Monday, January 28, 2019 - 15:03

Esto no pega ni con superglue...

April 28, 2015

My darling husband esta mas liao que nunca about the state of Gibraltar's finances, after watching el Tv debate.

Great Scott! Y el mio se quedo hasta dormio, I must admit.

Es que la cosa estaba mas pesadita que una tonelada de plomo, my dear.

El pobre mio, que todo lo que sabe es que one and one makes two, could not follow el high finance.

Bueno, let's hope que este todo bien, aunque mi primo el de Europort, que se la da de seneca, me dijo que la cosa was heavy going.

Well, almost like a heavyweight boxing match, caramba.

Es que the whole thing fue una peleita, which of course no sirvio para que el pueblo se enterase of what the heck was going on.

I must say que despues de lo del chapusito para el de la Cronica, y cosas de esa, all we need now es que manden al Scott a America!

What a cachonfinger, I must say, esta el pueblo que trina, con una cosa y otra.

Es que dicen que hay jaleo en los GSLPee circles, gracia que it was a long weekend para que los nervios se aplaquen un poco.

Te dire que si las cosas siguen the way they are going, the next hellection puede convertirse en una guerra de

upa!Meanwhile, los pescadores siguen pescando y los incursions con el cachonfinger de los paper protests.

Es la unica manera para que te den el Freedom of Doing Nothing, como que dicen que there's going to be a queue from la frontera to Uropa Point para que todos puedamos recojer nuestro Freedom.

At this rate el Freedom is going to lose all value, es como si hicieran a everyone un Knight o le dieran el Victoria Cross to all the nation.

My darling husband dice que they have wanted to cover up el bad publicity que el RGP has been getting about one thing and another.

Pero, my dear, precisely because of the bad publicity, lo del Freedom no pega ni con superglue.

Bueno, let's now celebrate el May Day, porque el pueblo unido jamas sera vencido. Ciao for now.

Adios mi alma.

28-04-15 PANORAMAdailyGIBRALTAR

Gibraltar group at Madeira flower festival

A group from Gibraltar visited Madeira during the flower festival, one of the island's top attractions, in fact all the hotels were full with three liners spending the whole day on the Sunday to witness the cavalcade parade of flower floats and hundreds of children.

As on previous occasions, the group was invited to the Camara Municipal to a reception hosted by the mayor.

28-04-15 PANORAMAdailyGIBRALTAR

If the Opposition feel so strongly about 'Parliamentary Privilege' they should commit themselves to change from the way they behaved for 16 years

April 15, 2015

Is Gibraltar really being served as effectively, efficiently and dare I say, as democratically, as it possible can, with all the hullabaloo and effort being channelled, particularly by the Opposition regarding the 'Dr Giraldi Home Inquiry Debate' which still rages on!

The Opposition have made all kinds of serious political statements against the Government, particularly focusing on 'Parliamentary Privilege' an issue they obviously feel very strongly about, because of statements by the Government during the Giraldi Home motion's debate.

According to the Opposition, the behaviour of the Government during the Dr Giraldi Parliamentary Motion will go down as one of the most shameful episodes in the political history of Gibraltar. Adding, that that 'privilege was abused in the most cynical manner' to repeat allegations, which had been investigated by Sir Jonathan Parker and discredited in his report. Even the GSD party chairman got in on the act, saying, that the damage this must do to our international reputation as a modern democracy is untold! Where has Mr Hammond been living?

The Opposition Also Cite History, Dear Me What Short Memories?

But as I reported last week politics has dominated the Giraldi Home issue from the onset. The GSLP/Liberal Government even before the last election made a promise to commission an independent investigation, which they did. The GSLP/ Liberals when in Opposition, unlike the then GSD who were in Government, were greatly concerned about the Giraldi Home allegations. So were countless other people including this newspaper which reported and journalistically investigated other similar cases involving the most vulnerable and young in society. An important point that has been conveniently forgotten by the opposition in all their hysteria right now regarding the Giraldi Home. Preferring to cite much lesser examples of importance, like the alleged bullying by 35 young people at the ETB. But that's politics!

The Giraldi Home issue has come under intense political debate where the opposition clearly feel the Government have abused 'parliamentary privilege' when the obviously haven't according to parliamentary 'Standing Rules and Orders' which are very specific…the reality is, that its all political point scoring by the opposition…but please draw your own conclusions?

One thing is for sure, that is the kind of cut and thrust politics we have been used to for years. And for the GSD party chairman to say that 'the damage this must do to our international reputation as a modern democracy is untold' is naïve to say the least!

Caruana's Verbal Onslaught on the Then Opposition Leader Now CM

I will give just one example what I am talking about, and it happened in parliament during a similar period just before the last elections, in fact during the last budget session in 2011. When I reported then, that the public are having a hard time in either believing or understanding many of the things coming out of the mouths of certain politicians.

Like me, many others who listened to the 2011 budget session will clearly remember the then Chief Minister Peter Caruana's non-stop venomous attack on the leader of the opposition Fabian Picardo and must have wondered "will democracy as we know it, characterised by the essential exchange of views and harsh differences, survive all this and where in fact is democracy heading in Gibraltar"

Mr Caruana, in fact described Mr Picardo as "economically illiterate, ignorant, deceitful and unfit to be the Chief Minister of Gibraltar." he also made reference, and again brought into question Mr Picardo's professional life as a lawyer. It was difficult for members of the public to comprehend what the then CM was attempting to arrive at with this vicious style of attack on the then opposition leader? Which obviously posed the question "did it have anything to do with the budget" it didn't in fact!

I said at the time that 'Mr Caruana was right to protect, justify and defend government policies, no one was denying him that, but what many people could not get their head-a-round, was his method, substance and manner of delivery of volley after volley of insults, abuse and hateful remarks", a sad and depressing spectacle in fact... all that was in pre-election 2011.

The GSD now in opposition, now want to come across politically 'holier-than-thou' when it comes to Parliamentary behaviour and are making a pretty crap job of it. They should check the Parliamentary records book or Hansard, which might make for some uncomfortable reading for them, this if parliamentary decorum is what their after!

If the Opposition really feel so strongly about 'Parliamentary Behaviour', they should do something about it and commit themselves to changing things, god knows they had 16 years to change things whilst in Government, but never did!

The Opposition Should Now Commit Themselves For Change!

The Opposition should now seriously commit themselves, even make a manifesto commitment, to change things in this respect for the good. The opposition would do well to push for more responsibility and accountability by Members of Parliament… why not lead by example?

So Let's Have a Commissioner For Parliamentary Standards?

Because of the strong feeling publicly demonstrated by the opposition, they should seriously think about following the example of other legislatures, particularly the UK House of Commons, where a 'Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards' acts as ethics watchdog on UK parliamentarians.

The office in the UK is independent of government to the extent that, as is the case with the UK Ombudsman and the Auditor General, the office holder's nomination must be supported by a two-thirds majority of MPs in the house of commons, which in practice means by both sides of the House.

The UK Commissioner for Standards enjoys security of tenure on the same lines as a member of the judiciary. In the House of Commons, the said Commissioner reports to the House Committee on Standards and Privileges, the House of Commons ultimately endorse the disciplinary measure.

No Heinous Incident

Naturally if the misconduct amounts to the commission of an offence in the UK, the matter is referred to the police for prosecution in court.

But lets be realistic here, there's been no heinous incident in our own parliament, similar to those for instance, that provoked the creation of similar mechanisms in other countries, such as the controversy in the UK in 1995 over the scandal of MPs getting paid to ask parliamentary questions, or the improper use of parliamentary allowances beyond the parameters of their scope, which led to the resignation of UK Speaker Michael Martin a few years ago.

Par For the Course

Maybe the Opposition believes that political maturity that permits the creation of an independent parliamentary mechanism of ethics and enforcement is not really warranted in Gibraltar. Because even though they are negatively attempting to depict the government as parliamentary louts, it is certainly 'par for the course' for them…it's really all about scoring political points and not one bit about parliamentary ethics! But again, please draw your own conclusions.

15-04-15 PANORAMAdailyGIBRALTAR

More confused than before

April 28, 2015

Selection from 'Eye' column

The debate about finance policy by the Chief Minister and the Opposition leader left the public more confused than before.

Television was the wrong place to hold such a debate because, as it happened, it became a political quarrel on an issue of great importance.

The presenter Jonathan Scott should have steered the programme in a more sober direction, rather than treat it like any other debate.

This was meant to be a highly serious exposition of the views of one side and the other, not some kind of boxing

match.Financial matters are difficult to follow by the average person because, let's face it, they can be highly complex, technical issues.

Perhaps, as has been said, such a debate should ahave taken place in

Parlíament. It did not, and the public are not the wiser.

28-04-15 PANORAMAdailyGIBRALTAR

Spanish government cannot hold European policies to ransom

April 28, 2015

by Dr JOSEPH GARCIA, Deputy Chief Minister, writing in the European Parliament magazine

Successive Spanish governments have sought to exclude Gibraltar from Europe while using the European Union as a means to advance their illegitimate sovereignty claim. Spain has objected to the inclusion of Gibraltar airport in European Union civil aviation measures, including the single European sky II+, artificially creating a Europe-wide impasse on these directives.

Madrid is now reneging on its 2006 commitment to never seek the exclusion of Gibraltar airport from EU civil aviation legislation. This is unacceptable and Spain must be made to honour its 2006 agreement.

Gibraltar is a British overseas territory, has been part of the EU since 1973, and is not excluded from participation in EU aviation measures under the treaties or the UK act of accession. The Spanish campaign to exclude Gibraltar is, therefore, illegal. However, only 18 months after Spain joined the European community, Madrid objected to the proposed 1987 air liberalisation package on the basis that it applied to Gibraltar airport, despite community law on civil aviation having always applied to Gibraltar and no member state having ever objected to this.

The unregulated local private security industry is on an extremely dangerous path

April 28, 2015

Opinion By Richard (Rick) Herbert, Security consultant and co-founder of 4 Point Security

I have read a number of previous articles in relation to this topic and felt strongly obliged as someone who has worked for many years within the private security industry both in Gibraltar and on a global basis to voice my opinion based on my knowledge and experience.

Local Private Security Sector in Complete Shambles

What is my current opinion on the private security sector within Gibraltar?

'Well it's a complete shambles to be quite honest". I always say honesty is the best policy when giving ones opinion!

And in my opinion, the Government of Gibraltar both present and past have always neglected the private security industry in Gibraltar. I cannot truly believe that in 2015, we still having stated cases of people being employed by local security companies and being put in a position where they are responsible for the protection of people, property and assets without any adequate security training being provided. This is a situation I find to be totally unacceptable and a shambolic situation, something you might expect in a 3rd world country, but not in Gibraltar with its modern infrastructure.

I am sure that the majority of citizens on the Rock, would welcome and back a proposal to introduce relevant legislation in order to set up a 'Gibraltar Private Security Regulating Authority' one which mirrors the current system adopted in the UK since 2001. For all those Panorama readers that may not be fully acquainted as to how the Security Industry Authority works within the (UK), I have subsequently included some background information to give you a general appreciation.

Specific Areas in Local Private Security That Require Serious Attention

In fact, on this important issue, I have found there is a lack of trained personnel being used at publically attended spectator events.

Individuals, with no formal training in 'public security spectator events' who are being put into roles where they are responsible for the general safety of hundreds and in some cases thousands of members of the general public at major events held within Gibraltar. These events include; the 'Gibraltar Music Festival', National Day and similar events and also 'GFA International Home Football Matches' to name but just a few.

We are all aware that the public events scene in Gibraltar is extremely popular all year round and where there is a requirement for public event stewarding and security at those public venues! It really makes total sense to ensure that those individuals carrying out those roles should be properly trained and qualified.

As a contrasting example, those persons wishing to work at similar public events in the (UK), would have to undertake a 4 day (Level 2 - Award in Understanding Stewarding at Spectator Events) with an accredited training provider. This qualification gives that person the required knowledge and practical skills to enable them to work at sporting events, music festivals, rock and pop concerts, parades or carnivals. To my knowledge, there are still a number of local security companies that fail to conduct adequate security training for their employees!

There is also a relaxed attitude by some local security companies to security training of their employees. Security companies should ensure their employees are trained and qualified in their respective arena of security, be it Security Guarding, CCTV, CVIT or Key Holding.

Having said that, there have been only a few security companies in Gibraltar that have been proactive in this area who have undertaken UK accredited security training for their employees. This is definitely a right step in the right direction. I believe the introduction of relevant legislation would undoubtedly ensure that it would be a mandatory requirement for all local security companies to ensure that their employees are suitably trained, qualified as per UK SIA standards.

I believe this policy approach should be adopted in Gibraltar; it should also be a pre-requisite requirement to the tendering application process for security companies supplying stewards or security guards at major publicly attended events. As the all round safety of the public is paramount. Not having fully trained and unqualified personnel in place, is hardly having all-round safety in mind?

Requirement For Door Superviser (Bouncers) to be Professionally Trained

This is also another specific area of security in Gibraltar that needs addressing.

There are a number of individuals who are employed at various pubs, bars, nightclubs and other licensed premises within Gibraltar that have NO relevant security training to work at these establishments.

Years ago we use to informally refer to these individuals that carried out this specific type of work as "bouncers" but now days, they are usually referred to as Door Supervisors. Another contrasting example, in the UK to work as a Door Supervisor at a pubs, bars, or nightclubs the UK law requires a person to attend a Level 2 - Door Supervisors course' with an accredited training provider. This course is conducted over a 5-day period and gives that person all the required knowledge and practical skills to enable them to work at these establishments. The training covers various areas such as dealing with conflict, legislation, and use of force, physical intervention skills, how to deal with vulnerable persons, incident management, evidence preservation etc.

Another important point worth mentioning is that when Gibraltar does finally get around to building its own National Football Stadium, the effect of this will naturally create an influx of football supporters from other nations to the Rock. This will be most welcome in Gibraltar, as it will undoubtedly increase revenue to the local business community. A win-win situation for all those involved I would say.

In this respect, it is very important to ensure that those providing door security at these popular pubs, bars, and nightclubs and other licensed premises are properly trained and qualified in order they provide a professional service and maintain Gibraltar's good image to all those visiting supporters.

UK Security Industry Authority (SIA)

The UK Security Industry Authority is the organisation responsible for regulating the private security industry within the UK. They are an independent body reporting to the Home Secretary, under the terms of the Private Security Industry Act 2001. Their mission is to regulate the private security industry effectively additionally, to reduce criminality, raise standards and recognise quality service throughout.

As a requirement of the Private Security Industry Act 2001, the UK now requires all contract security operatives to have a valid Security Industry Authority license. The license must be displayed by the person when on duty. Licenses are valid for a period of three years and require the holders to undergo accredited formal training in order to achieve their license. Licensable activities include Security Guarding, Door Supervision, Public Space Surveillance CCTV, Close Protection, Key Holding, Cash and Valuables in Transit.

Conclusion - Need For Private Security Legislation

I am sure most readers can now fully understand from the comments I have made based on my experience regarding the important and growing private security industry, that there is an urgent need for some form of 'Private Security Legislation in Gibraltar'.

I would welcome any political party in Gibraltar, as they saying goes, to "grab the bull by its horns" and to strive forward to ensure that this does happen.

Those employed within the local Private Security Sector, deserve to have some form of legislation put in place that will ultimately look after their interests.

Please stop brushing this topic aside. Let's have some proactive action from the Gibraltar Government who are those who can implement change. It will definitely benefit the people of Gibraltar in the long run!

Unregulated Private Security Industry a Complete Shambles, Says Local Expert!

April 28, 2015

The situation regarding the 'Private Security Industry' (PSI) has increasingly become not only a topic of interest, but also one of great importance, although now bordering on serious negligence.

Primarily because the industry is still astonishingly unregulated! Consecutive Governments have failed to do the right thing to protect society concerning the activity of an industry that has inherently become interwoven in the everyday lives of the people in this community. When security all over Europe including Gibraltar, was stepped up in January after the terrorist attacks in Paris.

We all received a large and extended dose and some thought a wake- up call, of the importance of security and the awareness related aspects. The now familiar sight of Police officers heavily armed with sub-machine guns walking round the streets of Gibraltar was thought crucial. With the authorities also demonstrating to the public a much higher emphasis on the importance of security and the protection of society in today's unstable, but potentially dangerous world.

Lax Attitude Towards Regulating PSI

However, one area directly related to the general security issue, which has largely been abandoned if not forgotten is the 'PSI' it is an important issue, which not for the first time Panorama has raised in its publications. Not only during the term of office of the last Administration but also the present Government. And where in both cases, a similar lack of interest and lax attitude has been present towards regulating the PSI.The local private security industry in my opinion is often represented but typically represents itself as an expanding business. Confident of its place and sure of its ability to meet a rising demand for security. But closer inspection or examination of the ways in which industry players talks about its past, present and future, suggests that thisself-promotion is accompanied by unease about the industry's condition and legitimacy.

Panorama Speaks to Local PSI Expert

Panorama spoke to Mr Richard (Rick) Herbert who is a security consultant residing in Gibraltar and co-founder of 4 Point Security. Mr. Herbert possesses a vast wealth of security experience and specialist qualifications, having served a full 22 years in the British Army. And was also a serving front-line Police officer before he moved and concentrated in private security.Mr. Herbert later trained and qualified as a bodyguard in South Africa. And later worked in the Middle East responsible for the security and protection of clientele from various high profile international corporate companies and government organisations. And holds a vast array of UK security qualifications and is a registered tutor for 'Highfield' the UK's and Middle East leading supplier of compliance qualifications, allowing him to instruct on a broad spectrum of accredited security courses.

Gibraltar PSI Sadly Shambolic

He recently conducted security courses in the UK, Kurdistan, Malaysia and Australia. He is closely associated to a well-established UK Security Company and is their international lead close protection instructor. As a professional in the field in Private Security Mr. Herbert feels strongly about the local situation regarding the PSI highlighting the current private security sector in Gibraltar is 'sadly shambolic.' Blaming both the present and past Governments for not being proactive in addressing this important issue. As the modern PSI clearly directly affects society in one-way or another.In our interview with Mr. Herbert he highlights four areas of concern. The most important issue is the unregulated situation regarding private security in Gibraltar on this important point he added, the Rock is years behind the UK and Spain. Three other areas of concern were also mentioned…One…Untrained personnel being used at major public spectator events…Two...a number of local security companies who do not train their employees and…Three…Requirement for Door supervisors (or bouncers) at licensed establishments who are not properly trained! Mr. Herbert adding, "What is my current opinion on the private security sector within Gibraltar? It's a complete shambles is my general opinion". (Read full interview)

No Level Playing Field in the Local PSI

Speaking to another Director of another Private Security Company who did not want to be named, who informed Panorama, that one of the main concerns was the total lack of vetting of security personal when applying for an employment in the industry. Good conduct certificates from the police, he added, was not enough, because this only covers the last six months and that's if the applicant is a resident. He was also critical of the lack of control at the airport security checking passports and other identification documents with personnel who in his opinion are not sufficiently trained or have the authority to perform these duties. And there was also concern regarding the lack of training by private security officers placed in government buildings. He also criticised the fact that Government security contracts are only on a months rolling basis and awarded to the same companies. Which gave rise to the lack of level playing field in the local PSI!The private security industry comprises of those actors who provide security for people and property under contract and for profit. Worldwide, the industry is experiencing a period of rapid growth, and, 'when effectively regulated and fully accountable' can make a valuable contribution to the provision of security in a nation! However, the activities of an uncontrolled or poorly regulated private security industry, like ours, can, according to the people in the industry, present problems and act as an obstacle for sustainable development of the industry on the Rock. This is of particular importance given that, over the last decade or so, private security actors have increasingly assumed roles that have traditionally been the responsibility of the Police and Military.Private Security is a worldwide multi-billion pound industry employing more personnel than the normal police service; Gibraltar is no exception. Over the past 10 to 15 years the presence and use of private security has also taken off. It is estimated that over 500 people now work in the local private security industry, which equates to having more personnel than the Royal Gibraltar Police, a small army in fact.. The PSI's provide security for people and property under contract and of course for profit. Generally, the PSI is large, fast growing, and global. But unfortunately, it is also plagued by high turnover, poor training, and lax oversight-all of which experts strongly believe put the public at risk!

Few Regulatory Requirements on the Rock!

Although the industry is experiencing a period of rapid growth, many private security officers, even report themselves, as I have been told this myself by one employee, that they do not receive hardly any training, or that training is very superficial. Often, more experienced officers are asked to train new personnel during work hours or on the job. And when officers are transferred to new buildings or areas, they're not trained on the new building's specific i.e. (emergency) procedures for instance.Sadly, because of lack of regulation of the industry in Gibraltar, there are few official requirements for training security officers. Although as I was told 'the truth is that even if companies put more money into security officer training, the industry's high turnover rates with officers constantly leaving the profession to pursue other opportunities, renders the investment in training a waste of time and resources'.Despite the size of the local security industry and its impact on public safety, there are few if any regulatory requirements regarding standards and maintaining quality. There are also few legal standards to determine who should be able to serve as a security officer and what type of safety training and other skills officers should have. Therefore training is often left in the hands of security contractors who like any business, want to keep costs to a minimum and put officers on the job quickly in order to overcome high turnover rates!Today, private security officers are an every day 24/7 feature of life everywhere you go around the Rock. Particularly in Government (public) buildings. In fact as the public goes about their daily business they are more likely to come across more private security officers than a police officer. If you consider the amount of different public buildings and sites that PSIs are contracted to protect, such as the: City Hall, Housing Dept, Treasury, DSS, Passport Office, Social Services, Civil Status Office, Attorney General Chambers and the Upper Rock Nature Reserve Area.

PSI in All Local Critical Infrastructural Areas

More importantly the PSI are also hired to protect many of Gibraltar's most important Buildings and Critical Infrastructures and other important Installations, like, the Generating Station, Hospital, Port Area, Airport, Gibtelecom, Financial Services Buildings and 6 Government Place .

You really wonder why the lax attitude by politicians regarding this important issue that affects everyone!

These are fundamentally important buildings that house the Rock's vital public utilities, not only that, but they are potentially prime criminal (terrorist) targets included in all security risk assessment documents.The standard of the PSI needs to be drastically upgraded. The Government must keep in mind that private security is not only deployed at banks, hospitals and for the transportation of valuables, but also at other important but very vulnerable locations around Gibraltar.

As a member of the European Union and as part of NATO the Rock must adopt high security standards in all areas.The final point being, that Gibraltar's first line of defence in the day to day security control and management of most of our major and important public buildings installations and critical infrastructures, including the safety of the public and of the employees, is in the hands of Private Companies, a Security Industry that is not Officially Regulated and with no signs of that happening anytime soon. So Much For Security?