good governance of the Territories and their sustainable economic and social development, says the Foreign Office.
NEW GOVERNOR
Mr Picardo was yesterday evening dining privately with the Governor-designate Lieutenant General Edward Davis before flying back to Gibraltar this morning.
03-12-15 PANORAMAdailyGIBRALTAR
Gibunco Literary Festival reaches a radio audience of over two million in UK
December 03, 2015
Over two million radio listeners in UK received timely coverage of this year's Gibunco Gibraltar International Literary Festival thanks to a Gibraltar Tourist Board initiative with UK PR firm, Sound Creative.
A mix of commercial UK radio outlets and seven BBC regional stations between Scotland and the Channel Islands featured the local event, and carried extensive syndicated interviews with guest speakers, Nicholas Parsons and Maureen Lipman.
The two media celebrities who have become keen advocates of the Festival delivered key messages, and spoke at length about the cultural programme on offer. They also highlighted the wonderful hospitality afforded to all the participants by the organisers and Gibraltar as a whole.
Maureen told BBC Radio Cumbria that "the Festival just gets better every year," and was packed with a wide variety of talks and lectures to cater for everyone's literary tastes.
She said: "The Festival is helping to open people's eyes to the wonders of Gibraltar. Especially those who now prefer to go on holiday and learn rather than just sun worship."
The interviews also helped to promote Gibraltar internationally as a tourist destination and included references to the Rock's broader history and cultural uniqueness.
Just as an example, the reports carried by BBC Radio West Midlands and BFBS 2 on the first day of the Festival, reached an estimated audience of 219,000 and 200,000 listeners respectively.
Minister for Tourism Samantha Sacramento declared that the massive reach attained by the literary festival in UK augured well for future editions. She declared: "This excellent public relations initiative we have carried out in the UK this year will surely serve to heighten awareness about the Festival and its impressive array of speakers. "Activities like these help to encourage attendance at the 2016 edition of the festival which, I am confident, will again meet all out targets. Her Majesty's Government of Gibraltar is once again demonstrating its commitment to event-led tourism and delivering cultural events of the highest calibre."
03-12-15 PANORAMAdailyGIBRALTAR
Queen responds to 10,000-strong petition - but no plans to visit Gibraltar
December 03, 2015
Her Majesty the Queen greatly appreciates the loyalty of the people of Gibraltar but has no plans to visit Gibraltar for the foreseeable future with overseas travel very limited. These comments have come in a response from Buckingham Palace to the Deputy Chief Minister Dr Joseph Garcia following the submission of a petition containing 10,000 signatures which had been collected locally.
The petition, with a covering letter from Dr Garcia, was sent to Gibraltar House in London for forwarding to Buckingham Palace this summer. The response arrived during the general election campaign and the details are being disclosed at this time.
Dr Garcia met yesterday morning with three representatives of the group who collected the signatures, Mrs Liz Balban, Mrs Sheridan Borda and Mr Luis Edwards in order to convey the news and passthem a copy of the letter from the Palace.
The letter adds: "The United Kingdom and Gibraltar share a tight bond stretching back over three hundred years.
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. These anniversaries help us remember the countless sacrifices made by citizens of the United Kingdom and Gibraltar in defence of our shared values."
It recalls that Her Majesty conveyed her best wishes to HE the
Governor and the Chief Minister on 9 September following the joint congratulations sent when she became the longest reigning Monarch of the United Kingdom and its Overseas Territories.
03-12-15 PANORAMAdailyGIBRALTAR
Study of coastal and ground waters completed
December 03, 2015
The Department of the Environment and Climate Change has completed a characterisation study for Gibraltar's coastal and ground waters as part of its requirements and obligations under the EU's Water Framework Directive.
The characterisation study is comprised of two reports and is a culmination of the physio-chemical sampling, surveillance, and monitoring carried out by the department over the past 6 years.
The overall objective of the characterisation study as well as the Directive is to ensure that Gibraltar achieves and maintains good chemical and good ecological status throughout its coastal and groundwaters.
An important part of this process is to consult the public on the
general contents of both reports and invite any views and suggestions.
The reports titled "Gibraltar River Basin Management Plan 2015 to 2021 Main Report" and "Gibraltar River Basin Management Plan 2015 to 2021 Annexes", can be viewed at https://www.gibraltar.gov.gi/new/water.
* Comments can be submitted electronically via email to The Department of the Environment and Climate Change at: info.environment@gibraltar.gov.gi or alternatively sent to:
Department of the Environment and Climate Change
Duke of Kent House, Line Wall Road.
03-12-15 PANORAMAdailyGIBRALTAR
