GibViews

Hong Kong and Gibraltar similarities...

What is happening in Hong Kong at present is very telling is it not? Ceded to Britain by China in 1842; this once small “strategic” territory was under British rule. Then, after 156 years it reverted to Chinese sovereignty on the first of July 1997. This action taken, I have to add, was not at all popular with its citizens who never wished to be part of Mainland China and tried their best to fight against it.  Read more

No closure and no change

“The new world of Spain”; “The new Spaniards”; how many articles in magazines or journals have we come across with similar titles? All carrying stories which are appealing and interesting, because Spain, is after all, one of the oldest nation-states in Europe whose history is enveloped in countless conquests; whose deep rooted traditions have been the subject of passionate relates; whose bloody Spanish Civil War ignited such interest, that for the first time in the history of the world, its propaganda played a greater part than even the fight itself.  Read more

We must not forget our roots; we must not forget theirs

Franco’s signature continues to be written all over the country he ruled. By ensuring that the wounds left by the Civil War remain open so long, he appears to have inoculated his fellow Spaniards with the very intolerance he came to symbolize. Many of us wonder how this former dictatorship can be judged to have become a democracy. The thing is that democratisation in Spain is not set in stone as in other civilized and modern countries, but can be undone. Their democracy, like freedom and equality, is very much a matter of degree.  Read more

What happened to us was unforgivable and unforgettable

The UK Government knew full well what the outcome regarding the referendum would be; and yet despite what their intelligence gathering and sharp political awareness might have foreseen concerning the consequences; they offered us that morsel.  Read more

We are part of the family not foreigners

The last vestige of my childhood years in Gibraltar and for many others too, is soon to disappear from where it has stood since 1922. The Cross of Sacrifice, designed by Sir Reginald Bloomfield in 1917 to emphasize the military character of the cemetery, was originally located within North Front Cemetery. It was rebuilt and relocated after World War 11 in an area west of the North Front Cemetery.  Read more

DISTORTION AND FEARMONGERING WILL NOT SOLVE THE DRUGS PROBLEM

Opinion by MARLENE HASSAN NAHON, leader 'Together Gibraltar'

The Chief Minister is in no position to say that Together Gibraltar is trying to start a dangerous drugs experiment on the Rock. Maintaining the status quo and conveniently brushing serious issues like these under the carpet by twisting what has been said is what is dangerous and irresponsible. It is through constant close contact with recovering addicts that we have first-hand evidence of this portfolio not being given the importance it deserves, and that as a result, many people in our community are suffering daily. Read more

If we are required to tighten our belts, then we should all tighten our belts

Opinion by the GGCA

Every year, following the announcement of the Budget, civil and public servants are usually granted a ‘cost of living’ rise in salary. The idea behind this is that income should rise in accordance with inflation – when the RPI increases and salaries stay stagnant, over time, employees’ salaries begin to depreciate. The cost of living raise guarantees that civil and public servants’ income is protected against inflation and it means that salaries, following the raise, in effect retain the same purchasing power.  Read more

It’s all humbug!

It is common to come across sites on the Internet where reports have been put together by Spanish intellectuals on the subject of Gibraltar. Reports which speak of the toxic influences of the Rock on Spain and describing us as upstarts who need to be put in our place; whilst at the same time urging the Government of the day to take the dispute to International forums and tribunals, with a strategic option to be followed over the coming years. For if nothing concrete is done in the meantime, it is feared they run the risk of an event such as the UK`s exit from the EU, or a change of tack in the UN`s position on territories pending decolonisation, as taking over the initiation dictating of Spain’s policy.  Read more