MARCH 2021 Nº 211 / FREE COPY
Globe Magazine Gibraltar www.issuu.com/globemagazineonline
Contents / March 6
8
14
18
CONGRATULATIONS TO LOUIS W. TRIAY, OFFICIALLY A GUINNESS WORLD RECORD HOLDER FOR LONGEST CAREER AS A LAWYER
32
THE BEST RECIPES OUR CUISINE
34
WHAT’S HAPPENING DOWN TOWN?
36 INVICTA 8926ob: CAN IT COMPARE TO THE ROLEX SUBMARINER?
ART COMPETITION FOR YOUNG ARTISTS 2021
40
MGR MARK MILES APPOINTED APOSTOLIC NUNCIO
FRANCIS HUART – COMMUNITY SOLIDARITY
42
MARK MONTOVIO: ARTIST ON LOCKDOWN
THE SINKING OF THE SS UTOPIA
44
DISCOVER GIBRALTAR WITH WWW.GIBRALTAR.COM – THE GREAT SIEGE TUNNELS
48
GIBRALTAR GOVERNMENT TO HONOUR THE WARTIME ACTIONS OF COMMODORE CREIGHTON
25 ANNE-MARIE MORELLO: WELL-BEING AND TRANSFORMATIONAL COACH 30 DAD’S KITCHEN: HALLACAS
Credits
Tel: 4
(00350) Laburnum
20041129 Lodge,
Mailing
Address:
(00350) 20041129 • E-mail: globemagazine@
Montagu
Gardens,
gibtelecom.net
GIBRALTAR
·
The views and opinions
expressed by contributors to this magazine may not necessarily represent the views of the
Front Cover: Anne-Marie Morello
www.issuu.com/globemagazineonline
(www.annemariemorello.com) Photography: Charlene Figueras
publishers. CONDITIONS: Globe Magazine cannot accept responsability for the claims, goods or
Globe Magazine Gibraltar
Artwork (Collage): Alannah Caines @
services of advertisers. The publishers make every effort to ensure that the magazine’s contents are
alannahcaines
No part of this publication may be reproduced
correct, but cannot accept responsibility for the
MUA: Nyree Chipolina
without written permission from Globe Magazine
effects of errors or omissions.
Printed by GLOBE MAGAZINE • Designed GLOBE MAGAZINE is published by Globe
by TGDOR (Instagram: _tgdor) • If you wish
Magazine Registered • Address: Suites 31 & 32
to advertise in this magazine, please
Victoria House, 26 Main Street, GIBRALTAR
(00350) 58369000 or (0034) 620 182224 •
phone:
GLOBE MAGAZINE 5
Congratulations to Louis W Triay, Officially a Guinness World Record Holder for Longest Career as a lawyer LOUIS W TRIAY is officially a Guinness World Record holder for the longest career as a lawyer: almost 71 years so far and going strong. Mr Triay was called to the Bar in 1950 and enjoyed representing others in court for decades. More recently his work has focused on trusts, tax planning and private client matters, matters he’s considered a “leading authority” on. The “T” in TSN reminds us that it is a law firm Mr Triay formed. The 91-year-old says he’s fortunate to be of sound mind and body and with his family, his children and grandchildren, has thanked his TSN colleagues for their role in but work gives him purpose. He believes in self discipline, admitting to being motivated by this. proving to himself that he can keep going. He He wakes up at 0600 every morning and does told GBC he hasn’t been asked to retire because exercises before getting ready for work. Mr he still “scores goals”. Triay doesn’t think he gets the recommended eight hours of sleep other than at the weekend Speaking to GBC after receiving confirmation and on holidays. And that’s partly because he of his world record, Mr Triay said he would loves coming in to work. He recently told GBC like to give a message of encouragement for "all the old fogeys out there who have been in he has no plans to retire any time soon. The world record holder said he enjoys time isolation", that there's still time no matter how
6 GLOBE MAGAZINE
old you are "to achieve things in life".
70+ YEAR LEGAL CAREER ON THE ROCK: THE EARLY DAYS When he started, he recalls there only being about half a dozen other lawyers on the Rock. He loved doing criminal work, cross examining others in court. He says misses that. He became a Queen’s Counsel (QC) in 1982, in recognition of his status as a senior counsel in court cases. Before that, Mr Triay took an active part in politics. He was a member of the Legislative Council from 1964 to 1969, acting as Minister for Port and Trade in the Gibraltar Government from 1965 to 1969. In 1967, he was largely responsible for legislation implemented in Gibraltar to create the exempt company, which lasted for several decades before being phased out more recently as a result of sustained pressure from the European Union and the OECD.
GLOBE MAGAZINE 7
Invicta 8926ob: Can it compare to the Rolex Submariner? Article by Jordan Ferro (Watch & Bullion)
THE SINGLE MOST faked watch in the entire world is the legendary Rolex Submariner. This is understandable since it also is the most desirable watch in the entire world. With a retail price of €7,350 for the most basic model, it is far from attainable for the average person. Coupled with the limited supply, there is bound to be a discrepancy between those that want this watch and those that can have it. 8 GLOBE MAGAZINE
If you happen to find yourself in the position where you want a Submariner, but you can’t or don’t want to spend the money required to get one, you will have to get a little creative to satisfy that itch. Provided that your moral compass is strong enough to dissuade you from outright buying a fake, but not so strong that you don’t mind a copycat, then you will invariably land in front of the Invicta 8926ob Pro
Diver and ask yourself whether you should buy it. What is the Invicta 8926ob? The word that the watch community has designated for it, and other watches of its nature, is “Homage”. Homage is a fancy word to describe a watch that does everything that a fake would do without outright being a counterfeit product. The key distinguishing difference between them and your standard
knock-off is the actual branding which will sound vaguely prestigious and, more importantly, allow them to be sold on the open market. When comparing these two watches then you end up not actually comparing the individual features of the watch, but rather the execution of them. Beyond the objective elements of this watch we will also briefly dwell on the
GLOBE MAGAZINE 9
bigger picture that may influence your decision on whether you think an Invicta may be the right watch for you. THE INVICTA 8926OB: A SUBMARINER HOMAGE REVIEW
and in that regard I feel that the Invicta only looks good on the first glance. Lower quality execution is expected, but subtle decisions in the dimensions of different elements could have been made which make the watch look better without any additional costs.
STYLE & DIFFERENCES: 8926OB VS SUBMARINER
Bracelet & clasp The bracelet and the clasp is where things fall apart. The watch uses hollow links and the same
The case of the Invicta comes quite close to that of the Submariner if it were not for one bizarre decision that makes my head hurt. The watch has the name Invicta engraved deeply on the non-crown side which is ironically one of the only creative inputs by Invicta into this design and simultaneously the worst looking part of the entire watch. Since a homage usually tries to remain true to the original this decision is strange in that regard already and even more so considering that of the many watches you may want to flex with Invicta is certainly not among them. The dial The dial is stylistically, unsurprisingly I may add, quite close to that of the Submariner. It quickly falls short upon closer inspection though. The cyclops only has a 1,5x magnification and makes you wonder why they didn’t just leave it or go for a no-date version. Additionally, the indices are too small and coupled with the fact that they are applied rather than printed means they lack in size, look cheap and sacrifice potential lume real estate. A noticeable difference by the Invicta is the counterweight of the seconds hand that uses their logo and actually looks rather nice. All in all the dial is usually the most important element of any watch 10 GLOBE MAGAZINE
holds true for the end-links. The clasp is thin and stamped and not in the charming way of a vintage Rolex. This is the part where I feel the gap between the Invicta and the Rolex is the largest. That is, however, not particularly surprising when comparing products that have such a large difference in price. That is why, in defence of the Invicta, I would like to point out that while the bracelet suffers in comparison with the Rolex it is very much in
line with other watches of that price segment. Further, while the bracelet and clasp rattle and feel cheap that does not mean that at a functional level they don’t do their job. Nevertheless, I would highly recommend anyone considering the Invicta to invest in a quality aftermarket bracelet or strap which I feel could go a long way to make this watch feel more like the premium model it tries to imitate.
Movement Ticking inside the Invicta is the Seiko NH35A movement. This is not surprising, since in-house movements are not a given even among luxury brands. Of course this movement can not live up to the quality, craftsmanship, and reliability of the Rolex 3135/3235. In terms of decoration decided to paint the rotor with a gaudy yellow and slap on a sapphire case-back that you really wish was not there.
Since this will most likely be the first mechanical watch for somebody purchasing it I can understand them wanting to make it visible, but even a novice can tell that this movement is not pretty. Then again it is very much in line with Invicta as a company to use one of the most basic of movements, slap their name on it, and call it a day. The NH35A is one of the cheapest movements that is easily available. It is so cheap, in fact, that if you ever run into problems with it would probably be cheaper to just replace it completely rather than try and service it. Whether that is a benefit or a downside is for you to decide. What is clear is that this is a true workhorse movement and can also be found in the Seiko 5. It is not pretty, but it is durable. While it has none of the new innovations of watchmaking, it doesn’t need them either and exposes how much of watchmaking technology ends up just being fluff. Although it has to be noted that the quality control for both the watch and the movement are all over the place so getting an accurate model requires a little bit of luck. My problem with Invicta as a whole Tacking a step back from the 8926ob specifically I want to talk about Invicta as a company. Before summing up my thoughts on the pro diver I feel like this is important to touch upon. Learning how the sausage gets made, while uncomfortable, may play a factor in whether you want to buy this watch. That is because Invicta is like the sweatshop of the watch industry. They specialize in making ridiculously cheap watches that offer decent value
GLOBE MAGAZINE 11
check out any of the watches from the Seiko 5 range. These use the same movement and furthermore have their own designs.
in their price category at the cost literally everything else. My distaste for Invicta goes way beyond them deciding to engage in the least creative segment of the entire industry. Unlike a dedicated and focused homage brand like Steinhart, for example, Invicta has no shame in copying anything that is vaguely successful or currently in trend. This goes beyond the Submariner and ranges all the way from the Timex Weekender, which is ironically cheaper than the Invicta copy, to the Konstantin Chaykin. The brand also, to no one’s surprise, conducts itself in just the way that you would expect from a company that tries to ride other people’s success in the hopes of a quick payout. The horror stories about interactions with Invicta could fill a book, but examples included mold inside of cases, false labeling and advertising, as well as horrible service experiences. Invicta seems to have no shame, regularly artificially increasing the retail price to make their “offer” more appealing. But Invicta does not just copy watches, they also copy the boxes they are sent out in. To find more about this you can google their plasticase lawsuit. Here Invicta was, allegedly, sent multiple possible case
12 GLOBE MAGAZINE
designs they had commissioned only to reject them and then use the designs to produce them cheaper elsewhere. Having seen the pictures of the original box and the copy of Invicta I have to say that I believe their talents in copying boxes way surpass those of copying watches. Having said all that it really is a shame because the pro-diver happens to offer great value for the money. Sure, it isn’t even close to the Rolex and if that is what you want then the Invicta will never satisfy that urge. I would also not recommend this watch for those
looking to flex or fool others with it thinking it is a Rolex. The quality simply is not there for it to have that effect and watch guys will be more likely to compliment your wristgame if you only wore a bracelet. If you find yourself to be one of the people not caring about all these elements and only looking for a cheap beater watch that mimics the style of the legendary Submariner I can recommend the Invicta 8926ob pro diver. If this blog, however, has given you second thoughts then I can recommend you alternatively
Beyond the watch you receive your money works as a vote in what brands you want to support and Seiko just so happens to be the polar opposite of Invicta. They are one of the most well-established brands in the industry and have a loyal and helpful fanbase. If you still find yourself hunting the Submariner look and don’t find yourself satisfied with one of the many options available from Seiko you can also try modifying certain parts of the watch to your liking. This is a rabbit hole that allows you to express yourself, really get to know your watch, and is budget friendly. CAN THE INVICTA LIVE UP TO THE ROLEX?
In conclusion then, can the Invicta live up to the Rolex? No, and to be frank it is not even close. Is it a good value watch for the money? Yes, and mind some quality control issues it is a great beginner watch on an objective level. Would I recommend it? No, as many alternatives can be had at that price point and the brand behind the watch is one of the shadiest in the entire industry.
GLOBE MAGAZINE 13
Francis Huart Community Solidarity Going beyond the Call of Duty
THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC is impacting the global population in drastic ways. In many countries, including Gibraltar, older and vulnerable people are facing the most threats and challenges at this time. Although all age groups are at risk of contracting COVID-19, older people face significant risk of developing severe illness if they contract the disease due to physiological changes that come with ageing and potential underlying health conditions. Given the many challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, a show of solidarity and community spirit exhibited through volunteering is heartening. 14 GLOBE MAGAZINE
One person, who has stepped up to the challenge during lockdown, is Francis Huart, who has kept himself busy delivering to the elderly and providing assistance to all those in isolation. Instead of withdrawal and selfinterest, we see an outpouring of support and solidarity by an individual. Perhaps the best example of this is the fact that in spite of the physical distancing required by the disease, people, like Francis, are finding creative ways to connect and help one another, reaching out to the most vulnerable members of the community. During our second social lockdown, we were also faced with a second strain of the virus,
though not more virulent than the original strain, but definitely more contagious. With local Government left with no option but to impose a second ‘circuit-breaker’ lockdown to flatten the curve and not overwhelm the GHA, Francis kept up his efforts delivering daily to the most vulnerable of our community for no financial gain. When asked by a local paper why he thought he had to help out those in need in our society, he calmly replied, showing the full element of Gibraltarian community solidarity and spirit, that he felt that the pandemic had been very tough on all members of our community, especially on the elderly and vulnerable, whose movements had been
GLOBE MAGAZINE 15
16 GLOBE MAGAZINE
greatly curtailed, further isolating them from their families and therefore requiring assistance from the public. Also making general deliveries to their doorstep added a personal touch, giving them that human connection. When asked how he felt Gibraltar had dealt with the crisis, he felt that the Government had responded brilliantly with the pandemic ensuring the safety of all Gibraltarians, especially the most vulnerable. He felt a sense of community duty in helping out, keeping him very busy and though exhausting, it became part and parcel of his daily routine, giving him a sense of purpose throughout the lockdown.
In the thirteen months since the start of the pandemic, COVID-19 has profoundly changed our lives, causing tremendous human suffering due to separation of loved ones, and challenging the most basic foundations of societal well-being. Beyond the immediate impacts on health, jobs and incomes, the pandemic is increasing people’s anxiety and worry, affecting their social relations, their trust in other people and institutions, their personal security and sense of belonging. Even though he received help from too many to mention them all here by name, he took this opportunity to especially thank the Gibraltar Government and the Minister for Housing,
the Hon Steven Linares MP, Ruben Rodriguez and his workmates from the Housing Works Agency and his colleagues Raymond Gonzalez, Graham Southwell and Alan Barcio. A special word of mention must go to his wife, Victoria, and sister, Leana Rodriguez for their unrelenting support, to Daniel Macias from Eroski Supermarket for his generosity and his contribution and to Ivor Lopez and Tito Danino at No 6 for their help in materialising the delivery to over five hundred homes in all in these testing times. Francis, we at Globe Magazine, as the whole of Gibraltar surely does, salute you for your unrelenting solidarity.
GLOBE MAGAZINE 17
The Sinking of the SS Utopia Text by Terence Moss
THIS MONTH MARKS 130th anniversary of the sinking of the SS Utopia on 17th March 1891 on the Bay of Gibraltar at around 6.20pm on a stormy evening. We have all heard the saying ¨Más viejo que el año del Utopia¨, but not so many of us know where it came from, and the tragedy that occurred that evening. It is a disaster that is better remembered in Italy than here in Gibraltar. There is a memorial plaque that was paid for by the Italian Government on 20th March 1893 and is inside the dockyard, just below the wall of Alexandra Battery but not many people can see it. I have seen it, in the distance, from the Cumberland Building area, near the Dockyard clock, because I was looking for it. I asked to view it at Southport Gate, and I was not allowed in. It would be appropriate to move the plaque somewhere where it can be seen by everyone. There is a second memorial at the North Front Cemetery in the form of a big marble cross and a plaque, halfway along the western wall next to the Jewish sector, where 130 bodies are buried. SS Utopia collided with the moored battleship HMS Anson and 562 out of 880 passengers and crew of the Utopia and two rescuers from HMS Immortalité died. Out of 880 on board, there 18 GLOBE MAGAZINE
to America. She had picked up passengers at Fiume, Palermo and Naples, and was bound for New York. She was carrying poor Italian migrants looking for a better life in America, escaping from poverty and political hardship. Some were going to make enough money to return to Italy one day and buy land. As she was reaching Gibraltar where they had a scheduled stop to get a lifeboat that was missing, and get more coal, they encountered a storm. The Utopia was equipped to carry four lifeboats and two work boats, so the maximum number of passengers that could be accommodated would have been around 460 in moderate weather. There were no life rafts and about 200 life jackets. How could 880 passengers be saved if the Utopia ran into trouble, especially in bad weather? It was also carrying a cargo of fruit, vegetables and meat for Gibraltar.
were 59 crew, of which most were stewards, 3 first class passengers, and 3 stowaways. There were 85 women and 67 children. The hull of the Utopia was pierced by the ram of the iron clad and tore a hole 5 metres wide below the Utopia’s waterline, and quickly
flooded. The Utopia was built in 1874 in Glasgow for the Anchor Line and had be refitted to carry 45 cabin class and 900 steerage passengers which made her more suitable for Mediterranean migration
Like most disasters, the sinking of the Utopia brought out the best and the worst of humanity. There were so many heroic acts by the sailors helping with the rescue operation from the nearby boats and Warships. They were fighting fatigue and the cold, but they continued risking their lives. They were saving people who were in the water and also picking up the many lifeless bodies that
GLOBE MAGAZINE 19
SS Utopia sunk in the harbour 17th of March 1891
had been unable to withstand the cold, the force of the wind and the waves, and had fallen from their precarious perches and drowned. Stories like that of a father who had thrown his son into the sea to be picked up by a rescuing boat, only to be washed away overboard himself and drown. A man clinging to the Utopia’s funnel, tired and exhausted, was called by a small boat beneath him calling him to let go, only to jump on the dinghy which tilted, and he fell overboard and drowned. Some forty small crafts were collecting people that had been swept from the wreck and were transporting them to Ragged Staff Wharf, where they would be taken by horse drawn carriages to wherever they were being accommodated. Survivors were taken to the Garrison Recreation Hall inside South Gate, the Sailors Home in Engineer Lane, and the Old Naval Hospital in Buena Vista Hill. Then there were horrific stories of men pushing others aside as they scrambled 20 GLOBE MAGAZINE
for salvation from the lower decks; men climbing over bodies, women and children, in their desperate struggle to get to the top deck of the Utopia. Indeed, when the wreck was salvaged, bodies were seen to be stuck together in a desperate attempt to get out from below. Families had been split up in the chaos and the panic that followed, and some did not know if their loved ones had survived or not. For three hours the rescue operation was under way with the wind and the rain hampering their task. The wind carried the screams from the passengers trapped below deck and could be heard all over the upper town. Many civilians made their way to Ragged Staff Jetty where they could see and hear the events unfolding only 300 metres away. The horror of seeing black shadows bouncing on the water only to realise that they were floating bodies. Imagine the sound of the guns firing the warning, the
searchlights lighting up the dark, and the rain glistening against the lights. The worst part must have been the sound of the waves crashing against the Utopia and the helpless cries from those on board. The Bathing Sheds at Devil’s Tongue, and the workshops in the Dockyard and the Royal Artillery sheds were used as temporary mortuaries. An inquest was held in which Captain McKeague was found not guilty of any negligence perhaps because of the stormy weather but he certainly had made mistakes that led to the accident. Today he would have been under a heavy lawsuit, for not providing proper safety equipment in case of an emergency, and also for overcrowding and having passengers in less than sanitary conditions. It is interesting to note that during the meetings held there is very little reference to the part played by the population in the rescue and the welfare of the survivors. It was the attitude
of the military that the “natives” were second class citizens, and this was reflected when awards for bravery were announced. Many donations were made by the local population, and the hotels and catering services offered their help for very little remuneration. The first bodies recovered were buried at the Cemetery in a commemorative grave. The rest of the following bodies recovered were buried in the straits, weighted to sink to the bottom. On the day after the sinking, bodies were found all over the bay, at La Línea and Campamento, at Tarifa, El Espigón and La Atunara, as they were being washed away from the sunken wreck. There was even a body that had floated all the way to Tangiers. When the wreck of the Utopia was raised a few months after, more decomposed bodies were recovered and the stench of death throughout the town was like the worst plaque. There was no one to identify them. Most of the survivors were
GLOBE MAGAZINE 21
housed in a temporary camp at Glacis until they were repatriated back to Italy or could continue their journey to America, within a month of the disaster. As far as I am aware no survivor settled in Gibraltar. I strongly believe the story of the Utopia is a part of our maritime history that must not be forgotten. It deserves to have the memorial donated by the Italian Government placed in an area where we can all see it. I asked my old school friend Patrick Canessa, the Honorary Consul of Italy in Gibraltar, and he agreed that it is something he has been lobbying to achieve. He had written to the Government Minister about moving the plaque but the Covid and Brexit situation has delayed any progress on this. It would have been a fitting tribute to have achieved this on the 130th anniversary of the incident. The area around Devils Tongue, which is around Watergardens 22 GLOBE MAGAZINE
today, would be one potential location as so many bodies and flotsam had to be brought in through that site. This was partly to prevent Spanish scavengers taking suitcases and personal belongings that were floating on the Bay. Around the Ragged Staff area would also be an appropriate
site, as it was so close to where it happened. Patrick was also able to introduce me to a researcher in Italy, Pina Mafodda, who has been doing extensive work on the Utopia accident and will be publishing a book in Italian about the
survivors and its descendants with Volturnia Publishing House in Isernia, province of Italy. She is also actively looking for a publisher to produce an English translation of her book with a publisher in England or Gibraltar. Her work complements the book by Paul Baker “SOS Utopia” which gives a very good account of events, mainly from the Gibraltar perspective. Paul Baker’s book is an excellent read, and can be obtained from the Gibraltar Heritage Trust shop. Adding the names of those who perished with her research, we would get close to producing a list of everyone on board the Utopia at the time of the incident. This list sadly seems to have disappeared with the wreck. Pina also talks in her research about a woman’s story and her life in the countryside, her desire to leave, yet the sadness of leaving her country. It tells the sad story of the shipwreck and the five days leading up to it. It is one voice that speaks for the 570 victims of the disaster; a story that sadly has been mostly forgotten here in Gibraltar. The sinking of the Utopia is our very own “Titanic story”. So many lives lost from a group of migrants, who had left their country, Italy, to look for a better life in America and instead found their death in the Bay. It is also a story of how our Gibraltarian population is always ready to come together and unite whenever there is a crisis. When you stand at La Bateria in Rosia Road, and look out to the Bay, think of the many Italian migrants, who drowned on that stormy night just a few hundred metres from our shores, and are now in a sea grave somewhere in the Straits beyond Europa Point. Next time you say “eso es del año del Utopia” you will know the tragic story behind the saying.
GLOBE MAGAZINE 23
24 GLOBE MAGAZINE
AnneMarie Morello Well-being and Transformational Coach Photographs by Charlene Figueras
Anne Marie Morello is a well-being and transformational coach. Her work is about setting one free, a sort of emotional and psychological alchemy. Many of us are haunted by negative experiences from the past that many often project them into the future. As a Master of Integrative Therapies and a certified coach, she is here to teach us the tools and techniques to make happiness, peace, courage, determination, confidence and positivity more permanent fixtures in one’s life (www.annemariemorello.com). AnneMarie spoke to Globe Magazine.
Tell us about how you got to where you are now. About 15 years ago, I felt like I’d hit rock-bottom - little did I know then, at just 23, that rock bottom is not a one-off experience but an integral part of an on-going cycle of growth and regeneration - my self-esteem was the lowest it has ever been, I was coming out of a toxic relationship and I felt lost. I felt like my life was lacking in direction and purpose. So I joined a positive thinking course with the Brahma Kumaris and then discovered yoga. One of the instructors told me I should train as an instructor myself and I did. It was then that I realised I loved teaching so I left my job and went to train as a teacher. While doing my PGCE I had this knowing that I wouldn’t be a teacher forever. I always felt like it was a stepping stone. It was while teaching that I re-trained in the field that I’m now in. It’s been quite a journey
with lots of plot twists but I wouldn’t have it any other way. How did you arrive at the decision to become a transformational and well-being coach? To be completely honest I made up the title to fit into what I do! I focused on well-being because this is my area of expertise and I chose to bring transformation into the mix because this is the ultimate aim of the work. Having said this, I’m going to re-brand soon to bring in my love of Quantum Physics. How would you describe your job? Coaching and therapy is only one aspect of what I do. This is beautiful and raw and satisfying. And I love it. The other aspect involves being a business woman and understanding all the different elements that need to be in play so as to have a GLOBE MAGAZINE 25
strong foundation for a thriving business. I’m learning so much and the whole process is such an enriching experience. What type of training do you have? I’m trained as an NLP (neurolinguistic programming) Master Therapist, as an EFT (emotional freedom technique) practitioner and as a coach and I have a working knowledge of a number of other psychosomatic modalities. My first degree is in English Literature which has served me really well because my mind has been trained to be analytical. I also have a PGCE in secondary English and over 10 years experience as an educator. I have a background in yoga - in both the physical postures as well as the philosophy - and I’m trained in Reiki and Rahanni Healing. I’m also weeks away from completing an MSc in Existential Psychotherapy. I haven’t quite yet decided what I’m going to study next - possibly shamanic astrology. Describe a typical day for you. The brilliant thing is that no two days are alike. On one day I might have back-to-back oneto-one sessions, on another day I might be focusing on content creation for upcoming trainings or creating content for my social media accounts, on another day I might have a number of meetings or trainings and a couple of one-to-one sessions. I also appear on podcasts from timeto-time as well as deliver expert sessions as part of other people’s programmes. I love the variety. What is your favourite part of your job? For me it’s all about connection and being able to create a positive impact in the lives of others. It’s about empowering them and 26 GLOBE MAGAZINE
showing them how they can effect meaningful changes in their lives through their choices. What kind of an impact has Covid- 19 had on you and your job role? Covid has had a profound impact on the workings of my interior landscape and I’m incredibly grateful for the learnings that have arisen as a result of having to dig deep. Covid encouraged me to go within and I’ve been meditating much more frequently and with much greater focus than I ever have. In terms of how I work, covid forced me to shift my business online. Since the first lockdown I’ve worked with people from Brazil, Canada, the US, the UK, Sweden, Finland, Romania, India and the Czech Republic. I’m incredibly grateful for this shift because it’s allowed me to connect with people from across the globe. Whilst we are on the subject, what in your opinion will be the lasting effects of the pandemic on individuals? The pandemic has brought about trauma on a global level and has also served to re-traumtise many who were already suffering. However, while the effects of trauma are incredibly difficult to live with, trauma that is re-coded and re-solved has the potential to be an incredible gift. Trauma, when worked through, can be viewed as a portal for personal growth and transformation. The fact that we’re seeing more and more people acknowledging their trauma, working to heal it and committing to do the inner work can only bode well for the world. How would you define trauma? A large part of my work involves educating others about trauma. To be clear: trauma doesn’t
always have to be the result of a cataclysmic event such as rape or a violent assault. Trauma can be defined as any experience that exceeds your nervous system’s ability to cope. ANY experience. That means we’ve all experienced
Unresolved trauma predisposes the brain to anxiety, depression and addictive behaviours.
While we’re on the subject, I also want to add that trauma doesn’t just exist as a memory. It continues to exert its influence in your present life through your body.
So when clients come to me with any of these afflictions, I know that there is always some kind of trauma that requires recoding.
This could manifest as tension in your jaw or discomfort in your stomach area, tightness in your chest, pain in your back or
trauma on some level.
stiffness around your neck and shoulders Behind all of these physical sensations lies a story and, often, trauma is at the centre of that narrative. Trauma also persists by means of physical sensations in the body
GLOBE MAGAZINE 27
and it’s these sensations that people tend to resist; because they see them as a kind of adversary. Of course, this isn’t the case. The discomfort is there to communicate that there’s energy that needs releasing. To recode trauma, you need to bring the body into play. You can do this using NLP, EFT, EMDR, Havening and Yoga - all of which come under my skill set as a therapist and all of which are invaluable in my coaching work. Do you have some tips for our readers on navigating these difficult times? When doing your inner work be gentle with yourself. Examine the spaces in your own psyche where you are armoured. Explore the mechanisms that you employ to defend yourself. And, then, recall the wounded fragments of your Self so that you can love them into wellness. Now, as I write this, I realise that phrase ‘love into wellness’ is somewhat vague - especially with love and wellness being abstract nouns (hello, inner English teacher!).
kindness towards yourself. What can a new client expect from engaging with your services? I always like to be clear that healing is a lifestyle and that joy and peace and fulfilment are all practices. This means that states of being are verbs not nouns so there must be actions to support the state that you want to embody. When you sign up to work with me you’re making a commitment to yourself. It’s a commitment to do the inner work; a commitment to delve deep into your own mysteries and to tap into your personal power. Also, expect to have some fun laughter is a tonic for the soul. How can we follow you and find out more? I’d love for you to follow me on Instagram. My handle is @anne. marie.morello. You can also find me on FB. You can join my group ‘The Quantum Transformation Movement˝ for free training and well-being tips.
But through my own practice and navigating through my own dark nights of the soul, I can wholeheartedly say that it is THE single most powerful thing that you can do. When you allow yourself to explore your defence mechanisms from a space of nurturing acceptance and deep approval as opposed to a space of judgement THIS is where deep transformation occurs. In short, hold a state of loving 28 GLOBE MAGAZINE
With: Anne Marie Morello (www.annemariemorello.com) Photography: Charlene Figueras Lighting Assistant: Alannah Caines MUA: Nyree Chipolina Outfits: Namaste Gibraltar
GLOBE MAGAZINE 29
Dad's Kitchen Hallacas Text and Photography by Mark Montovio
Mark Montovio shares some of his much loved local and world recipes opening up possibilities for making each dish to suit a variety of families, different tastes and particular dietary needs. Combining his love of different cultures and world cuisine he is also committed to preparing meals which are nutritious, tasty and good to look at, with minimum waste and using seasonal produce THE HALLACA IS ONE of the oldest food traditions in Venezuela and it is the most popular festive meal. Although there have been some modern refinements, it is still prepared in the traditional way (15th Century) and it is one of the most representative icons of Venezuelan multicultural heritage, combining European ingredients (such as raisins, nuts and olives), indigenous ingredients (corn meal coloured with achiote seeds), and African ingredients (smoked plantain leaves used for wrapping). There are a number of stories about its origins, but I think a popular one is that it was created by the slaves during the colonial times, when they used to put the leftovers of their master's Christmas festivities in a bit of cornmeal dough, wrap them with banana leaves and boil them. A keen no waster and lover of traditional cuisine this idea appeals to me.
In another pan you need to boil a chicken, as you will use its meat, but more importantly the stock to make the dough. The dough is made with this broth and precooked cornflour. PAN is a popular variety, with a dash of achiote oil, the equivalent of saffron, for flavour and colour. The mixture should be spreadable with a spoon.
Once all the parts are ready the hallaca is ready to be assembled. You place a banana leaf (30x30cm) vein side facing down onto a flat surface and wipe it with achiote flavoured oil, then spread the dough in the middle. Once that is done you would add the guiso filling, top it with shredded boiled chicken, a ring of onion, a strip of red pepper, two green olives, and a few raisins. You close the hallacas folding them over carefully so as not to break the leaf and then use another two sheets to make sure it’s all kept together. The final sheet is usually referred to as ‘la faja’. These then need to be tied with cooking twine, and there is an ancestral art to that, but using common sense will do!
Some say the word hallaca comes from the word ayacá, of the indigenous group TupíGuaraní, which means lump, and others that it is a combination of the word ‘allá’, from the stew prepared with ingredients that came from abroad, and the word ‘acá’, from the corn dough and the banana leaf found in Venezuela.
The hallacas are ready to be cooked in salted water for about 40 minutes and ready to eat once cooled, although they taste better once they have cooled down and settled in the fridge for at least one day, also freezing really well. Hallacas are served with pan de jamon, pernil (roast pork) and ensalada de gallina which is similar to Russian salad. However, there is nothing I love best than to rummage through my freezer and come across the lovely packages waiting to be eaten on their own, or with a bit of mayonnaise, which is a bone of contention in Venezuela!
The stew, el guiso, is probably the star of the dish and that needs to be flavourful. A variety of meats are used and cooked slowly until the meat is tender, together with onions, leeks, peppers and red wine. It needs to be thick, and you may do that by adding some cornflour mixed in the broth.
Although they require hours of work, they are usually made by the whole family. This amazing dish represents a gesture of friendship among people, because the hallaca is also shared with others outside the family, and you can consider yourself privileged, if someone has wanted to share them with you.
30 GLOBE MAGAZINE
GLOBE MAGAZINE 31
The Best Recipes of our Cuisine Sticky Bacon and Sweet Potato Jackets
Crumbed Fish with Garlic Mushrooms
Serves: 4 • Preparation: Ready in 20 minutes
Serves: 4 • Preparation: Ready in 20 minutes
High for 10 – 12 minutes until soft, turning them over halfway. Half the potatoes lengthways and scoop out a
pan, then fry the garlic and mushrooms for five minutes, until softened, but not coloured. Throw in the
INGREDIENTS
third of the flesh from each half into
INGREDIENTS
4 medium sweet potatoes (about
a mixing bowl. Place the potato skins
1 tbsp olive oil - 3 garlic cloves, crus-
300g each) - 8 rashers bacon or 2
on a baking sheet.
hed - 250g pack chestnut mushrooms,
2. Push the mixture to one side, pla-
gammon steaks - 2 tsp olive oil -
2. Chop the bacon or gammon into
thickly sliced - Small bunch parsley,
ce the fish in the pan, season, then
Bunch spring onions, chopped - 200g
chunky pieces then fry in the oil un-
leaves roughly chopped - 4 X 140g
spoon the mixture over the fish.
can sweetcorn, drained - 3 tbsp maple
til cooked. Add to the bowl, combi-
fish fillets, such as cod or haddock - 1
syrup or honey - 1 tsp Dijon mustard
ne with the remaining ingredients
thick slice white or brown bread, torn
3. Heat the grill to high. Remove
and some seasoning, then mix well.
into pieces - 50g cheddar, gratedd
the fish from the heat, sprinkle over
parsley and mix together.
HOW TO MAKE IT
Spoon the mixture back into the po-
1. Pierce the skin of the sweet pota-
tato halves, then grill until golden.
HOW TO MAKE IT
five minutes, until the fish flakes
toes with a fork, then microwave on
Serve with salad.
1. Heat the oil in an ovenproof frying
easily.
32 GLOBE MAGAZINE
the bread and cheese, then grill for
GLOBE MAGAZINE 33
What’s Happening Down Town? 1 Dignitaries at Remembrance Sunday 2 Carlos from ‘Restaurante Las Cañas’ and Alejandro Amenábar 3 ‘Blast from the Past’ ChainsJohnny Victory, Johnny Cruz, Luis Sampere, Stuart Edmonds and Ernest Slade 4 Chief Minister Addresses Gibraltar on 21st January’ 5 Henry Valerga with the Late Gerry Mardsen, Lead Singer and Frontman of 60's Band ‘Gerry & The Pacemakers’ 6 Karl J Ullger is ‘Over the moon with his ‘Highly Commended’ for his painting from his new series entitled, ‘Los Glacis’ in the 47th International Art Competition 7 Rosanna Morales & Arianna Giorghetti during filming of ‘Our Vegan Lifestyle’ program for GBC 1
2
3
4
5
6
34 GLOBE MAGAZINE
7
GLOBE MAGAZINE 35
Art Competition for Young Artists 2021 AS PART OF THE Youth Arts Jamboree, the Minister for Culture, Dr John Cortes, officially opened the Art Competition for Young Artists. An Art Competition for Young Artists, organised by Gibraltar Cultural Services on behalf of the Ministry of Culture, was held at the John Mackintosh Hall. The Minister for Culture, The Hon. Dr John Cortes MP, officially opened the Exhibition and presented the awards on Tuesday 23rd February 2021 in a brief event following COVID-19 Public Health guidelines. Twentyone artists submitted a total of thirty-three artworks. Local artist, Lizanne Figueras carried out the judging.
36 GLOBE MAGAZINE
THE PRIZE WERE:
WINNERS
• 1st The Ministry of Culture Award - £1000 No.26 Zulaika Vallance “A Surreal Childhood” • 2nd The AquaGib Award - £500 No.19 Julian Osborne “Motion” • The Kishin Alwani Foundation Award School Years 9 – 11 - £500 No.18 Alex Moreno “Gibraltar Limited Colour Palette Landscape” The Kishin Alwani Foundation Award School Years 12 – 13 - £500 No.31 Lizhe Zhang “Journey” • The Arts Society Sculpture Award - £500 No.22 Maria Cecilia Prescott “Aspect of Family”
GLOBE MAGAZINE 37
• The following received ‘Highly Commended’ Certificates: • No.1 Olivia-Beau AbudarhamKerman “This is Me” • No.6 Naomi Duarte “Toxic Masculinity?” No.10 Julian Gerada “Ullger”
38 GLOBE MAGAZINE
• No.12 Amanda Gingell “The Destruction of Painting” No.20 Monica Popham “6 PM” The exhibition was open to the general public from Wednesday 24th February to Friday 5th March 2021.
GLOBE MAGAZINE 39
Mgr Mark Miles appointed Apostolic Nuncio THE POPE HAS appointed as Apostolic Nuncio in Benin, Mgr Mark Gerard Miles, at the same time elevating him to the titular see of civitatis ducalis, with the dignity of Archbishop. A statement from the Diocese of Gibraltar follows below: The Holy Father has appointed as Apostolic Nuncio in Benin Mgr Mark Gerard Miles, at the same time elevating him to the titular see of civitatis ducalis, with the dignity of Archbishop. The Most Reverend Mark Gerard Miles was born in Gibraltar, U.K., on 13 May 1967. He was ordained a priest on 14th September 1996 and incardinated into the Diocese of Gibraltar. He has a doctorate in Canon Law and a licence in Theology. He entered the diplomatic service of the Holy See on 1st July 2003, and subsequently worked in the Pontifical Representations in Ecuador and Hungary, then in
40 GLOBE MAGAZINE
gratitude to everyone in Gibraltar, a community distinguished by tolerance, respect, warmth and unique hospitality.
the Section for General Affairs of the Secretariat of State and most recently in the Holy See Observer Mission to the Organization of American States in Washington D.C. He is fluent in English, Spanish, Italian and has a working knowledge of French. Monsignor Miles, on reacting to the news, stated: “I am honoured and humbled by the Holy Father’s confidence in appointing me to be
his representative to the Republic of Benin. My gratitude goes out to my beloved family, thinking of my late parents William and Mary Miles, and to all my friends and loved ones, who have supported me on life’s journey and have helped me on the path of faith and vocation. I thank my brother priests of the diocese of Gibraltar and especially bishops past and present who have, in different ways, been fatherly towards me. I extend deep
Finally, I commend this ministry to the intercession of Our Lady of Europe and to the prayers of the Saints close to my heart so that I may give honour to God and fulfil the work he has entrusted to me”. Bishop Carmel Zammit, on reacting to news, stated: “I am delighted both for ArchbishopElect Mgr Mark Miles and for the Church in Gibraltar. I have no doubt that Mgr Mark will be supported by the prayers of all of us in Gibraltar in this important ministry he will be undertaking on behalf of the Holy Father as his diplomatic representative in the Republic of Benin. The Diocese of Gibraltar wishes him many years of faithful and rewarding service in the Church. All the clergy and the community congratulate Mgr Miles on this appointment and also congratulate his family”.
GLOBE MAGAZINE 41
Mark Montovio An artist on lockdown I’VE ALWAYS FELT THAT creating is a very solitary activity. Whilst there are artists, who thrive in groups, and take from each other, that has never been the case for me. I need introspection, but not necessarily a quiet space, as music is often very important, and that is dictated by my state of mind at that particular point. Then there is the dialogue. Not just that internal dialogue necessary for the development of ideas, but the dialogue with the material, with the process, with the result, with the mistakes, which are not mistakes of course, just magical periodic checks wanting to make sure that that is the way you really wish to proceed.
and stone, and that may well have continued had I had the facilities to do so in Gibraltar, driftwood has always been an iconic aspect of my work and this was reflected in a short poem I wrote in the early nineties. I refer to driftwood going through a turbulent process of change which in turn creates a ‘new freedom’ and I make direct correlations to human existence. Written in a notebook, precomputer times, I trust that it appears at some point, as it has felt particularly relevant to me during the last few years and would love to reread it.
So there is no doubt in my mind, that lockdown, offered me the chance to stop, slow down, digest, reassess and produce. Above all produce.
I have been gathering the most beautiful of specimens from different locations in beaches all around the area and letting them rest. The process that leads to the eventual landing on sandy beaches needs to take its course through to complete drying out. And that can be a slow process which in itself continues to make an impact. As the surface begins to dry, and moisture is driven from the inside out, from the very core, so is the message that it brings, and the dialogue begins. Of late, and as a result of misfortune, I have been taken aback by the impact of heavy fires on wooden structures and have stood in awe in front of buildings that once stood pristinely and now barely house physical memories.
And driftwood it has been…
For over 30 years now, although I will always argue that whatever is produced must have aesthetic qualities, the work that I have developed has been a direct response to personal experiences and life journeys, and a fluid interdependence between the physical, the spiritual and ritual. The feeling always seemed to come first. That effervescence is the beginning of a dialogue, and that can happen in the strangest of places at the strangest of times. Often I have taken ‘mental screenshots’ of the experience to be able to revisit it and from that moment, although the bulk of my work has been sculpture, the developing idea was already stating its preferred route through to birth. I have always been comfortable expressing myself using word and movement to capture ethereal moments, and just as happy to immortalise these using different solid media and photography. Although my early work was in bronze, iron 42 GLOBE MAGAZINE
Laguna Village. Estepona
But there is a strong presence and I feel it. La Sagrada Famila in Barcelona, which I visit very regularly, is the birthplace of my series of sculptures named The apostles, most of which were completed during the spring lockdown. Although crowded with tourists, I am always able to find a contemplative spot to take the vibrations in. I have come to see how those same vibrations fill my spirit when I find myself sitting in a secluded beach or
within any structure that has either been abandoned and is derelict, or has been burnt to the ground by flames. It may be difficult for some to understand that for me, all that is a process of renewal, and it brings with it a strong message of trust and hope. Life and ritual continue to be strongly interlinked for me as an artist, as a person who is an artist, who needs to express creatively and communicate ideas, concepts and feelings, once the withdrawal process and introspection have taken its course. As a thinker, as an existentialist, I am driven to give meaning, my personal meaning, to what I experience and to the intensity of my feelings. A baptism of water and of fire come to mind; and both these elements have become important aspects of my current work. Both destroy, albeit in different ways. Both cleanse, using different strengths. Both renew… And like the trusted old Phoenix, who re-emerges with more beauty from the ashes each time, every process is the beginning of the end and the end of the new beginning.
Sagrada Familia. Barcelona
As I stood this summer before Laguna Beach Village, in Estepona, a place I have fond memories of, totally burnt to the ground, a series of feelings competed against each other. I brought back a number of beautifully transformed wooden beams. A day before our current lockdown I went to collect the last few pieces I had hidden away in case they were thrown out. Indeed, I arrived to find my pieces, but saw that Laguna Village had been stripped of its new carbonized life completely. It had all been cleared out and what had been a stark reminder of the transformation was now barely flat ground. It was there that my current series of sculptures on judgement, restitution and crucifixion came to be. I trust that this second lockdown is the end of the new beginning which any artist needs. The chance to be able to show what those moments of solitary confinement in a studio give birth to, the chance to showcase the work and get feedback, the chance to create further dialogue, the chance to make connections, and for me at least the chance to be able to fly again so my spirit is renewed. GLOBE MAGAZINE 43
Discover Gibraltar with gibraltar.com Text and Photography courtesy of www.gibraltar.com
The Great Siege Tunnels EXPLORING THE GREAT Siege Tunnels of Gibraltar is most certainly not something you want to miss out on doing during your next visit to Gibraltar.
then miner and preacher, before enlisting in the Queens Royal Regiment of Foot, was credited with finding the answer, though its unknown if he actually received his 1,000 dollar reward. According to a story however, handed down by the descendants of soldiers, who had served in the company, he did end up receiving one guinea per running foot. If this were the case, it would have amounted to quite a reasonable sum of money.
One of Gibraltar’s most greatest attractions, they were carved out by the Merchant Marines in order to defend Gibraltar during one of the many sieges, this one aptly called the Great Siege of 1779 to 1783. During the time of the American War of Independence against Britain, perhaps taking advantage of a time when Britain’s attentions were focused elsewhere, Spain and France took the opportunity to advance and attempt to recapture the “Rock” from the British, and began what was the fourteenth siege against Gibraltar, always known as the Great Siege. In July of 1779 till February of 1783, the Rock was under siege, and gradually the Spanish and French troops advanced, until in the latter part of 1782, the troops were so close to the Rock that it appeared that none of the existing batteries of Gibraltar could fire upon them due to the angle. It is said that the governor then, General Elliot, offered a substantial reward (a bounty of 1,000 Spanish dollars) to anyone who could find a way to get the cannons onto the northern face of the rock, which was known as the “Notch”. Sergeant-Major Henry Ince, an ex nail-maker, 44 GLOBE MAGAZINE
INTERESTING FACT After a ceasefire had been declared, the Duc de Crillon, the French General commanding the Franco-Spanish army, visited the tunnels. So amazed at their accomplishment, he exclaimed, ‘These works are worthy of the Romans!’
OPENING HOURS: Mon-Sun 09:00 - 18:15 ADMISSION PRICE: Included in Nature Reserve Ticket Nature Reserve Ticket Prices: Access to the Gibraltar Upper Rock Nature Reserve and ALL the attractions available: Adults £13.00 / Children £8.00 (ages 5 – 11). Please note that the Gibraltar Nature Reserve and Upper Rock are NOT accessible to visitors using private vehicles
Sergeant-Major Henry Ince, who was a member of the company of Military Artificers, forerunners of the Royal Engineers, said that he believed this could be accomplished by tunnelling a gallery through the “Rock” and he was granted permission to begin the work. Relying only on brute force, the muscle of their arms, their sledgehammers and metal bars, the company of men used gunpowder to blast out part of the tunnel, and made their way through about eighty feet of rock and dirt. As the work moved along, the fumes that emitted from the blasting gunpowder began to take its toll on the men and they decided to vent the area to release it and afford themselves some fresh air. The original goal of the tunnels was to give the men the ability to get a cannon from where they were, over to the northern face of the rock which is known as the Notch, but after making an opening and seeing the advantage of mounting a cannon right there within the
GLOBE MAGAZINE 45
46 GLOBE MAGAZINE
tunnel, the initial “Notch” plan was upgraded was placed above them and wet cloths hung from it, to prevent the sparks from the to a totally new and improved idea. cannon from flying backwards and igniting Nearly as one of the men realized what an the remaining powder. Some areas in the incredible opportunity this would be and tunnels went up nearly a story or two, and how well it would work for the cannons. were for the very brave or the very foolhardy Almost immediately, one was mounted at to traverse, while other areas lay on the this initial opening, without waiting for their ground, so the shooting could take place from multiple levels. In the beginning the tunnel tunnel to reach the “Notch” area. was only 82 feet long, however by the end of After this, more cannons were taken into the the Second World War, when diamond drills tunnels and holes were cut into the rock all and better methods of tunnelling existed, the along the side that faced the mainland. When tunnels traversed a distance of more than the visitor is crossing into Gibraltar, if you thirty miles in length, winding and turning look carefully, you will see the holes in the face as they went. of the “Rock” that tell of this incredible feat. Today, the visitor to the Great Siege Tunnels When the cannons were laid in place, a rod will note that they seem to go on for eternity,
and that upon entering on one side of Gibraltar, you can quite literally end up nearly on the other side of the Rock. On that note, make sure that you wear comfy shoes when you visit the Great Siege Tunnels. It’s been said that the hike down into the tunnels is fairly easily accomplished as its downhill most of the way, but lest we forget, there is also that return trip! The unique perspective of a history of multiple sieges and multiple rulers make it an unforgettable experience. Make sure you schedule some time to explore the Great Siege Tunnels of Gibraltar on your next visit to the “Rock”. GLOBE MAGAZINE 47
Gibraltar Government to honour The Wartime Actions of Commodore Creighton THE GOVERNMENT intends to present the Gibraltar Medallion of Honour posthumously to Rear Admiral Sir Kenelm Creighton KBE CVO (1883-1963). This is in recognition of the role that he played during the Second World War, when he was Commodore Creighton, in support of the people of Gibraltar, who were evacuated to French Morocco; 2020 was the 80th anniversary of that wartime evacuation. It will be recalled that during May and June 1940, the mass evacuation of over 13,000 women, children, elderly and infirm Gibraltarians to French Morocco took place. However, their position there became untenable following the collapse of France in July 1940 and the sinking of the French fleet at Oran in Algeria by the Royal Navy in order to prevent the vessels from falling into enemy hands. The French authorities retaliated with air raids against Gibraltar and by forcing its civilian population Commodore Creighton (later out of French Morocco within 24 Rear-Admiral Sir Kenelm hours. Creighton) was in command of a convoy of fifteen freighters Coinciding with the expulsion that disembarked 15,000 French of the Gibraltar evacuees, troops in Casablanca after the fall 48 GLOBE MAGAZINE
the ships needed to be prepared to accommodate thousands of civilians, many of whom were elderly. The Vichy Admiral refused the request and threatened to arrest the Commodore and the entire convoy unless the evacuees boarded the vessels and left. Eventually, the evacuees were herded on board at gunpoint without allowing time for the vessels to be properly cleaned and replenished with the Commodore being ordered by his superiors to set sail for the United Kingdom.
of France. Given the condition of the vessels, Commodore Creighton first resisted the demands of the French Admiral at Casablanca to immediately board the Gibraltarians arguing that
The British Government did not want the evacuees to return to Gibraltar. Nonetheless, Commodore Creighton ignored the instructions from the Admiralty and sailed to Gibraltar with all the evacuees. But on arrival these evacuees were not allowed to disembark. Again Commodore Creighton insisted that the ships had to be cleaned and replenished and eventually the evacuees were allowed to disembark and return to their homes while the necessary refurbishment took place. By then both the Italian and Vichy French air forces were bombing Gibraltar. Eventually, alterations were made to the holds of the ships sailing into the Atlantic,
GLOBE MAGAZINE 49
with no medical facilities with hardly any life-saving equipment. After six days, all provisions were inedible. Babies were born and some elderly people died in the journey. To avoid the menace of German U-boats, the convoy had to circumnavigate the Atlantic taking 16 days to reach England, specifically London. Commodore Creighton in his book Convoy Commodore said that “if the convoy with Gibraltar evacuees had been attacked, it could have resulted in one of the worst disasters in maritime history.” The Commodore assisted the people of Gibraltar by resisting the French and then defying his own superiors. The Government believes that his support for the people of Gibraltar should be commemorated in two ways. First, the Government 50 GLOBE MAGAZINE
will propose to the Gibraltar Parliament the award of the Gibraltar Medallion of Honour posthumously and secondly a plaque to mark his actions will be placed at the Evacuation Memorial in the Waterport roundabout. The plaque will read: “In gratitude – Rear Admiral Sir Kenelm Creighton KBE CVO (1883-1963), who in July 1940 assisted the people of Gibraltar in their hour of need”. Gibraltar House in London has already been in touch with close family members of Rear Admiral Creighton, who have been located in Australia. They were delighted to hear the news and will be kept informed of developments going forward. The Deputy Chief Minister Dr Joseph Garcia said: “The Government is delighted to
honour the memory of Rear Admiral Creighton. His vivid description of the incident with Gibraltarian evacuees in Casablanca can be read in his autobiography “Convoy Commodore”. He stood up for and sympathised with the plight of the people of Gibraltar to the degree
that he had to be threatened with arrest by the French and he had no hesitation in defying orders when he judged that following them would have put our people at risk. It takes a brave man to stand up to authority in this way and there is no better time to mark his courageous actions for the benefit of our people. The original intention had been to place the plaque at the evacuation monument last year, on the 80tth anniversary of the year in which the events took place. Sadly, this was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic and other matters so I will present the commemorative plaque shortly. The Government is confident that the placing of the plaque and the posthumous award of a Medallion of Honour will provide Sir Kenelm Creighton with the recognition that his actions deserve.”
GLOBE MAGAZINE 51