26 May
I say do you think the GSD are at war with themselves? Es que la cosa esta un poco mantecosa, mi querida Cynthia.
There are rumours, Cloti dear, perece que es un battle between the New and the Old.
Se mencionan names like Boss-Y-No and Figggy, who appear to be restless por lo que esta pasando.
Bueno, es que el Patasjamon no sabe querer lo que tiene, y esta enamorado de los nuevos.
I imaginate que algo pasa, que la banda esta borracha, vamo.
Well, my dear, the Originals have always been molesto por los cambios tan raro that are happening in the party, la de Cartwright y esa gente have long been mosqueao.
Es que they were founders of the party, segun dice el seneca de mi marido, and naturally they don't like what they see.
Tu que tienes una memoria de elefante, you must remember que han habido unos rumours muy feo about some kind of a coup in the GSD if they keep going downhill.
Claro, they are not going uphill, mira el Panorama Poll que no se equivoca, dice que el GSD esta peor que nunca.
Tambien se ha dicho que there are those who want to start a new party, so if that happens we could have something similar to what has been happening in Spain.
Although historically el third party never gets elected, a lo mejor los tiempos han cambiado - and the weaker the GSD is, the greater the room for manoeuvre of a third party.
How true. Y que me dices del Chief Pica que le gusta esta tanto in the limelight. Se apunta todo lo que hacen the other ministers, blimey.
Es decir, the other ministrones do all the work and then he appears from nowhere and tries to take all the credit, what a carry on.
Y te acordara que cusndo ganaron los election, el Chief Pica promised what he called a collegiate Governation.
Not only that, my dear, pero he is prone to make mistakes, mira el fregao con lo de la Cronica, mandando a uno as his Special Representative.
Eso ha caido muy mal even among the hardcore of GSLPee members, y ahora he wants to twin Gibraltar with La Linea, what a cachonfinger.
El sabra lo que hace, pero one never knows when the people will turn against you, como eso de darle el Freedom of the City to the police at a time when they are being criticised even by himself y el General.
Digo que si, porque con lo del bullying it has been concluded that the RGPee have been changing their procedures, conque algo estaba bien mal.
Not only that, my dear, pero tambien se ha concluido que el RGPee have learnt a number of lessons about todo este fregao - presumably if you put your foot in it te dan el Freedom of the City.
And do you know if they have been given the Freedom of Gibraltar or is it of the Caribbean, porque el Yo-me se ha tirado una semana en las bellas islas y no se sabe what for!
Bueno hija, tu tranquila porque no te vaya a subir la tension.
Lo que me va a entrar es un patitu, caramba.
Anyway, tomate una tila and sing God Save Our Gibraltar.
Por cierto que nos hace falta. Bye, bye blancaflor.
Adio mi alma.
26-05-15 PANORAMAdailyGIBRALTAR
At war with themselves, while el Chief Pica se ha colao..
May 26, 2015
I say do you think the GSD are at war with themselves? Es que la cosa esta un poco mantecosa, mi querida Cynthia.
There are rumours, Cloti dear, perece que es un battle between the New and the Old.
Se mencionan names like Boss-Y-No and Figggy, who appear to be restless por lo que esta pasando.
Bueno, es que el Patasjamon no sabe querer lo que tiene, y esta enamorado de los nuevos.
I imaginate que algo pasa, que la banda esta borracha, vamo.
Well, my dear, the Originals have always been molesto por los cambios tan raro that are happening in the party, la de Cartwright y esa gente have long been mosqueao.
Es que they were founders of the party, segun dice el seneca de mi marido, and naturally they don't like what they see.
Tu que tienes una memoria de elefante, you must remember que han habido unos rumours muy feo about some kind of a coup in the GSD if they keep going downhill.
Claro, they are not going uphill, mira el Panorama Poll que no se equivoca, dice que el GSD esta peor que nunca.
Tambien se ha dicho que there are those who want to start a new party, so if that happens we could have something similar to what has been happening in Spain.
Although historically el third party never gets elected, a lo mejor los tiempos han cambiado - and the weaker the GSD is, the greater the room for manoeuvre of a third party.
How true. Y que me dices del Chief Pica que le gusta esta tanto in the limelight. Se apunta todo lo que hacen the other ministers, blimey.
Es decir, the other ministrones do all the work and then he appears from nowhere and tries to take all the credit, what a carry on.
Y te acordara que cusndo ganaron los election, el Chief Pica promised what he called a collegiate Governation.
Not only that, my dear, pero he is prone to make mistakes, mira el fregao con lo de la Cronica, mandando a uno as his Special Representative.
Eso ha caido muy mal even among the hardcore of GSLPee members, y ahora he wants to twin Gibraltar with La Linea, what a cachonfinger.
El sabra lo que hace, pero one never knows when the people will turn against you, como eso de darle el Freedom of the City to the police at a time when they are being criticised even by himself y el General.
Digo que si, porque con lo del bullying it has been concluded that the RGPee have been changing their procedures, conque algo estaba bien mal.
Not only that, my dear, pero tambien se ha concluido que el RGPee have learnt a number of lessons about todo este fregao - presumably if you put your foot in it te dan el Freedom of the City.
And do you know if they have been given the Freedom of Gibraltar or is it of the Caribbean, porque el Yo-me se ha tirado una semana en las bellas islas y no se sabe what for!
Bueno hija, tu tranquila porque no te vaya a subir la tension.
Lo que me va a entrar es un patitu, caramba.
Anyway, tomate una tila and sing God Save Our Gibraltar.
Por cierto que nos hace falta. Bye, bye blancaflor.
Adio mi alma.
26-05-15 PANORAMAdailyGIBRALTAR
BREAKING NEWS: Governor leaving Gibraltar
May 26, 2015
In a surprise move announced this morning, the Governor Sir James Dutton said he is leaving before his term of duty is concluded. He expects to leave Gibraltar in late September.
The news was revealed at a special press briefing for Editors by the Governor and the Chief Minister Fabian Picardo, held at The Convent.
"Our decision has been made for purely personal and professional reasons and is no reflection on the Rock or its great people," said Sir James.
Mr Picardo described him as 'a great supporter of Gibraltar.'
The search for a replacement will be announced soon.
PANORAMA 26.05.2015
Changing political scene in Spain after election
May 26, 2015 | By Joe Garcia
Franco sees himself as new La Linea mayor
There has been a wave of support for the new parties in Sunday's autonomy and municipal elections in Spain.
The immense power the PP had over the 4 years since the last local elections has been wiped out.
They can only find comfort in saying that they obtained 27% of the votes, just two points more than the PSOE.
But the number of votes was not the only factor in determining who really wins such elections. It is a question of gaining an absolute majority in the different electoral areas.
The PP lost their majorities in all autonomies.
"Spain's ruling PP gets worst local election results in 20 years," reported Reuters.
"Podemos and Ciudadanos punish ruling party," says The Wall Street Journal.
Indeed the PP was poised to lose its mayors in important areas such as Madrid.
In the autonomy elections they have been reduced to smithers, while in the municipal elections all it takes is a PSOE-Podemos pact to keep them out of power in many areas. It remains to be seen if these two Left-wing parties will come to terms, putting their desire for change at the forefront of considerations.
In La Linea, the PSOE had some 700 votes more than their nearest rival, a new movement called La Linea 100 x 100.
But when it came to number of seats secured, they each had nine - which means that a pact is required to decide if mayor Gemma Araujo retains power or not.
The leader of the other movement, Juan Franco, says he sees himself becoming the next mayor of La Linea.
Meanwhile, in Algeciras the PP retained power, with Landaluce back as mayor.
26-05-15 PANORAMAdailyGIBRALTAR
CONFIRMED: Gibraltar to vote in European referendum
May 26, 2015
Gibraltar is to be enfranchised with the UK in the EU Referendum, it has been confirmed by the office of Prime Minister David Cameron.
This confirmation is in keeping with the assurances the Chief Minister had previously from the Minister for Europe, David Lidington, as the intention of the Conservative Party if it won an absolute majority in the UK General Election.
Picardo QC said yesterday: "David Cameron has been true to his word to the people of Gibraltar and, as a British part of the EU, our voice will be heard as part of the franchise for this seminal exercise in democracy. We are working closely with the Prime Minister and his Government to ensure the necessary frame work for the EU referendum is in place in Gibraltar at the same time as in the UK. I look forward to this important debate."
26-05-15 PANORAMAdailyGIBRALTAR
Environmental Agency Not Interested in Food Allergy Concerns
May 26, 2015
I've spent over three weeks via the Government press office chasing and waiting after the Environmental Agency to answer a very simple question regarding the growing problem of food allergies, which a growing number of people appear to be concerned about!
Food allergy is a very specific and occasionally life-threatening condition that appears to be on the rise across western countries. 'Appears' is the important word here, as I am told it is getting increasingly difficult to judge the incidence of food allergy when it is so often confused with food intolerance or recorded only as part of more general allergy statistics and where the lack of educational awareness comes in!
In fact over the last 10 years or so the occurrence of allergy in general has dramatically increased to the point, where the World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared it to be one of the epidemics of the 21st century. Although it is known there has been an increased prevalence in developed countries. But also believed that increased awareness will provide better knowledge and understanding of allergy symptoms.
Ignorance in the Industry is the Biggest Problem
There is a disturbing story I know which might make some people realise how serious, something like 'nut allergy can be' In fact it is the reason why I decided to look further into this problem which affects many local families. Including a close family member of mine who also suffers from a food allergy complaint. Which can display itself in a not to pleasant manner and as a distressing medical condition.
However, the story tells the experience of a local resident a woman or I shall not name, who went to a local restaurant asking if the food she was about to order contained nuts, since she was allergic to them. An ignorant member of staff at the restaurant told her 'she was there at her own risk'. A response, which you would think she was about to use the public bus service, instead of ordering a meal at a local restaurant!
This misinformed and grossly irresponsible reply reflects, beyond a shadow of doubt, the ignorance among restaurant staff about serious food allergies and the new EU mandatory food allergy law, which applies to restaurants and all catering establishments within the EU… legislation I cannot find in our own law books.
Hence, why via Government press office I repeatedly submitted the following question to the Environmental Agency without a response:
"What provisions are there in local laws (please state law if applicable) regarding the requirement to provide food information (in menus etc.) to consumers by catering establishments such as restaurants, bistros, gastro bars, coffee shops and fast food outlets etc."
I also spoke to the Government press office people enquiring why this particular agency were ignoring the question, the press office at No 6 informed me they had submitted the question to the pertinent agency more then once. I concluded the agency concerned was not interested? Did not know? Or have a habit of ignoring questions from the press on matters of public interest? Or a combination of all!
EU legislation now recognises 14 foods as being responsible for the majority of allergic reactions in Europe. Within a European context, the primary causes of allergic and intolerant reactions to food are those listed below.
If you work in the food industry, particularly in the catering sector, you need to know how you can control food allergens on your premises. Because believe it or not, it can be a matter of life or death to some people!
EU Regulation 1169/2011 on the provision of food information to consumers requires that catering establishments such as restaurants, bistros, pubs and gastro pubs, wine bars, brassieres, coffee shops, outside caterers, fast food outlets, retail stores, banqueting and conference facilities, leisure attractions, museums, cinemas and theatres, welfare caterers, such as schools, universities, hospitals and old people's homes, the army, navy and police force and transport caterers, such as planes, boats and railways, will have to supply details of menu items that contain any of the EU top 14 allergens.
According to the new EU regulation allergenic ingredients must be indicated in list of ingredients with clear reference to name of the substance or product as listed in Annex II of the EU Food Information for Consumers Regulation No.1169/2011 and Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No. 78. Annex II outlines the 14 allergens (and products thereof) that must be labelled or indicated as being present in foods where are:
· Cereals containing gluten, namely: wheat (such as spelt and khorasan wheat), rye, barley, oats
· Crustaceans for example prawns, crabs, lobster, crayfish
· Eggs, Fish, Peanuts, Soybeans, Milk (including lactose)
· Nuts; namely almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, cashews, pecan nuts, Brazil nuts, pistachio nuts, macadamia (or Queensland) nuts Celery (including celeriac)
· Mustard, Sesame
· Sulphur dioxide/sulphites, where added and at a level above 10mg/kg or 10mg/L in the finished product. This can be used as a preservative in dried fruit
· Lupin, which includes lupin seeds and flour and can be found in types of bread, pastries and pasta
· Molluscs like, mussels, whelks, oysters, snails and squid
There is also a stipulation that the allergenic ingredients needs to be emphasised (like in a menu) using a typeset that clearly distinguishes it from the rest of the ingredients, for example by means of the font, style or background colour. Food businesses can choose what method they want to use to emphasise the 14 allergens on their product label. And also that All mandatory allergen information, on menus or signpost statements to where it could be found, should be easily accessible and visible, and clearly legible to the final consumer regardless of whether they have a food allergy or not. Personally I have not seen much of this locally!
As far as I am able to determine, this EU regulation has not been transposed into local law, neither is there much information about it. Although I would have preferred the pertinent government agency to have confirmed all this!
The new EU regulation in fact demands that details of these allergens will have to be listed clearly, such as on a menu, chalkboard, information pack or tablets. Each dish on any menu requires a breakdown of allergens contained within the recipe and preparation.
Restaurateurs under the EU regulation can no longer state that they are not aware of an allergen that is present or that foods 'could' contain allergens. Any oral statement has to be backed up in writing and non-compliance should in theory result in large fines!
As of 13 December 2014, new EU food labelling rules, adopted by the European Parliament and the Council in 2011, will ensure that consumers receive clearer, more comprehensive and accurate information on food content, and help them make informed choices about what they eat.
Has Anything Been Done Locally - Not Much by The Looks of Things?
Have the local authorities concerned with food and health even started to inform restaurants, hotels, cafes, bars and caterers about the necessary requirements?
I have asked and checked many menus round Gibraltar and I have not seen one (yet) single menu or restaurant conforming to these EU requirements, although I apologise if I have missed any. Of course, if its not law they won't be many establishments complying! The authorities have had over three years, or since 2011 during which time they should have started educating the local hospitality sector about this very important issue that affects many people's eating habits!
Looking at the issue from another angle, lack of conformity with these EU regulations could land food establishments in trouble, especially if a local or one of the 12 million visitors who visit Gibraltar dies as a result.
Should a fatality occur due to a lack of legislation, ignorance or enforcement, who will be held responsible, the Restaurant or Catering Establishment, Environmental Agency or the Government of Gibraltar?
It's not easy to have staff trained to understand the requirements of food allergic customers and how to prevent cross contamination, but unless we start immediately, we shall never get there!
Locally Allergy Sufferers Are Growing?
The exact prevalence of food allergies in Gibraltar still needs to be evaluated, although unofficially I have been informed that there are a fair number of people who suffer from these systems. However, studies in other European countries show they are increasing.
According to the European Academy of Allergy, food allergies affect more than 17 million people across Europe. In the UK alone, around 5,000-need hospital treatment for severe allergic reactions each year, some of which are fatal cases, causing an average of 10 deaths annually.
Experts say the majority of these (allergy) deaths and visits to hospital are avoidable, with some being a result of incorrect ingredient information. Many believe the new EU legislation is a huge step forward for those with allergies, who should now feel more confident with more information.
Gibraltar must start and move on with urgency and purpose to conform with this EU legislation, which should not only concern the population of the rock but the millions of visitors we host each year, a percentage of whom suffer from food allergies and intolerances!
I would like to publicly hear from the agency concerned. Specifically, to confirm or otherwise the information contained in this report, including how the position currently stands regarding this health issue of concern to people?
26-05-15 PANORAMAdailyGIBRALTAR
Feetham ignores his party's elected members
May 26, 2015
It would appear that the Leader of the Opposition is ignoring his own elected members of the Opposition to give preference to GSD members who are not elected, which is a strange way to behave.
A number of these non-elected GSD members have been appearing in political broadcasts, for example, when they are not responsible to the
electorate.It is the elected Opposition who must be seen to be fulfilling their obligations as elected representative of the people who elected
them. Yet, Mr Feetham seems to think he can ignore those who may have given faithful service to the party in preference to his new boys.
It is extraordinary if he cannot tell the difference between an unelected member of the GSD and those who have been elected by the people at an election.
What standing do people like Clinton, Hammond etc have in the community. They are not even elected!
26-05-15 PANORAMAdailyGIBRALTAR
