17 December
With the festive season upon us, Gibraltarians wrapping up their Christmas shopping and the new year creeping upon us just as we got used to 2015, Panorama was keen to find out what people were up to during this time. With these thoughts in mind we hit the streets for what could be our final vox populi of the year to ask the public if there was enough events being put on for the various age groups or they would just be choosing to spend the time with their loved ones.
"I'm going to spend a nice family Christmas this year," said Jenaira. "I think there's enough parties including the gala dinner for adults but there is not that much on for those who are 16 and under to socialise and enjoy the season. We should try to arrange more events as usually over New Year everything is sold out and it tends to be quite expensive to go out, especially for VIP tickets."
An elderly trio sitting on a bench told me they just try to enjoy themselves. "It's all about family, eating a lot and washing dishes," said Paqui. "But thank God we can enjoy the time as life is too short and sweet. Maybe there should be more events put on for the elderly because they're the ones who need it most because they're in their final years and need to be kept happy."
Active
Tina Stagno was fully booked up with activities, as she told Panorama: "We have bingo nights throughout the week at the Casino and Caleta Club, we will be playing badminton with the ladies, going to a raffle on Saturday and on Sunday we have the pensioners' dinner dance. On New Year I would like to come to Casemates, but the problem is we wouldn't be able to drink if we were going to drive from Catalan Bay as nobody wants to walk at that time.
"Perhaps there could be something more in Casemates for the younger ones although sometimes it can be hard for elderly people during these events as they take away the benches and there is nowhere to sit. On Christmas Day it can get boring after the lunch with the family although on Boxing Day some people do the Polar Bear swim!"
"As far as events I'm aware there is the little fair in Piazza for the children which is enough," said Karel Balban. "Apart from that we have work parties and family occasions although it's not a bad idea to do some teenage entertainment at Casemates like during the Summer Nights, but I don't think it's up to the government to organise it and should perhaps be put on by the private sector."
Like many other people, Albert Stagnetto said it was an opportunity to catch up with everyone in one place: "It's a true family occasion over Christmas with 180 people coming home so we always have a great time."
Quiet time
Alex McDonald agreed it was a family day: "Not many people want to go out and do prearranged events over Christmas, while New Year's Eve is more like that, with fireworks and the concert where we all go out together."
Local tattoo artist Diego said this time was one of love and family for everyone: "It's when we all meet together and enjoy ourselves so we need to get together with our friends and feel what it's like to be human and share our experience with each other.
"We buy gifts to demonstrate that love, so being in Gibraltar is a privilege because here we're in the first world and we can have everything we desire. So at this time I hope they dream of what they want to achieve next year and go on to accomplish it."
Stephen Cumming said he spent time with his family in a quiet and spiritual way: "It's a very relaxed time of the year which gives you the opportunity to reflect on the more important things in life which is very important for me. Consumerism can be enjoyable but it has to be balanced and kept in check otherwise you lose the whole point of the celebrations.
"I've never been a party animal other than in my wild youth so the lack of entertainment doesn't really bother me too much although in terms of family events we're well catered for. I just home that we all maintain that Christmas spirit in everything we do and spend time with our loved ones."
17-12-15 PANORAMAdailyGIBRALTAR
GFA clarifies places in European Club competitions
December 17, 2015
Following on from reports in various local media outlets (not Panorama), the Gibraltar FA would like to clarify the exact position in relation to the places that are available for Gibraltarian clubs in the two European competitions: the Champions League & the Europa League.
In 2013 UEFA granted Gibraltar two places in in its club competitions: one team participating in the UEFA Champions League and one in the UEFA Europa League.
Entry into these competitions for the 2017-18 season will be a matter for discussion at the next meeting of the UEFA Club Competitions Committee, in February 2016. Following on from this, formal approval on places and entry for the 2017-18 season will only be confirmed at the end of the 2015-16 season (which is this current season).
Therefore until the UEFA Club Competitions Committee meets in February and once formal confirmation is received at the end of the 2015-16 season, there is currently no change to the number of Gibraltarian Club teams that can qualify for any of the two European Competitions, no matter what our current UEFA Coefficient Ranking stands at.
As and when there is any change to the position, the Gibraltar FA will communicate this accordingly.
17-12-15 PANORAMAdailyGIBRALTAR
