GibViews

Would it not be simpler and more humane if some of our questions were answered?

CARMEN GOMEZ DIARY

As the initial surge of help and helpers during the covid lockdown now blurs into a distant memory; that’s how fickle memory is; we find ourselves in a strange world. We recall having seen how the pandemic affected the rest of the world as we watched the death tolls. When I say we, I mean what has become to be termed as the golden hour brigade; you know, the over seventies; not the young; as they were busy making themselves useful to the community, and living life on their own wavelength; as youth dictates.  Read more

All of politics can be viewed as a series of trade offs

I have long insisted in my articles in matters to do with Brexit, that the question of the Fisheries is and has always been, both prevalent and of great importance to the discussions between the EU and the UK. Fishing rights are like gold dust! However it appears that the EU has without any reason given and at the last minute, shifted its stance from an expected offering of compromise, to a much more hard-line position.  Read more

The daily problems that upset people

The start of the summer made people get hot under the collar; but the temperature continues to rise, and since it is near impossible to get away from it all at present, who knows when any sign of respite will come our way to soothe the troubled brow. Men argue loudly in the street as if furious about something taking place but which is beyond their control. Read more

Que arbolada, my dear

I say, Cynthia mia, que arbolera for Line Wall Road, que te parece?

My dear Cloti, I must say que it looks better than now, but let's wait and see how the final project ends, que te parece?

Okay, we'll wait and see, porque life is full of surprises, these days.

My dear, lo que es un PPE, porque mi Charlie dice que we have spent over half-million pounds buying such a thing.  Read more

I do not understand what’s happening in my body

How many times have you heard yourself saying this? How many times have you realised after speaking with a doctor over the phone, something which appears to be the new norm - and maybe the way of the future - that he does not know either? After all, the human body still harbours many mysteries despite scientists having chartered every aspect of it. Read more

The Three Ps: People, Planet and Prosperity

Sustainability isn’t just about the environment, it’s about people too. We can’t get to environmental sustainability without getting people on board; i.e. without meeting human needs. But the thing is that the here and now appears to matter more to humans than long term impacts, especially when in crisis. Read more

CARMEN GOMEZ DIARY

The 1918 Influenza pandemic

During the influenza pandemic of 1918, parades to promote the sale of liberty bonds were organised in the US, to pay for the war effort in Europe. Read more

We can’t all be Senecas

When I speak of unhelpful attitudes, I would like to say that being a minister does not entitle one to treat others in a patronising way, or look down on them. It has not helped to have heard the word “stupid” recently used by one minister in his afternoon press conference, when referring to those who apparently had repeatedly returned forms incorrectly filled in. As if it were the norm to use such a word when talking about someone who fails to understand something, which he or she feels is quite clear cut! Read more