Our editor predicted a few weeks ago in a report that Mrs Isobel Ellul-Hammond would possible not be standing at the next general election.
The report said "There was a question mark over Isobel Ellul-Hammond, always deemed to be a leading light, but having suffered an unfortunate and tragic accident during the summer that kept her off the limelight for many months. She may be back now, but not fully recovered". And posed the question… "would she consider calling it a day"?
Well, Mrs Ellul-Hammond has called it a day, apparently for the reasons we intimated in our piece, we wish her well in her new endeavours.
She will be taking on the role of part-time Cancer Services Co-ordinator with the Gibraltar Health Authority. A vacancy that was advertised last month by the GHA where applications were invited from suitably qualified persons. We understand the opening of the vacancy went through the normal selection process
The question now is where do the GSD and local politics go from here?
Hammonds Seat Kept in the Family
Mrs Ellul-Hammonds' Husband, Trevor Hammond, the present GSD Chairman, has already signalled his intention to stand as a candidate for the party at the next election, which could keep that GSD seat in the Hammond household for the time being.
Heavy on Backbench Support
The Opposition leader will now have to juggle around with the Health, Social Services and Civil Contingencies portfolios surrendered by Mrs Hammond and will also have to contend with the added weight of now having to carry two opposition backbenchers, leaving only five frontline opposition ministers.
I'm sure Mr Feetham would have now closed the door to anyone else thinking of also moving to the growing GSD backbench brigade, a situation which to all intents and purposes, dissipates the effectiveness of the oppositions role in parliament. Certainly the opposition before the next election cannot afford anyone else moving to the back row of parliamentary politics!
Calling All High Calibre Candidates!
Candidates' recruitment is a vital activity in the life of any political party because it is the primary screening device in the process through which the party seeks to secure the trust of the electorate to obtain public office.
It is now safe to say that Mr Feetham more then ever, is now actively sorting out suitable candidates, to firstly present to his executive and then to the members, but ultimately to the electorate the people that really matter!
Only a few months back we saw the GSD Opposition present former Police Commissioner Luis Wink into their ranks as a possible candidate in the next elections.
The Opposition leader Daniel Feetham has said a number of times that his party was seeking to attract "high calibre individuals", this to me appears to be a criterion upon which Mr Feetham seems to base his choice in selecting potential candidates and on an individual's ability to attract votes…which if latest rumours are correct, will be no mean feat with some of the GSD clan!
Member Showing Concern
People within the GSD party and on the periphery of it have been showing concern for some time now. The initial thinking was that something ought to be done about it before the next election, to ensure that a strong candidature could be mustered to put up a valiant showing against the GSLP/Liberals. Although we understand now, that any major changes have been put on the back burner until after, or depending on the type of election result that emerges when votes have been countered at the end of election day whenever that is?
But as Panorama noted a few weeks ago, with rumours and counter-rumours circulating in Gibraltar's political circles, and spreading like wildfire regarding the future of Mr Feetham at the helm which is supposedly under threat, some action it seems, looks to have been taken.
The opposition leader evidently concerned by what he was hearing about himself, has made it known that, win or lose at the next election, he has no intention of resigning as party leader. He wants to stand for election again. As you might expect he has been having many meetings with leading lights in the political firmament.
Survival Plans Re-Think!
Mr Feetham may be having a re-think also about his survival plans in bringing into the party so-called 'big names' in the hope that the mounting challenge to his leadership can be thwarted and that the party can put in a credible showing at the next election.
There is a risk with relying on so called 'big names or high-profile figures' to attract votes. Because this does not always work in such a small place like Gibraltar, where a so called big name figure may not be such a compelling vote puller as someone else far less known who may be more pleasing (for whatever reason) to the local electorate's eyes!
The Common Good in Politics
'The Common Good' in which it is said that "Politics is an honourable vocation, which often extracts great personal cost from those who engage in it, and from their families," is important. The fact that some politicians from time to time fall short of the highest standards is not grounds for dismissing the whole class of politician as unworthy of respect.
Less Partisan Politics, Please
Considering that the good of Gibraltar should precede partisan politics, the local political battlefields that has become to common in recent years often come at great expense to some and also adds another dimension of political conflict without solving any problems. Such conflicts can only provide a haven for wrongdoers who will take every opportunity to use political strife to cover their wrongdoing.
This cannot be the way forward. We are going through very important changes as a modern and changing society. The political landscape is also changing in most EU nations. In fact it has become an unwelcome change to the more traditional political styles of the past, Gibraltar must keep up with these changing political trends emerging elsewhere, because they affect us. We cannot constantly be distracted by political in-fighting!
There also needs to be a lot of construction and a profound review of all that goes on in the life of the citizen. To do this there must be a huge dose of objective realism and less of election warfare.
It's true that people in most places around the EU are now more prone to vote for performance rather than loyalty. We cannot construct a new or improved Gibraltar if we remain focused on partisan politics.
19-04-15 PANORAMAdailyGIBRALTAR
Local artist through to next round of major art competition
April 09, 2015
The Minister for Culture, Steven Linares, says he is delighted to announce that the artwork submitted to the BP Portrait Award 2015 by local artist Derek Duarte has qualified for the next round in the pre-selection phase of the competition.
The Portrait Award, now in its thirty-sixth year at the National Portrait Gallery is one of the most prestigious portrait painting competitions in the world. With a first prize of £30,000, and a total prize fund of £61,000, the Award is aimed at encouraging artists to focus upon and develop portraiture in their work.
There is a new entry procedure and a new judging process for the first time this year. Artists are now able to submit a digital image of their work for a first round of judging. All images are viewed by a panel of judges and the entrants who are successful in this round are then invited to deliver their work to a venue in London for the second round of judging and final exhibition selection. The exhibition will run at the National Portrait Gallery, London, from Thursday 18 June to Sunday 20 September 2015.
The Ministry of Culture will be supporting the artist by reimbursing the cost of transporting the work to the UK.
The Minister sys he offers his heartiest congratulations to Derek and wishes him the best of luck for the next round.
19-04-15 PANORAMAdailyGIBRALTAR
Local Nurses receive Prestigious British Journal of Nursing awards
April 09, 2015
At this year's edition of the British Journal of Nursing Awards, two local nursing services received acknowledgement for their contribution to service development in their speciality areas.
Gerry Fortuna cardiac rehabilitation nurse specialist, who attended the ceremony, received a third place in the Innovation Award. This award is given to nurses who have developed a service or approach to nursing care which has benefitted patients and /or the health organisation. Gerry Fortuna was responsible for setting up the GHA cardiac rehabilitation service and, as service lead has developed and steered the service towards the multi-disciplinary approach it provides today. The Cardiac Rehabilitation team provides cardiac clients with information and support on lifestyle modification together with a monitored structured exercise programme which aims to assist patients to return to their normal activities of living.
The Primary Care Lymphoedema clinic nurses received a second place in the Lymphoedema Award.
The award acknowledges the contribution made in this clinical field and the benefits to patients suffering from this condition. The Lymphoedema clinic was developed by the Primary Care nursing team in response to an identified need within the community. It has developed into a service which treats patients with the most up to date techniques and equipment providing full body lymphoedema care. This tribute goes to nurses past and present who have contributed to the development of this clinic. Staff Nurses Liesel Frost and Romina Duran attended the Ceremony to receive the award on behalf of the team.
This success follows on from last year's second place in for Linda Castro's Dermatology service.
Dr John Cortes, Minister for Health, commented, "The work done by our nurses is often not in the limelight, but is of huge value to the community, and crucial to the delivery of health and care in Gibraltar. I know the dedication of these nurses personally, and am often complimented by members of the public for their work. I am deeply proud of the recognition that they have achieved in this very important forum. It says a great deal of the nursing profession in Gibraltar, a profession for which I have a great deal of respect and affection."
19-04-15 PANORAMAdailyGIBRALTAR
GSD search for fresh blood continues
As predicted by Panorama Ellul-Hammond stands aside
Our editor predicted a few weeks ago in a report that Mrs Isobel Ellul-Hammond would possible not be standing at the next general election.
The report said "There was a question mark over Isobel Ellul-Hammond, always deemed to be a leading light, but having suffered an unfortunate and tragic accident during the summer that kept her off the limelight for many months. She may be back now, but not fully recovered". And posed the question… "would she consider calling it a day"?
Well, Mrs Ellul-Hammond has called it a day, apparently for the reasons we intimated in our piece, we wish her well in her new endeavours.
She will be taking on the role of part-time Cancer Services Co-ordinator with the Gibraltar Health Authority. A vacancy that was advertised last month by the GHA where applications were invited from suitably qualified persons. We understand the opening of the vacancy went through the normal selection process
The question now is where do the GSD and local politics go from here?
Hammonds Seat Kept in the Family
Mrs Ellul-Hammonds' Husband, Trevor Hammond, the present GSD Chairman, has already signalled his intention to stand as a candidate for the party at the next election, which could keep that GSD seat in the Hammond household for the time being.
Heavy on Backbench Support
The Opposition leader will now have to juggle around with the Health, Social Services and Civil Contingencies portfolios surrendered by Mrs Hammond and will also have to contend with the added weight of now having to carry two opposition backbenchers, leaving only five frontline opposition ministers.
I'm sure Mr Feetham would have now closed the door to anyone else thinking of also moving to the growing GSD backbench brigade, a situation which to all intents and purposes, dissipates the effectiveness of the oppositions role in parliament. Certainly the opposition before the next election cannot afford anyone else moving to the back row of parliamentary politics!
Calling All High Calibre Candidates!
Candidates' recruitment is a vital activity in the life of any political party because it is the primary screening device in the process through which the party seeks to secure the trust of the electorate to obtain public office.
It is now safe to say that Mr Feetham more then ever, is now actively sorting out suitable candidates, to firstly present to his executive and then to the members, but ultimately to the electorate the people that really matter!
Only a few months back we saw the GSD Opposition present former Police Commissioner Luis Wink into their ranks as a possible candidate in the next elections.
The Opposition leader Daniel Feetham has said a number of times that his party was seeking to attract "high calibre individuals", this to me appears to be a criterion upon which Mr Feetham seems to base his choice in selecting potential candidates and on an individual's ability to attract votes…which if latest rumours are correct, will be no mean feat with some of the GSD clan!
Member Showing Concern
People within the GSD party and on the periphery of it have been showing concern for some time now. The initial thinking was that something ought to be done about it before the next election, to ensure that a strong candidature could be mustered to put up a valiant showing against the GSLP/Liberals. Although we understand now, that any major changes have been put on the back burner until after, or depending on the type of election result that emerges when votes have been countered at the end of election day whenever that is?
But as Panorama noted a few weeks ago, with rumours and counter-rumours circulating in Gibraltar's political circles, and spreading like wildfire regarding the future of Mr Feetham at the helm which is supposedly under threat, some action it seems, looks to have been taken.
The opposition leader evidently concerned by what he was hearing about himself, has made it known that, win or lose at the next election, he has no intention of resigning as party leader. He wants to stand for election again. As you might expect he has been having many meetings with leading lights in the political firmament.
Survival Plans Re-Think!
Mr Feetham may be having a re-think also about his survival plans in bringing into the party so-called 'big names' in the hope that the mounting challenge to his leadership can be thwarted and that the party can put in a credible showing at the next election.
There is a risk with relying on so called 'big names or high-profile figures' to attract votes. Because this does not always work in such a small place like Gibraltar, where a so called big name figure may not be such a compelling vote puller as someone else far less known who may be more pleasing (for whatever reason) to the local electorate's eyes!
The Common Good in Politics
'The Common Good' in which it is said that "Politics is an honourable vocation, which often extracts great personal cost from those who engage in it, and from their families," is important. The fact that some politicians from time to time fall short of the highest standards is not grounds for dismissing the whole class of politician as unworthy of respect.
Less Partisan Politics, Please
Considering that the good of Gibraltar should precede partisan politics, the local political battlefields that has become to common in recent years often come at great expense to some and also adds another dimension of political conflict without solving any problems. Such conflicts can only provide a haven for wrongdoers who will take every opportunity to use political strife to cover their wrongdoing.
This cannot be the way forward. We are going through very important changes as a modern and changing society. The political landscape is also changing in most EU nations. In fact it has become an unwelcome change to the more traditional political styles of the past, Gibraltar must keep up with these changing political trends emerging elsewhere, because they affect us. We cannot constantly be distracted by political in-fighting!
There also needs to be a lot of construction and a profound review of all that goes on in the life of the citizen. To do this there must be a huge dose of objective realism and less of election warfare.
It's true that people in most places around the EU are now more prone to vote for performance rather than loyalty. We cannot construct a new or improved Gibraltar if we remain focused on partisan politics.
19-04-15 PANORAMAdailyGIBRALTAR
New Govt sponsored scheme to help business start-ups
April 09, 2015
The Government has announced the commencement of a new Gibraltar Business Nurturing Scheme (GBNS). HM Government is establishing a fund to support the development of new business start-ups in Gibraltar. An amount of £250,000 will be set aside for this new scheme. The Ministry of Business and Employment has engaged extensively with the Gibraltar Chamber of Commerce and the Gibraltar Federation of Small Businesses to develop this initiative, in particular, the criteria to be adopted when deciding applications.
Applications for the scheme will be assessed on a points-based system by a committee of three individuals, comprising one member of the Gibraltar Chamber of Commerce, one from the Gibraltar Federation of Small Businesses and an official from the Ministry of Business and Employment.
Commenting on this, the Minister for Business and Employment, Neil Costa said: 'It may be challenging for individuals without access to finance to start their own business. Some may have very good commercial ideas, but without funding, they would not even be able to take the very first step. I am, therefore, very pleased to announce that Her Majesty's Government of Gibraltar will be able to offer the opportunity to members of the public to start their own commercial enterprises or to help those small businesses who wish to expand.'
19-04-15 PANORAMAdailyGIBRALTAR
Over £5,000 for Cancer relief
April 09, 2015
Cancer Relief Gibraltar says it is absolutely delighted to announce that the sum of £5400 was raised at its annual flag day held Friday 27th March. The Trustees, staff and service users of the charity would like to thank everyone who donated or contributed in any way to this very successful day. A special word of thanks goes to all the volunteers who gave of their time to sell 'flags' to the public.
The money raised will help Cancer Relief to support people with cancer and their families at the Cancer Relief Centre. We would like to take this opportunity to share with you what the Centre means to one of our service users:
"I am very grateful to the Centre for all the care and love they have given me in the past year. I would never have been able to cope without your love and support."
Cancer Relief Gibraltar say that they could not continue to care for those who need us were it not for the on-going support of the community, and end their statement "Thank you all!"
19-04-15 PANORAMAdailyGIBRALTAR
Royal Gun salute signals start off 2000 km charity walk
April 09, 2015
Former Commanding Officer of the Royal Gibraltar Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel (Rtd) Mark Randall, will walk from Cardiff to Gibraltar in aid of the RG Benevolent Fund and GBC Open Day.
Mark will begin the 2125 km trek on the 21st April directly after the Royal Gibraltar Regiment execute a 21 Gun Salute at Cardiff Castle to mark the Queens' Birthday.
Since his retirement in 2009 Mark has completed numerous long distance walks across Europe but decided that his biggest challenge to date should be for charity. Mark said: "Whenever I have embarked on a new adventure people have often said that I should raise money for charity. My previous walks have only been to fulfil my own sense of adventure and desire to travel but when I heard that the Regiment were to fire a Royal Gun Salute from Cardiff I thought this was the ideal opportunity to take on my biggest challenge to date whilst raising some money. I also think it will be fantastic to start with a real bang and have some familiar faces to say goodbye."
Mark estimates that his walk will take around 75 days to complete and he will average 28 - 30kms a day. He will follow a route using national trails, paths and roads and the first leg of his journey will be 350kms from Cardiff to Plymouth where he will take a ferry to Santander. He will continue his walk through Spain and aims to arrive in Gibraltar on the 3rd or 4th July
Mark is keen to encourage people to join him at any stage of the journey where they can complete as little or as much as they like. For further information Mark can be contacted via e-mail at bufandboy@hotmail.com
If you would like to sponsor Mark please contact the Royal Gibraltar Regiment Adjutant, Captain John Pitto on 2005 3213 or GIB-RG-ADJT@mod.uk
19-04-15 PANORAMAdailyGIBRALTAR
Support for Superyacht berth
April 09, 2015
Dear Sir,
I would like to respond to your article published on Monday 30th March in order to offer your readers a balanced view of the important debate around the creation of Superyacht berths and accompanying accommodation further out to sea i.e. beyond the majority of the current berthing at Marina Bay.
Superyachts are economic drivers and generate enormous income and jobs. The Financial Times reported in September 2013 that an average 55 m2 Superyacht spends £70,000 on provisioning alone in the ports it visits. Furthermore, "...operational and management costs for a typical superyacht are roughly 10 per cent of its build price per year. That is another £3m for a £30m yacht".
Gibraltar's location at the mouth of the Mediterranean puts it at the geographical epicenter of the global Superyacht market and the scale of the opportunity is huge - a fact recognized by the Gibraltar Government and reflected in the abolition of import duty for Superyachts - that is potentially a saving of €42million for a €200million yacht basing itself in Gibraltar rather than in Spain. However, Gibraltar has been unable to capitalize on its pre-eminent location due to the lack of Superyacht facilities here both for the yachts and their crews. Superyachts visit briefly primarily for re-fuelling, but they do not stay.
Superyacht berths require a massive investment in order to provide industry-standard facilities. The new marina will include secure access with state-of-the-art CCTV, a completely rebuilt, modern Pier Office serving as the first port of call for visitors to Gibraltar, executive crew lounges with spa facilities, sophisticated data networks, pump-out facilities and sufficient electricity supplies.
Contrary to the exaggerated figures quoted by Mr and Mrs Nice, which are simply inaccurate, the income from berthing alone does not justify that investment. This is because the capital costs of marinas the world over, are assisted by adjacent residential accommodation which meet part of the overall project funding (or marinas are subsided by other means). To see evidence of this simply look at Puerto Banus or Sotogrande, not to mention Queensway Quay marina. To state that mixing Superyachts with residential or commercial accommodation is flawed in "trying to mix diametrically opposed uses and risks" is observably incorrect, as this is exactly what is the norm. Furthermore, because of the economic value and kudos Superyachts bring to an economy, marinas compete to attract them with competitive berthing rates.
The article also implies that the development "compromises public safety" in relation to fire risk. Firstly, a moment's thought reminds us that Cormorant Wharf and The Sails mix boats and homes, secondly, this application is for Outline Planning (i.e. concept and location) only. The full planning process in Gibraltar comprises a series of stages including a comprehensive fire risk assessment by the fire department on the application for full planning permission, which is also considered as an application for approval under the building regulations. No project is issued a license by Building Control unless it satisfies the stringent demands of that process.
Ocean Village has recently appointed Captain E.S Geary, a recognised and accomplished naval engineer who possesses extensive and wide-ranging knowledge and experience in marina design, construction, safety requirements and operations world-wide. He is a RICS accredited and qualified Charter Surveyor (admiralty and maritime), who has been appointed to ensure Gibraltar's Marina Bay will meet or exceed the guidelines and recommendations put forth in PIANC 134 'Design and Operation Guidelines for Superyacht Facilities', thus ensuring our facilities and associated infrastructure adhere to all safety requirements and that all environmental aspects are carefully considered.
The circa 105 apartments will be only three storeys high. Water will flow freely beneath and through the structures, which will be on stilts so as not to disturb marine life. The entire area will be beautified and pedestrianized. The main pier walkway, which will be open to pedestrians, would be extended to create around half a kilometer of tree lined promenade with atmospheric lighting, leading to a viewing and seating area (a mirador) which can be appreciated by all. This is a major extension to the existing pedestrian access and will be open to the public.
Electric buggies and bicycle hire will also be available. 30 to 40 car parking spaces will be allocated off-site at the proposed Mediterranean Rowing Club car park, even though we do not feel that these will be needed, in which case they will hopefully be available to the public. .
Aside from the potential benefit to the economy and improved public facilities, Marina Bay MUST establish a competitive edge before our neighbours in Alcaidesa proceed with their proposed €50million Superyacht and mini-cruise liner investment to compete directly with the port of Gibraltar. "The goal is to capture a large part of the more than 170,000 cruise passengers disembarking in the British colony in the Mediterranean tourist routes." as reported in El Pais and Europasur.
Whilst Gibraltar is economically hugely successful, it is a recognised fact that we must diversify our economy in order to maintain that success. It would be a travesty to strangle our economic diversification, growth and beautification for the sake of a few, who (perhaps understandably) do not wish for their sea views to change.
Lastly, could we mention that if the Superyachts come as we believe they will, then the clear opportunity for Gibraltar would be to build a dedicated Superyacht marina for over 50 Superyachts, perhaps on the Eastside. This number of Superyachts would add circa 20% to Gibraltar's GDP, an incredible sum. Spain, however, will oppose this, they want our sea and as the quote from El Pais above shows they also want these Superyachts.
For further information, do visit the website at www.superyachtsandshortstayapts.com
Sincerely,
Neil Crawford
Director.
Ocean Village & Marina Bay
19-04-15 PANORAMAdailyGIBRALTAR
Wartime evacuation to be commemorated with memorial service in May
April 09, 2015
The Government will hold a number of commemorative events to mark the 75th anniversary of the evacuation of the people of Gibraltar during the Second World War. These events have been timed to commence on the exact day that the first vessel of evacuees on the official evacuation programme sailed for French Morocco 75 years ago.
It will be recalled that following the outbreak of the War, the decision was taken to evacuate women, children, the elderly and the infirm. From 22 May to 24 June 1940 13495 evacuees were sent away from Gibraltar to camps and other accommodation in French Morocco. They were then re-evacuated back to Gibraltar after the fall of France and then onwards to Madeira, Jamaica, London and Northern Ireland.
Already over 400 persons who were themselves evacuated have registered on the website which is being run by the Government Archives. They will be invited to participate in a number of commemorative events that the Government is planning.
On Friday 22 May, the exact anniversary of the sailing of the first official vessel, a short film to commemorate the evacuation will be shown to an invited audience at a reception primarily made up of evacuees. The next day, on Saturday 23 May there will be a memorial service at the evacuation roundabout in the area of Waterport Terraces.
This will again be followed by the showing of the film and reception in honour of the evacuees who have registered.
There will be an exhibition of photographs related to the evacuation at the John Mackintosh Hall. The Government has also commissioned a commemorative booklet on the evacuation which will be widely distributed in Gibraltar and which contains both photographs and a narrative of events as they unfolded.
Commenting on the planned events, the Deputy Chief Minister Dr Joseph Garcia said: "The Government wants to honour the sacrifice made by those evacuees who are still alive and to honour the memory of those who are no longer with us. The evacuation was an event of monumental importance. It was a landmark in our development as a people which shaped the future of Gibraltar after the Second World War. The whole episode drove home to the people of Gibraltar the little control that they had over their own affairs and it served as a spur to the demand for greater political and constitutional reform which followed. It is very fitting that we should remember this."
19-04-15 PANORAMAdailyGIBRALTAR