GIBRALTAR today Letters

 Thanks

Dear Sir,

Following my recent Heart Attack I would just like to say publicly how grateful I am to everyone who helped me.

The care I received at all stages from the members of Gibraltar’s ambulance and medical services was exemplary, including of course the outstanding friendly and professional attention from the staff of St. Bernard’s ITU and John Ward.

It may be “all in a day’s work” to you, my friends, but to me, you saved my life!

Heartfelt thanks to all concerned!
Yours,

Al Emery

Eye sore

Master Services should clean the corner by Chimney Corner, an area which is the first site into the City as tourists come into Main Street.

It has become a real eye sore for the tourists who cross the zebra crossing into a very narrow lane which is very filthy and smelly.

Can something be done to this area so tourists will have a better clean impression of Gib, before they go into Main Street.

Mrs. LK Denham

Referendum

Trying to search for the list of eligible voters I tried www.gibraltar.gi  . This was unsuccessful so I resorted to Panorama’s own web-site which game me a simple link to this official list. I was however to be greatly disappointed when I found out anyone can access everyone’s home address too!

I do not believe this information should be made public knowledge to the world at large and the legality of it must be questioned, especially without the consent of each individual concerned. This information (address) should be removed without delay by the pertinent authorities from the official Gibraltar directory of electors and from Panorama’s own link to this site.
Thank you,

Eddie Lucas

Says PANORAMA: Our link on www.panorama.gi is to facilitate access to the information on the Government website. Access through PANORAMA Online is faster than going to the Government site. It should be clear that we are not responsible for the content on external sites, such as the Government’s site. We are informed by the Government that access from abroad is no longer possible.

How Absurd!

It is absurd for the representative of Mr. Aznar’s Spanish Government in Namibia to accuse me of distorting anything in relation to his appearance at a dinner organised for delegates of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.

As far as I am aware Spain is not a member of the Commonwealth, although she might well qualify for membership on the basis of the Duke of Wellington’s conquests during the Peninsular War against Napoleon! 

The Gibraltar Chronicle in its front page, says that I had accused Mr. Griffo of offensive language. This is not so. What I made clear was that Mr. Griffo was critical of the Chief Minister Peter Caruana, and of Gibraltar generally, for staying away from the talks. I defended Mr. Caruana and Gibraltar. This has been admitted by Mr. Griffo in his letter.

It is also relevant to note that during our conversation, Mr. Griffo was also critical of Mr. Dominique Searle, Editor of the Gibraltar Chronicle, whom he accused of not reporting this conference accurately. This accusation was in relation to the joint press statement issued by the Gibraltar delegates Hon Keith Azopardi and myself. I also defended Mr. Dominique Searle.

It is laughable to be accused by Mr. Griffo of distorting anything in relation to Gibraltar when this is what his Government has been doing for the last fifty years.

Steven Linares

GSLP/Liberal opposition

Fly Gib flag from castle

We are an apolitical group of ordinary citizens but, at a time when Gibraltar’s survival is at stake, there is no alternative but to take positions which defend our people. The Gibraltar Women’s Association have recently made the same point, and we endorse it. It is the only reasonable thing to do under the circumstances. Citizens from all groups should unite to make a difference.

The military Base, as I have been saying for some time, is the one commodity that Britain and all the NATO allies most want and need from Gibraltar. We support, therefore, the VOGG’s stance when they continue to make clear our total commitment to supporting both Government and the VOGG in whatever is required to win this battle for our rights.

Furthermore, we can make a call to the authorities to ensure that the Gibraltar flag is flown from the top of the Castle. The Castle is a symbol of our nation and is on our flag. It is not MOD property and there is no reason why we should not fly it to proclaim to the world our pride in our country.


Felix Alvarez

Citizens for a Referendum

REFERENDUM: Those who should and those who should not vote

Dear Sir,

In order for a Referendum (PLEBISCITE) to be POLITICALLY LEGITIMATE it must take steps to ensure that ONLY BONA FIDE inhabitants participate in the process.

A Referendum (PLEBISCITE) is a mechanism for measuring ‘THE WILL OF THE PEOPLE’ it is therefore necessary that ‘THE PEOPLE’ be defined precisely. The BONA FIDE people, in question, are the GIBRALTARIANS and ONLY GIBRALTARIANS CAN VOTE.

The Government has erred in allowing non-Gibraltarians to vote and disallowing legitimate Gibraltarians from voting.

The Draft Voters’ List allows:

1. ‘British National Resident in Gibraltar during the past 10 years or more to vote.

2. It disallows Gibraltarians abroad from voting.

With regards to I, above, it is not a necessary and sufficient condition to allow this group to vote. These people might not have registered as Gibraltarians. This begs the question: why haven’t they done so? If this is due to Rules & Regulations then these must be changed to allow them to vote. If they opt not to register as Gibraltarians then they cannot vote as they are not Gibraltarians. 

With regards to 2, above, these persons in a Referendum (PLEBISCITE) are referred to as OUTVOTERS. These outvoters, as Gibraltarians, qualify and must be allowed to vote.

In writing the above I’m not stating my opinion or views. These are facts and I’m quoting from, questionably the top World authority regarding Referendums (Plebiscites); Lawrence T. Farley. 

I also share the concerns expressed by R.A. Barabich regarding Gibraltarians (of convenience), living in Spain and using an address in Gibraltar and that from this source could come some of the ‘YES’ votes; but being Gibraltarians they are entitled to vote as OUTVOTERS anyway.

The Government must, without delay, ensure the these two points are considered as otherwise our Referendum (Plebiscite) could be accused of being Politically Illegitimate. 

I well know that any GENUINE GIBRALTARIAN can only vote ‘NO’ and that we’ll get a massive ‘NO’ vote whatever the Rules and Regulations; but let’s tidy things up.

Also I wish to refer to another letter, by Ivan F. Martinez. You’ve got it totally wrong GENUINE GIANNITOS are loyal British subjects because INTRINSICALLY WE ARE, AT LEAST, AS BRITISH AS THE PEOPLE IN U.K. It is not a matter of, as you put it, ‘a question of our stomach and our pockets’. The fact that we’re British Gibraltarians has absolutely nothing to do with financial gain or with whom we would be better off with. It just doesn’t come into the equation. Your PARENTS ARE YOUR PARENTS and for better or worse U.K. is our parent and you can’t divorce: like in marriages. Also we mustn’t judge U.K. by the transient servicemen that have come to Gib, by the present Governor, Foreign Office nor certain members of New Labour. 80% of U.K. backs us. We’re being treated horrendously by Blair & Co. for his own ulterior purposes; but we will overcome everything, in the end, if we stick together. The idea of a mini-state, within the European Union, begs the question: HOW LONG WILL THE E.C. LAST?

Yours sincerely,

Percival E. Dawes


Unfair!!


I regret the decision by the Government not allowing non residents of Gibraltar to vote in the Nov. 7th Referendum is unfair. Although we live miles away we are in constant touch with our home land through the news media.

Ed. Parody, Colorado Springs Colorado

Heartfelt Thanks

Whilst on the beach on the 17th August 2002 I was taken ill to St. Bernard’s Hospital. Starting from the efficiency provided by the St.John’s ambulance, I have to but thank and praise everyone on duty on my arrival at the Casualty Department, the I.C.U. staff, and Dr. Sebastian Manzon for their attention and support.

Additionally thank the I.C.U. from Spain, Dr. Giron, Dr. Lagares and Dr. Gonzalez from Puerto del Mar Hospital in Cadiz.

Finally my heartfelt thanks to my husband, children and family, and to all my friends who were in Little Bay, sorry for the fright I gave you all, and thank you for the lovely cards and beautiful flowers I have received throughout. My recovery is a sign of the many prayers I have truly felt.

God bless you all.

Nancy Borg

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