INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER
PUBLISHER: JOSE LUIS YAGร E SPECIAL EDITION
Complementary Copy
Come back to Andalusia See Pages 2 to 9
Foto Josele- San Pedro Alcรกntara
MARBELLA - COSTA DEL SOL - GIBRALTAR AREA
3th November 2007
3th November 2014
MARBELLA
Marbella Tribune
3
SPECIAL EDITION WTM 2014
Claudio Curia
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Marbella
Claudio Curia
Marbella Tribune
Claudio Curia
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Juan Carlos Teuma
Recent years have seen Andalusia become one of the world’s most complete tourist destinations. The variety and complementary nature of its tourist facilities and services, along with its climate, communications and hotel infrastructure, not to mention the hospitality of its people, have made Andalusia a favourite holiday destination for both Spanish and foreign visitors alike. SUN AND SAND Sun and sand tourism is still the leading tourist sector in the region. Andalusia’s 800-plus kilometres of coastline are home to a surprisingly varied range of beaches, from the expanses of fine sand in Cádiz and Huelva to the cliff-shrouded coves of Granada, Costa del Sol or Almeria. A wealth of services have sprung up alongside them: pleasure harbours, golf courses, promenades, outdoor sports facilities, mooring areas for vessels and restaurants, all of which have helped to make Andalusia the ideal destination for both sun and sand tourism and water sports. The wide range of services on offer on the coast of Andalusia is complemented by the salubrious nature of the beaches themselves, with a total of 70 blue flags bearing testimony to the excellent bill of health enjoyed by the region’s coastline and its facilities, not forgetting, of course, that they are also blessed with an excellent climate. Summers are warm, average temperatures ranging between 25º and 27º degrees, with beach temperatures in excess of 20º and extremely low rainfall during this season of the year. INLAND/RURAL TOURISM Andalusia ranks among the leaders in the national league table in terms of the number of inland holidaymakers it welcomes. Interest in this brand of tourism, either as the main reason for the trip or as a complement to other activities, has increased in spectacular fashion. The diversity, size and environmental riches that characterise Andalusia are impressive. It is home to the highest peaks to be found in the Iberian Peninsula (the Sierra Nevada), extensive wet zones such as the Guadalquivir Marshes, dense Mediterranean forests such as the one in Sierra de Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas Natural Park, desertics areas and uninhabited stretches of coastline such as the coastal area of Cabo de Gata Natural Park in Almeria. Over 18% of Andalusia enjoys some form of legal protection. These areas are known as Natural Spaces, the highlights of which are the 23 Natural Parks with their wide range of public facilities: visitors’ centres, recreational areas, camping zones, viewpoints, shelters etc. To these we must add other features which complement the services on offer in this sector, such as outdoor activities and cultural routes. CULTURAL TOURISM At the forefront of the cultural routes is “The Andalusi Legacy”, a trip through history that takes in our rich cultural patrimony, our countryside and a cultural heritage indebted to the Hispano-Muslim way of life, not to mention the traditions, craftsmanship and cuisine of the towns and villages that make up the seven Legacy routes, of which four, the Caliphate Route, the Washington Irving Route, the Nazari Route, and Almorávides and Almohades route are fully operational. Similarly worthy of note are Cadiz’s Romantic Routes (three new tourist destinations have recently been added to these in Jerez de la Frontera: The Brandy Route, the Flamenco Route and the Horse Route), the BeticoRoman Route, the Tempranillo Route and the Felix Rodriguez de la Fuente Route in Cazorla. All of these cater for a wide range of interests encompassing the fields of culture, sport, botany, ornithology and environmental awareness. Special mention must be made of Andalusia’s monuments. Each and
The main catholic church La Encarnacion in Marbella.
every one of the region’s provinces boasts an impressive historical and artistic heritage; some are home to world-famous buildings such as the Alhambra in Granada, Cordoba’s Mosque and Seville’s Cathedral and Giralda, while others, such as the towns of Ubeda and Baeza in Jaen, both of which belong to Humanity’s Patrimony, Arcos de la Frontera in Cadiz, Ronda in Malaga and Moguer in Huelva will pleasantly surprise the visitor.
Andalusia become one of the world´s most complete tourist destinations
GOLF Andalusia’s sports facilities occupy a privileged place among the region’s tourist sectors, in particular those devoted to golf. Of all Spain’s autonomous regions, Andalusia is the leading destination for this brand of tourism. It is home more than a hundred golf courses, 29% of the total for the whole of Spain, and over the last years, golf tourism here has grown more than in any other region. In addition, Andalusia boasts an excellent range of topquality accommodation and services that are fully integrated with the region’s golf courses. TRADITIONS AND FOLKLORE Andalusia’s festivals enjoy international renown and are for many the finest exponent of our culture. Perhaps the region’s foremost celebrations are its carnivals, notably the Cadiz Carnival, closely followed by Holy Week, which dominates all of Andalusia’s towns and cities at the end of March or the beginning of April. While all of the region’s Easter celebrations are worthy of note, those in Seville, Malaga, Cordoba and Granada are perhaps the best known. Seville’s April Fair follows close on the heels of Holy Week. A festive mood takes over Andalusia’s capital city as the locals dress up in traditional attire
La Alhambra-Granade
Flowers street in Estepona-Golden Triangle- Costa del Sol
Andalusia to celebrate their famous festival. The fair is not exclusive to Seville, as summer in particular sees similar celebrations held throughout the region in locations such as Malaga, Cordoba, Almeria, Fuengirola, Huelva, etc. Other festivities such as Corpus Christi, the May Crosses (particularly in Granada) and the Romerías or pilgrimages draw thousands of people year after year. Two pilgrimages worthy of special mention are El Rocio, which boasts a million participants, and La Virgen de la Cabeza in Andujar. CUISINE Another of Andalusia’s attractions is its cuisine. Coastal dishes such as skewered sardines and fried fish rub shoulders with the mountain fare to be found further inland. Of course, we must not forget one of Andalusia’s best-known delicacies: gazpacho. Also worthy of mention are Jabugo ham, desserts of Arabic origin and some of the world’s most renowned wines, many of which enjoy designation of origin certification, such as Sherry and the wines of Malaga, El Condado de Huelva and Montilla-Moriles. CONGRESS AND INCENTIVE TOURISM Andalusia is not only famous as a holiday destination. Recent years have seen the spectacular growth of congress tourism. Andalusia currently boasts an extensive network of Congress and Exhibition Centres with a total capacity of 53,000. Conceived as a meeting point for culture, business and leisure, their layout, infrastructure and services meet the most demanding requirements, offering halls of varying sizes equipped with all the latest technology (simultaneous translation, sound recording, audiovisual projection etc.). INFRASTRUCTURE The tourist industry in Andalusia is reinforced by the constant and appropriate modernisation of its infrastructure and services. Andalusia now enjoys better communications than ever before, with airports in Malaga, Seville, Granada, Almeria and Jerez de la Frontera, a high-speed railway line –the AVE – linking Barcelona, Madrid, Cordoba, Seville and Málaga, over 2,500 kilometres of motorway and major sea ports handling large volumes of traffic. It also boasts a wide range of top-quality hotel accommodation, a modern network of facilities equipped to stage all manner of events, modern, safe cities, environmentally-friendly design planning and countless leisure options.
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San Telmo Palace, Andalucia Goverment Residence in Seville
The Virgen del Carmen procession in Puerto Banús, Marbella
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Antequera Golf Cacho
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Antequera Golf is a spectacular 18-hole course with a par of 72. Situated 650 metres above the sea level, between the mountains of El Torcal (which were under the sea water, millions of years ago) and La Vega of Antequera plains. It is the best course in Andalucia in terms of road links, being just 30 minutes from Malaga, 45 from Granada, 1 hour from Seville and Cordoba, and 2 hours 30 minutes from Madrid by AVE. Those who have played on the course emphasise the marvellous contrast of the landscape, the diversity of its fairways, the chance to use all of the clubs in your bag, the perfect maintenance of the course, the superb service, complete customer care and overall respect for nature. Each hole carries a name of an aromatic plant or a fruit tree, as the course is flourished by plants and trees that give it a special character of real inland Andalucia. Antequera Golf offers a demanding, over 600 meters long, golf course with different options to play according to the level of each player. Designed by one of the best Spanish golfers of his generation - Jose Maria Cañizares, the course is a challenge for the lowest handicap. The golf course facilities include a professional shop, practice area with illuminated driving range, putting greens, chipping zones, bar, cafeteria, restaurant, conference and function rooms accommodating up to 500 people. Football fans will be surprised to find a high quality football pitch, used for national and international pre-season fitness preparation. The Hotel Antequera**** is the best accommodation for the visiting golfer. With 180 rooms, 169 are double rooms and the rest are suites, equipped with 12 meeting rooms completely prepared for any type of events and meetings. We guarantee an excellent night life, either in our disco or in the bodeguita – a typical Spanish place where one may enjoy a night of Flamenco, guitar, billiard or cards. At the restaurant, you can taste typical dishes of the region and also the traditional Mediterranean culinary with a creative touch. The Spa & Fitness Centre offers: gym, Jacuzzi, inside heated pool, sauna, Scottish shower, Turkish bath and a room for massages. La Magdalena Convent has been restored and converted into a 5star Luxury Hotel that combines the best of the past with the comfort of a modern hotel. Its rooms allow guests to feel the atmosphere contained in the building through the years. The complex has a privileged location at the foot of the natural reserve "El Torcal de Antequera”, has exceptional weather conditions and provide all the necessary services and facilities to enjoy a pleasant and an unforgettable stay. Close attention was paid even to the smallest details to delight you with our creative and regional gastronomy. We have the best service at your disponsal to make your wishes come true. Play golf on our Golf Course in a unique enclave with spectacular views. Ride a horse or enjoy a trekking tour in the surrounding countryside. Padel and paintball are also good alternatives to have a good time in our facilities. The Antequera city itself is a great place to visit, full of old churches, palaces, archaeological remains and a variety of places where one may taste the typical Andalucian cusine. Urbanización Antequera Golf, s/n. 29200 Antequera, Málaga. Telephone: +34 902 541 540 www.antequeragolf.com
Buchinger Wilhelmi Marbella
Our state of health depends fundamentally on the mental, physical and psychological benefits we obtain. The Buchinger clinic in Marbella offers the perfect surroundings to restore energy and quality of life. Thanks to the Buchinger method, based on therapeutic fasting and integral medicine we are able to deeply cleanse our whole organism. This means the fasting patient, after the therapy, has more vitality and experiences a marvelous feeling physical and mental of well-being. In fact, fasting has countless benefits which many people are not aware of: it stimulates creativity, alleviates stress and helps to open new horizons. For this reason, it is especially recommended for executives, top management and entrepreneurs, not only in their quest for new business opportunities but also to liberate themselves from the tensions caused by life in the fast track. The Buchinger Clinic: A place for continuous innovation The Buchinger clinic was opened in Marbella in1973 and since then has been practicing the fasting therapy and integral medicine based essentially on the aim of helping the patient to find his way towards a more healthy way of life by means of a variety of specific therapies and treatments. Everyone who wishes to take time out in order to improve their health and energy levels will find here an incomparable setting which has not only kept up with the times but has also kept ahead of the health and wellbeing segment. Its modern and innovative facilities are designed to respect the environment and inspire a healthy way of life. In this privileged atmosphere it is easy to let go and enjoy a rest for body and mind. The benefits of the Buchinger Method The Buchinger method encourages the patient to consciously and actively accept the responsibility for his physical, psychological and mental wellbeing. As opposed to other methods of fasting, the Buchinger Method provides a daily intake of vitamins, minerals and all the elements the body needs to maintain a nutritional balance and healthy energy levels. Fasting helps to stimulate a person’s own natural immune system and at the end of the fasting period, the patient experiences a vital energy recharge and has a more youthful appearance.
Although the sensation of hunger disappears after evacuation of the intestines, it takes a few days of transition until the patient settles in to the fasting mode. The body, when relieved of unnecessary ballast, feels light and free, with a great sense of wellbeing and vigour. “This change of metabolism caused by fasting cleanses and rejuvenates the organism in a way which is difficult to explain if you have not had that same personal experience. I have already done it 14 times and always, after spending 21 days at the Buchinger clinic, living on water without bread I have felt as though I had been born again�. These are the words of the Nobel Prize winner Mario Vargas LLosa ((who has now fasted a grand total of 27 times at the Buchinger Clinic!), published some years ago in a top Spanish newspaper. Villa Maria, the building whose architecture is designed to focus on health and wellbeing. With an investment of 5.5 million euros, the completed Villa Maria is a building of about 3800m2 consisting of 4 floors and a basement. Its 37 rooms comprise of, junior suites and suites, where even the bathrooms offer sea view. The rooms are equipped with a facility to disconnect all electrical circuits to allow a completely undisturbed natural and restful sleep, which we believe contributes to the healing treatment process of patients. "Our goal has been to construct a building that prioritizes human health, to maintain the utmost respect for the environment and sustainability". Claus Rohrer, pointed out, "we have created, more than a building, it is an integrated concept". The building is designed to give patients, who are on the therapeutic fasting program, an ideal space in which to follow the therapy and promote healing. Its main focuses are the light, space, tranquility and air. Surrounded by the "Wellness Garden," which is a space designed by the landscape architect Beatrix Perlac. She describes her project as, "a fusion between man, nature, the wisdom of the land and Mediterranean forests." www.buchinger-wilhelmi.com
A WISE CHOICE TO RECHARGE ENERGY LEVELS, VITALITY AND STIMULATE CREATIVITY
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Gibraltar, Attractive
Joanne Harris in Gibraltar .
Juan Carlos Teuma
Juan Carlos Teuma
Mahdur Jaffrey
Ben Okri .
The Gibraltar International Literary Festival
J Carlosn Teuma
The Gibraltar Int. Literary Festival
J Carlos Teuma
Chief Minister Fabian Picardo with Neil Costa, Gibraltar`s minister for Tourism..
The Gibunco president whit minister Neil Costa.
The Gibunco Gibraltar International Literary Festival today announces a stellar line-up of international authors for its 2014 programme. The Festival, commissioned by Her Majesty’s Government of Gibraltar and curated by the organisers of the FT Weekend Oxford Literary Festival, returns to The Rock following the success of last year’s inaugural event. This year the festival is extremely excited to announce that Man Booker Prize winner, Ben Okri, will launch his new novel The Age of Magic accompanied by the Orchestra of St John’s. As well as talking in-depth about his first new work in seven years, he will select pieces of music which will then be performed. Bestselling author, Kate Mosse, will also be introducing her new novel, The Taxidermist’s Daughter, set in a rural Sussex village in 1912 where a grisly murder has taken place. Mosse’s novels include the acclaimed international bestsellers, The Winter Ghosts, Citadel and Labyrinth. Her works have sold more than five million copies internationally in 42 languages. Other leading authors and high-profile guests include philosopher, AC Grayling, who will give the Kusuma Trust Lecture where he will examine the nature of friendship and the significance it plays in our lives. Broadcaster and entertainer Nicholas Parsons will be recounting the most hilarious moments from his six decades and 900 episodes as presenter of Radio 4’s hugely popular Just a Minute. Joanne Harris, celebrated author of 13 novels including Chocolat, will present a session on storytelling in word and song. Harris has a lifelong passion for Norse myths and will tell stories with Icelandic, Scandinavian, French and Celtic origins. She will also be joined by Ben Okri, who will draw on the myths and beliefs of his African heritage. Musical accompaniment will be provided by The Bookshop Band. Other musical events include leading Jazz Poet Jeremy Robson introducing his new collection of poetry with readings by the celebrated actress, Maureen Lipman (The Pianist, Coronation Street), as well as a performance from well-known jazz singer, Jacqui Dankworth, who has worked with Paloma Faith and Gregory Porter. British-Nigerian singer, Patti Boulaye, will also perform a special festival concert in the spectacular surroundings of Gibraltar’s St Michael’s Cave. Food will feature heavily in this year’s festival programme with a series of special talks and events. World authority on Indian food, Madhur Jaffrey, will be preparing a lunch at the Royal Gibraltar Yacht Club. Food writer, Claudia Roden, will host a literary lunch with a menu influenced by recipes from her many successful cookery books. Roden was born and brought up in Cairo and her bestselling A Book of Middle Eastern Food revolutionised attitudes to Middle Eastern cuisine when it was published in 1968. A section of the programme will also explore politics and history. Former cabinet minister, Jonathan Aitken, will be discussing the life of Margaret Thatcher. Ex-editor of the Observer and China expert Jonathan Fenby will argue that it is not inevitable that China will go on to dominate the 21st century. Former Archbishop of Canterbury, Lord George Carey, will be discussing some of the major moral dilemmas of the 21st century. Children’s authors at this year’s festival include Katherine Rundell, winner of the Waterstones children's book prize 2014 talking about her award winning book Rooftoppers, partly inspired by her own night-?time trespassing on the roofs of Oxford’s historic colleges. Carnegie Medal winner Sally Gardner will present her new book The Matchbox Mysteries, the fourth in the Wings & Co series, which has been hailed as ‘Agatha Christie for kids’. This year’s programme will also examine the interesting heritage of
Gibraltar and the wider Mediterranean that comes from its location between Europe and Africa. Singer Françoise Atlan will investigate the history of Jewish music from the Mediterranean focusing on Gibraltar’s ancient Sephardic Jewish community and also perform a number of tracks. Travel writer, Barnaby Rogerson, will explore the mystique surrounding Marrakesh through writing. A panel of speakers including Alex Furest from the National Catalan Assembly will debate the highly topical issue of Catalan independence. Neil Costa, Gibraltar's Minister for Tourism said: “We are delighted to be hosting the second ever literary festival in Gibraltar. Last year’s event was a resounding success and we look forward to welcoming back some of the world’s foremost literary talent. Her Majesty's Government of Gibraltar is fully committed to the development of event led tourism and the Festival is now established as a leading light in our annual calendar of cultural activities.” Sally Dunsmore, Festival Director, said: “This year’s programme has more than 50 different international speakers coming to Gibraltar-from bestselling authors, to celebrated chefs, broadcasters and world famous musicians. Gibraltar has a unique cultural heritage and we hope the Festival will continue to confirm Gibraltar’s reputation on the global literary map.” Tickets for the 2014 Festival are now on sale. Visit gibraltarliteraryfestival.com for more information. For further information please contact Tom Ville at Four Communications on +44(0)20 3697 4308 or via tom.ville@fourcommunications.com. About Gibraltar This spectacular rock monolith, covering a land area of about six square kilometres, is situated next to the southern tip of Spain overlooking the strait to Africa. It is known as the Meeting Place of Continents. This British Overseas Territory has a mild Mediterranean climate, which is warm and welcoming throughout the year. The local people smile their welcome with friendly charm born from a blend of many cultures united in a unique community. For further information please contact the Gibraltar Tourist Board; Gibraltar: Tel: +350 20074950, Email: information@tourism.gov.gi London: Tel: +44 (0) 2078360777, Email: info@gibraltar.gov.uk Or visit www.visitgibraltar.gi About the Gibunco Group The Gibunco group describe themselves as is the most prominent private enterprise in Gibraltar and ranks amongst the leaders in the Western Mediterranean. Spanning sectors as diverse as oil and energy, shipping, maritime engineering, logistics, real estate and property development, the Group is unified by a focus on innovation and excellence
The Gibunco Gibraltar International Literary Festival event return from 14 to 16 November
Juan Carlos Teuma
Juan Carlos Teuma
Juan Carlos Teuma
HM Gibraltar Government, Fabian Picardo QC MP, The Chief Minister’s address to the Fourth Committee of the United Nations General Assembly. New York. “Mr Chairman Members of the Committee will recall that, last year, after my intervention, the distinguished Spanish Ambassador replied accusing me of having misled you. Of course, none of what I had reported to the Committee last year was untrue or misleading in any way although much of what he [the ambassador] has said today does not reflect reality . And, in fact, you will have since received from the office of the Deputy Chief Minister of Gibraltar a report which provides full details of the lengthy, politically motivated queues artificially created by the Spanish Government at our international land frontier. It also details the repeated incursions into British Gibraltar Territorial Waters by Spanish state vessels. The frontier queues affect the 10.000 Spanish and European citizens who live in Spain and come into Gibraltar every day to work. The European Commission has found the queues are “unjustified” and “disproportionate”. Indeed, the EU Commission has recently found in favour of Gibraltar in respect of numerous complaints filed by the Spanish Government regarding environmental matters; which the ambassador has repeated today, but all of their complaints having been found to be without any merit. In respect of the continual maritime incursions into BGTW, the data provided in a recent report of the UK Parliament‘s Foreign Affairs Committee finds that this has led to the Spanish Ambassador to the United Kingdom being summoned to the Foreign & Commonwealth office an unprecedented times between September 2010 and May 2014. None of these findings are anything for the present government of Spain to be proud of. Only this weekend, we have seen a number of incidents which are not the actions of a supposedly friendly EU partner and NATO ally and which clearly attempt against Gibraltar’s territorial integrity. On Saturday, Spanish Customs navigating without lights in BGTW. This required the attendance of the Royal Gibraltar Police. The Royal Navy control repeatedly urged the Spanish Customs vessel to comply with basic international navigational rules and show their lights given the navigational danger to shipping that not doing so entailed. Even then, they did not comply. On Sunday a report of an air incursion reported in the Sunday Express of an incident where two Spanish Air Force Eurofighter aircraft that came within 800m of a commercial airliner on final approach to Gibraltar Airport. and also on Sunday, a Spanish survey vessel hitting a Royal Navy RHIB with its probe. The full details are in my written submission. In the past two months alone there have been 245 illegal incursions by Spanish State vessels into BGTW. All of these incursions are challenged at sea and/or by the filing of diplomatic notes verbales. These 245 incursions – like all others - are therefore of no de facto or de jure value to assist the Spanish government in building a claim to the sovereignty of the waters around Gibraltar. Because the waters around Gibraltar remain just as British before, during and after any incursion. Indeed, in this respect, in 1966 the United Kingdom, with Gibraltar’s support, challenged Spain to take the issue of her claim to our waters up in the International Court. But in December 1966 Spain turned down the challenge. Over half a century later we have been told why we are kept waiting on the steps of the Court. In a frank speech given by the Spanish Foreign Minister in December last year he said clearly that the reason Spain does not go to the International Tribunal of the Law of the Sea is that they are advised that Spain would lose its case. So Spain is prosecuting a case by illegal incursions on the water that it knows it would lose in the relevant International Tribunal.
Juan Carlos Teuma
The whole area of the Bay of Gibraltar can be transformed into a mutually beneficial arc of prosperity that would extinguish current punishing rates of unemployment which presently afflict the Spanish side
queues, in the constant incursions into our waters, in the airspace around Gibraltar and in the repeated defamation of Gibraltar both here today and in the international media, is a strategy of the present Spanish Government to achieve its prime Foreign Policy objective: the recovery of the sovereignty of our Rock of Gibraltar. Well, they can designate as much of their annual budget as they wish to that objective, but they will never achieve their aim. I really don’t know what part of “GIBRALTAR WILL NEVER BE SPANISH” they cannot understand. But what the world’s governments represented here today must reflect on is the fact that, in seeking to take the sovereignty of Gibraltar, the current Spanish Government does not even allow for the consent of the people of Gibraltar to be expressed. Their presently stated objective is to take over the sovereignty of Gibraltar even against the wishes of the people of the territory; seeking only bilateral engagement with the administering power, the United Kingdom in the process and ignoring the voice and wishes of the people of the territory, as you have heard the distinguished ambassador say today. With the very greatest of respect, this is not the politics of the twenty first century, to put it mildly. This is not the politics of the principles of consent and self-determination that your Committee is set up to defend in its sacred trust of the rights of colonial peoples. Repeated Chief Ministers of Gibraltar have already set out the basis in UN law and doctrine why we – the people of Gibraltar - are the only relevant decision makers when it comes to determining the future of Gibraltar in the expression of our inalienable right of self determination. That is the only route to our decolonisation and removal from the list of nonself governing territories; whether or not there is a pending sovereignty claim. Mr Chairman, the people of Gibraltar are a hardworking nation who seek only peaceful co-existence with all our neighbours. We would wish to work with the national, regional and municipal authorities of the Kingdom of Spain to promote the business opportunities that the Bay of Gibraltar presents to companies seeking to access the EU single market. Mr Chairman, the whole area of the Bay of Gibraltar can be transformed into a mutually beneficial arc of prosperity that would extinguish current punishing rates of unemployment which presently afflict the Spanish side. Working on non sovereignty issues through the established Trilateral Forum for Dialogue, which the previous Spanish Government bravely pursued and this Committee warmly welcomed, we can build together new relationships of trust and confidence that will yield real human and economic value in the short, medium and long term for the people of the whole of the Bay area. We reaffirm our commitment to the Trilateral Forum, as the United Kingdom has done and does, and to establishing a dialogue with the Spanish Government, despite their continued hostility in words and deeds. Not because we turn a martyr-like cheek, but because we believe in diplomacy and dialogue as the catalysts for lasting change and the drivers of respect between opposing irreconcilable positions. To the people of Spain we extend a hand of friendship; a hand of economic partnership; and a hand of political reconciliation. With the United Kingdom Government we have jointly proposed a process of official/technical level ad- hoc talks in parallel to the Trilateral Forum to kick start communication and dialogue. Our invitation is clear and genuine. But make no mistake: Gibraltar is OUR land; it will always remain so and only we will decide its future!”
Juan Carlos Teuma
Incursions change nothing, but they do risk lives and distract law enforcement agencies from what surely matters the most: the fight against international organised crime. In fact, in the Straits of Gibraltar we suffer the operation of gangs of drug traffickers who transport tonnes of cannabis and cocaine from the coast of North Africa into Spain for distribution into the rest of Europe. I obviously do not blame the Spanish authorities for this. But I do blame them for wasting precious time and resources in playing futile sovereignty games in the waters around the Rock instead of working with the excellent Gibraltar law enforcement agencies. Let us show maturity and stop the games of cat and mouse both at sea and on the front pages of newspapers. We in Gibraltar stand ready to break the mould and work with the relevant Spanish authorities on the simple basis of each of us respecting the jurisdiction recognised to each of us by this very body, by the United Nations. Later on the same Sunday evening, a Spanish Survey vessel, the Angeles Alvarino, entered BGTW and tried to deploy a probe to take a sample of water without consent of the relevant Gibraltar authorities. The Royal Navy attended. The probe from the Spanish survey vessel struck the Royal Navy RHIB. All other authorities in the area also attended. Because, you see, when I refer you to British Gibraltar Territorial Waters, I am referring you to the waters recognised as British by all of the Governments of distinguished delegates present here who have signed up to UNCLOS. We agree to stick to the jurisdiction set out in the UNCLOS map and the UN’s designation of sovereign rights. In that straightforward context, will the Spanish government be ready to work with us at least on important law enforcement co-operation? We will see, but I have little confidence we will make progress. You see, this year in the Spanish “External Action Strategy” on Foreign Policy, the Spanish Government devotes two pages to the objective of the recovery of the Sovereignty of Gibraltar. So let us be clear, what we are seeing in the creation of disproportionate
Juan Carlosb Teuma
Gibraltar in the UN
Juan Carlos Teuma
Juan Carlos Teuma
Juan Carlos Teuma
And the new Gibraltar University may become home I hope for courses reflecting the expertise that the gaming industry represents in Gibraltar, in particular software and the like. In addition, the transformation that we are seeing in Gibraltar benefits all of us. Our Commonwealth Park is a green lung; a space to breathe, think and enjoy in the centre of our city that in our view was as necessary as the new office facilities also required. That and a new five star hotel and others to follow with better and more sophisticated entertainment and dining options add to how you and we can enjoy our downtime in Gibraltar and how we can entertain guests from outside. Hence why we continue to see growth in our industry despite the challenges we are facing together. Because we are working together. Listening to each other. Understanding each other’s concerns and aspirations. Delivering solutions to problems in partnership. A public/private partnership of a different type. One in which the regulator and licensing authority nurture an industry in a way that ensures that end users get the best service and our economy can boast the growth I have been able to announce this year. A large part of Gibraltar's success is your success. 10.3% GDP growth. 6.5% growth in employment in one year. And the third nation in GDP per capita terms. A large part of that growth is driven by an industry that has only just begun to show the world how Gibraltar can be a centre for innovation and multi-cultural business development that is already the envy of the world in your sector. Because when it comes to online gaming it's the Rock of Gibraltar that represents the cutting edge. Let's continue to work together and nurture our relationship so that our symbiotic success continues to impress the rest of the world. Perhaps that may be the only way to make others realise how wrong they are to ignore the warnings of a responsible and successful industry.
“And we are investing in the infrastructure you need, like telecommunications and the facilities for new office blocks... The new Gibraltar Int. Bank and the new Gibraltar University... the transformation that we are seeing in Gibraltar benefits all of us.”
Juan Carlos Teuma
Chief Minister’s Fabian Picardo Speech Gibraltar Day Events: Gaming Breakfast Tuesday 21st October 2014: The RAC Ministers, Sir Peter, Members of Parliament, Ladies and Gentlemen. Friends. May I on behalf of Her Majesty's Government of Gibraltar warmly welcome you to this venue hopping but now happily annual event. I have delivered a number of speeches in the past twenty four hours in which I have been able to highlight the successes of different parts of the Gibraltar economy. You might think that with the GBGA fresh from a defeat in the High Court in respect of new UK rules, my address in respect of the online gaming industry might be a little more down beat. But the reality for those who form part of the industry is far from downbeat. Indeed, today Gibraltar wakes up to a front page article in one newspaper which discloses that the GBGA continues its challenge, now to the taxation aspects of the new regime proposed for the United Kingdom. As in the earlier litigation Her Majesty's Government of Gibraltar will not be joining in the action against Her Majesty's Government of the United Kingdom. Between governments it is best that we try to resolve our differences politically and not legally if we can avoid it! But we are interested in ensuring that in the litigation we will not see my Government's position or the legislation or economics of gaming in Gibraltar misrepresented in any way. For that reason we will be involved as interested parties again in this case. The last piece of GBGA litigation actually yielded a particularly helpful interpretation from Mr Justice Green on the EU status of Gibraltar as a distinct jurisdiction to the UK for EU purposes. Although highly technical this has been a long overdue recognition of the reality of the Gib/UK relationship in an EU context. That is hugely positive and will help the Government help the online gaming industry in coming months. The industry continues to grow in Gibraltar at a measured pace. As many of you will be aware there are more companies wishing to establish themselves in the Gibraltar market than the Government is prepared to licence. We have continued the prudent course steered by Sir Peter Caruana when he was Chief Minister in our attitude to licencing new entrants into the market. Indeed the online gaming industry has had a salutary effect on the usually unforgiving nature of politics in Gibraltar.All political parties have been united in the approach to the organic growth of the industry and the careful selection of licensees. And as a Government our approach will always be to also listen carefully to the experts not just on matters directly affecting you in regulatory terms but also in matters peripheral but essential to you. So after the catastrophic fire at our power station in the early part of the year we have invested in more temporary power generation than we need, so that you have the peace of mind that we have redundancy of supply. We have put in place protocols to provide information should we suffer catastrophic power failure again, something we believe is now as unlikely in Gibraltar as in any advanced economy. And we are investing in the infrastructure you need, like telecommunications and the infrastructure we all need like the airport tunnel and the facilities for new office blocks to be developed by the private sector. The emergence of the new Gibraltar International Bank will also be hugely positive for the industry, I know.
Juan Carlosb Teuma
Speech Gibraltar in the City