Experience Gibraltar Hotel Magazine by Elke Hurtado

GIBRALTAR Experience Gibraltar HOTEL MAGAZINE 2010/2011 The Rock Hotel

2010 ~ 2011

SEE THE ROCK IN STYLE WITH YOUR OWN PERSONAL DRIVER AND GUIDE DISCOVER THE ROCK IN COMFORT WITH THE GIBRALTAR TAXI ASSOCIATION Take a taxi! It’s the best way to ensure that you visit the most interesting sites in Gibraltar, from Europa Point to the top of the Rock. All you need to do is sit back and relax in comfort as we take you to visit the sites that you are most interested in. We offer a wide range of standard and extended tours visiting the most popular sites, such as the Pillars of Hercules Monument, St. Michael’s Cave and the Great Siege Tunnels, plus you will have the opportunity to view the world-renowned Barbary Macaques. Visits to other sites are possible, including Europa Point, the 100 Ton Gun, O’Hara’s Battery (Gibraltar’s highest peak), the City Under Siege Exhibition, Moorish Castle and the Second World War Tunnels. Our standard tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. It is available from all taxi ranks, and advance booking is not necessary. VIP Tours may be booked by the hour (minimum 2 hours), for up to eight passengers, and can be booked directly via phone or e-mail. These unique services provide you with your very own tour guide, a person who can share a wealth of local knowledge with you, the legends, the best sites and the best panoramic stops. All of our drivers are licensed guides approved by the Gibraltar Tourist Board.

RELAX IN COMFORT WHILE YOU ENJOY THE BEST TOUR EXPERIENCE POSSIBLE DURING YOUR STAY IN GIBRALTAR.

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO BOOK PLEASE CALL: (00350) 20070052 E-MAIL: GIBTAXIASS@GIBTELECOM.NET, WEBSITE: WWW.GIBTAXI.COM

• Standard tour from £22.00 per person (minimum 4 persons sharing). Advance booking is not necessary. Duration approximately 1 hour, 30 minutes. • Private tour with your family and friends. • Groups of up to eight passengers. • Booking required only for VIP services • Ask your driver everything you want to know about Gibraltar. • Choose your pick-up and drop-off points. • Length of tour is negotiable. • Personalised tours available. • Tours available in all major European languages, including Dutch, Polish, Czech and Russian. •Cars suitable for disabled persons are also available (pre-booking essential)

WHO BENEFITS MOST FROM A BANK’S INDEPENDENCE? Its clients.

Being a partnership and having no shareholders to satisfy, Lombard Odier has been able – in more than 200 years of Private Banking – to develop an investment philosophy based upon a long-term approach to value creation. Our Gibraltar ofce – established for more than two decades – is proud to provide the best wealth management services to clients in Gibraltar. It’s what we, as a Group, have been doing since 1796.

The next 200 years Lombard Odier Darier Hentsch Private Bank Limited Suite 921 Europort · P O Box 407 · Gibraltar Telephone +350 20073350 Regulated and authorised by the Financial Services Commission, Gibraltar.

w w w. l o m b a r d o d i e r. c o m

PLAYING ON A BIGGER STAGE. WEALTH. WHAT’S IT TO YOU?

To take advantage of the biggest opportunities, your finances have to perform in perfect harmony. With a considerable presence in most global markets, strong local resources and broad international expertise, Barclays Wealth helps you meet your investment objectives, business interests and lifestyle requirements. For a virtuoso financial performance, call +350 200 78565 or visit barclayswealth.com today.

International and Private Banking • Financial Planning • Investment Management • Brokerage

Barclays Bank PLC. Registered in England. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Registered Number: 1026167. Registered Office: 1 Churchill Place, London E14 5HP. Authorised by the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission to conduct banking and investment business in Gibraltar.

Your gateway to our expertise.

WELCOME to the first edition of

EXPERIENCE

Welcome

GIBRALTAR

Premium Banking is a very different, highly personalised service that starts with one simple question, ‘what do you want it to mean to you?’ Understanding this enables us to tailor the service to meet your own personal requirements ensuring you enjoy the full benefits of Premium banking with NatWest in Gibraltar.

Expect more

HOTEL MAGAZINE!

18 7/ Contents 9/ Foreword 10/ The British Connection:

The Royal Bank of Scotland International Limited trading as NatWest (NatWest). Registered Office: P.O. Box 64, Royal Bank House, 71 Bath Street, St. Helier, Jersey JE4 8PJ. Regulated by the Jersey Financial Services Commission. Business address: PO Box 11, 16 Library Place, St Helier, Jersey, JE4 8NH. NatWest is the registered business name of The Royal Bank of Scotland International Limited under the Business Names Registration Act. Gibraltar business address: National Westminster House, PO Box 707, 57 Line Wall Road, Gibraltar. Regulated and authorised by the Financial Services Commission, Gibraltar to undertake Banking and Investment Business from 57 and 55 Line Wall Road and 1 Corral Road, Gibraltar. Premium Banking service is offered subject to status, Terms and Conditions apply. Calls may be recorded.

Paul Cosquieri Director for 123 Publishers Ltd, Editor

CONTENTS

For an appointment with one of our dedicated Premium Banking Relationship Managers, please call 00 350 200 70654.

This is your own personal copy of the first edition of EGM, the magazine for the discerning visitor to Gibraltar. Our aim is simple: to enhance your visit to the Rock by expanding your knowledge of our homeland. Experience Gibraltar Magazine contains a wealth of information on Gibraltar, on its wildlife, its famous sons, local enterprise, the local art scene and more, and it will help you to experience Gibraltar more fully, making your visit, whether for business or pleasure, even more enjoyable.

Gibraltar Day in London 14/ Law: Make Gibraltar Your Next Move 18/ Rock Icons: John Galliano, Albert Hammond & Karel Chichon 24/ Shipping: Ship Arrest in Gibraltar 28/ Local Art: Paul Cosquieri 32/ Local Enterprise: MH Bland & Co Ltd

36/ Nature: Bird Mountain 40/ Property: A Brief History of Land Ownership in Gibraltar 46/ The Gibraltar Company: The Perfect Vehicle for International Business 50/ Banking: Banking with Confidence 55/ NatWest 57/ Dolphin World 59/ Cable Car - Top of The Rock 63/ Savannah 65/ Taxi Association

Unit 36, Harbour’s Deck, The New Harbours, Rosia Road, Gibraltar.Tel: (+350) 200 47123 Fax: (+350) 200 78300 E-mail: info@123publishers.gi Website: www.123publishers.gi Editor: 123 Publishers Ltd. Designer: Elke Hurtado. Art Director: Paul Cosquieri. Copywriter/ Copyeditor: Kate Carroll. Printer: 123 Publishers Ltd. Publisher: 123 Publishers Ltd. Distributor: 123 Publishers Ltd. Registered address: 57/63 Line Wall Road, P.O. Box 199, Gibraltar Advertising, Sales & Marketing, contact: (+350) 200 47123/42123 Experience Gibraltar Hotel Magazine (EGHM) does not necessarily agree with comments made in the feature articles/advertorials, and takes no responsibility whatsoever on behalf of advertisers with regard to any claims made by, or information given in, advertisements contained within this publication. No part of this publication, including text, illustrations, photographs and complete advertisements, may be reproduced in any form without the express permission in writing of 123 Publishers. All material contained herein remains the Copyright of 123 Publishers. © 2010 123 Publishers The content of this publication is for information only. While 123 Publishers tries to ensure that information is accurate and current, this cannot be guaranteed. Details such as prices or opening hours, etc, may be liable to change without notice. The information contained within advertisements in this publication is not guaranteed by 123 Publishers, and is deemed to be the responsibility of the advertisers submitting the advertisement. 123 Publishers does not accept liability for any loss or damage caused by any inaccuracy contained within advertisements featured in the publication.

WELCOME TO

GIBRALTAR

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re delighted that you have chosen to visit the Rock.Whatever the purpose of your stay, we hope that you will take time to enjoy some of the many unique experiences that our home has to offer. Gibraltar is located at one of the most important crossroads in the world, and as such we have inherited an enviable wealth of history and heritage. We hope you will explore our natural attractions, our cultural heritage and our vibrant City with its excellent shopping experience. During your stay the team at the Gibraltar Tourist Board is available to make your time here as enjoyable as possible, and we do hope that you come back to visit us again soon. The Hon. Ernest Britto Minister for the Environment & Tourism

BRITISH LAW CONNECTION

THE BRITISH

CONNECTION GIBRALTAR DAY IN LONDON A CELEBRATION OF BRITISHNESS

he Rock of Gibraltar has now been British for 306 years, ever since being taken by combined British and Dutch forces during the War of Spanish Succession. British sovereignty was confirmed in 1713, when the Treaty of Utrecht was signed, giving Gibraltar to the British Crown in perpetuity.

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L E E C S T

IBTEL

for full mobile coverage of the Rock

Gibraltar’s leading telecommunications provider

Fixed - Mobile - Internet 15/21 John Mackintosh Square, Gibraltar. Tel: +350 20052200 Fax: +350 20071673 Email: info@gibtele.com Website: www.gibtele.com

THE BRITISH CONNECTION

he present-day Gibraltarian has many different strands in his or her genetic make up, including from the Genoese irregulars who assisted the British during the taking of the Rock, from offspring of the British troops stationed here during the past 300 years, from the Spanish hinterland, whose inhabitants have intermarried with local people for generations, from Portugal, Malta, Italy, Ireland, India, Morocco and the Jewish diaspora; in more recent times, many other nationalities have contributed to Gibraltar’s gene pool. Nevertheless, no matter from where their ancestors may spring, the modern Gibraltarians are as staunch as ever in their determination to retain the three-century-old links with the British Crown and the British people. There are two occasions annually on which Gibraltarians show their appreciation of their British status. National Day, on September 10th, commemorates the first sovereignty referendum, held in 1967. The referendum asked the Gibraltarians whether they wished to pass under Spanish sovereignty, or to remain under British sovereignty with institutions of self-government; the vote was overwhelmingly in favour of the British option. The first National Day was held in 1992, the 25th anniversary of the referendum, a relatively small-scale affair that has grown over the years to take in the whole of Gibraltar in a sea of red and white, the national colours. National Day now emphasises a civic celebration, with an address by the Mayor of Gibraltar, the presentation of the Medallion of Honour to deserving citizens, and various public and private events, culminating in a synchronised firework display in the harbour area. In contrast, rather than being celebrated on the Rock, Gibraltar Day is held each year in London, on or around October 21st, the anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar, which was fought in the seas close to the Rock. A more recent innovation into the calendar, it provides an opportunity to promote Gibraltar politically and economically and to raise the Rock’s profile within the United Kingdom. The first Gibraltar Day was held on October 17th, 2000, and it has increased in importance with each year since. Guests at the event have traditionally included former Governors of Gibraltar, along with senior military, political and business figures. A lunch is held for representatives of financial firms with a presence on the Rock and there is an evening reception, which is attended by former Governors of Gibraltar, senior military figures, British Members of Parliament and other well wishers. The evening culminates in a musical performance by military bands, including the Band of the Royal Gibraltar Regiment.

housed in the area. The next event was a lunch in the City of London Drapers Hall, home of the Worshipful Company of Drapers and a building steeped in history that has stood in its present incarnation since 1772. Nearly 300 guests heard the Chief Minister emphasise that the aim of Gibraltar’s Finance Centre is not to search for quantitative growth, but rather to ensure that businesses established on the Rock have a high level of financial probity. Mr Caruana was able to announce that Gibraltar was well on the way to complying with standards set by international bodies such as the OECD and the G20. Sufficient Tax Information Exchange Agreements had been signed to ensure that the Rock would be placed on the OECD’s ‘white list’ of approved offshore financial centres. The local Finance Centre is currently made up of 18 banks, more than 100 insurance companies, 28 insurance intermediaries and managers, 37 investment firms, 100 funds, 10 fund managers and 70 trust and company managers. As a measure of the success of locally established companies, for example, Mr Caruana revealed that 8% of the UK’s motor insurance business is now handled in Gibraltar. The Rock’s attraction for financial firms includes not just its ‘robust but responsible’ regulatory regime, but also the quality of its professionals and its welleducated population, along with its political stability and the ability of its financial institutions to ‘passport’ into other European countries. The Finance Centre now accounts for 23% of Gibraltar’s GDP, helping to sustain the economy even in this time of difficult global economics, with GDP having grown by 9% in 2008 and on course to achieve growth of 6% in 2009. Employment opportunities on the Rock continue

to grow, helped not only by financial entities establishing themselves locally, but also by the increasing number of gaming companies making Gibraltar their base of operations. The main event of Gibraltar Day 2009, the evening reception, was held at London’s magnificent Guildhall, with around 1000 guests attending, including around 50 British Members of Parliament. The Guest of Honour was Chris Bryant, the then Minister for Europe, who assured those present that the British Government’s support for Gibraltar was as strong as ever. Mr Bryant pledged to work for ever stronger ties with Gibraltar and to help build the local economy. He also reiterated Britain’s support for self-determination for the people of Gibraltar. In his speech to the audience, Mr Caruana also emphasised this point, saying that only the people of Gibraltar can choose their political future, reminding the audience that while wanting to retain links with the United Kingdom, the local population are also willing to have a normal good neighbourly relationship with Spain, including in economic, political and administrative matters. He reminded the audience that the Spanish hinterland gains enormously by its proximity to Gibraltar, with around 15% of the economy of the neighbouring region attributed to spending from the Rock. The Finale of Gibraltar Day was, as always, a band concert held in the spacious courtyard of the Guildhall. The Band of the Royal Gibraltar Regiment was joined by representatives of three other military bands to provide a stirring end to Gibraltar Day 2009.

THE SPANISH HINTERLAND GAINS ENORMOUSLY BY ITS PROXIMITY TO GIBRALTAR.

Gibraltar Day 2009 began with a church service at Fulham’s Our Lady of Dolours; this was presided over by the then Bishop of Gibraltar, Mgr Charles Caruana, with the Chief Minister, the Honourable Peter Caruana reading the lesson. Our Lady of Dolours was regarded as a parish church by many of the Gibraltarian evacuees during the Second World War, when they were

LAW

LAW MAKE GIBRALTAR YOUR NEXT MOVE by Selwyn Figueras

hese days, it’s hard to come by good news. The goalposts are being moved over and over again and the screws are being tightened on businesses and individuals alike in the world’s larger financial centres. In the United Kingdom, there’s already a 50 p income tax rate for those earning more than £150,000 a year as well as a one-off super tax of 50% on any banker’s bonuses over £25,000. In Switzerland, the canton of Zurich has abolished the lump sum tax regime, and it is feared that others might follow suit. The solution taken by an increasing number of funds managers, bankers and other highnet-worth individuals has been to relocate to a ‘friendlier’ jurisdiction, one where the benefits of a sophisticated and well-developed finance centre within Europe can be enjoyed in tandem with the advantages of the Mediterranean lifestyle, British professionalism and predictability of law allied to a quality of life that’s second to none.

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ROCK ICONS

MAKE GIBRALTAR YOUR NEXT MOVE THERE ARE OBVIOUSLY A NUMBER OF ASPECTS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A NEW JURISDICTION FOR YOUR BUSINESS AND/OR YOUR FAMILY. WE BELIEVE GIBRALTAR TICKS ALL THE BOXES.

ibraltar’s location, two and a half hours flying time from London and within the central European time zone, means that there are only advantages to be had from relocating home or business, or both, here to Gibraltar. Located on the Mediterranean and therefore in continental Europe yet endowed with a familiar, reliable and predictable commonlaw system, you get the best of both worlds. Combine this with the easy and developing connections by air to London, Manchester and, with the arrival of the new airport in 2011, new and convenient connections, you have access to a number of international hubs, all within a couple of hours of the Peninsula. For its size, Gibraltar boasts one the most diversified small economies in Europe, with no over-reliance on any one pillar of its economy. Gibraltar’s economy is built on our offerings in the tourism sector, shipping and port services and, of course, financial services. We have a very well-developed single-day visit tourist product that attracts millions of visitors a year, feeding local small product and service businesses. Gibraltar’s location at the entrance to the Mediterranean is also responsible for significant revenues from a well-developed shipping and port services industry. Financial services have, over the last 20 years, represented a large part of Gibraltar’s economic development in the years following the Ministry of Defence’s downsizing of its presence in Gibraltar. Gibraltar has its own legal system, which is based on the English model, with variations introduced by local statutes, termed ‘Acts’, from time to time, in keeping with the development of Gibraltar as a finance centre. Gibraltar is at liberty to enact its own tax legislation independent from the United Kingdom, as confirmed by the European Court of First Instance in their decision on 18th December 2008.

Regulator in the guise of the Financial Services Commission, makes Gibraltar a very attractive jurisdiction for business looking for a new home. Gibraltar offers a variety of taxation and financial products, allied to a fully developed industry of Fiduciary Services and vehicles such as protected cell companies, asset protection trusts and a variety of funds products. In terms of personal taxation, Gibraltar’s high-net-worth individual tax status offers a low tax regime for the wealthy individual looking to relocate, whilst the gross income-based regime means that anyone making up to £50,000 will pay income tax at a rate of only 25%. No capital gains tax, no wealth tax, no inheritance tax or tax on dividends and pension income add up to more than just an interesting prospect. Gibraltar is, today, a real alternative. There are around 20,000 people in permanent employment in Gibraltar, local and foreign. Gibraltar’s location allows it to take advantage of a large number of foreign workers and professionals who take up residence across the border in the local Spanish area whilst working in Gibraltar. More than 50% of school leavers in Gibraltar go on to further education in the UK, which puts local UK-trained professionals at the disposal of local business. Lawyers, accountants and business graduates are the most common. The home of Miss World 2009, the advantages Gibraltar offers are many and varied. It is no coincidence that the biggest names in private and retail banking, insurance and online gaming are proud to call Gibraltar home too. Isn’t it time you made your move?

THE BIGGEST NAMES IN PRIVATE AND RETAIL BANKING, INSURANCE AND ONLINE GAMING ARE PROUD TO CALL GIBRALTAR HOME TOO.

It has a diverse Financial Services offering, which exploits Gibraltar’s status as part of the EU and the subsequent passporting advantages available to Gibraltar-licensed institutions. This, coupled with a dynamic and approachable

ROCK ICONS

ROCK ICONS JOHN GALLIANO ALBERT HAMMOND KAREL CHICHON Idea created and researched by Sonia Golt.

here is a strong artistic streak in the Gibraltarian personality, and this is personified in three of Gibraltarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most celebrated sons of modern times. This small Rock guarding the entrance to the Mediterranean Sea has given the world one of its top fashion designers in John Galliano, a prolific songwriter and singer in Albert Hammond and a young conductor who is gaining renown in the orchestral world in Karel Chichon.

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ROCK ICONS JOHN GALLIANO ONE OF THE WORLD’S TOP FASHION DESIGNERS

urrently the head designer in the prestigious haute couture fashion house of Christian Dior in Paris, John Galliano is the son of a Gibraltarian father and a Spanish mother. Born on the Rock in 1960, John moved with his family to the London suburb of Streatham, a place that was very different from his early life in the hot Mediterranean sun, in a culture that combines influences from many different traditions. At 16, John was accepted at the City and East London College to study design, which led to a place at Central St Martin’s School of Art and Design, where his graduation collection ‘Les Incroyables’ gained him a first-class degree in 1984. The collection had been inspired by John’s student work as a dresser on ‘Danton,’ a National Theatre production set in the days of the French Revolution, and the bold yet romantic designs in Les Incroyables foreshadowed the flamboyant and fantastical nature of the haute couture collections for which he has become renowned and which have made him the choice of fashionable celebrities looking for high-fashion clothing with a quirky appeal. Although John’s future seemed set when Les Incroyables was immediately selected to feature in the window display of Browns fashion store in London’s South Moulton Street, where all the designs were sell outs, he found it difficult to establish his vision in a successful commercial format, despite being named British Designer of the Year in 1987. Moving to Paris in 1989, his work was featured in that year’s Paris Fashion Week, attracting enormous attention. However, even with two more British Designer of the Year titles in 1994 and 1995, it was not until the latter year that John’s genius in fashion design was acknowledged, when he was offered the post of head designer of the exclusive fashion house, Givenchy, the first British designer to head a French haute couture firm; Givenchy is owned by luxury goods conglomerate LVMH. He presented his first collection for Givenchy in January 1996, garnering high praise from both fashion media and fellow designers. This success led to him moving to another of LVMH’s labels, the prestigious Christian Dior.

PROUD THAT ONE OF OUR OWN HAS REACHED THE PINNACLE IN FASHION DESIGN.

ALBERT HAMMOND Taking over as head designer of Christian Dior in October 1996, John produced his first collection for the fashion house in January 1997, the firm’s 50th anniversary. In that year he was again named British Designer of the Year, along with Alexander McQueen, his successor at Givenchy. John has identified his love of theatre and femininity as the inspiration for his designs, and indeed the theatre has repaid the compliment, with Galliano creations being worn at red carpet events by top stars such as Charlize Theron, Cate Blanchett and Nicole Kidman. He now produces six distinct couture lines annually for Christian Dior, along with ready to wear collections, which bring John’s spectacular designs to a larger market, and he is also involved with the creation of advertising campaigns for Dior perfumes. The Galliano design genius has been lauded by the fashion industry, the fashion media, and fashionable people everywhere, but the praise hasn’t stopped there. In addition to being named an unprecedented four times as British Designer of the Year, John was awarded the CBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List in 2001, and the French government have appointed him a Chevalier of the Legion of Honour. Other prestigious awards include Spain’s ‘Telva Designer of the Year’ and Japan’s ‘Oribe’ award. John Galliano may have moved far beyond his Gibraltarian homeland, but he retains the influences of the eclectic people from whom he sprung. The flamboyant colours of the Mediterranean region can be seen in his designs, along with influences from Spanish, Arabic and Indian cultures, all of which are present on the Rock. To show his appreciation for the land of his birth, John allowed his 2008 Autumn/Winter collection to be exhibited here. The occasion was the Bosom Buddies Fashion Show in 2008, produced by Sonia Golt, when a selection of his creations were shown on the catwalk by local models, the first time John has allowed his designs to be shown by non-professional models. The show was in aid of breast cancer charities, and was extremely successful, with the local audience giving a standing ovation to the Galliano designs, proud that one of their own has reached the pinnacle in fashion design.

ALBERT HAMMOND

ue to Gibraltar’s strategic importance during the Second World War, it became necessary to evacuate the civilian population from the Rock, with many Gibraltarian families being transported to safety in England. Because of this policy, during the war years children of local families were born away from Gibraltar, with Albert Hammond, the internationally renowned singer and songwriter, being one of them. Albert was born in London in May 1944, but came to live in Gibraltar when his parents returned to their home town after the war. Early in life he decided that music was what he was interested in and, on leaving school, he opted to start a band, The Diamond Boys, which achieved a modest success in both the local market and Spain. After moving to England Albert teamed up with Mike Hazlewood, cofounding the group The Family Dogg in 1966. Partly in collaboration with Mike, Albert’s song writing career blossomed, gaining a Top Ten hit with one of his songs for The Family Dogg and writing prolifically and successfully for both other artists and for himself during the 1960s and on to the present day, gaining recognition for such internationally famous hits as ‘It Never Rains in Southern California’ and ‘The Air that I Breathe,’ and collaborating with internationally known artists, including Elton John, Neil Diamond, Tina Turner, Diana Ross and Julio Iglesias. After moving to the United States, his songwriting and hit-producing career continued throughout the next decades, with Albert not only writing and performing, but also producing records for many other artists, often featuring his own compositions or song-writing collaborations with others. His songs have been responsible for the sale of millions of records worldwide, providing hits for many different artists; his ability to write songs that are not only hits but also classics that appeal to all age groups led him to be inducted into the Songwriters’ Hall of Fame in 2008. He has composed songs that have been hits in every decade from the 1960s to the present day, with his songs such as ‘The Air That I Breathe’ and ‘When I Need You’ becoming hits time and time again when recorded by different artists, decade after decade.

INTERNATIONALLY RENOWNED SINGER AND SONGWRITER

Albert is a multi-faceted artist, a songwriter and producer who has the added advantage that he can do all this in both English and Spanish, meaning that he has also achieved great success in Spanish-speaking markets. Recordings of Albert’s songs are heard on radio stations around the world thanks to their having achieved the status of ‘classics.’ His biggest successes include ‘Little Arrows’ by Leapy Lee, ‘It Never Rains in Southern California’ by Albert himself, ‘The Air that I Breathe’ by The Hollies, ‘99 Miles to LA’ by Johnny Mathis, ‘To All the Girls I’ve Loved Before’ by Julio Iglesias and Willie Nelson, ‘One Moment in Time’ by Whitney Houston, and ‘Cantare, Cantaras,’ sung by 57 different Latin artists; this last was a charity record released to benefit famine victims, the Spanish language equivalent of ‘We Are the World.’ In all, his songs have achieved sales of over 360 million records around the world, a big total for an artist from such a small homeland.

GIBRALTAR WAS ONE OF THE GREAT GIFTS LIFE GAVE ME.

In recognition of Albert’s contributions to the world of music, in 2000 he was awarded the OBE (Order of the British Empire) by Queen Elizabeth II. However, Albert has never forgotten his homeland, commenting that “Growing up in Gibraltar was one of the great gifts life gave me, I don’t know if I would have reached these heights without that gift. Gibraltar gave me the strength and the hunger to go out and fight for something I love and to carry on through a storm of tears, hunger, loneliness and sometimes regrets, but the child in me that came from Gibraltar was as strong as the Rock itself and it kept me going, and still does to this day.” Albert is married to Claudia, with whom he has a son, Albert junior, also a successful musician and a member of American band The Strokes. In addition, he has two daughters from his first marriage, Debbie and Paula. He visits Gibraltar often, and can be glimpsed around the Rock, strolling and talking to old friends. In the summer of 2009, with Albert’s blessing, a tribute to him and his songs was organized for Bosom Buddies, a locally produced annual show in aid of breast cancer charities. Listening to his songs brought back memories of a whole cycle of compositions by this well-known singer, who has touched hearts, not just in Gibraltar, but all around the world.

KAREL CHICHON

108 Main Street, Gibraltar Tel: (+350) 200 75792 Hotu, 100 Main Street, Gibraltar Tel: (+350) 200 72182

Your Guiding Star Perfumes Skin care Make-up Sunglasses

lthough Karel Mark Chichon was actually born in London in 1971, his parents are Gibraltarian and he was brought up in Gibraltar. His flair for music gained him a place at the Royal Academy of Music in London, and since completing his training he has been hailed as one of today’s most exciting young conductors and a master of orchestral sound. He has been described by The New York Times as “A conductor of genius.”

KAREL CHICHON ONE OF TODAY’S MOST EXCITING YOUNG CONDUCTORS

Karel’s early training at the Royal Academy of Music has led him to a steadily progressing career. His first venture into conducting was as assistant conductor to Giuseppe Sinopoli and Valery Gergiev, and since then he has performed with some of the world’s top orchestras, including the English Chamber Orchestra, the Vienna Philharmonic, the Vienna State Opera, the Royal Philharmonic and the Russian National Orchestra. In addition, he has conducted at numerous opera houses across Europe, including the Deutsche Oper Berlin and the Teatro dell Opera in Rome, working with such great artists as Jose Carreras, Montserrat Caballe and Ramon Vargas. He became the Chief Conductor of the Graz Symphony Orchestra in 2006, a post he held until being appointed as Chief Conductor and Artistic Director of the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra in September 2009. Although he is in demand internationally as a guest conductor with some of the world’s leading orchestras and opera companies and is booked up until 2014, Karel remains faithful to his homeland of Gibraltar. He is Artistic Director of the Gibraltar Philharmonic Society and, despite his heavy international schedule, still manages to return to Gibraltar at frequent intervals, conducting often at orchestral events organised to celebrate Gibraltar’s National Day on September 10th. Chichon’s extrovert style and eclectic musical tastes makes him a natural on stage, and he was recently signed by Universal Music, which has given him an artistic security that is hard to achieve in the music business. His name is now being promoted in the highest music circles and he has great influence on his artistic appearances and on whom he performs with. He has achieved much in the orchestral world at a comparatively young age, and this bodes well for his future as a conductor. He is married to the acclaimed Latvian mezzo-soprano, Elína Garanca.

DESCRIBED BY THE NEW YORK TIMES AS ‘A CONDUCTOR OF GENIUS.’ 23

LAW SHIPPING

SHIPPING SHIP ARREST IN GIBRALTAR

by Lewis Baglietto Partner & Head of Litigation at Hassans Law Firm

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awyers and judges in Gibraltar have been dealing with shipping disputes since the establishment of the Vice-Admiralty Court in 1739 – a time when the court’s jurisdiction was still very limited and did not yet extend to, say, criminal matters or disputes concerning land. The impetus for the establishment of the ViceAdmiralty Court was the threat of war with Spain. As with Vice-Admiralty Courts in other colonies, its jurisdiction extended to acting as a Prize Court, which enabled the British Crown to send out privateers against enemy ships to collect damages for the Crown – a very useful function in times of war.

SHIP ARREST IN GIBRALTAR

tax planning • corporate & commercial • Financial SerViceS • FundS • litigation • propertY • truStS

GLobaL DIRECTIons. LoCaL KnoWLEDGE.

lthough the dubious practice of privateering was later to be abolished, there can be no doubt that the Admiralty Court has served Gibraltar well over the centuries. One of the most well-known Admiralty cases to come before the Gibraltar courts was the case of the mystery ship “Mary Celeste” in the late 19th century. Many readers will have heard of how this vessel was discovered in the midAtlantic with no one on board but with all her contents intact. Less well known, however, is the fact that she was then towed to Gibraltar by her finders for proceedings to be brought here for salvage, with an award being made at the conclusion of a hearing where the Court heard all the chilling evidence surrounding the mystery. Although the Gibraltar Admiralty Court is nowadays rarely occupied with cases as exciting as that of the Mary Celeste, that does not make its business any less important or intensive. Nowadays, the Supreme Court’s Admiralty jurisdiction is mostly concerned with the enforcement of creditors’ claims in what are usually referred to as “ship arrests”, a term which inevitably conjures up images of bailiffs waving warrants and chaining vessels as if they were fugitives on the run. That image, however exaggerated, is not completely divorced from what actually happens.

Whatever or wherever the challenge, we can provide the solutions. In an ever-changing world, new challenges frequently arise in our personal lives and in the corporate and commercial world. Whether it’s advice, structures, planning or strategies that need resolution, Hassans has the expertise to meet clients’ exacting requirements. Our diversity means we are adaptable and flexible. We are innovative, cosmopolitan, multi-lingual and above all client focused.

Hassans – International Lawyers www.gibraltarlaw.com

57/63 Line Wall Road, PO Box 199, Gibraltar · Tel (+350) 200 79000 · Fax (+350) 200 71966 · Email business@hassans.gi

Gibraltar law on this subject, known as Admiralty Law, follows the tradition of the English Admiralty Court, where certain types of claim, such as seamen’s wages, salvage and mortgage claims, to name but a few, can be brought against the ship itself rather than its owners personally, as if the ship itself was the Defendant. In such cases, the ship, and not its owner, is served with process, by having it nailed to the mast, or affixed to some other conspicuous part of the ship. Because the ship is the Defendant, it is the ship, not its owner, that is arrested and kept in the custody of a Court officer (the Admiralty Marshal) until an order is made for its sale or release. Such a claim is known as a claim in rem, that is, a claim against property, as opposed to a claim in personam. It is only if the vessel’s owners then choose to respond to the claim against the ship that the claim also becomes a claim in personam, that is, against owners personally as well. If, however, the owners choose not to contest the claim or if they contest it and fail, judgment is obtainable and enforceable against the ship, which will then be sold to satisfy the

judgment and pay the claims for which it was arrested and any other proven claims, with the Marshal’s fees and expenses of arrest and sale being a first charge on the proceeds. The sale of the ship (often for millions of US dollars) is usually done by auction through sealed bids advertised by the Admiralty Marshal’s brokers in Lloyd’s List and other maritime publications as well as in the broker’s website, although the Court can, in certain cases, order a private sale to a named buyer without going through the bids procedure. Gibraltar is renowned in the international shipping world as a competent and efficient jurisdiction in which to arrest vessels and enforce maritime claims. Its strategic location at the crossroads of Europe and Africa and of the Mediterranean and Atlantic, combined with the availability of the practical and swift procedures of English Admiralty Law, make Gibraltar a clear jurisdiction of choice in the Atlantic and Mediterranean regions for arresting ships, particularly as neighbouring countries have more cumbersome legal systems and ship arrest procedures, which are often too slow to enable a ship to be arrested in time. As a result, vessels and sometimes entire fleets have been brought all the way from as far down as Central Africa to be arrested in Gibraltar by crew or banks in control of vessels who want a speedy yet fair process to satisfy their claims. The benefits of this industry to Gibraltar are very substantial and wide ranging, in that, apart from the fees payable to the Court and to the Port authorities for berthing and other charges, ship arrests will almost always require the services of local security companies, suppliers of bunkers and provisions, hotels and other businesses involved in the custody, maintenance and supply of ships and the repatriation of their crew. Clearly, the local legal community also benefits greatly from this industry, not just commercially, but also because it enhances Gibraltar’s reputation internationally as a leading jurisdiction in this area of law and international commerce. The experience of local lawyers and that of our Court system, which includes distinguished former English Court of Appeal Judges, is the ultimate guarantor of the success of this important product of Gibraltar’s history and geography.

ART

LOCAL ART MEET GIBRALTARIAN ARTIST PAUL COSQUIERI

For a small city state with a population of around 30,000 Gibraltar has produced its fair share of creative people in more than one artistic field. Although there have been artists in the past who have gained a measure of international renown, such as Jacobo Azagury and Gustavo Bacarisas, the modern Gibraltarian artist is held back from international recognition by limited opportunities, due to the Rockâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s alienation from the contemporary art scene, to the few opportunities to exhibit their work outside Gibraltar and to the limited number of visitors that local exhibitions can hope to attract.

> 29

LOCAL ART ART

Photography by Jonathan Trinidad

evertheless, Gibraltarian artists are not daunted by the obstacles placed in their way, and some are hoping to spread their artistic vision to a larger audience than can be found in their home town. One such artist is Paul Cosquieri, also known as ‘Cosqui’, who has been developing his artistic style and reach over the last decade, ever since he managed to reconcile his need to provide a living for his young family with his urge to produce his vision of art. His love of art and artistic expression began almost as soon as he could hold a pencil, showing a predisposition to convey ideas and concepts in the form of drawings and paintings. Further education took him to London’s prestigious Chelsea School of Art; later, he concentrated on graphic design, obtaining a BA (Hons) from Coventry Lanchester Polytechnic. Back on the Rock, in 1987 he worked as a Graphic Designer, later going into business himself with 123 Printers, a design and printing company. However, he returned to painting in 1997, producing ‘9 Rocks’, the first of many paintings depicting the Rock of Gibraltar in its many moods. His paintings have since scored highly in local art exhibitions, and his 2007 ‘Between the Rock and a Hard Place’ was selected by the Government to represent Gibraltar in a permanent exhibition in the Commonwealth Institute premises at Marlborough House, London.

Paul’s latest work is a series of large-format paintings in a style that he has termed “Abstract POPism.”This is a unique style of painting, which, although mainly abstract in style and content, also carries an element of pop art and pop culture in the way he has arbitrarily employed the use of collage, consisting of imagery primarily extracted from social magazines and product packaging. The result is an original concept in painting that has been developed over the last three years and which first came about from his photographic explorations of dilapidated walls, weather-battered billboards and graffiti art. His 2007 photographic exhibition titled “Painting with a Camera” already hinted at this direction and showed the concept in its embryonic form. Abstract POPism aims to combine two very important and influential 20th Century art movements, abstract expressionism and pop art, into one new style that contains visual elements of both styles. This combination creates a new and dynamic way of seeing painting in line with 21st century life and values, a way of describing the chaotic bombardment of imagery to which modern man is constantly exposed by multiple media forms, such as TV, magazines, billboards, posters and the Internet. Paul’s interest lies in how all this imagery, which is encrusted deeply in his psyche, is somehow

PAUL COSQUIERI

IT HAS BEEN THE TIGHTNESS OF OUR SOCIETY THAT HAS PREVENTED OUR IDENTITY FROM BEING WATERED DOWN.

regurgitated by his painterly process to form a totally new layered image denoting the passage of time and the artist’s reaction to all this external visual interference. The painterly process of working in layers and of applying paint, cloth and torn-out magazine cuttings is then juxtaposed by a more spontaneous process of arbitrarily removing sections, reminiscent of how time and the elements work on exposed roadside billboards, leaving behind an image that contains information on all the previous images that have been displayed on the boards and which have begun to fall apart at different stages, leaving remnants of colour, shapes, lettering and forms that end up creating a totally new and striking image. Not content with combining his art with running a successful business, Paul recently presented Abstractus, an art series for GBC Television, comprising twelve half -hour programmes in which he tackled various artistic techniques and also explained contemporary art definitions. In each programme he attempted to complete an entire painting in the technique or style chosen for the day. In making the television series, Paul hoped to bring knowledge of and appreciation for art to a wider audience. The complete TV series can be viewed on line by typing “Abstractus” on YouTube or in Paul’s website (www.cosqui.com). Paul has a very personal and passionate view about the art scene in Gibraltar and feels that it is extremely conservative when compared to the art that is produced worldwide. He believes this is due to a number of reasons. Firstly, and due to the many sieges Gibraltar has endured over the years, the Gibraltarian character is conservative in nature. It has been the tightness of our society that has prevented our identity from being watered down. This inevitably means that there is an inherent fear of change and a great “shock of the new”. Secondly, because of its geographical situation, Gibraltar is considerably alienated from the global art world. Only the most passionate of art lovers ventures out to Madrid or London in search of the latest art trends and very few artist from outside Gibraltar exhibit locally. Thirdly, and possibly most importantly, there is a collective lack of understanding of the real importance contemporary art has in modern society, and this inevitably results in a lack of governmental and private funding made available to the local contemporary artist for developing modern and cutting-edge art projects that question society and its values. Because this funding for “experimental art” is not readily available, artists inevitably end up opting to produce a more commercial style of art if they wish to make a living out of it. This is the typical Catch 22 of the local art scene. The fact that there is no National Museum in Gibraltar, with government funding for purchasing contemporary art from local artists, further aggravates the problem. Lastly, Paul believes there is a very limited market for art

in Gibraltar. The notion of buying or investing in art is still limited to an extremely small minority, the average person preferring to decorate their homes with cheaper mass-produced prints of little artistic quality. The small art market that there is, however, is conservative in nature, with a marked preference for a more “classical” art as opposed to the modern contemporary alternative. The same applies to corporate commissions and private sponsorship, with local companies opting for the safer “classical” look as opposed to the new “more radical” contemporary work. It is much safer to go for a tried and tested type of art, than to make a bold, modern and risky statement. The lack of a substantial local market has also to do with the economy of scale, which when coupled with all the points mentioned above presents a very bleak scenario for the local professional artist. Obviously, this is further exacerbated by the current economic climate. In Paul’s opinion, there is only one way forward for professional and aspiring artists, and that is to aim further afield. Ways have to be found to enable local artists to participate in international travelling exhibitions, be it in Spain or the UK. In the first place, the imminent inauguration of the Cervantes Institute in Gibraltar should serve to forge valuable links and contacts with Spain. In addition, Paul also believes that the Gibraltar Government could offer a helping hand by inviting local artists to exhibit their work in the Gallery of Gibraltar House in London’s Strand. Organising three or four exhibitions a year in this wonderful setting would present a unique opportunity to display the Gibraltarian culture abroad, offering an invaluable chance for local artists to broaden their horizons.

Should you be visiting Gibraltar at the right time of year, why not visit the art exhibition forming part of the Spring Festival, the Young Artists’ Exhibition (held annually in late autumn), or the Gibraltar International Arts Festival held in November, or you may be lucky enough to be here when the Fine Arts Gallery in Casemates is holding an exhibition featuring one or more of the many talented and prolific artists that the Rock has produced in recent years. For more information on Paul’s own work, visit www.cosqui.com, where you will find a complete rostrum of his paintings and other works of art. 31

MH BLANDS

LOCAL ENTERPRISE

Marcus Horatio Bland

MH BLAND & Co Ltd: CELEBRATING 200 YEARS 1810 - 2010 Cloister Building

Hercules

arcus Henry Bland arrived in Gibraltar from Liverpool and in 1810 established a shipping agency in his house in Irish Town, which was then the commercial centre of Gibraltar. The business grew despite stiff competition and passed to his son Marcus Hill Bland, who in December 1840 went into partnership with Charles Middleton and John Mackintosh, thus establishing the firm of Middleton Mackintosh & Bland.

Gibel Derif III

> The Mons Calpe 33

LOCAL ENTERPRISE: MH BLAND

he company expanded as a consequence of opportunities created by the development of steam engines and the greater trade that followed as a result of Gibraltar’s strategic location.

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Marcus Hill Bland died in Liverpool in July 1856 and passed on his interest in the company to his sons Horatio and John who, as a result of the subsequent deaths of Middleton and Mackintosh in the early 1860’s, gained control of the company. Thus, in September 1865 the goodwill and trade of Middleton Mackintosh & Bland was taken over by MH Bland & Co. The company developed as a ship agent, ship owner and coal merchant, and played an important role in the development of the port of Tangier. In December 1882 Horatio died of heart disease, and control of the company passed to his brother John. However, due to John’s ill health, in 1887 he had to leave the running of the business to Joseph Gaggero, who had joined the staff as a clerk in the 1860s. Joseph’s grandfather had arrived from Genoa early in the 19th century and had been born in the same building in which Middleton Mackintosh & Bland had offices; a coincidence that no doubt influenced his future career. John Bland died without heirs in June 1891, and later that year arrangements were put in place to permit Joseph and his brother Emanuel to purchase the company for the sum of £28,474. A limited company was formed in London, as there was no local company register at the time, and on 23rd December 1891, during the first board meeting of MH Bland & Co Ltd, Joseph Gaggero was appointed Managing Director, with his brother Emanuel as Director. Over the next 18 years the two enlarged the company’s fleet of ships from four to 12 vessels, trading between North Africa, Spain and the United Kingdom. In November 1911, Joseph died and, due to Emanuel’s poor health, the management of the company passed to his youngest brother, Avelino, who had previously moved to London to become a prominent merchant there. 1914 was a traumatic year for both company and family. Trade flourished as a result of France and Spain taking over Moroccan affairs, but war clouds loomed, and Avelino’s death on 2nd August 1914 could not have come at a worse moment. A hurried meeting of the board took place, and it was decided to appoint 17-year-old George, Joseph’s son, to the position of Managing Director. It was a daunting responsibility for one so young. War broke out on 4th August 1914, two days after George’s appointment. His brother Charles joined the company shortly afterwards. Together, George and Charles steered the company through the Great War, the great depression of the 1930s and the tumultuous years of World War II. Despite these difficulties, the company expanded into salvage, ship repair, timber, an ice-making factory and aviation, in addition to its existing shipping

interests. In 1941, George was awarded a knighthood for his services to Gibraltar. In 1946 George and Charles decided to divide the business in what was to be the first re-organisation of family interests. George retained the shipping and aviation interests and would seek new opportunities in shipping, tourism and aviation in the region and beyond. Sir George’s sons, Joseph and John, subsequently joined the business. In 1962 an innovative project was conceived: building a Cable Car to the top of the Rock. After opening for business in 1966, this bold venture was threatened by the closure of the land frontier with Spain in October 1969. Throughout, and in spite of the prevailing trading conditions, the company continued to evolve. Symbolic of the Gibraltarian spirit at the time, the ferry, Mons Calpe, built to specification in 1954, resolutely provided an invaluable maritime link with Morocco. Sir George retired from what had by then been rebranded Bland Ltd in 1970; he passed away on 4th September 1978. After having brought the company through the closed frontier years, in 1986 Joseph and John decided to divide the business in what became the second re-organisation of family interests. Joseph retained the family’s interest in aviation, its travel agencies and its hotel under the name Bland Ltd, whilst John retained shipping interests and the cable car under the original name MH Bland & Co Ltd. Under the guidance of John, and subsequently his sons Johnnie and George, who took over the running of the business when John retired in 1997, the company has forged ahead. The company has refocused its energy into its core sectors of tourism and maritime activities and, through an ambitious programme of investment, John and George have successfully steered what has become the MH Bland Group into the 21st century. Port agency offices have been opened in Algeciras and Ceuta, thus bringing to fruition the “Three ports, one team” concept, and thereby taking advantage of the growth of the bunkering business in the region. In a bid to rationalise port services, various operators and assets were purchased in 1990 and, under a single banner of MH Bland Marine Services Ltd and in harness with the port agency network, MH Bland now offers an integrated range of services to an extensive client base. Tugs, barges, supply vessels and other specialised equipment have all been purchased or built to suit local requirements. Since the re-opening of the frontier in 1986, the potential of the cable car has been unleashed and has undergone a series of refurbishments and upgrades, becoming along the way Gibraltar’s premier tourist facility.

John A. Gaggero, Chairman

THEY PLAYED AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE PORT OF TANGIER. In order to accommodate the needs of a burgeoning international cruise industry intent on revolutionising their shore excursions programmes, a local coach company, Calypso Tours Ltd, was purchased in 1992, and in the subsequent years has modernised as well as tripled its capacity to satisfy demand. MH Bland Travel Services bridges the two sectors of shipping and tourism by specialising in the sales of cruise holidays, while offering the services of a fully fledged travel agency to the leisure and business traveller. More recently, in 2007, Eco Tourism Ltd, operating under the trade name of Dolphin World, has been brought into the Group, offering excursions into the Bay of Gibraltar to experience the delights of seeing dolphins in their natural environment.

As they celebrate their 200th anniversary in 2010, the current fourth generation and their dynamic young team look with pride at the achievements of the past and with excitement to the future. 35

LAW SHIPPING PROPERTY NATURE

NATURE BIRD MOUNTAIN

by John Cortes Gibraltar Ornithological & Natural History Society

H >

istorians will tell you that the name “Gibraltar” is a corruption of “Jebel Tarik”, Moorish for Tarik’s Mountain, and that it is derived from the name of the general who took the Rock in medieval times. I am of the view that the name is just a slight mispronunciation of “Jebel Tar”, simply, “Bird Mountain”. Anyone who has seen the massive migration of birds of prey streaming over the Rock of Gibraltar will know exactly why. And if thousands of birds flock over the Rock and across the Strait at the beginning of the 21st Century, when natural habitats have been destroyed by industry, urbanisation and agriculture, how many thousands more will there have been back in the 8th Century when the north African conquest of Iberia began?

BIRD MOUNTAIN

Eye - Catching

he passage of birds of prey - or raptors - is the most impressive natural phenomenon that we can still see in Gibraltar. After they have spent the winter in Africa, raptors start moving north, and appear over Gibraltar, having just crossed the Strait from Morocco, as early as February. The first to cross are usually Black Kites, also the commonest raptors over the Rock, and their passage continues until late June. Other species soon join them, and during the northward passage, Short-toed Eagles, Booted Eagles, Marsh and Montagu’s Harriers, Honey Buzzards, Sparrowhawks, Egyptian and Griffon Vultures, Kestrels and Hobbies are among the birds that can be seen from the Rock. Many birds of prey – and other large birds, such as storks – rely on rising air currents, or thermals, in which they soar, in order to gain height before continuing their journey in a long glide. As thermals do not form over the sea, the birds concentrate at short sea crossings such as the Strait of Gibraltar. As they cross, they are also liable to wind drift, and so they appear over the Rock mostly during periods of westerly winds. During easterlies they will drift well west of Gibraltar. While many thousands of raptors can be seen arriving over Gibraltar in the spring – with the greatest variety of species occurring during April – even more fly over during the southward passage. This “return” migration includes also the young birds of the year, which have hatched and fledged in Europe. It starts as early as July, with the peaks of Black Kites and Honey Buzzards being over by the middle of September, although some passage continues until November. Westerly winds during the southward migration can result in the most impressive numbers, for example, over 11,000 Honey Buzzards counted in one day. These arrive from the north in seemingly endless streams, at all heights, from close overhead, to level with the top of the Rock, while others are so high as to be mere specks even through powerful binoculars.

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For further information contact (00350) 20074950 or visit www.visitgibraltar.gi

At the same time as the raptors flow, smaller species can also be seen, including most notably the swifts, but also swallows and martins, bee-eaters, pipits and, later in the autumn, finches and wagtails. But the songbirds largely migrate by night, orienting by the stars, and thus evading predators. When weather conditions over the Strait become unfavourable, with cloud and rain obscuring the constellations or making flight difficult or even dangerous, these small birds drop to ground and shelter in the scrub, woodland and gardens of Gibraltar. On days of such “falls” of migrants, some of the terrestrial habitats are teeming with birds. Depending on the precise time of year, these can be any combination of Hoopoes, Subalpine, Spectacled and Orphean Warblers, Northern and Blackeared Wheatears, Whinchats and Stonechats, Woodchat Shrikes, Tawny Pipits and many others.

The Strait of Gibraltar connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Atlantic Ocean, and so provides the only route for seabirds moving between these bodies of water. Species that nest in the Mediterranean, such as Cory’s and Balearic Shearwaters or Audouin’s Gulls, will move westwards into the Atlantic after the breeding season. Atlantic nesting birds, such as gannets, puffins and razorbills, will use the reverse route and spend the winter in the Mediterranean. Seabird watching is one of the most exciting disciplines as it can be so varied – especially after stormy weather, when birds from further shores may be swept into our area, as regularly happens with kittiwakes after westerly storms or Little Gulls after prolonged strong easterlies. But not all the birds you see in Gibraltar will be moving. There are resident species, including the very common – and often annoying – YellowLegged Gulls, cliff-nesting Alpine Swifts and Blue Rock Thrushes, Spotless Starlings, Sardinian Warblers and Blue Tits. The Barbary Partridge, vulnerable to habitat changes, nests on the Rock, but nowhere else in Europe. At seven nesting pairs, the Peregrine Falcon, of the smaller brookei variety, has one of the densest populations known, and the Lesser Kestrel is hanging on, with a small colony on the Rock’s north face. Gibraltar’s diverse bird life makes use of a surprising variety of habitats for such a small area. While the most impressive feature of the Rock’s landscape is undoubtedly its cliffs, rising from the sea to close to 400 m, there are several types of typical Mediterranean vegetation, each with its own selection of plants. The cliffs themselves provide ideal growing conditions for some of Gibraltar’s very special species. The rarest – indeed one of the rarest plants in the world – is the Gibraltar Campion. Once thought extinct, it was rediscovered in 1994 by a team from the Gibraltar Ornithological & Natural History Society and brought back from the brink at the Gibraltar Botanic Gardens. The Society covers the full range of natural history subjects and is at the forefront of nature conservation efforts in the region, while the Gardens have an important and attractive collection of plants. Other cliff species include the Candytuft, Gibraltar Chickweed and Saxifrage in the upper reaches, Gibraltar Sea Lavender down by

Gibraltar Gibraltar and the the sea.

The majority of the western slopes of the Rock are covered in scrub – or matorral – vegetation, made up largely of wild Olive, Mediterranean Buckthorn and Osyris. Along paths, on roadsides and in the firebreaks and more open areas grow a wide variety of flowers, including two species of Lavender, wild Gladiolus, the narrow-leaved Iris, and, in the winter, the strongly scented Paper-white Narcissus. The great sand slopes on the eastern side of the Rock contrast with the west in being made up of wind-blown sand, with their

own typical plant community, with several species of interest, such as the Brown Bluebell and the Gibraltar Restharrow. The vegetation reflects the Mediterranean climate, with mild wet winters and hot dry summers. While the evergreen shrubs of the matorral remain green through all but the driest years, the herbaceous species die in the summer, when it barely rains from May to September. Days after the first autumn rains, life returns, and within just a few weeks all is bright green again. Other wildlife responds to this seasonality. Geckos, of which there are two species in Gibraltar, the Moorish and the rarer, more delicate Turkish Gecko, shift from being nocturnal to appearing on warm winter days. The commonest lizard, the Iberian Wall Lizard, also changes its behaviour. While in the height of summer it only forages for an hour or so in the morning and again in the evening, in winter it basks and runs around actively during most daylight hours. The Rock’s other reptiles, which include the Algerian Sandracer Lizard, the Horseshoe Whipsnake and the Ladder Snake, follow a similar pattern. The diversity of plants and habitats guarantees a wide variety of insects and other invertebrates. Most obvious are the butterflies, some of which are active every month of the year. The most striking are probably the Two-tailed Pasha and the Monarch, the latter an American species that has recently colonized the region. Also present are the colourful Spanish Festoon, the Swallowtail and the Scarce Swallowtail. An amazing sight – if you are lucky enough to catch it – is the migration across the Strait of thousands of butterflies, usually Painted Ladies, in some springs. Other invertebrates of interest include the Joint-pine Beetle Yamina Sangunea, of a variety found exclusively on the Rock, on plants of the Joint-pine. There is increasing knowledge of the smaller animals that inhabit Gibraltar, revealing the territory’s importance for biodiversity. Ants, beetles, moths and snails rare or absent elsewhere in Europe are constantly being identified, for example. The Gibraltar Biodiversity Project run by the Gibraltar Ornithological & Natural History Society keeps a tally of the number of species recorded on the Rock. The latest figures, published in the Society’s magazine Gibraltar Nature News, include the following total land species: 526 beetles, 494 butterflies and moths, 156 flies, 44 ants, 42 molluscs, 311 birds, 12 mammals, 15 reptiles and 655 plants, including mosses and liverworts.

And that is just the start, for the seas around Gibraltar are just as impressive in their wildlife, in sizes ranging from limpets to whales, and of habits as diverse as that of a sedentary soft coral or a migrating tuna or sea turtle! 39

LAW SHIPPING PROPERTY

PROPERTY A BRIEF HISTORY OF LAND OWNERSHIP IN GIBRALTAR

by Brian Francis Director BFA Estate Agents BFA Valuers BFA Management

Photography by Paul Cosquieri

y most memorable visual experience happened in 1968, when as a young student I had my first birdâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s-eye view of the Rock from a propelled engine Vanguard aircraft operated by Blands. Little did I know then that events over the next 42 years would see its transformation from a quiet undeveloped town to the vibrant city that it has become today. There is little doubt that this transformation was largely driven by the re-opening of the land frontier with Spain in 1985 which, coupled with the UK Governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Defence cuts and commercialization of HM Dockyard a few years earlier, geared up the diversification of the local economy from an overwhelming dependence on the military to a private-sector model based on financial services, the gaming industry, tourism and port activities.

LAND OWNERSHIP IN GIBRALTAR

he last 20 years have therefore seen massive land reclamation and intensive development, with high-rise residential and office blocks springing up against the backdrop of the Rock. A brand-new state of the art airport is currently under construction, which together with the new runway tunnel and other infrastructure works will see a further public investment of around £400 million reshape the Rock’s iconic profile once again… a truly impressive transformation in such a short time! But how did it all start and how has the British Crown over the last 306 years influenced the administration of the Rock’s most scarce commodity - land, and more importantly, how did this military acquisition react over the years to the growing and often conflicting civilian needs in the Rock’s transition from Fortress to City State?

ONE WONDERS WHETHER HAD PRINCE HESSE BEEN IN OVERALL COMMAND INSTEAD OF ADMIRAL ROOKE,THE ROCK WOULD TODAY BE DUTCH AND NOT BRITISH!

It is a historical fact that when the Rock was captured in 1704 it was by an Anglo-Dutch fleet under the command of Sir George Rooke; this occurred as a result of the War of Spanish Succession that had begun 2 years earlier. This war broke out when King Charles II of Spain died in 1700 without descendants, leaving a will that bequeathed Spain and the whole of the Spanish possessions at the time to Prince Phillip of Bourbon, a grandson of Louis XIV, who was backed by France. The other pretender, Archduke Charles of Austria, was supported by the Holy Roman Empire, England and the Netherlands and did not accept Charles II’s testament. Although Sir George Rooke was in overall command of the Anglo-Dutch fleet, which captured the Rock, the land force came under the Prince of Hesse, who offered terms to the inhabitants of Gibraltar, one of which was the recognition by them of the claim of Archduke Charles. This was rejected, and the inhabitants fled en masse to what became the neighbouring town of San Roque. Sir George Rooke then determined the terms to be offered, hauled down the Austro-Spanish flag and hoisted that of England over the abandoned territory, which hence became, and ever since has been, a hereditary possession of the British Crown. One wonders whether had the Prince of Hesse been in overall command instead of Admiral Rooke, the Rock would today be Dutch and not British!

A few of the Spanish inhabitants returned in due course to the Rock and submitted themselves to the then British Monarch, Queen Anne, who had appointed the Prince of Hesse as Governor of “The town, castle and territory of Gibraltar.” Those who returned did not receive a restoration of whatever land titles they may have enjoyed prior to the capture, but instead received grants of licences of occupation as tenants of the British Crown. With the passage of time it is not surprising that, given the distance and slow communications between Gibraltar and Britain, abuses over the granting and administration of land occurred in Gibraltar. Thus, in 1720, and later in 1749, Commissions of Enquiry were held so that persons with claims to property appeared before the Court of Enquiry. The proceedings were recorded meticulously, and some of the evidence was sometimes quite embarrassing… “for it transpired that certain gentleman officers had granted buildings to their mistresses presumably in return for services rendered.” Although Gibraltar was primarily a Garrison town, over the years a civilian population became established to service the needs of the military. In 1817, as a result of further abuses by both military and civilian officers “who had dealt with property as if vested in them,” another Commission of Enquiry was held. Five Commissioners for settling land titles were appointed, and they in turn engaged Surveyors to survey the lands in dispute and to submit their finding to the Commissioners. The Surveyors divided Gibraltar into 11 districts and prepared District Plans showing property boundaries in each district. They also submitted a report for each property known as Surveyors’ Reports. The Commissioners’ decisions laid the foundation for the Crown Lands administration, which led to the creation of the Crown Lands Office in 1823. Each property was given its “Letters Patent” and all subsequent records of transactions involving land were recorded in the Crown Property Books, in effect becoming the Land Registry of Gibraltar. These historical property records are presently kept in the offices of Land Property Services, the Gibraltar Government’s property consultants, who initially hailed from the Crown Lands Department in 1990, when the latter was privatized. Inevitably, as a result of technological advancements, in 1997 all new land transactions requiring registration under The Land Titles Act have since undergone a computerized registration process. Nevertheless, all searches involving land transactions pre-dating 1997 still require the laborious scrutiny of the historical Property Books. The civilian government of the territory can be traced back to the 1830s, when responsibility for Gibraltar was transferred from the War Office to the newly formed Colonial Office, referred to then as the Colonial Government. As the pressure to utilize land for civilian purposes increased, so did the internal conflicts between the civilian and military authorities. Thus, in 1893 we have the first recorded agreement for transferring lands between the Colonial Government and the Military Departments. This

PROPERTY

LAND OWNERSHIP IN GIBRALTAR Because of the need to make Gibraltar selfsufficient, the demand for land has continually preoccupied the minds of past administrations. The 1954 Memorandum laid the rules for payment of compensation where land or buildings had been acquired by either the War Department or the Colonial Government, but yet again set aside the contentious issue over the “ownership” of Crown Lands. The Memorandum was nevertheless a pragmatic advancement as the agreement reflected the aspirations of the Gibraltarians wanting to acquire land for re-development in the town area, and recognition on the part of the Military that they needed to move out to defence enclaves to make room for civilian expansion in town.

agreement was titled “Memorandum Relative to the Custody of Crown Lands, Gibraltar,” thereby acknowledging that all land in Gibraltar was Crown Land and that it was held either by the Colonial Government, the Sanitary Commissioners, the Admiralty or the War Department (the former two would today be the equivalent of the Gibraltar Government (GOG) and the latter two the Ministry of Defence (MOD).

Photography by Paul Cosquieri

In 1903 there was a revised Memorandum, but in 1908 a dispute arose between the Colonial Government and the War Office over the transfer of certain lands by the War Department to the Admiralty without consulting the Colonial Government. The disagreement was left in limbo by the outbreak of World War I, but in 1926 a conference had to be held between representatives of the Colonial Government and the War Department to sort out their differences over the interpretation of the Lands Memorandum. The Colonial Government argued that it represented the Crown, and as such it was the ultimate landlord of all land in Gibraltar. The War Department dissented, but the advice tendered by the then Attorney General, M H Anderson, in an exhaustive legal analysis, which although extremely interesting to read is too long to reproduce here, concluded categorically that neither the War Department nor the Admiralty had any absolute claim to any lands in Gibraltar and the rightful owner of all land was the Crown, represented by the Governor of Gibraltar on behalf of the British Monarch. The conference served to review the local arrangements for facilitating transfers of land between the Colonial Government and the War Department, but failed to reach consensus on the underlying principle posed by the Attorney General. These arrangements were transposed into the 1927 Lands Memorandum, which basically dealt with the allocation of revenues from these land transactions into either the military or the civilian coffers. With the outbreak of World War II came the evacuation of the civilian population. Ironically,

THE FOUNDATION OF A STRONG GIBRALTARIAN VOICE WAS THUS LAID, CULMINATING IN THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN 1950, WITH ELECTED GIBRALTARIAN COUNCILLORS.

this temporary diaspora, and the consequent struggle to repatriate the evacuees at the end of the war, was the most important single factor to mould the distinctive identity of the Gibraltarian. The cause of the evacuees was fought by the Association for the Advancement of Civil Rights (AACR), which was formed by leading and professional local people to pressure the British Government into speeding up the repatriation process. The foundation of a strong Gibraltarian voice was thus laid, culminating in the establishment of the Legislative Council in 1950, with elected Gibraltarian Councillors. The needs of the Gibraltarian community were frequently voiced at the Legislative Council, and the acquisition of land from the Military was inevitably taken up by the City Council as a matter of priority. This is evinced from a speech made in April 1956 by the late Sir Joshua Hassan, leader of the AACR, who by then was also Chairman

of the City Council. The following extracts serve to illustrate the political passion with which Sir Joshua and the AACR pursued their cause: “I am glad of the opportunity… to be able to say something on which I know the people of Gibraltar feel very strongly – and that is the insignificant extent of land available in Gibraltar for the permanently resident civilian population as compared with that available for the Services personnel and for the civil servants of Imperial Government Departments who are temporarily resident in Gibraltar. The numerical superiority of the permanently resident population renders the disparity to which I have alluded all the more galling.

dispositions of land or other immoveable property in Gibraltar (referred to in the Act as Crown Lands) in accordance with the advice of the Chief Minister.” It also states that in respect of any Crown Lands in the possession, occupation, use or control of the MOD the Governor may also exercise this power acting on the instructions of a Secretary of State and with the consent of the Chief Minister. The Governor thus has a dual role, firstly as representative of Her Majesty the Queen as Head of State over a local Government which is autonomous in all domestic matters except defence and foreign affairs, and also as representative of Her Majesty the Queen as Head of State of the British Armed Forces.

Further advancements were made with the 1968 and 1974 Lands Memoranda and the Despatches of 1980 and 1983, but perhaps the most significant is the 1968 Memorandum, which clearly acknowledged that “all lands in Gibraltar unless alienated by grant or other lawful method are Crown Lands and the Ministry of Defence shall hold only such Crown Lands as are required for defence purposes and whilst they are so required”

The 2006 Gibraltar Constitution thus gave the Gibraltar Government wide-ranging powers over the control and use of all Crown Lands, to the extent that the Chief Minister’s consent is required even in certain cases where Crown Lands held for defence purposes are to used for a non-military use but cannot be declared surplus because of security reasons, e.g., certain tunnels. An important principle is that the Gibraltar Government does not pay the UK Government for any MOD lands that are surplus to defence requirements and are handed over to them.

This is now enshrined in Section 75 of the Gibraltar Constitution Order 2006, which states that the Governor “may in Her Majesty’s name and on Her Majesty’s behalf make grants and

In practice, there is always much consultation between the civilian and military authorities. The MOD has always had representation in the Development and Planning Commission

and other consultative bodies, although such representation is limited to matters that impact on the MOD estate. Indeed, from a land use point of view, one could argue that these constitutional and practical arrangements are the most important ingredients in Gibraltar’s success story, for how else could one have accommodated the Rock’s strategic defence needs with those of its ever-growing aspirations of a modern democratic and self-sufficient society - all crammed within just 6.5 square kilometres.

That it took so many years of debate and compromise over its most valuable asset is understandable, but made it all the more worthwhile. For the benefits are there for all to see – Gibraltar remains an important military base at the entrance of the Mediterranean whilst at the same time being able to optimize its scarce land resources to develop a strong and well-balanced economy for the benefit of its citizens.

“The whole question centres round the tenure of land in the Colony, and it is pertinent to say that the Services Departments hold most of the open spaces available in the Colony. I have advisedly used the word “hold” because I am convinced that, in law, neither the Admiralty nor the War Department, nor the Air Ministry have any absolute claim to any lands in the Crown Colony of Gibraltar. All lands held by these Departments are the property of the Crown represented by the Governor of Gibraltar in this civil capacity, and such lands are, properly speaking, Crown Lands. The Services Departments may have a prior right to the use of lands necessary for defence purposes, but only to the use and not to the ownership, as is sometimes presumed.” As a lawyer himself, Sir Joshua must have been well versed on the subject, and his political influence in continually pressing the MOD for the release of surplus defence lands led to the 1954 Lands Memorandum. This development marks an important turning point in the history of Crown Lands in Gibraltar. Whereas up to 1950 the Colonial Government had been the sole defender of the Crown’s interests in lands, the benefits of which transmitted to the local civilian community, the situation was reached where the local community also assumed the defence of the Crown’s interests in land for the enjoyment of its subjects in the Colony.

LAW SHIPPING FINANCE

THE GIBRALTAR COMPANY THE PERFECT VEHICLE FOR INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS

by Stephen Reyes Partner Deloitte Limited sreyes@deloitte.gi

he international financial centre on the sun-drenched Rock of Gibraltar has been established now for almost fifty years. As a low-tax, British overseas territory within the European Union, Gibraltar offers a very attractive proposition to the international business looking to operate from an efficient location. Well-regulated, subject to EU directives and white-listed by the OECD, Gibraltar provides a reputable base from which to do business.

> 47

THE GIBRALTAR COMPANY

lthough corporate tax rates are a low 10% for businesses setting up here, Gibraltar only taxes income “accrued and derived” from within its territory. This means that a Gibraltar company can be managed and controlled from Gibraltar, but as long as its profit-making activities are carried out outside Gibraltar, and only incidental administrative activities are carried out from within Gibraltar, those profits will not be subject to tax in Gibraltar. Advance rulings are available to provide certainty. The EU parent/ subsidiary directive and the EU interest and royalties directive have been given full effect in Gibraltar, allowing Gibraltar companies to benefit from these when transacting with other qualifying EU companies. When this is combined with the lack of capital gains tax, lack of VAT, lack of tax on most classes of investment income, including interest and royalties, and no withholding tax on dividends to parent companies or non-resident shareholders, one can easily see why Gibraltar is still attracting business even in these turbulent times.

Ann Clarke Societe Generale Private Banking Hambros

With a variety of international banks, a plethora of UK-trained lawyers, accountants and other professional advisors, state of the art telecommunications and business infrastructure and a welcoming Government, all hungry for business and committed to quality, the international corporation will find a quality of service that will almost certainly exceed their expectations. Due to its small size and friendly disposition, Gibraltar is easy to do business with, and it is no surprise that a visiting executive can usually carry out all their business meetings in one day.

We stand by you helpInG you pursue your dreams. “whether acquiring a yacht or a luxury home, investing in art or supporting a good cause... each of my clients has a specific project that is close to their heart. to help them achieve their goals, we apply our wide range of expertise. From advising to financing, our services are adapted to their needs, allowing them to pursue their dreams.” Ann Clarke, Senior Private Banker. contact: Hambro House, 32 line wall road, Gibraltar – tel.: +350 2000 2000 - gibraltar@sghambros.com

www.privatebanking.societegenerale.com/hambros

The local workforce, many of whom are UK graduates, are bilingual in English and Spanish; however, as a member of the EU, Gibraltar places no restrictions on EU nationals working and settling here and work permits can usually be obtained by businesses for any required non-EU national with special skills. Highly paid executives with special skills not available in Gibraltar can apply for special HEPSS tax status, which restricts the amount of their salary that is subject to tax to £120,000 and therefore effectively places a cap of just over £30,000 on the tax they pay. A Gibraltar company can be set up and reserved by any licensed (and therefore regulated!)

company manager within a matter of days, and it will become active once due diligence and anti-money laundering procedures have been completed. The company requires a local registered address and a local company secretary, although these are usually provided by the company manager. A minimum of one shareholder and one director is required. Company managers can usually provide nominee shareholders and introductions to local directors if these are preferred. There is no minimum share capital requirement and no restriction on the currency in which the share capital and the company’s accounts are denominated. A Gibraltar company needs to file accounts with the Registrar, although small and mediumsized companies (as defined by the EU) are only required to file abridged versions of these. Gibraltar companies are also required to be audited unless the company is small (again, EU definition) and does not have any income subject to tax in Gibraltar. A tax return will also need to be prepared for each accounting period, even if no tax is payable. Gibraltar has its own Parliament, separate and independent of the UK, and enacts its own laws. However, as a British common law jurisdiction, English case law is applicable in Gibraltar, thereby providing the international investor with the comfort and security with which the British legal system is usually viewed. Gibraltar legislation allows a company to be redomiciled into or out of Gibraltar fairly easily, and liquidation procedures are fairly straightforward. All in all, Gibraltar is an attractive location that deserves a detailed look by anyone intending to set up an international business. It is a vibrant, friendly place, ready and easy to do business with. And once business is over, you can look forward to relaxing in the warm Mediterranean climate or taking advantage of the many leisure facilities in the nearby Costa del Sol.

AS A LOW-TAX, BRITISH OVERSEAS TERRITORY WITHIN THE EUROPEAN UNION, GIBRALTAR OFFERS A VERY ATTRACTIVE PROPOSITION TO INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS.

We stand by you I s s u e d b y s G H a m b r o s b a n k ( G I b r a lta r ) l I m I t e d , w H I c H I s r e G u l at e d b y t H e G I b r a lta r F I n a n c I a l s e r v I c e s c o m m I s s I o n

SHIPPING FINANCE

BANKING BANKING WITH CONFIDENCE

by Franco Cassar Country Manager Barclays Wealth Gibraltar

ith its unique location, the banking industry in Gibraltar has an interesting history and booming potential. Franco Cassar, Country Manager of Barclays Wealth, Gibraltar, writes on the past, present and future of the banking industry and how this company has been a part of the Rock for over 120 years.

> 51

BANKING WITH CONFIDENCE Banking begins

The economic history of Gibraltar is interesting and profound. At the time of the treaty of Utrecht in 1713, when the territory was ceded to the British Crown, the economy was dominated by the British Military. Banking has been a feature of life on the Rock since at least the 19th Century, when the British relaxed their rules around non-combatants living in or around the military garrison. The British required civilian traders in Gibraltar to provide supplies and services for the military community. As a result, the increasing presence of these traders ensured that banking would follow to facilitate the growing trade. As these newly arrived non-combatants were allowed to settle and live in Gibraltar, it was only a matter of time before the range of businesses included banks. The history of Barclays in Gibraltar begins with the Anglo-Egyptian Bank, established in 1888, an ancestor of the modern Barclays Wealth, which continues to serve the Rock to this day.

Gradual development

During the last 15 years the banking industry has undergone significant change and Gibraltar has adapted and evolved alongside these global changes. The introduction of credit cards, debit cards and online banking are some of the prominent changes of recent times. There has also been an increase in the volume of transactions, as banking has become more accessible to the masses. The nearby frontier with Spain and increased cross-border trade means that many local businesses in Gibraltar accept both Sterling and Euros, which is a reason why our ATMs dispense both currencies. Barclays has evolved alongside these developments and continues to revolutionise and adapt to the needs of the population and economy in Gibraltar.

Olivero & Co.

A C C O U N TA N T S & A U D I T O R S

O&D Secretaries Ltd

• AUDITING & ACCOUNTING • PAYROLL SERVICES • BUSINESS SUPPORT • TAX & CONSULTANCY

C O M PA N Y M A N A G E M E N T S E R V I C E S

• COMPANY FORMATION • REGISTERED OFFICE • COMPANY SERVICES

Suite 12/13, Watergardens 5, PO Box 417, Gibraltar. Tel: (+350) 20078440 Fax: (+350) 20074716 Email: admin@olivero.gi

Since 1967 Gibraltar has offered special tax treatment for international business, which has contributed to the growth of professional financial services, including private banking. From the early 1980s, Gibraltar has moved away from economic reliance on the Ministry of Defence to the creation of a finance industry, with encouragement from the British Government. As a result, the Rock boasts many attractions as a finance centre. Its competitive tax regime is tied to a common law legal system, along with access to the European Union’s single market in financial services. One of the changes in the local economy has been the emphasis on high-quality regulation of the finance centre, delivered by the Financial Services Commission and reinforced by membership of the European Union. Barclays Wealth, created in 2006, has transformed itself to a leading global brand. It owns the business in Gibraltar combining high value banking for business customers with premier retail banking for the local community.

Banking today

Gibraltar’s banking sector is significant for the size of its population. There are service providers with a range of offers to local consumers, while others offer a higher end service to businesses using Gibraltar to structure their wealth. These

providers are mainly from Switzerland and the United Kingdom, and the industry is able to deliver most banking services locally. Some providers are also members of the UK clearing system. The majority of operations in Gibraltar are branches of UK banks, whilst the rest are entirely owned by EU or Swiss parents. As a result of these factors, Gibraltar has been insulated from some of the issues that have affected similar finance communities in the last couple of years. Barclays Wealth in Gibraltar are experts in wealth management. We offer retail and premier banking services to a wide range of clients. Alongside this, we specialise in helping institutions and intermediaries build and protect their wealth. And we have the products, services and expertise to help companies achieve their financial goals. In Gibraltar, we serve approximately 10,000 clients and have a diverse workforce of local and international staff. Raising the standards for service and products in the banking industry is important to us. The Senior Management team at Barclays Wealth comprises of Lee Francis, Director of Business Management, Derek Sene, Head of Local Markets, Silvia Snee, Service and Support Manager, Nick Gordon, Head of Wealth, Treasury and Cash Management, Carlos Garcia, Head of Intermediaries and Paul Wharton, Head of Corporate. Lee has a wealth of international experience from a long career at Barclays and is at the heart of all company operations along with Silvia Snee, who has been with the company for over 15 years. Derek has been with Barclays Gibraltar all 34 years of his working life. Nick Gordon is responsible for Wealth, Treasury and Cash Management and has significant experience in Gibraltar and abroad. Carlos Garcia, Head of Intermediaries, and Paul Wharton, Head of Corporate, make up what is a highly experienced and capable management team.

SINCE 1967 GIBRALTAR HAS OFFERED SPECIAL TAX TREATMENT FOR INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS, WHICH HAS CONTRIBUTED TO THE GROWTH OF PROFESSIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES.

Future of Banking

In my view the future of the banking industry in Gibraltar is bright. The banking sector will continue to develop over the next few years, as financial markets are shaped by new regulation and legislation, with capital flows adjusting accordingly. While existing players will continue to develop their services, new players will look at Gibraltar as a destination where EU standards are enforced and licensing is easily understood. This factor, along with UK-style legislation and the availability of British brands in accountancy and other services, will continue to be attractive for those seeking to give clients what they need, at a time where doing more with one’s wealth, is an increasingly important proposition.

Country Manager, Franco Cassar, Silvia Snee, Service and Support Manager, Lee Francis, Director, Business Management, Barclays Wealth, Gibraltar.

BARCLAYS WEALTH FACTS • Total client assets of £151.3bn • Operating in over 20 countries • 370,000 UK execution-only brokerage clients (UK s largest), with 28% market share and £7.7bn in assets • Voted Global Investor’s Wealth Manager of the Year for 2009 • 7,500 employees globally

DID YOU KNOW THE HISTORY OF BARCLAYS GROUP? • Barclays group was founded in 1690 • 49 million customers world wide • A presence in over 50 countries • Employs 145,000 people globally

QUICK FACTS • Franco Cassar - Country Manager • Lee Francis - Director, Business Management • Derek Sene - Head of Local Markets • Silvia Snee - Service and Support Manager • Nick Gordon - Head of Wealth, Treasury and Cash Management • Carlos Garcia - Head of Intermediaries • Paul Wharton - Head of Corporate • Approximately 10,000 clients Barclays Wealth is the wealth management division of Barclays and operates through Barclays Bank PLC and itssubsidiaries. Barclays Bank PLC. Registered in England. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Registered Number: 1026167. Registered Office: 1 Churchill Place, London E14 5HP. Authorised by the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission to conduct banking and investment business in Gibraltar.

SKI SLOPE APARTMENTS IN ANDORRA

ADVERTORIAL

NATWEST

PREMIUM BANKING SERVICE OFFERS DEDICATED PERSONAL BANKING FOR PROFESSIONALS by Lino Brydges, Head of Premium Banking, NatWest, Gibraltar

La Pleta de Soldeu in the heart of the Grandvalira Ski Resort, Andorra. 123 Property Estate Agents offers you the chance to invest in this luxurious complex at the foot of the Soldeu ski slopes in Andorra. This opportunity is ideal if you are looking for a holiday home, or if you want to buy to let. This wonderful complex is situated amongst breathtaking surroundings and offers stunning mountain views. It is ideally located within walking distance of the ski slopes and the town of Soldeu, where you will find many amenities, including shops, restaurants & bars. Andorra is great for shopping as most of the goods are tax-free or low in price! In addition to the winter snow, these majestic mountains offer numerous summer activities as well, such as mountain biking, hiking, horse riding and golf.

PRICES

€174 ,780 START

Banking on the High Street continues to evolve to more closely reflect the lifestyles and financial needs of Gibraltar’s residents. The changes are evident in the services offered and the surroundings in which they are provided.

• Luxury accommodation • Last few apartments remaining • At the foot of the ski slopes

www.lapletadesoldeu.com For more details contact 123 Property on info@123property.gi, tel: 00350 200 42123, or visit the La Pleta website, www.lapletadesoldeu.com

w w w.123prop er t y.gi

NATWEST

La Pleta de Soldeu is notable for the high quality of its materials, finishing and design details. It is built with natural materials such as wood, exposed rock and slate, based on beautiful Pyrenees architecture.

Through talking to many professionals locally, we have built up a picture of their priorities and the changing nature of their financial needs. The traditional, transaction-based banking service offered to the majority of customers will always be important, but does not necessarily meet the expectations of a growing number of customers who are building up substantial reserves and need to understand the more complex financial services environment of savings and investments.

With our understanding of the market in Gibraltar, we realised that there was an increasing demand for this type of service, and a limited supply. Higher income earners are looking for an offering which combines a personal touch, easier access to more bespoke services and banking expertise, and a range of additional banking features, all offered to them in more comfortable, informal banking surroundings.

Whilst they may not (yet) be classified as High Net Worth customers, they do, quite rightly, require something more from their bank, a service closer in concept to that provided by a private bank. This is especially pertinent in Gibraltar, which has a large proportion of high income-earning professionals. 55

TAKE THE ART OF GIBRALTAR HOME

ADVERTORIAL

EXPERIENCE THE THRILL OF SEEING

DOLPHINS IN THE WILD Above are some samples of Rock paintings by COSQUI available at reasonable prices starting from as little as £300. All paintings are 1m x 1m in size and painted on canvass. To view more paintings visit www.cosqui.com, or for more information please contact COSQUI on telephone + 350 57857000 or email: cosqui@cosqui.com.

Gibraltar is well known as the home of the famous Barbary Apes, but visitors are all too often unaware of the rich marine life that surrounds Gibraltar.

ARE YOU STARTING A NEW BUSINESS IN GIBRALTAR? ture or if you have an established Whether you are starting a new ven to find in Gibraltar, we will work with you company which is branching out s tion solu irements. We offer creative out your individual needs and requ e orat corp ds, whether you need a new for all your design and printing nee full a or site design, posters, leaflets, identity, business stationery, web can ters a call today and see how we Prin advertising campaign. Give 123 help you and your business.

Unit 36, Harbour’s Deck, The New Harbours, Rosia Road, Gibraltar.

T: (00350) 200 47123 E: info@123printers.com W: www.123printers.com

DESIGN | PRINT | ADVERTISING

DOLPHIN WORLD

+ 350 57857000 cosqui@cosqui.com www.cosqui.com

Located at the impressive entrance to the Mediterranean, the Strait of Gibraltar is one of the busiest maritime zones in the world, with up to 300 vessels sailing through daily. This figure does not include the ferries that cross between the harbours on both coasts of the Strait, as well as the many fishing and pleasure boats. It is, however, also home to three species of dolphins. The common, striped and bottlenose dolphin species are in permanent residence, together with the occasional sightings of turtles, flying fish and several species of whale. The motor yacht ‘Brixham Belle’ is the ideal way of getting up close to these magnificent marine mammals. Dolphin World offers a captivating dolphinwatching cruise while exploring the

visually spectacular Bay of Gibraltar. The excursion enjoys a reputation for having the highest success rate in finding dolphins in Europe. Thanks to the highly experienced captain and crew, it is not uncommon to encounter mothers with their calves in pods ranging from 20 to 30 and, on occasion, many more – an incredible sight! Built in 1960, the appealing Brixham Belle offers comfortable seating in sun or shade, together with a bar and restroom facilities. She offers her guests the unique experience of seeing dolphins at a leisurely pace, as is fitting for this charming vessel, with its teak deck and lovingly varnished woodwork. Dolphins will happily play and jump in her bow or wake, allowing passengers the opportunity to get a closeup look at these delightful creatures. Whether you are 5 or 95 years old, there is something magical about sharing a moment with dolphins enjoying themselves in their natural habitat.

Garota de IPANEMA Brazilian Bar & Churrascaria

Open 7 days a week Ocean Village Promenade Gibraltar Tel: +350 2164 8888

CABLE CAR - TOP OF THE ROCK

ADVERTORIAL If you think that Gibraltar is an impressive sight from the ground or even from the sea, wait until you see it from above! The views from the Cable Car’s Top Station, located 412 m above sea level, are truly spectacular, and it will take you only 6 minutes to get to the top!

ONLY 6 MINUTES TO

GET TO THE TOP!

The base station can be found alongside the Gibraltar Botanic Gardens at the southern end of Main Street. Once at the top, you will find three terraces, each offering a unique viewpoint over the stunning surroundings. Stretched out beneath, you will see two continents, two bodies of water and three countries. An impressive sight in anyone’s book! It is at the Top of the Rock where you begin to understand and appreciate Gibraltar’s strategic geographical location and the important role it has played throughout history. If you are interested in learning more about Gibraltar’s fascinating history and wildlife diversity do not miss out on the Multimedia Tour, which you can pick up at the Cable Car Top Station complex. This personal state-of-the-art, Interactive hand-held Multimedia Guide is included in the price of an adult ticket. (Commentary is available in any one of seven languages: English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Swedish, and Portuguese.) It will provide you with all sorts of interesting anecdotes, about Winston Churchill, the Moorish Castle and even Gibraltar’s famous apes, as you wander around the terraces. A visit to Gibraltar would not be complete without meeting our most famous of

residents, the Barbary Macaques. You will find apes at the Cable Car Top Station, and they will be more than happy to pose for a photograph. However, please be advised that although they look cute and furry, they are wild animals and must be treated with caution and respect. They are very capable of inflicting serious injury if they bite you. Do not attempt to touch or feed them. They have a keen sense of smell and are keen pickpockets! Apes wander freely throughout the entire Nature Reserve. For the more energetic, a very pleasant walk from the Top Station will take you into the Nature Reserve. St Michael’s Cave is a 20-minute downhill stroll away and is well worth a visit. Other sites of interest include the Great Siege Tunnels, the “City Under Siege” Exhibition and the Moorish Castle. Entrance to all the above sites and the 100 Ton Gun are included in the SkyWalk ticket, which you can purchase from the Cable Car base station or, alternatively, from the souvenir shop at the top station.

However you choose to explore this unique Rock of Gibraltar, we hope you enjoy your stay.

Gibraltar

La Senza 45 Main Street Tel: 20049055

Visit our latest International office at the prestigious new Ocean Village development in the heart of Gibraltar's award winning retail, commercial and residential complex, where you will find our highly experienced, knowledgeable and professional team waiting to afford you the service you deserve. Kristina Szekely is a name synonymous with premium real estate for over 30 years - with offices in Madrid, Marbella, Puerto Banus and Sotogrande. Our ‘velvet rope’ approach will advise you in every aspect of property purchase, rental, letting or sales, assisted by our global network and professional service Ocean Village Promenade affiliations including lawyers, tax advisors, banking, Ocean Village Gibraltar concierge and even in-house interior design and Tel: +350 200 74646 furnishings division. Email: gibraltar@kssir.com There are other agents but only one KS Sotheby’s – We are the service you deserve! www.gibraltarsothebysrealty.com

Gibraltar – Sotogrande – Puerto Banús – Marbella - Madrid

ADVERTORIAL

SAVANNAH

GIBRALTAR’S

PLACE TO

MEET, DRINK

Corks

SAVANNAH

AND DINE

Located on Ocean Village’s Leisure Island, Savannah has gained a reputation for quality food, along with its status as one of Gibraltar’s top night spots. It’s the place to go if you’re looking for a tasty snack, a leisurely lunch on the shady terrace, or an evening meal with friends and family. You could start with gazpacho or avocado soup, both served cold and the perfect cooler on a hot day. Your main course could be a veal escalope or a fresh grilled tuna fillet. If you would like a vegetarian dish, why not try the vegetable moussaka or a sweet and sour vegetable saute? To finish, there is a wide choice of luscious desserts – try Savannah’s red berry pavlova or the mojito cheesecake if you have room. At Savannah you will have a top restaurant experience whilst getting great value for money – you’ll be surprised at how reasonably priced the dishes on the menu are. If you’re looking for a lighter meal or you’re in a hurry, all the dishes on the snack menu are available throughout the day, and there’s a kiddies menu that will really tickle the young ones’ taste buds!

all made from fresh ingredients, while watching the sun go down from the al fresco terrace, which is furnished with comfortable seating where you’ll love to lounge. The entertainment goes on late into the night, especially at the weekend, when top local bands and international djs perform for the lively crowd. Monthly tribute nights of the likes of Frank Sinatra, Neil Diamond and John Lennon are ever popular with the locals, so be sure to check out the Savannah website, www.savannah. gi to find out about upcoming events.

All the food served at Savannah is prepared on the premises from fresh ingredients, so you can be sure that quality rules in the kitchen.

TO REMEMBER

During the afternoons Savannah is the place to be – you can sip from the great selection of summer cocktails, created by our professionally trained cocktail staff,

Savannah also caters for Weddings, Private Parties and Corporate Functions.

Open 7 days a week till late. On weekends our nightclub is open till the early hours!

SAVANNAH,

A RESTAURANT

For reservations or inquiries call 00350 2006666, email us at info@savannah.gi or visit our website, www.savannah.gi

. a rds F o* let ca EE O NE r tw ck, Ca room FR LE WI al fo the Ro ion of TT SE a me ests of roduct BOOU ring , for gu els on p H orde ce only an Hot n on gh he id lla w r val O’Ca ffe ott * O Elli e& lac Pa

B A R & R E S TAU R A N T

ADVERTORIAL

A WARM

WELCOME TO

GIBRALTAR

Casa Pepe is a delightful bar / restaurant in the prestigious Queensway Quay Marina. A truly wonderful location for business meetings, engagements, weddings, anniversaries, etc. Specialising in a broad range of raciones (plates to share), with a very comprehensive a la carte menu. Daily specials may include fresh fish caught locally and a selection of Argentinian beef.

with young children or infants, especially with prams or pushchairs, the surest way to enjoy a safe and memorable trip is to take a taxi. We cater for most languages and, although all of our drivers speak perfect English and Spanish, we also offer tours in other languages by way of our detailed and state of the art audio system, which offers tour commentary in French, German, Italian, Portuguese and other languages.

from the Gibraltar Taxi Association

The Gibraltar Taxi Association (GTA) would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to the beautiful Rock of Gibraltar, where we hope that you will enjoy your stay and be able to take away many memorable experiences. The GTA provides a full range of tour services and wedding services, as well as providing the city with a fleet of taxis that operate 24/7.

Units 18/19, Queensway Quay Marina, Gibraltar Tel/Fax: (00350) 200 46967 Email: casa.pepe.gib@gmail.com www.gibtour.com

GIBRALTAR

Experience Gibraltar

HOTEL MAGAZINE

Issue 001 - August 2010/2011

The Rock Hotel

2010 ~ 2011

TO ADVERTISE IN

IN THE NEXT EDITION OF THE EXPERIENCE GIBRALTAR HOTEL MAGAZINE CONTACT PAUL COSQUIERI ON TEL: (00350) 200 42123 OR (00350) 57857000 OR EMAIL: paul@123publishers.gi

TAXI ASSOCIATION

Open: Monday - Friday: Lunch & evening meal Saturday: Evenings only Sunday: Closed

Although many visitors do not see beyond Main Street, our main VAT-free shopping area, and the myriad of fine restaurants, pubs and bars, Gibraltar has so much more to offer. Taking time to plan your holiday is a must to ensure that you are able to enjoy all the historical sites available to you. There are a number of different ways of visiting the Upper Rock Nature Reserve, and it is important that you compare the options available before making your choice. The Rock Tour by Taxi is by far the most comfortable and luxurious way to discover Gibraltar. You are accompanied by your very own personal tour guide, a person who can share a wealth of local knowledge with you - the legends, the best sites and the best panoramic stops, where you will be able to take holiday photographs that you will treasure for the rest of your life. All of our drivers are Licensed Guides and are approved by the Gibraltar Tourist Board. We believe that happy clients will return, or at least will recommend our product to friends and family. This is extremely important to us. The only way to access the top of the Rock of Gibraltar with a personal approved guide is by taxi. Tour buses and private vehicles are prohibited from accessing the top ridge of the Rock for safety reasons. Local taxi drivers are extremely friendly and are always available to give you information and advice, whether or not you choose to use our services. With our modern fleet of air-conditioned vehicles with a maximum capacity of eight passengers, you can enjoy the spectacular views and all the sites, even those which are difficult to access. A trip by taxi to the top of the Rock is the perfect solution for seeing the best that Gibraltar has to offer. With summer temperatures in the region of 32-36˚C and many kilometres of narrow lanes and steep hills to negotiate, a trip by taxi is the best way to experience the Upper Rock, especially for elderly or disabled people, and for pregnant women. If traveling

The Rock Apes, or Barbary Macaques, are synonymous with Gibraltar, and they roam freely, mainly in the Nature Reserve, but they may also venture occasionally into more populated areas of Gibraltar. Although generally friendly, they are wild animals and thus need to be respected. If you visit the Upper Rock you should not touch them. Carrying food, be it for your child or otherwise, can be dangerous as the apes may try to rob you of it. Nevertheless, with the experienced guides who drive our minibuses and taxis, you may enjoy these mainly friendly creatures at very close quarters, giving you an unsurpassed experience. You will be able to take pictures of these intelligent animals in their natural habitat. Safety is of paramount importance, something which is impossible to guarantee if you decide to wander unguided in the Upper Rock Nature Reserve. The Gibraltar Taxi Association offers many different tour products, from the standard Rock Tour, which takes 1 hour 30 minutes approximately and is priced at £22 per person (inclusive of tickets into the Nature Reserve), to extended tours and VIP tours, which are personalized to the clients’ needs. The year 1969 saw Gibraltar’s most famous marriage taking place in the registry of the Supreme Court, when John Lennon and Yoko Ono got married. Sean Connery has been married twice in Gibraltar. Prince Charles and the late Princess Diana began their honeymoon here, as did Roger Moore, who chose Gibraltar as his honeymoon destination. The Gibraltar Taxi Association boasts a modern fleet of vehicles, which can carry up to eight passengers. This is the best form of transport in Gibraltar, avoiding the hassle of having to cross the border between Spain and Gibraltar in your own private vehicle, having to find a parking space, which can be few and far between, and negotiating the traffic, which can be daunting and frustrating in little Gibraltar. We will collect your wedding party from any of the local hotels, the land frontier or the airport and spoil you throughout your wedding day, in the comfort of air-conditioned vehicles. Whatever your requirements, please contact us and we will ensure that you have a memorable visit to our beautiful Rock of Gibraltar.

Quality Personalised

Dental Care To Smile About! • • • • • • • • •

Simple & Complex Tooth Restorations ‘Cosmetic’ Dentistry Tooth Whitening Treatment Dental Implants Sedation, Dentures, Orthodontics Oral Hygiene Treatments Children’s Dentistry Digital X-Ray and Imaging Facilities Emergency & Evening Appointments

Dr Daniel Borge Dental Surgeon

BDS (Bristol) MSc in Conservative Dentistry (Eastman Dental Institute, UCL) MFDS RCS (Eng)

22/10/09 11:49 Page 1 7/9 Cornwall’s Lane Tel: 200 75790

Cafe Solo 92x137

Most accommodating 4 star hotel situated in the beautiful Catalan Bay Offering spacious and well equipped rooms & self catering apartments Stunning rock and sea views

Exceptional conference and banqueting facilities Health & Beauty Club Seasonal outdoor pool with direct access to the beach 2 Rosette AA Dining Award

Contemporary Mediterranean Dining

P.O. Box 73, Catalan Bay, Gibraltar T: (+350) 200 76501 F: (+350) 200 42143 (Reservations) E: reservations@caletahotel.gi www.caletahotel.com +350 200 44449 • GRAND CASEMATES SQUARE

Specialist Tax Advice Tailored to your needs We provide specialist tax advice on a whole ﬁeld of private and business issues, making it easier for clients to structure their affairs to minimise the impact of tax and to safeguard their family assets and wealth. Deloitte offers a straightforward personal service speciﬁcally tailored to clients’ requirements. We make the most of our expertise and experience, together with our global network of contacts to reduce your tax burden and plan effectively for the future. We also offer company administration services through our wholly owned licensed subsidiary, Merchant Corporate Services Ltd.

For more information, call Joseph L Caruana or Stephen J Reyes on: Tel: +350 200 41200, Nightline: +350 200 48282, Fax: +350 200 41201 info@deloitte.gi