God and the Archangel Gabriel create a paradise called Gibraltar... but...

God and the Archangel Gabriel were sitting on a cloud one day.

God said, "I know... let's create a Rock and call it Gibraltar!"

Gabriel took notes.

"We shall site it where it is warm in the summer but not too cold in the winter."

Gabriel scribbled away frantically.

"We'll make the people good natured, kind and tolerant of all races and religions" God boomed.

Gabriel replied, "Even the Jews and Muslims?"

"Yes. Even them" God replied nodding.

"We will place the Rock close to the ocean and sea, so that seafarers can stop and rest and mix with these lovely people. This Rock shall be beautiful with wild animals and flowers and in this Rock I want caves with stalagmites and stalactites that generations can see and enjoy."

Gabriel scribbled away.

"On their shores we shall create reefs and provide plentiful fish for food and enjoyment... And give them beaches with fine white sand and make sure they have clean seas."

At this point, Gabriel stopped taking notes and he looked up at his Master.

"Lord, why are you being so generous with these people?"

The Lord smiled. "Well, my son, I haven't told you yet who their neighbours are going to be!"

With thanks to Tommy for sharing this with me!

Gibraltar voting today in European Parliament elections

For the second time in its history, Gibraltar is today participating in elections for the European Parliament.

Over the next few days, some 375 million voters in 27 countries will go to the polls across Europe.

Gibraltar is part of the South West England Region constituency which also includes the Scilly Isles.

Writing in the Gibraltar Chronicle today, Brian Reyes reports the polling stations in Gibraltar opened early this morning and will remain open until 10pm tonight.

He recalls how Gibraltar had to fight hard to win the right to vote in European elections. The first time it did so was in 2004, when 57% of voters turned out to cast their ballot papers and included the first ever Gibraltarian, Lyana Armstrong-Emery who stood for election for the Green Party.

That percentage was significantly higher than the average turnout across Europe, which stood at just over 45%.

There are 20,413 eligible voters on the Gibraltar electoral register and officials are hopeful of a high turnout today.

"Despite high-profile canvassing by many candidates over recent weeks", writes Brian Reyes, "yesterday on Main Street there was none of the fevered discussion associated with a general election".

There was a general air of indifference, though some voters were passionately discussing – often in close detail – the pros and cons of voting for any particular party or candidate.

For many voters, the EU election presents them with a confusing array of choices.

At the polling station today, voters will have to pick from a list of 16 parties and candidates that campaigned in the South West region of the UK, the Scilly Isles and of course, Gibraltar, which has been visited recently by the 'big guns' from most of the main parties, including, Douglas Hague for the Conservatives and Simon Hughes from the Liberal Democrats.

Graham Watson MEP, who has been relentless in his support for Gibraltar and its interest in the Strasbourg Parliament during the last five years, particularly on human rights and the environment, also visited to support his local Liberal Democrat colleague and candidate, Jonathan Stagnetto (on the right of the picture with Graham Watson), the only Gibraltarian standing for this election.

It is largely due to Mr Watson, with his support for a Gibraltar candidate, that Gibraltar has its own Gibraltarian representative, in Jonathan Stagnetto, who is standing within the list of the only major party that has shown this important initiative on Gibraltar's behalf.

Some of the other candidates, says the Chronicle report, will be well known to everyone, including the three main UK political parties, while others may be more obscure. Still others will be known for different reasons, including one independent candidate Katie Hopkins who is an English Reality Television contestant, businesswoman and journalist, best known for her 2007 appearance on the third UK series of TV reality programme The Apprentice.

The South West/Gibraltar region has been allocated six MEPs, reduced from seven seats at the last election. The voting system is based on proportional representation and voters must pick just one choice out of the list of 16 on offer.

The party or independent candidate with the most votes will win the first of the six seats.

The subsequent seats will be allocated using a quota system designed to give a chance to parties or candidates with a smaller voter base than the main contenders.

The more seats a party wins, the harder it is to gain extra seats.

That means that the overall allocation of seats is more proportional to the number of votes received.

Parties have presented up to six candidates and each of the seats they win will be allocated in running order.

That means, writes Mr Reyes, "that candidates at the end of their respective lists – for example Jonathan Stagnetto, who is standing with the Liberal Democrats and is the only local candidate – are highly unlikely to win a seat". Quite so... but you never know!

Although the voting is taking place in Gibraltar today, the ballots will not be counted until Sunday evening and the results will not be known until later that night.

Meanwhile, the Gibraltar Government yesterday evening issued a statement that calls on voters in Gibraltar to "participate in the elections by casting a vote".

"In the Government’s view, people in Gibraltar should vote for the party that in their judgement and opinion, is best for Gibraltar, our sovereignty, self-determination and EU interests. This requires an assessment of past record, as well as, the commitment as a party to uphold Gibraltar’s interests in the future."

To my mind... no question who that might be. The Liberal Democrats win hands down... all due to the great work Graham Watson the LibDem MEP has done on Gibraltar's behalf at the European Parliament!

I have much enjoyed supporting Jonathan Stagnetto, helping his campaign on his Facebook Group. In a 'thank you' note to the Group last night, Jonathan wrote:

I would like to take this opportunity of thanking you for the tremendous support that you have all given me as the only candidate from Gibraltar contesting these European elections.

It has made life much easier for me to know that so many of you actually took the time to sign-up to this Facebook Group in support of my campaign.

I would also like to thank the Liberal Democrats for having included me on their list. They have shown that only a visionary political party like the Liberal Democrats had the courage to make a commitment of this type and at this level. I have no doubt that this decision to include a Gibraltarian in their list has made these elections more relevant to Gibraltar. It has proven the Liberal Democrat commitment to Gibraltar, particularly that of current MEP Graham Watson and his team.

I urge all of you who are eligible, to go out tomorrow, Thursday 4th June and vote Liberal Democrat!

Hopefully this campaign can prove to be the prelude to greater Gibraltarian involvement in Europe and a greater participation in future European elections.

Thanks again for your support!!

I think Jonathan has fulfilled his wishes. He has conducted a very dignified campaign and, in my somewhat biased view admittedly, I think he has "made these elections more relevant to Gibraltar". It's certainly proven the Liberal Democrat's and Graham Watson's commitment to Gibraltar, that's for sure.

For myself... it has been a pleasure and a privilege to help, albeit in a small way and I offer the Liberal Democrats in Gibraltar and Jonathan Stagnetto in particular, my very best wishes for the future, whatever the outcome is in Sunday's result!

You can follow the Election and view the results when they are announced here: BBC NEWS | Special Reports | Election 09

Gibraltar MEP candidate Jonathan Stagnetto interviewed in Gibraltar Chronicle

Gibraltarian Jonathan Stagnetto, who is standing for election, under the Liberal Democrats list in Thursday's vote for the European Parliament in the Gibraltar and South West England Region constituency, is interviewed in today's Gibraltar Chronicle.

Talking to Paco Oliva, Jonathan Stagnetto says he is delighted to think he may be "setting a trend and opening the way for other Gibraltarians to form part of party lists at future European elections". He says his presence at these elections is "a positive development" which will serve to make them more relevant to the Gibraltarian electorate.

"Without a Gibraltarian presence, the people (of Gibraltar) would have been faced with a choice of UK parties and UK candidates that they would have found even harder to relate to.

Jonathan Stagnetto believes that, in political terms, the Liberal Democrat decision to select him reflects a solid commitment to Gibraltar "which has not been matched by anyone else" and adds that his "responsibility" will be "to provide an input of Gibraltar matters directly into the party line-up".

"The LibDems already had binding policy resolutions adopted at Conference, supporting Gibraltar at a UK, European and global level. My candidature takes this support and commitment to Gibraltar one step further."

Jonathan has also consistently declared, as he does again in the Chronicle interview, that his personal view has always been that Gibraltar should have its own MEP, its own seat and its own representation in the European Parliament. However, he also realises that, whilst this is something he would want to work for, this is not how things are at the moment and accepts that "we need to work within the system that exists at present".

This is one of the fundamental reasons I decided to support him... as I too have been saying for a long time, even before Gibraltar got the European election franchise in 2004, that Gibraltar should have its own representative in the European Parliament!

In the interview, Jonathan goes on to assert his belief that the current system has its advantages "since the Rock will have six MEPs as opposed to just one".

"It is up to the local electorate to remember which of them perform for Gibraltar, and which ones should no longer be considered worthy of the Gibraltar vote!"

No points for guessing who his choice might be!

For myself, I think both Graham Watson MEP and Neil Parish MEP have both supported Gibraltar very well in the European Parliament during the last five years.

Sadly, and even though I support the LibDems I say this sincerely, Neil Parish has now set his sites on Westminster and will be stepping down. He’s hoping to win a usually safe seat in Devon currently held by Angela Browning MP. Mr Parish has been a regular campaigner on the environmental issues arising from the Campo industries and in the Bay of Gibraltar and I will be sorry to see him go. I wish him well.

My own support, were I to be voting in this constituency, would be firmly with Graham Watson, who has also been relentless in his support for Gibraltar and its interest in the Strasbourg Parliament, particularly on human rights and the environment.

It is largely due to Mr Watson, with his support for a Gibraltar candidate, that Gibraltar has its own Gibraltarian representative, in Jonathan Stagnetto, who is standing within the list of the only major party that has shown this important initiative on Gibraltar's behalf.

Mr Waston is also the Leader of the European Parliament's Liberal Democrat group (ALDE - the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe).

So my vote would be very much a vote for the Liberal Democrat list... to ensure that Graham Watson remains one of the principal MEPs to represent Gibraltar. A vote for the Liberal Democrats, not only will ensure Mr Watson is re-elected but with enough support for the LibDem list, not just in Gibraltar but elsewhere in the constituency, the unlikely possibility of Jonathan Stagnetto winning a seat in the European Parliament, could become a reality. A slim chance I know... but a possible one! We can dream can't we?

As for the other main party's candidates, I have no idea where they've been over the last five years... and I follow Gibraltar politics closely!

About Jonathan Stagnetto

Jonathan Stagnetto is the only Gibraltarian who is standing as a candidate in the elections for the European Parliament.

He has been an Executive Member of the Liberal Party of Gibraltar for 18 years and is a past party chairman and election agent. He is standing as part of the Liberal Democrats list.

Support for Gibraltar MEP Candidate - How you can help

Support for Jonathan Stagnetto, on his Facebook Group, has grown rapidly during the short time since it was set up, with over 370 members as I write.

If you haven't done so already, why not join us and help support Jonathan's Campaign for Europe?

If you have family or friends in Gibraltar or living or perhaps studying in the constituency areas of the UK, you can also help by inviting them to join the Facebook group and support and vote for Jonathan.

Support our Gibraltarian candidate... Vote for the Liberal Democrat list on the 4th June and help elect the first Gibraltarian to the European Parliament!

Gibraltar and the European Elections 'Early Day Motion' tabled in UK Parliament

I was very pleased and encouraged to hear of an 'Early Day Motion' tabled in the UK's House of Commons last week, by Lindsay Hoyle MP (Labour, Chorley Lancs), the Chairman of the 'All Party Gibraltar Lobby Group' in Pariament.

'Gibraltar and the European Elections' - 'Early Day Motion' - 14.05.2009 - Tabled in the House of Commons

"That this House notes the great enthusiasm demonstrated by Gibraltarians in exercising their right to vote in the European elections as part of South West England constituency; notes with admiration that in 2004 the turnout at 60 per cent. was nearly double the UK average; acknowledges the battle that Gibraltarians fought for their right to vote at the European Court of Human Rights; commends the level of political awareness and eagerness to express themselves democratically; and hopes the high turnout tradition will be recognised and influence the wider European electorate."

Four MPs (to date) have joined Mr Hoyle and signed the 'Early Day Motion'. These are: David Crausby, Jim Dobbin, Peter Bottomley and Andrew Dismore.

As Chairman of the 'All Party Gibraltar Lobby Group' in Parliament, Mr Hoyle is a long time supporter of Gibraltar and regularly promotes and highlights many issues important to Gibraltar, with questions in the UK House of Commons.

Support for Gibraltar MEP Candidate - How you can help

Gibraltarian Jonathan Stagnetto (on the right) has put himself forward as a candidate and will be standing for election in the forthcoming vote for the European Parliament in the Gibraltar and South West England Region constituency on 4th June 2009, as part of the UK Liberal Democrats List.

You can support Jonathan Stagnetto, in his campaign to put Gibraltar 'on the map' during the European Parliamentary Election, on his Facebook Group. If you haven't done so already, why not join over 300 people who have already voiced their support for Jonathan's Campaign for Gibraltar in Europe?

If you have family or friends in Gibraltar or living or perhaps studying in the constituency areas of the UK, you can also help by inviting them to join the Facebook group and support and vote for Jonathan.

Support our Gibraltarian candidate... Vote for the Liberal Democrat list on the 4th June and help to try and elect the first Gibraltarian to the European Parliament!

Read more about Jonathan Stagnetto, his candidacy and campaign for Gibraltar and the Liberal Democrats in the European Parliamentary Election here

BBC News on how Gibraltar can sway UK poll results... is no news at all

As regular readers will know, I am supporting and helping Gibraltarian Jonathan Stagnetto, in his campaign for election in the forthcoming vote for the European Parliament in the Gibraltar and South West England Region constituency on 4th June 2009.

I was therefore quite interested and a little excited to see this headline, 'How Gibraltar can sway UK poll results' from BBC News, in my Google alerts this morning.

Unfortunately, when I came to read this article, I found it rather lacking, very disappointing... and I have to say, the headline is very misleading!

Writing for the BBC News website, Stephen Chittenden has missed (or chosen to ignore) a rather important point.... when he wrote:

As Gibraltarians prepare to vote again, there is talk in some newspapers of getting an MEP all of their own. That remains an unlikely prospect in a place with such a small electorate.

An 'unlikely prospect' maybe... but the fact is, in this Euro Election, Gibraltar will have the opportunity to vote for our very own Gibraltarian candidate, namely, Jonathan Stagnetto (right), who is standing under the Liberal Democrat List!

This salient fact is, not only historically important, but also very exciting for most Gibraltarians, who can vote in the hope of getting our own Gibraltar voice in the European Parliament, and Mr Chittenden, one would have thought, is aware of it and should have said so in his article!

Now... is the possibility of getting Gibraltarian Jonathan Stagnetto elected an 'unlikely prospect'? Possibly. There are 88 candidates standing for election in the constituency of Gibraltar and the South West Region of the UK, including the incumbent MEP Graham Watson (who has done a very good job for Gibraltar during his tenure) and Jonathan Stagnetto among the total of 6 in the Liberal Democrats list. This, to elect only 6 MEPs. So yes, the prospects for Gibraltar to elect our own representative is unlikely. Nevertheless, the fact remains... since he IS standing, it is a possibility!

However, to my mind and as Jonathan himself states in his 'Mission Statement' on his Facebook Support Group, the important thing is... "to make these European elections relevant to the Gibraltarian electorate". I agree and I believe he is certainly doing that.

Gibraltar can sway UK poll results?

I was also disappointed with this article, because having titillated this reader with the headline, 'How Gibraltar can sway UK poll results', Mr Chittenden does absolutely nothing to explain why he thinks Gibraltar can sway the UK poll results. Having been made curious by the headline... I remain completely mystified!

Gibraltar enthusiasm for Euro Poll

While Mr Chittenden makes a few good points, such as the fact that Gibraltarians vote with far greater enthusiasm than their UK counterparts, (at 60% turnout - double the turnout in the last Euro election than the UK managed) other facts seem to me to have been a little 'rushed' if not badly researched.

Mr Chittenden claims that "approximately 18,000 voters of Gibraltar will help to choose who represents South West England in the European Parliament". In fact, only last Friday, a report in the Gibraltar Chronicle quoted Gibraltar's Electoral returning officer Melvyn Farrell, the Clerk to the Gibraltar Parliament, who said that as of 17th April 2009, there were 20,357 persons in Gibraltar, registered and eligible to vote in the European Parliamentary election on 4th June 2009.

All in all... a rather disappointing article from the BBC's man, reporting on Gibraltar's participation and 'swaying of the UK poll' in the forthcoming European Elections. Must and can do better methinks!

The resulting BBC report was broadcast on BBC Radio 4's 'PM' programme yesterday. It is available for the next seven days on the BBC's iPlayer here.

The Gibraltar clip, including Jonathan's 15 seconds of 'fame and glory' is on minute 46' of the programme.

Please bear in mind this clip is only available on the BBC iPlayer during the next 7 days. (You can listen to radio in BBC iPlayer if you are outside the UK. As long as the computer you are using has RealPlayer correctly installed, you should be able to listen live and listen again normally, just as you can in the UK. Find out more in this guide).


Support for Gibraltar MEP Candidate - How you can help

In a matter of days, support for Jonathan Stagnetto, on his Facebook Group, has grown rapidly and is now standing at 252 as I write.

If you haven't done so already, why not join us and help support Jonathan's Campaign for Europe?

If you have family or friends in Gibraltar or living or perhaps studying in the constituency areas of the UK, you can also help by inviting them to join the Facebook group and support and vote for Jonathan.

Support our Gibraltarian candidate... Vote for the Liberal Democrat list on the 4th June and help elect the first Gibraltarian to the European Parliament!

Correction

I am indebted to Brian (see comments below) who has quite rightly corrected me on the fact that Jonathan Stagnetto is NOT the first Gibraltarian to stand for the European Parliamentary elections. In my original post, I wrote that this was the 'first time ever' that Gibraltarians can vote for a Gibraltarian.

In fact, that credit belongs to Lyana Armstrong-Emery.

In the 2004 European Parliament election, the first time Gibraltar was able to vote in these elections, Lyana Armstrong-Emery, the former leader of the now defunct Gibraltar Reform Party, secured a place on the UK's Green Party list for the Gibraltar and the South West region and stood as the first ever Gibraltarian candidate. Her campaign helped the Green Party to third place in the election in Gibraltar.

I have now corrected my post... and thanks again Brian. My apologies to Lyana!

More information here: Lyana Armstrong-Emery - Information @ Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Support grows for Jonathan Stagnetto Gibraltar MEP Candidate campaign on Facebook

As you may have read in my post last Thursday, Gibraltarian Jonathan Stagnetto is standing for election in the forthcoming vote for the European Parliament in the Gibraltar and South West England Region constituency on 4th June 2009.

As a lifetime LibDem supporter myself, I was particularly delighted to hear of his standing, not only because I have been longing for Gibraltarian representation in the European Parliament for a very long time, but also and especially, because Jonathan is standing as part of the list of the Liberal Democrats party.

In order to give Jonathan my support, I offered my help and I am delighted to say I am now one of the Admins on the Facebook Group that has been set up in support of Jonathan Stagnetto - Gibraltarian MEP Candidate.

This Facebook Group has been set up to provide a focus and forum for news updates about Jonathan's campaign and gives supporters an opportunity to comment and share their thoughts and ideas on ways to promote his campaign. The Group is open to everyone and of course, we would very much welcome your support!

Please visit the 'Jonathan Stagnetto - Gibraltarian MEP Candidate' Facebook Group page to learn how you too can help in Jonathan's MEP Candidacy Campaign... and help get the first ever Gibraltarian MEP elected to the European Parliament!

European Parliament Election preparations

The European Parliamentary Constituency of Gibraltar and South West England Region of the UK comprises the ceremonial counties of Bristol, Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire.

Voters, both in Gibraltar and the UK areas of the constituency, have begun receiving their poll cards by post as preparations for the forthcoming European elections gather speed.

According to a report in the Gibraltar Chronicle today, as of 17th April 2009, there were 20,357 persons in Gibraltar, registered and eligible to vote in the European Parliamentary election on 4th June 2009.

Last Friday, Gibraltar's Electoral returning officer Melvyn Farrell, the Clerk to the Gibraltar Parliament, urged anyone who has not yet received their poll card to check with his team at Parliament House. Mr Farrell warned:

"If they haven’t received their poll card, it could be because it hasn’t been delivered yet or because they are not on the electoral register."

The deadline to ensure voters are on the register is 19th May 2009. That day is also the deadline for registration to vote by post.

Gibraltar voters have in the past turned out in high numbers to elect their representatives to the European parliament.

At the last election in 2004, some 57% of eligible voters in Gibraltar cast their ballot papers, well above the UK average which was 30%.

The elections are being held across Europe during the first week of June, with different countries polling on different days.

Gibraltar is included within the South West Region constituency of the European Parliament. For the first time ever, a Gibraltarian, Jonathan Stagnetto, is standing for election as part of the Liberal Democrats candidate list.

The region is being managed by the regional returning officer Paul Morris, who will visit Gibraltar later this month. This will be Mr Morris' third visit to date, to talk to the local election team.

In the coming days, Mr Farrell and his team will begin physical preparations for the count at the John Mackintosh Hall.

Although the election is on 4th June, the count will not take place until several days later, with the ballot boxes kept in the Supreme Court during the interim period.

As in local elections, there will be 12 polling stations in various districts around Gibraltar. "People can expect to vote where they normally go,” Mr Farrell said.

As well as Mr Farrell’s election team, a further 60 volunteers from the Civil Service will be drafted in to help run the polling stations. Another 36 volunteers will help with the count itself.

Support for Gibraltar MEP Candidate - How you can help

In a matter of days, support for Jonathan Stagnetto, on his Facebook Group, has grown rapidly and is now standing at 204 as I write.

If you haven't done so already, why not join us and help support Jonathan's Campaign for Europe? If you have family or friends in Gibraltar or living or perhaps studying in the constituency areas of the UK, you can also help by inviting them to join the Facebook group and support and vote for Jonathan.

Support our Gibraltarian candidate... Vote for the Liberal Democrat list on the 4th June and help elect the first Gibraltarian to the European Parliament!

Liberal Democrat Policy for Europe

In addition to representing and supporting Gibraltar's interests and issues in the European Parliament, Jonathan Stagnetto will also be supporting the Liberal Democrats policies for Europe.

These policies include greater focus on policy reform and improving existing common policies in order to bring about real change within the EU, through whatever institutional framework exists; stronger environmental policies; transfer of 30% of agricultural expenditure into a Rural Development budget, focused on environmental improvements; vigorous support for further economic reform and for the completion of the Single Market; strong UK backing for measures in the Freedom, Security and Justice (FSJ) area, such as tackling terrorism, fighting international crime and better justice for UK citizens within the EU; more accountability in budget-setting in general and in regional policy; fines for member states for poor financial management of EU funds; and leadership from the UK on improved EU defence co-operation including on procurement.

You can view more detailed Liberal Democrats policies for Europe here.

Gibraltarian LibDem candidate in June Euro parliament elections

I read with great interest, that Gibraltarian Jonathan Stagnetto (on the right) has put himself forward as a candidate and will be standing for election in the forthcoming vote for the European Parliament in the Gibraltar and South West England Region constituency on 4th June 2009!

I am particularly delighted, being a long time LibDem supporter myself, to see he will be standing as part of the list of the UK Liberal Democrats.

A report in Friday's edition of the Gibraltar Chronicle said Mr Stagnetto "hopes Gibraltar’s electorate and voters in England’s south-west region will make him the first Gibraltarian MEP... and so do I!

Mr Stagnetto, who is married and has four children, comes from a very well known, highly respected and liked local family. He is the founder and managing director of Form-A-Co a Trust management business dealing with the registration of yachts, businesses, residency and offshore related matters in Gibraltar.

Gibraltar's Liberal party leader Dr Joseph Garcia welcomed the news and said:

"This is a very positive move which means that voters in Gibraltar will now have the choice of voting for a list which includes a Gibraltarian."

According to the Chronicle, Mr Stagnetto has been an Executive Member of the Liberal Party of Gibraltar for 18 years. He is also a former Chairman and Election Agent of the party.

He has attended Liberal Democrat party conferences in Brighton twice and was also at the Bournemouth conference in 2008. Mr Stagnetto has also participated in Liberal International political events in Oxford and Gibraltar.

The inclusion of Mr Stagnetto in the Liberal Democrat list has followed lengthy discussions between the Liberal Party in Gibraltar and the South West Liberal Democrats in the UK. This was agreed in principle with the region’s Liberal Democrat MEP Graham Watson some time ago and advantage has now been taken of the opportunity to include a Gibraltarian in the coming elections.

Commenting on the new candidate, Dr Garcia said:

"Mr Stagnetto’s position as a candidate is therefore a reflection of the strong links which exist between the Gibraltar Liberals and the UK Liberal Democrats and it reaffirms their strong commitment to Gibraltar.

It will be recalled that the party has adopted and supported policy resolutions in the past in defence of the European rights of the people of Gibraltar and of the right to self-determination.

The decision that a Gibraltarian should stand is also a reflection of Graham Watson’s personal commitment to the people of Gibraltar. This has been evident since before he became Gibraltar’s MEP."

Mr Watson has been very active as a supporter of Gibraltar. In 2002 he chaired a meeting of the European Liberal Democrats in Bath which adopted a strong resolution backing Gibraltar in Europe. This support was also further seen as recently as six months ago when he brought here a group of Liberal MEPs from 12 different countries to learn more about Gibraltar. The Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE) is the only political group from the European Parliament that has officially met in Gibraltar. This is due to Graham Watson’s efforts on Gibraltar's behalf... efforts which I also have noted and been very grateful to him for in the past.

Commenting on his candidature Jonathan Stagnetto said he is "doing this for all of Gibraltar" because he feels very strongly that "there should be a Gibraltarian element in these European elections".

"The decision to include me in their list shows a level of commitment to Gibraltar on the part of Graham Watson and the Liberal Democrats that speaks for itself.

I will now be able to provide a Gibraltarian perspective to the line-up and am looking forward to the invaluable political experience of standing for election in Gibraltar and South West England."

My congratulations to Jonathan Stagnetto! I will certainly be offering my support to him... in the hope that we can finally get Gibraltar's own voice and representaton in the European Parliament. Something I have hoped and asked for, for many years!

Support for Jonathan Stagnetto

A Facebook Group has now been set up in support of Jonathan Stagnetto - Gibraltar MEP Candidate. I just joined and I very much hope you will join me in supporting Jonathan and getting our first Gibraltarian (and Liberal Democrat to boot) voice in Europe!!

Gibraltar... or Fraggle Rock the home of tea swilling crumpet eating money laundering pirate monkeys since the cavepeople

Did you know that Gibraltar was a large rock inhabited by cavepeople until 1704... since when it has been "lorded over by the British"?

Did you know that it is universally accepted that Gibraltar must never fall to the Spanish "because the monkeys WILL leave"?

Apparently, Oscar Wilde once said... "lets not pretend that Gibraltar is anything more than a rock"... and no he didn't invent the term 'Fraggle Rock' for it... and having said that, neither do I have any idea who did!

How well do you know Gibraltar's history? I bet you didn't know that in the 1700s Gibraltar was captured by evil fascist money laundering pirates who spoke Gibberish and were sent by the evil General Franco... or that the day was saved by James Bond who used his secret agent British skills to trick the pirates into jumping off the top of the rock like lemmings!

Are you aware that since 1704, when the British took over Gibraltar, Gibraltarians have been British and drink tea and eat crumpets with the rest of them? Well that is a fact. As is the fact that it was agreed it would be British forever under the Treaty of Utrecht and the Spanish have been trying to break that ever since. That IS mostly definitely... a fact!

Now... this may be true too. The people of Gibraltar are possibly the most confused people in existence, or who have ever existed.

A typical family group can be seen in this picture above.

They all speak Gibberish - in fact, they invented the language. They scorn the Slops, otherwise erroneously named (but not in my view) the Spanish, and the Giris, i.e. anyone else not from Gibraltar.

Fraggle Rock (as it should be more properly known) and it´s hangers on also expect everything for nothing, having been cocooned from birth from the outside world, and spoilt rotten by their mothers. Whatever you do when visiting Fraggle Rock, for God's sake don't try to chat up any Fraggle women. Fraggle men will immediately try to kill you, as they view all women in Fraggle Rock as a rare commodity available to only them.... and I have to say, what's wrong with that?

Uncyclopedia

All these gems and many other morsels of great import... can be found in Gibraltar - Uncyclopedia, the content-free encyclopedia... a spoof website of Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia,. Perhaps it has to be said, whilst Wikipedia is a great and very informative site, sometimes it does take itself a little too seriously. Then again... perhaps as it should be.

Gibraltar - Uncyclopedia is hilariously funny and well worth a visit... and I congratulate whoever has created or contributed to this very funny satirical compendium of useless and totally untrue... well actually nearly totally untrue bits and pieces of information about Gibraltar. I much enjoyed the visit!

Wikipedia - The REAL free encyclopedia

A more truer (well pretty much) version and possibly more accurate information page on Gibraltar can be found at Gibraltar - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Why don't Gibraltarians want to be Spanish?

Why don't Gibraltarians want to be Spanish? Now... there's a question!

This question was just asked by a Google user, who arrived on my blog after putting that question in as his/her search term on Google. The Google user was directed to a post I made a little while back asking "Can Gibraltarians ever envisage a Spanish Gibraltar?".

I'm afraid I don't think the google user will have been able to find the answer to his/her question on that post... which is a shame... as it is a good question.

That blog post largely deals with an interview given by Peter Montegriffo, in which he talked about aspects of Gibraltar's sovereignty, saying the time was "not right for us to address the sovereignty issue". I then raised the question on whether Gibraltarians could ever "envisage a Spanish Gibraltar" and went on to explore the future and the possibility of "a Gibraltarian Gibraltar"... possibly in the form of a micro-State within the European Union.

So, whilst an interesting subject for further exploration, I doubt whether this google user today, found an answer to his question on "why don't Gibraltarians want to be Spanish?".

Actually... as a quick aside... I am often much amused by the queries people use, on Google and other search engines... and how they arrive on my blog! One user recently, was directed to one of my monthly blog archive pages, (where posts from the whole month are listed) following a google query for "pollution in my twat"!!! This one really made me roll around laughing! Clever google... saw that I had a couple of blog posts on that archive page... one a rant about pollution in the Bay of Gibraltar... and another post ranting on about my "Twat of the Week" (who happened to be the infamous twat and wanker banker Fred Goodwin that week)... so google thought it appropriate to direct this unfortunate user to my page!! ha ha I'm pretty sure this user did not find an answer to what sounds to me a rather strange and worrying condition... and I do hope she (I can only assume that was a female user) has now found suitable and appropriate medical advice!

Another Google search just this morning... this time from Saudi Arabia arrived on a post on 'Nuclear submarine collision in Gibraltar... what if?' by searching for "gibraltar nuclear weapons store"!! Now that's a bit worrying!

I could go on... but anyhow... apologies for my digressing... I shall get back to trying to answer this question today!

So... why don't Gibraltarians want to be Spanish? Well, the answer, as an uninformed reader might imagine... is... for many reasons... and I'm not sure where to start??

The first thing that comes to my head is to ask... well, why should a Gibraltarian want to be Spanish?

In the same way... why would a Frenchman not want to be English? After all... these two countries are geographically next to each other and have shared many parallels through history. Or... why would a Scotsman not want to be English... they've been neighbours and have shared a nationality (British... through the Act of Union) for hundreds of years haven't they? Why might an Australian not want to be a Kiwi New Zealander? Again... they're just across the pacific from each other. The obvious answer to all these questions is... because they ARE French... or because he IS a Scot.... or an Aussie! Quite simple really!

A Gibraltarian would not want to be Spanish... because he IS a British Gibraltarian... and because that is what we have been for even longer than the USA has existed... Gibraltar has been British for over 300 years.... since 1704... so the real question should be... why should a Gibraltarin want to be Spanish? The question should just not arise. Quite simply, the answer being why should he?

I cannot answer for each and every Gibraltarians naturally... and this is just my humble view... but I have a feeling I am in a very large majority... and the vast majority of Gibraltarians would agree with me.

But... let's explore what to my mind is more to the point... why do Gibraltarians choose to remain British? You see, unlike most other British people around the world and through history, most have never been given the choice... but Gibraltarians have... two times in fact... since 1967, Gibraltarians have had the option put to us... to democractially choose whether we wish to remain under British sovereignty... or come under Spanish sovereignty! We are getting a bit fed up with having to answer the question actually!

Historic Referenda

In successive Referenda (Referendums if you like) on the sovereignty of Gibraltar, Gibraltarians have voted democraticlly and emphatically to remain British:

• 1967 - Gibraltar's first sovereignty referendum was held on 10 September 1967, in which Gibraltarian voters were asked whether they wished to either pass under Spanish sovereignty, or remain under British sovereignty, with institutions of self-government. Gibraltarians voted overwhelmingly by 12,138 (99.19% of the electorate) to 44 to remain under British sovereignty.

• 2002 - The Government of Gibraltar called a referendum on 7 November 2002 to establish the popular support for a proposal to share sovereignty of the territory with Spain. The result was a massive rejection of the concept. The actual voting was as follows: 18176 voted representing 87.9% of the electorate. There were 89 papers spoilt of which 72 were blank. Of the 18,087 valid ballots 187 voted YES, and 17,900 voted NO.
• 2006 - Futhermore, a referendum on the proposed new constitution of Gibraltar was held on 30 November 2006. After being accepted by 60.24% of voters, the new constitution came into effect on the 2nd of January 2007. Turnout was low at 60.4%. It has been speculated that the relatively low margin with which the constitution passed was a response to the unpopularity of the Cordoba Accords (a tripartite agreement on co-operation between the Governments of the UK, Spain and Gibraltar) among some segments of the electorate (who were unhappy about any agreement with Spain), and a confusion between these two issues .

So, as you can see... it's pretty emphatic. Gibraltarians do NOT want to come under Spanish sovereignty.

As to more specific reasons why... well, these are quite complex. Other than what I have already explained and I suppose each Gibraltarian has his or her own view and very passionate ones they are too... for myself, it's about values!

I strongly value the long established British values of freedom, democracy, justice, freedom of speech, human rights and the embracing of mixed cultures, creeds and religions within our society.

Spain... has a long way to go on all those values... before one could even begin to compare the two cultures and traditions. Granted, Spain has come a long way since Franco's day... and especially since its integration with the European Union... but their democracy is still in its infancy... and they still have a long way to go... before they fully catch up!

Having said that, I have no problem with Spain and the Spanish people... though I do resent the constant bullying by Spanish politicians and Spain's belligerent politics, at times, towards Gibraltar.

But... as far as Spain and its people are concerned... I have always been a lover of it's wealth of culture, gastronomy, the way of and quality of life and the warmth of the people. Throughout my life, I have loved all these aspects of Spain and what it can provide and I am very well aware of these hugely positive things about Spain... NONE of which make me want to BE Spanish! I am very happy and content being what I am... a very proud Briish Gibraltarian!

If you are interested in exploring these further, the best thing I would suggest you do is to have a look at this Gibraltar Documentary Film. This film was a project produced by Garrett Wesley Gibbons, an American student at Brigham Young University. It is a very good documentary, primarily describing what a Gibraltarin (also known as a 'Llanito') is all about... and why we value our Britishness.

I hope this blog post has gone some way towards answering the question of why Gibraltarians don't want to be Spanish. I suspect there are many questions unanswered though... and if you have any... by all means ask away using the 'Comments' system below.

If you are Gibraltarian... and want to say why YOU don't want to be Spanish... then please feel free to comment below.

All comments, as always, will be very welcome. (Please note... abusive or racist anti-Gibraltarian nonsense will be deleted!)

Saludos!

Can Gibraltarians ever envisage a Spanish Gibraltar?

Can Llanitos... Gibraltarians, ever envisage a Spanish Gibraltar? There's a question to ponder!

Personally, I don't think so. For ANY Gibraltarian, certainly of my generation, the possibility of a Spanish Gibraltar is anathema... it's simply unthinkable!

My question arises following recent comments apparently made by Peter Montegriffo, the former GSD (Gibraltar Social Democrats) minister, in an interview with the Campo de Gibraltar newspaper, Europa Sur.

I tried searching for this interview but was unable to find it in Europa Sur online. I can only assume it was only carried in the offline version.

I did however, find some 'third party' comments on this interview. Gibraltar's Panorama online carried an article on it yesterday and my colleague, Sancho, blogging over at Tilting at Windmills also made some interesting comments.

Peter Montegriffo is a lawyer and partner in Gibraltar law firm Hassans. He was Minister for Trade and Industry, with responsibility for economic development and financial services, in the first GSD Government, (deputy to Peter Caruana, the Chief Minister), between May 1996 and February 2000, when he resigned from politics to 'pursue other interests'.

Whilst Montegriffo comments on political matters from time to time, he has officially been out of politics since his resignation from government. Many however, believe he is merely biding his time until the present Chief Minister, Peter Caruana, steps down. It is thought that he will then 'throw his hat' into the GSD leadership race that will ensue.

In his blog comment, Sancho said:

Given that when the two big beasts of Gibraltar politics, Caruana and Bossano, step down the leadership of the Rock will be in a state of flux, it would be a brave man (or woman) that rules Montegriffo out of the top job. His views should be listened to.

Sancho may be over dramatising this... but he may have a point. Montegriffo certainly seems to have the attention of a few influential people in political circles... and not just in Gibraltar but across the border too. Montegriffo has long been the secretary of 'Mar del Sur', a Spanish socio-cultural association which seeks collaboration between the two sides of the frontier. The group is thought to have links with the PSOE party in Spain.

Anyway... it appears, that in this interview with Europa Sur, Montegriffo said that the time was not ripe for a sovereignty solution. He backs the Tripartite Forum, which he says is "making greater headway to remove the distrust that still exists between those on either side of the frontier". I would agree with him wholeheartedly on that as I also support this view.

Montegriffo, however, then added a surprising and intriguing comment. He said that "adequate conditions must first be created before embarking on sovereignty talks".

Asked if there is a solution to the sovereignty issue, he replied:

"Of course there is.

I have always thought it is possible to find a solution in the context of the European union, applying the democratic principles and of mutual respect that unite us."

Hmmm... well maybe if Spain ever grows up and allows their 'democratic priniciples' to mature... and maybe if they actually start to respect the democratically expressed wishes of a people... exemplified in at least three referenda over the last forty years... this may be so at some time in the future... but then again, pigs may fly!

Moving on... Montegriffo added:

"I think that at present the conditions are not there in Madrid or in Gibraltar to tackle an agreement on this topic, as there is still too much distrust as neighbours.

It will be premature at present to seek a solution, which is not urgent anyway."

Not urgent... no, or desired, at least by me and I am pretty sure, neither is it desired by the vast majority of Gibraltarians!

Sancho, in his post, summarises the situation succinctly:

I am curious by what the former GSD minister says in an interview with Campo de Gibraltar newspaper, Europa Sur. If he is quoted correctly he stated the time is not ripe for a sovereignty solution. He says that adequate conditions must first be created before embarking on sovereignty talks...but then goes on to say he believes that a future agreement on sovereignty can be reached.

I should add that he fully backs the tripartite process and closer links with the Campo de Gibraltar. However co-operation is one thing – sovereignty is quite another.

So why future talks?

Unless I am wrong, and I frequently am, the Spanish Government’s position is clear – it believes that Gibraltar should be an integral part of the nation and even joint sovereignty would only be a stepping stone on the road to that eventual goal. All the major parties are agreed on that stance.

In contrast the people of Gibraltar have indicated in two referenda that they totally reject any sovereignty deal with Spain. Hence we have two set positions – surrender and no surrender.

If Spain’s ambitions for Gibraltar and Gibraltarians ambitions for the Rock are totally at odds with each other - surely there is nothing to discuss.

Therefore unless Gibraltarians collectively are willing to go along the Spanish route talks can achieve nothing. Indeed you can’t have talks on sovereignty when sovereignty for Gibraltarians isn’t an issue.

Spain, or rather its government, isn’t going to change its stance – so is Gibraltar?

Curious Sancho?? You and me both! Curious as to what Montegriffo is up to! But... the question Sancho raises, is an interesting one... one that has been on my mind for some time too.

Frequent readers of my blog will know how I feel about Gibraltar's sovereignty. I have stated it quite clearly at the start of this post. For me... and for many Gibraltarians, at least those of my generation I'm sure, this is not an issue that is 'up for grabs'! I consistently maintain this:

Gibraltar belongs to the People of Gibraltar. It is neither Spain's to claim nor Britain's to give away!

But... Montegriffo's comment and Sancho's understandable question, bring up the issue, as I say, that is often on my mind these days. Will Gibraltar ever envisage the possibility of being Spanish viable?

Montegriffo, in his statement, seems to imply, that whilst conditions may not 'be there' in Madrid or in Gibraltar, to tackle an agreement on sovereignty now... they may be in the future?

Actually, I disagree with him with regards to Madrid. The right 'conditions' certainly seem to me to exist in Madrid. Sancho clearly also sees it this way.

Only last week, the foreign affairs committee in the Spanish 'Congreso' (parliament), in a rare display of unity, the ruling PSOE and the PP opposition parties came together and urged the Spanish government to renew their demands and talks over the sovereignty of Gibraltar. Futhermore, the demand for sovereignty over Gibraltar to be returned to Spain, is officially included in every Spanish legislature! So I cannot agree with Montegriffo on that point.

Now... as for Gibraltar... the right conditions are certainly not there now... but will they ever be??

I think most Gibraltarians of my generation would not think so. As I say, the question is anathema. Gibraltarians have been harrassed and bullied for decades. Many experienced the 12th 'siege' when the frontier was closed in 1969 and commercial, military and air travel restrictions were imposed on the community for the best part of twenty years. This dictatorial behaviour by Spain, which lasted long after Franco's death, has left huge scars on generations of Gibraltarians, who I may add, are little pacified by Spain's continued belligerent critical attitude and demands towards Gibraltar even today. A very strange policy for consistent Spanish governments to pursue and one that, only in recent years, has seen any softening, following the Cordoba Accord and the ongoing Tripartite Forum process.

Since the border was reopened in 1986, however, younger generations of Gibraltarians have been enjoying a different experience. These days there is wide cross border interaction, for shopping, travel and many other leisure activities. Young Gibraltarians are mixing more and more with their counterparts across the border, in a way which would have been unthinkable some years back... and of course, impossible through the late 70's and early 80's. Some Gibraltarians have even started choosing to go to Spanish universities, as opposed to the United Kingdom, (as has always been traditional), for their further education.

Of course, their new experience does not necessarily mean they are more easily disposed towards Spain, but I do sense a slight shift in the traditionally entrenched views.

Whether this means younger generations may be more disposed to look at the possibility of a Spanish Gibraltar, I would doubt it. But... if the penny were to finally drop with Spanish politicians... to take a more seductive, perhaps more mature and sensible approach to their politics towards Gibraltar... who might say what could be the result.

Are these the 'conditions' that Montegriffo has in mind for possible future talks? Quite possibly.

Generations of Gibraltarians have consistently said an emphatic NO to Spain in referendum after referendum. IF... (and this is a very big IF) Spain were to take a more relaxed approach, a more conciliatory and friendly... perhaps even more helpful approach towards Gibraltar, maybe even taking away those hateful intrusive border restrictions.... who knows what result a future referendum on the sovereignty of Gibraltar might throw up??

During my lifetime... I have seen the longed for but unimaginable happen. The collapse of Communism and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. The taking down of the Berlin Wall. The end of sectarian killing and the coming of a (hopefully lasting) peace in Northern Ireland. I still live in hope of similar in the Middle East, Gaza and Israel.

A Spanish Gibraltar? Well... it's simply unthinkable, undesired... and complete anathema to me and my generation and all older surviving generations. Will this remain the same for future generations?

Perhaps... this is what the wily political lawyer is getting at! Whose to say what's round the corner?

For myself, I hope Spain continues their belligerent stance, pissing off all Gibraltarians... old and young, as they have been doing for centuries! Gibraltarians can live with that... we've been doing it for years. The alternative, at least for me... doesn't bear thinking about... and I very much hope the younger generations of Gibraltarians continue to see it this way... in perpetuity!

Update - 22nd March 2009 16:40:

Readers interested in this topic, may be interested to view/participate in this Poll I've set up, following a request from Forum member:

Discussion Forum > Poll: Will Gibraltarians ever envisage a Spanish Gibraltar?

You will need to be a Registered Member in the Forum to participate. Registering is easy and a simple process that only takes about 5 minutes of your time.

In my Inbox today... Frases Llanitas (some funny Llanito phrases)

Here are some very funny Llanito phrases I received in my Inbox today from a Llanita friend.

I'm afraid, if you are a non-llanito speaker... these will make absolutely no sense whatsoever... probably not even to a Spanish speaker! I have included some notes on translation and on the Llanito language generally, at the end of this post.

Anhow... here are the funny Llanito phrases:

El llanito no te llama por teléfono: Te DA toques

El llanito no saluda: Te dice que pasa!!

El llanito no se enamora: Esta enchochao

El llanito no trata de convencerte: Te raya

El llanito no concierta una cita con sus amistades: Queda con Los colegas

El llanito no se lanza: Se Embala

El llanito no bebe mucho: Coge un siego

El llanito no es que no entienda: No lo capta

El llanito no te DA la espalda: Te manda a tomar por culo

El llanito no te llama la atención: Te shilla....killo!!

El llanito no molesta: DA el coñazo

El llanito no se baña: Se pega un duchaso

El llanito no se alimenta: Se pone como el kiko

El llanito no te golpea: Te suelta una ostia

El llanito no trabaja: Curra

El llanito no tiene amantes: Tiene dos o tres chavalitas

El llanito no se impresiona: Lo flipa

El llanito no tiene ganas de hacer pis: Se mea

El llanito no sufre de diarrea: Se caga vivo

El llanito no corre a toda velocidad: Sale follao

El llanito no duerme: Se queda frito

El llanito no se rie a carcajadas: Se parte de risa

El llanito no es buen tipo: Es buena gente

El llanito no hace algo mal: La caga

El llanito no intenta ligar: Intenta comerse un rosco

El llanito no pierde el tiempo: Esta rascandose

El llanito no habla claro: Te lo dice to a la puta cara

El llanito no esta cansado: Esta rebentao

El llanito no ve a una chica fea: Ve a un cromo

El llanito No Se enfada: Se mosquea

El llanito no le sale algo mal: Le estan mentando

El llanito no es cualquier cosa: El Llanito es un ser unico y extraordinario!!

Non-Translatable Llanito Notes

For non-llanito speakers... my apologies... but these Llanito phrases are pretty much... untranslatable!

You can have a go here if you wish... but I wouldn't hold up much hope for the result!

I've had a go at translating one or two... and the results are not at all good... but they are quite hysterically funny... well... to a Llanito!

For instance:

"El llanito No Se enfada: Se mosquea"... translates to: The Llanito was not angry: The mosque!! ha ha Gobbledeygook eh?!!

I'm afraid Google has yet to come up with a translation tool for the Llanito language! Something for my 'colega' friend Dale to work on perhaps? ;)

It would be very interesting to know what Spanish speakers make of this. Maybe we can attract a comment or two from Spanish speakers??

Sería muy interesante saber qué piensan los hispano-hablantes de estas frases Llanitas? Seria bueno si comentaras... gracias en anticipacion!

The last phrase however... does translate quite well:

El llanito no es cualquier cosa: El Llanito es un ser unico y extraordinario!!

Translates to:

A Llanito is not just anything (anyone): A Llanito is quite unique and special!... and that's undoubtedly true!! :)

Llanito explained

For those of you who have no idea what Llanito is... Llanito (pronounced [jɑˈnito] or Yanito is an Andalusian Spanish based vernacular or dialect spoken uniquely in the British overseas territory of Gibraltar. Gibraltarians call ourselves Llanitos.

Llanito consists of an eclectic mix of Andalusian Spanish and British English, marked by a great deal of code switching and loan-words from many other Mediterranean languages.

You can read more about Llanito and the Gibraltarian culture on Wikipedia > Llanito

You can find more information and posts about Gibraltar's Llanito language here.

You may also be interested in having a look at my colega's blog. Dale Buttigieg excellently blogs on the more 'academic' aspects of the Llanito Language here.

Acknowledgement

I am indebted to the lovely Llanita... Killagigi... for sending these Llanito phrases to me today... Thanks very much Killagigi!

Whose Gibraltar? A documentary film on the Llanito Gibraltarian perspective

A few days ago I posted about a Gibraltar Documentary Film project that Garrett Wesley Gibbons, of Brigham Young University in the USA, was in the process of putting together.

To my surprise... and I must say, a lot sooner than I ever expected, I heard from Garrett today, telling me that his film has now been posted!

Garrett has kindly posted his film with the proviso that you understand it is still 'a work in progress'. The film, as yet, has no music and is not fully 'titled'. I am, however, very pleased to share it with you all here... for you to enjoy and in the hope that you offer Garrett your comments and reviews on his draft, (my comments below).

Anyhow... here's the film... for your delight and delectation:



Well, I don't know about you, but I thought this is an excellent documentary... I really enjoyed it... lack of music or finished 'title's notwithstanding!

Gibraltar Film Documentary Reviewed.

On the whole, I think Garrett has done a great job so far. He has produced a very accurate perspective, from a Gibraltarian viewpoint, about the Llanito identity. With, what I understand were difficult time constraints, he has managed to describe the history and particularly the political aspects challenging Gibraltar today, relatively well, if perhaps not as broadly as I would have liked to see.

Personally, I would like to see some more comment, especially from the other political parties in Gibraltar.

As it stands... the only political view expressed, other than those of my friend Dennis Beiso's, the Gibraltar Government Archivist, (who, I must say, does a very good job in his summaries), are those of the GSLP/Liberals Opposition parties. This, I think, is not a broad enough perspective.

The politics of Gibraltar always raises great passions in many quarters... not least in Gibraltar itself, naturally, and many have an opinion of where we came from, where we are... and most importantly, where we are going. For this documentary to be fully comprehensive, I think it is important that it shows a broader inclusive view, from all sides.

It is important, in my humble view, that there is at least some comment by the incumbent GSD (Gibraltar Social Democrats) Government, particularly from Chief Minister Peter Caruana.

I asked whether the Government was given the opportunity to participate in the documentary. Garrett has answered this and a number of other questions here.

I would also like to see some comment from Keith Azopardi and the Progressive Democratic Party.

Of course, if one is going to (unrestrictedly) endeavour to have the broadest perspective, no commentary on the politics of Gibraltar can ever be complete, without the participation of the British or Spanish Governments' views on the age old question of sovereignty of Gibraltar. After all... it's the nub of the whole damn historic dispute right?

In fairness to Garrett, I think we need to bear in mind he has produced this film as a school project. It's not a 'BBC Panorama' type documentary... or intended to be a comprehensive history on Gibraltar. It's just his perspective... on the curiosity that is being a Gibraltarian Llanito. People need to judge this film in that context... as it does not propose to do anything else.

Be that as it may, and appreciating the producer's obvious time (and other possible) constraints... recognising that he couldn't fit it all in, I think the political perspective the documentary offers, is fair and broadly that held by most Gibraltarians. No doubt I shall soon be corrected by those who feel this is not so! :)

My Conclusion

I think this is a very well produced piece of work so far. I thoroughly enjoyed watching it and I think most Gibraltarians (possibly with the exception of fanatical GSD supporters, who may hate the sight of 'the Walrus' and cannot abide the sound of 'the pipsqueak'), will also enjoy watching this documentary.

Gibraltarians just love watching ourselves. Sometimes I think we must have ALL been born under the starsign of Leo... "all Leos are trendsetters, leaders and adventurers. Their weakness is their pride. This is one sign where the saying 'flattery will get you everything' applies"!

But seriously... with the slight constructive criticism about broader perspectives notwithstanding, I doff my hat to Garrett... and thank him for his interest and for a very well researched and explained documentary about our homeland!

One final point I would like to make. The music, as ever, may well enhance or detract from the power of the film so care will need to be taken on the choice of music and how it is edited... but, on the other hand... what do I know of producing a film!? Not a lot! :)

Having said that... and finally... finally... on reviewing Garrett's very interesting documentary, having offered him my thoughts, I have also taken the opportunity to offer a couple of little suggestions, small amendments for him to consider making. These can be seen on the Gibraltar Documentary page posted by Garrett Wesley Gibbons on Vimeo.

You may have your own thoughts you might want to add? I know Garrett will be very grateful for your comments and feedback too!

You may also like to know there is a discussion on this film going on at Gibraltar News Online's Discussion Forum here: Gibraltar Film Documentary just published

If you missed the link in the review above, you may also enjoy further reading about this documentary and Garrett's explanation of the how and why he created this film: Gibraltar Film Documentary > Why?

A Llanito in Space!

I bumped into my old friend John Borda today. John is a freelance web designer these days, based not too far from me in the Newmarket area. In conversation, as we caught up with each other, he mused about how close it came for a Llanito to be 'in space'!

He told me how he had been reading through the news the other day, about the European Space Agency's (ESA) busy programme for the coming year when he came across the image of a familiar-looking satellite. John said, "it’s not as if it looks like any other satellite. It’s actually quite unusual; a very compact 'arrow-like' shape, with small fins on it".

It turns out, that over ten years ago, John was working for a scientific research firm, Oxford Instruments, testing superconducting materials, on a contract for ESA.

"While I can’t claim to be the 'brains' behind them", John said, "I was testing these materials, to see if they could be made into more sensitive devices, more reliably".

One of these devices is known as a 'SQUID' (Superconducting Quantum Interference Device). Marvelling at this wonderful piece of engineering science, he excitedly explained that this is apparently, "the most sensitive magnetic field detector known to man"!

To illustrate, he recalled how they could sense a bunch of keys being jangled at the other end of their lab and were impossible to test during rush-hour because of all the 'noise' of the 'metal' cars moving outside!. (It appears that the lab later moved as far away from a major road as it could!).

To return to the 'Llanito in Space' possibility, he told me these are the very detectors at the heart of the GOCE satellite which is due to be launched on 16th March 2009.

Strategically placed around a 'jumping-jack' shaped piece of niobium, they can detect tiny movements in all three dimensions as the satellite passes low over the Earth. These will allow the satellite to map tiny variations in the gravity field over the planet and provide highly detailed data about the Earth, including sea levels, potential mineral deposits and the like.

John remembers putting together an annual series of proposals about this satellite, including ground test rigs and other aspects of its design.

However, he said, "my main contribution was to speed up the ability to change the many drafts it went through".

"As for the first version I was using a scalpel and several rolls of Scotch tape to 'cut and paste' the proposal and it’s many complex diagrams together... literally. No Photoshop back then!"

The next version was entirely electronic, apparently, with the exception of the front cover, an artist’s impression of the satellite, which he didn’t have in electronic form.

"We didn’t have a scanner in the office, but we did have a fax, so I faxed it to my computer modem, and was thus able to use the image!"

Sadly, said John, the nature of the ESA contract changed to "something beyond my skills", so he was out of a job. But that image stayed with him.

"It was, and still is, an unusual shape for a satellite. This is because it orbits so low it 'grazes' the atmosphere, so it needs to be streamlined, and to minimise any vibrations that might be caused by the usual solar panel 'wings', which would interfere with the sensitive gravity detector."

In a wistful tone, John concluded:

"I would have been one of a 'cast of thousands' involved in getting this satellite launched later this year, all being well. But, still, over a decade later, it will be good to see it fly!"

ESA's GOCE Mission

ESA's GOCE mission is dedicated to measuring the Earth's gravity field and modelling the 'geoid' with unprecedented accuracy and spatial resolution.

GOCE is the first in a series of research missions known as Earth Explorers. Driven by the needs of the scientific community, Earth Explorers will provide the data to help understand critical Earth system variables and put Europe in pole position on Earth observation in the coming years.

This video gives an excellent explanation of what the GOCE mission is all about:



GOCE is due for launch in March 2009 on a Russian 'Rockot' vehicle, a converted SS-19 Russian Intercontinental Ballistic Missile, from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in northern Russia.

All the data collected by GOCE will go towards creating a global gravity-field map with a level of accuracy never before available.

ESA has developed an internet interface that will make these data easily and quickly available to scientists and researchers.