Friday 27 September 2013

What will the EU Commission do? Queues continue, incursions continue and so does illegal fishing with illegal means that even EU do not allow!


What will the EU Commission do about the bullying and harassment from SPAIN doing queues on purpose?

Finally after more than an year of sending email complaints about the frontier problems with SPAIN - the EU come to visit to observe and gather evidence.
http://youtu.be/3IRDkl8M5Jg
 It is funny that SPAIN suddenly do no queues as if to show like BULLIES  generally do that they are doing no wrong!

So thank goodness DOG has enough evidence as do other people who have also been gathering evidence. Like tonight's photo below this is the queue that leads Winston Churchill Ave to our beach down Devils tower road then to frontier


The big question is will they see the truth? Will they believe the lies? SPAIN is bigger than Gibraltar but I believe in HUMANITY!

So....EU inspectors are here and as predicted by pretty much the whole of Gibraltar, we have the miracle of Houdini queues - disappearing acts almost as if they never existed.
The question is, are the EU going to fall for this deception? Will the Governments dossier of evidence (to which MANY locals and tourists have contributed) have an effect in ensuring the wool isnt put over their eyes?

I for one will only be content with the EU commissions findings if it chastises Spain for creating politically motivated queues, inhibiting the freedom of movement of EU citizens and results in either a hefty fine OR pushes Spain into an EU binding commitment to ensure fluid traffic flow at the frontier.

We have to face the fact that our neighbour will always be finding ways to undermine us, provoke us and of course harass us into submission. They know they will never get Gibraltar and have as much a claim on Gibraltar being Spanish as the King of Saudi Arabia has a claim on Spain.

For those who are wondering what DoG have been doing in the last 2 months well its simple. We have been observing intently, watching out for key developments and ensuring we give space for diplomacy to take its course. We have been emboldened by the words of the UK Prime Minister on National Day and watching with pride as our Government take steps to ensure a robust defence of Gibraltar. We have been listening to peoples concerns, logging incidents reported to us and planning strategically about what our next steps will be.

You see, the Defenders of Gibraltar may be a group, but more than that, it is an IDEA. It is the idea that little Gibraltar can stand up to Spain in a peaceful, logical and intelligent manner. That instead of 'flying under the radar' when it comes to Spanish oppression and harassment, we should be highlighting its tactics and attitude towards us to the wider world. I take great pride in seeing how that idea is not only spreading, but flourishing. Whereas before Gibraltarians saw tackling Spain as a hopeless cause, we now see hope. That is our defensive wall. We must remember that there is no point in having 'red lines' with Spain if they are not respected or accepted as being red lines. That has been the mistake of the past.

We must also understand that simply by standing up to the bully, we invite difficulties - it liberates us, but it also drives the bully to thinking that by increasing the pressure we will fold back to the position of simply accepting their bullying tactics. A rat is at its most dangerous when it is cornered, and the Spanish Government is finding itself cornered. It is pulling out all of the stops in order to regain the previous status quo - we must not let them regain a single millimetre.

The Defenders of Gibraltar have a few aces up their sleeves and a few surprises to come in the following days. Needless to say, we believe Gibraltar has the moral high ground and is on the side of right. We will win this.

For those who are worried, scared, feeling hopeless in the current situation please remember just this: The night is always darkest before the dawn.
Gareth Gingell
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They even threaten us on the day the European Union inspectors are visiting the frontier. Spanish Minister for the Interior called Jorge Fernandez Diaz has today said that unless we cooperate the frontier restrictions will continue.http://www.lavanguardia.com/54388022652/index.html
Can we really have much faith in the outcome on the EU commission? I mean many of us received replies from complaints stating Spain were doing nothing wrong and that it is because UK and Gibraltar are not part of Schenghen - but when we put enough pressure they have come. However, they ommitted to tell us the fact that Miguel Puente Pattison (Spanish national) is not only the European Union's spokesperson for the short visit here. He is the ''Jefe de Prensa'' representing the EU for the whole of Spain. http://ec.europa.eu/spain/actualidad-y-prensa/equipo-prensa-ce/index_es.htm http://es.linkedin.com/pub/miguel-puente-pattison/2/498/35a
So can we believe they will not be biased in their investigations? They refused to meet any NGO of which we are one so they have not heard it from us the people!  
The EU commission by refusing to meet and talk have in fact chosen not to believe the real story as we know what the bully is doing and getting away with and they have not heard the victims' voices! It is us the people who have a VOICE and we should have been given the chance to voice what we have seen and experienced!
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Benjamin Russell writing for the Daily Express reports on yesterday's visit by the EU Inspection team where they had a ''cup of coffee'' in Gibraltar and a slap up lunch with spanish officials in at an upmarket restaurant in spain where they dined on fried squid, tuna kebabs and lemon sorbet. Read the article in full. http://www.express.co.uk/news/world/432039/EU-inspectors-enjoy-slap-up-lunch-with-Spanish-officials-before-Gibraltar-border-checks
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Below is a photo posted today that has raised up what we as individuals need to revive!


Spain keeps bullying in so many ways

What the spanish press do not report on! Argentinian Press reports on a meeting in New York yesterday between Margallo and his Argentinian counterpart Héctor Timerman to form a common diplomatic front between both countries to discuss with the United Kingdom the ''recovery'' of the sovereignty of Gibraltar and the Falkland Islands
.http://www.lanacion.com.ar/1623484-la-argentina-y-espana-realizaran-gestiones-conjuntas-por-malvinas-y-gibraltar

Ship denied Spanish entry raises alarm on shore because the last port of call was GIBRALTAR!
http://www.chronicle.gi/headlines_details.php?id=30954

ALARMING!

Spanish kids perform a "sketch" where Spanish military come in and shoot at Gibraltarians and "claim" Gibraltar. Parents look on and seemingly enjoy this act of violence.

this is what Spanish media has achieved - with the Anti-Gib sentiment and hatred in Spain now seeped well into everyday Spaniards, and alarmingly the younger generations, cheered on by parents.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rb9-2F0Npgo
 
27 Sep 2013 at 08.30 - Incursion by Rio Cedena, escorted by RGP and Royal Navy - courtesy Tommy Finlayson


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26/09/13
Another incursion by the Spanish Guardia Civil - armed para military in British Gibraltar Waters - Courtesy M Porral.



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On 24th September DOG were contacted:
by a concerned mother of an incident that happened in Tarifa this weekend .
4 coaches and about 15 private cars left Gibraltar to spend the weekend there as an end of summer concert. 
The youth went into their bungalows to sleep very late but at six in the morning the person in charge woke them all up very abruptly and told them all to leave the premises she was insulting them all the time and pushing them to get out! All of them left - some went into their cars to even get dressed,  but others had to wait outside the coaches because they were locked!
This woman called them Yanitas de Mierda ,Hijas de P--- a ,and she continued insulting all the time. She also threatened them if they didn't get out that the Guardia Civil  would arrest them all. 
They were very frightened and crying ,the place was El Capri according to the mother and daughter who want to remain anonymous.
So please we warn you - when going into Spain- be careful because you can get harassed, bullied and threatened anywhere and anytime! 
If anything happens to you or family or friends you must speak out and report the incident to the police and government here as soon as you can. I ask those who went through this experience to please contact the Government it is never too late to speak out!
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The fishing issue - we need to stop the reality of what is happening around the world! Spanish fishermen and ruining our seas and our fish stock is at its lowest! They continue to disregard laws in many countries not just Gibraltar's laws. They continue to destroy wherever they go which is why many countries do not and will never put up with their fishing methods in their waters! So why should we?
Spanish fishing fleet 1912 then 2013
 
We all need to show and highlight the REAL SPAIN the one that lives next to Gibraltar!

All news media should be covering this Spanish event with children where parents and kids allow the inciting and hatred of Gibraltarians and laugh and smile when killing people in cold blood? Is this SPAIN the so called democratic country in the EU? An Ally of UK in NATO? Is this the same SPAIN that wants to join the UN security committee - May God help us all if they do there will be no stopping this propaganda becoming worse! I cried when I saw this video - confirming how deeply brainwashed are parents and children about Gibraltar and US the people fo Gibraltar! DISGUSTING!
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWv8j2av0jI
Anne-Marie Struggles

Sunday 22 September 2013

Spanish Government continue anti Gibraltar campaign and continue to bully Gibraltar

Spanish Government continue anti Gibraltar campaign and continue to bully Gibraltar

 Even though we had a great National Day - this had not made Spain think twice about her continued harrassment towards Our Country and our People!
It is great to see that once Spain gave permission to the European Comission to visit the Frontier that they have at least decide to clean up the area by the Frontier. The mountain of bicycles have been removed! However, they have and still continue to cause more queues to enter and exit Gibraltar!
Below is the latest video taken by other members of the public who like us have had enough and in it you will see disgusting behaviour by the Guardia Civil when asked his name!
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5GH4XjRUeVo
Queues like this:
 While there are no cars being allowed to go into Spain until the Guardia Civil say so?



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 Inciting Violence and hatred
This photo of the burning of the British flag and comments that the British Parliament should be burnt down with all within as well, was posted on the ultra right wing Gibraltar Español FB page. 
 This site has been reported to FB hundreds of times for inciting hatred, causing offence and for spreading malicious lies about Gibraltar and Great Britain, yet FB administrators continuously ignore peas to close this vile site down. 
I ask everyone to share this and to report this site to FB, to their local MP, MEP or even to the FCO. There has to be concentrated effort by decent people to stop this hatred being propagated and for FB to once and for all do the correct thing.
Nationalist and right wing groups are on the rise in Europe, especially so in Spain, spreading their bigotry, their lies and hate, yet the silent majority remain silent to this. Please, please do not remain silent and let history repeat itself, because YOU have done nothing.
Below is the recent photos of propaganda by the lady in the photo!

They are even using children to incite the hatred and violence - in a democratic country? A country in EU? What is the UN going to do about this?

Amidea Navarro from Sevilla , she is responsible for this demonstration , using school kids to promote gibraltar espanol , on t shirts , i am sure that is illegal to brainwash those small kids.

 "All that is required for evil to prosper is for good people to do nothing".
Thank you.

Post by Joaquin Gomez on 20/09/13: comment to post by Hijo de España: Yo, no sólo quemaría el trapo "ynglés", sino, además, el puto PARLAMENTO del Reino "Hundido"; y con todos los cabrones que en él se dan cita, dentro
In English the comment says" I would not only burn the English Flag (rag) but would burn their parliament with all of them in it! "
The Facebook group has been reported many times by many people but still Facebook is allowing this group to remain albeit - inciting hatred and violence!
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The Spanish Government talk about the queues being to tackle tabacco smuggling - but at least they are seeing the worst culprits are nto the smugglers themselves but the actual Guardia Civil who are being a part of allowing it to happen - one was arrested but to date 2 more have been arrested.
http://www.lavozdelalinea.com/?p=479
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Illegal fishing in Las Palmas,Spain and the para guardia civil intervene and apprehend 150 kilos of sardines captured using illegal nets. 
http://maspalomasahora.com/not/26672/intervenidos_150_kilos_de_sardinas_pescados_con_artes_ilegales_en_las_palmas/
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So what we need is for everyone to spread the news about Spain and the bullying they continue to do no matter what UK Government, EU, UN say they continue! That is a classic trait of what a facisit country does - lies and there is no justification for it!
SPAIN HAS TO BE TOLD TO STOP INCITING VIOLENCE AND HATRED AGAINST A PEOPLE OR COUNTRY JUST BECAUSE THEY DO NOT WANT TO BE SPANISH!
GIBRALTAR BELONGS TO THE PEOPLE OF GIBRALTAR FOR OVER 300 YEARS! TIME FOR SPAIN TO MOVE ON AND STOP USING GIBRALTAR AS A SMOKE SCREEN OF THE REAL PROBLEMS IN SPAIN! CORRUPTION AND UNEMPLOYMENT TO NAME JUST TWO!
Below are some photos taken on our National Day and some about our very own Mascot Reefy to bring humour in the midst of the attacking on us as a people!

 Our people united on our National Day - British Gibraltarians!

 Our culture in Gibraltar - multi cultural, multi religious but one identity - GIBRALTARIANS!






This is who we are - British Gibraltarians!
 Anne-Marie Struggles

Tuesday 10 September 2013

HAPPY GIBRALTAR NATIONAL DAY FROM THE DEFENDERS OF GIBRALTAR




HAPPY GIBRALTAR NATIONAL DAY FROM THE DEFENDERS OF GIBRALTAR

Its been a tough year for Gibraltar - lets not kid ourselves. We have had to endure onslaught after onslaught from a neighbouring Government intent on creating a conflict to distract its own restless masses. We have endured 8 hour frontier queues, witnessed our social and national identity tarnished with lies, deceit and malicious innuendo and rumours. We have faced constant illegal incursions, military threats and a well-oiled Right-Wing Government controlled propaganda machinery intent on undermining everything we are.

But do you know what? Despite the efforts by this extreme right wing Government in Spain, they are losing. Their attempts to divide us have only made us stronger. Their attempts to drive a wedge between Gibraltar and Britain have only deepened the bond of our relationship. Their attempts to spread fear amongst us has fostered courage and bravery. Their tactics are not working - but why?

Gibraltarians are the reason why. We are a proud and tenacious people - born on a limestone rock subjected to countless military sieges. We have a Mediterranean passion blended with a British warrior mindset. We respond to bullies by refusing to bow down. We have our identity, our land, our sea and our air. It is ours and no one else's. No one can tell us what we can and can't do with our homeland. Only we can determine our own future. No 300 year old outdated MOT certificate can tell us who we are. We know exactly who we are. We have kept the moral high ground throughout this entire conflict and done our ancestors proud.

Although Spain has saturated its own media with lies about our homeland, the worlds media have responded with the facts and the truth. Right is clearly on our side. I take this opportunity to thank all of those Gibraltarians who have been going out of their way to ensure our voices and the truth is heard in the media, especially the Chief Minister Fabian Picardo, Kaelan Joyce, the DoG committee and all DoG members.

Last year, I personally took a great risk in dropping all to come back and help out where I could. I along with other members of what was to become the DoG committee sincerely believe that if you know you can help out, then it is your responsibility to do so regardless of the risks - and there were many risks! If it was a mistake, then quite frankly it was the best damn mistake I have ever made. You see, the Defenders of Gibraltar is not just a group - it is an idea. It is the idea that no matter the odds stacked against you, you can always make a difference if you persist and endure in your aims. We are no more Defenders of Gibraltar than other fellow Gibraltarians - we just decided one day to be much more vocal and organised in our assertion that enough was enough. The bully has to be held to account, we have to try our best to ensure it stops and that we do not bow down simply because the bully is larger and can damage the way we live in this little piece of paradise. Better to be free and live on bread and butter than to be subject to the whims of a bully who thinks it is your master whilst you feast.

This years National Day is going to be the best by far - you can feel the emotion in the air, the murmurings and whispers on the street - the raw excitement and emotion, like a collective inhaling of air awaiting the sea of red and white through our streets.

Gibraltar will ALWAYS have the right to Self-Determination. We will win out on our right to be delisted as a colony as in our minds, we have not been one for a very very long time. We value our relationship with Britain, for we have chosen freely to maintain it. But the ability to determine our own future must never interfere with other possible options which our future generations might decide to follow. Self-determination is a journey, not an end-state.

I wish you all have a fantastic day tomorrow, and hope to dance and celebrate with you in the streets. It fills me with such joy to see how quickly the defenders idea is spreading - mainly because it is not a new idea, but a gentle reminder of the strength which lies in all of us.

PS. I wish to ask those reading for one favour. When the balloons are released, please hold a silent thought for all those Gibraltarians who have left this world. Those balloons represent our struggle for freedom, our unbridled hope of a proud, peaceful and happy existence. Long may it stay that way, and long may the inhabitants of this Rock of Gibraltar defend their land to their last breath.

Long live Gibraltar, Rock of the Gibraltarians!
Thank you form the bottom of my heart to the SDGG - for being a source of inspiration and keeping the candle of hope burning for so long - legends every one of you.

Yours truly,

Mr Gareth Ronald Francis Gingell
DoG Chairman, and very proud Gibraltarian.

Friday 6 September 2013

More anti Gibraltar media campaign - IS Spain really a democracy? Should they still be in UE?

More anti Gibraltar media campaign - IS Spain really a democracy? Should they still be in EU?


At a time when the Europe - actually the World are striving to do away with discrimination - violence and hate campaigns - how can Spain being an Ally in Nato - being in the EU be allowed to continue their daily harassment to a small country like Gibraltar!

How can a European Country as big as Spain be allowed to inflict bullying tactics like she does and get away with it? How can they continue unchallenged when their youths of the Partido Popular come out in support of FASCISM?

How can anyone from any Country in their right mind even consider to allow SPAIN to host the Olympics with such a dangerous and damaging behaviour? Spain is a bully that still tries by all means at her disposable to choke a small country like Gibraltar by creating queues with excuses that are not valid within Europe!

Worse still is the fact that under the United Nations of Human rights their behaviours is totally unacceptable and illegal even more it is inhumane! No one has the right to inflict pain or suffering to any other person and that by creating queues of over 4 hours in the scorching heat is not inhumane then what is? Do we have to have a death before anyone does something about it?

Since Spain is in Europe and is a democratic country or so they claim! Should their government not ban FASCISM? Should they not be an example for others to follow in that the young people from their political party be banned from their party as it is bringing their party and their country into disrepute?

By doing nothing about all the inciting of violence and allowing it to  happen and to continue are they not then a big part of this?

Are the Spanish Government playing a big part of it by using all the media possible to make people hate Gibraltar  and allowing them to spread lies uncontrolled proof enough for all to see that SPAIN is only after one thing - OUR COUNTRY GIBRALTAR and cares not how she achieves it?

Why should SPAIN be allowed to oppress another Country just because they do not wish to be SPANISH?

The behaviour from SPAIN in the recent months are like a danerous "Deja Vu" Actually it is very dangerous and scary that in the 21st Century another country can behave and repeat certain actions and words and behaviour that was known only from Hitler and his behaviour towards the Jewish people!

Will the rest of the WORLD continue to ignore the double standards of SPAIN and how they are targeting people from Gibraltar not just spreading lies and deception but by inciting hate and violence as a government and not punishing those who are so vicious towards Gibraltar and the people!

How can any person or Country ignore that Spain has started all this bullying again by the same political party in the 60s that led to the closure of the Frontier!

No one in their right mind can say, believe or agree that Spain can bully another country just because of their nationality or force a Treaty that is no longer valid!

All this hatred and violence because Gibraltar CREATED an artificial reef! Come on in today's modern society that acknowledges that each country has entitlement of their own waters and as such can do whatever they deem they need to do to protect the marine life and sea habitat!

Spain has many artificial Reefs all over their coast - so why can't Gibraltar have them? What makes Spain think they have any right at all in our land, air or sea?

Gibraltar has been British more than it was ever Spanish!
Gibraltar has 30,000 people who want to remain BRITISH!
Gibraltar has chosen not once, but 3 times NOT to be SPANISH!

Gibraltar has a people who have their own culture, nationality and pride!
Gibraltar is and will always be BRITISH!

Gibraltar has a VOICE!
Gibraltar has a CHOICE!
Gibraltar has a RIGHT to determine their own future and that does not include SPAIN!

It is about time that SPAIN and especially their Government accepted the one real truth - Gibraltar belongs to the PEOPLE of GIBRALTAR!

SPAIN must STOP their bullying and harrasment! They must stop spread lies, hate and inciting violence! SPAIN should be boycotted by all countries if theyr continue their behaviour!

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Pro-Spanish pieces continue to propagate in International media.
This is an letter by the Consul general of Hong Kong in China, published today in the South China News .

The author of the letter is a clear indication of the planned mediatic strategy that Spain have had from the start. It is further accentuated by the increase in news items now being carried by the Global Press which are almost replicas of those created for Spanish national consumption.

http://www.scmp.com/comment/letters/article/1304299/british-bias-shows-colonial-tussle
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Last nigh -  Intereconomia - Intervention by Manos Limpias in relation to Denuncia against our Chief Minister on Spanish TV http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyXvyUDnJcU

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They started a hate campaign towards Defenders of Gibraltar only because we were highlighting their bullying and they accused us of having a website inciting violence to their Police and Guardia Civil and now they accept it was not us!

The "confusing story" of the arrest of the person behind the fake friends of Gibraltar Page, has now gone outside of Spain's borders and is being carried by both UK nationals (Daily) and the Regional Press (as this item).
Briton in ‘torturers’ claim over Rock row arrested

http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/main-topics/world/briton-in-torturers-claim-over-rock-row-arrested-1-6020914 
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The Spanish workers who work for the government departments in Spain in La Linea - even they follow by now wanting to do a demonstration at the border because their government is not paying them! What has Gibraltar got to do with their problem with their government for not paying them their wages?
http://www.lalineadigital.es/2013/09/trabajadores-municipales-acuerdan-manifestarse-el-lunes-en-la-verja-de-gibraltar-por-el-impago-de-las-nominas/
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Spain as a supposedly democractic country and in EU should start to repest Gibraltar, its laws and its people! No more No less!

Spain should follow the example of our Cief Minister who has come out publicly to ask his people to remain calm!

http://vox.gi/index.php?news=7964

Ministerial statement by The Chief Minister

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Ministerial statement by The Chief Minister
The Prime Minister, the Foreign Secretary and the Minister for Europe support is real and not just for the cameras.

Good evening
As we start our National Week celebrations this year, I want to reflect on current events and communicate your Government's huge pride in the manner in which every one of you has reacted to recent anti-Gibraltar provocations.
I also want you to know that our Nation's macro-economic performance is not being materially hindered by recent actions at the frontier. And I want to tell you more about the proposal for "ad hoc" contact with the Spanish government, which we have developed jointly with the UK in the past year and a half. It is certainly true that in the past year and a half, we have also had to endure a crescendo in the anti-Gibraltar campaign designed to smear the good name of our Nation and our people. There has been an escalation of rhetoric and action, illegal incursions into British Gibraltar waters culminating with a jet-skier being shot at by the Guardia Civil and we have seen our frontier choked at different times, in particular, in the past five weeks.
Of course, no-one in Gibraltar will believe that even recent actions have anything to do with our creation of an artificial reef. The reality is that it appears that some in Spain believe that they might somehow advance their sovereignty claims using the tactics that failed in the 1960s. In fact, the same type of issues arose and the same tactics were deployed against us the last time the Partido Popular were in government in Madrid. As usual, the heightened rhetoric has included threats and innuendos designed, alongside the action at the frontier, to damage our economy and, thereby, attempt to hinder our self-sufficiency.
This is not new; and it will not work.
On this occasion, however, in an era of 24hours news, incendiary social media comment and provocative television programming, the words and actions from Madrid have been interpreted by many in Spain as a license to spread unprecedented animosity against our people. This is all largely based on inflammatory statements built on a lack of understanding about the structure of our economy and our lifestyles.
As a result, we have all been concerned and saddened by reports of damage to property, of Gibraltar registered cars burnt and scratched and cases of insults hurled at occupants of Gibraltar registered vehicles. In the light of this, I am enormously proud - as we all should be - of the calm and measured way in which everyone in Gibraltar has reacted to such antagonism. This has been the right reaction from all of us. This is what has allowed us to win the argument hands down in the international media. You have done our history and our future proud by the mature and unflappable way in which you have dealt with the constant incitement. We are a strong, steadfast and responsible people. We do not react to these provocations in kind. Instead, with the United Kingdom, we have been consistently robust. We have rationally chosen to take the reasonable course. We make our arguments politically and legally in the appropriate international fora and call on our opponents to do likewise; because the people of Gibraltar have never bowed to bullying.
We have not resiled from our continued desire to remain British. We will not surrender our right to determine the future of our land for ourselves. And, however more aggressive the pronouncements of the Spanish government may have been in these past five weeks, the resolve of our Nation is still as strong as ever. The spine of our determination is as solid and unbreakable as the rock itself.
And this week we will celebrate, with our usual flair and dignity the anniversary of the first expression of our free will, the referendum of the 10th of September 1967 and our right to self-determination.
That is what National week and our National Day are all about.
The events planned for this year include a magnificent "Mega Concert", which will bring to the Rock internationally renowned artists. On National Day itself, we will welcome not just our friends from the Westminster Parliament but also members of the European Parliament. And in a hugely positive innovation, I have this year also invited to join us the Chief Ministers of all the other UK Overseas Territories for important working sessions both before and after the National Day celebrations next Tuesday. It is the first time that the leaders of the Overseas Territories have been convened to meet together in one of the territories. I know that you will make all of our visiting guests welcome.
It is also enormously important that we join in welcoming any Spanish visitors who are attracted to the events of National Day and our Mega Concert. Despite the provocations from a particular and easily identifiable part of the Spanish political spectrum, we have many friends in Spain.
The Spanish workers who cross into Gibraltar every day, their families and Spanish citizens who come to visit Gibraltar are very welcome here. I know you will continue to make them feel welcome. They are not responsible for their government's actions and words.
This year, we may find that some sectors of the Spanish media or some right wing groups of radical individuals may seek to come to Gibraltar on National Day or to our concert to provoke adverse reactions from us. I know that you will all have the good sense to avoid reacting to any such provocations. Whether it is representatives of Spanish media outlets or Spanish individuals, we all know the best reaction is to walk away from any provocations. We will all want to turn our backs to any incitements and report any remarks or actions to our excellent law enforcement officials in the RGP who will be out protecting us all on the day as usual. I know you will want to join me in thanking the RGP and all our emergency services for the work that they do on National Day whilst we all enjoy ourselves.
And have no doubt that the government will be responding to all the lies and defamations spread about Gibraltar in a measured and responsible way at the appropriate time. Indeed, it has been quite remarkable to see the Spanish authorities take over a year to react to the call for dialogue we have been making since last April on the "ad hoc" formula. Well, for whatever reason they may be taking that attitude now, we welcome the fact that the offer made by William Hague, a year and half ago with our support, is now going to be progressed. I have worked closely with the Foreign Secretary to elaborate on this formula. And, tonight, I want to be crystal clear with you about this proposed dialogue. There is no question of the sovereignty or future of Gibraltar being raised or discussed at these talks. The Spanish government has accepted that in their Parliament earlier this week. These talks will not be bilateral or quadrilateral.
Again, the Spanish government has accepted that in their Parliament.
Gibraltar will have its own distinct voice at any such talks. The Spanish government has of course also accepted that. And I can assure you that there will be no agreements on Gibraltar matters without our consent.
As you know, the position of the United Kingdom and Gibraltar has been to create these "ad hoc" opportunities to meet but to do so in the context of re-stating our strong commitment to the parallel trilateral forum for dialogue and the "double-lock" formula that Britain will not transfer the sovereignty of Gibraltar without our consent and will not negotiate sovereignty without our consent.
That is in effect a veto allowing us to prevent any resumption of bilateral talks on sovereignty between the UK and Spain under the Brussels process or otherwise. There is therefore nothing to fear from the formula we have developed for these "ad hoc" discussions.
And I am sure we will all be very pleased to see the European commission has agreed to David Cameron's call to involve itself in investigating the excessive and disproportionate frontier queues.
We welcome that they should also review the excellent coastal protection works being undertaken at Sandy Bay and the manner in which the new reef in British Gibraltar territorial waters was created. Remember that the commission has already told Spain that the eastside reclamation has been done properly and legally. They have immediately told Spain that there is nothing to investigate in respect of our financial services. Because the one thing that we have on our side are the facts; and we have confidence that once the commission studies the facts, if they once again make a fair and just objective determination of the data, they will once again confirm that Gibraltar has acted entirely legally and properly in everything that we have done.
Indeed you will also have derived great confidence from the way in which you have explicitly seen us work closely and in partnership with UK ministers in the past weeks. Both sides have worked hard to develop and foster a relationship of cooperation in the conduct of our international relations since we were elected.
That work has brilliantly borne fruit now. I have seen that work come through in the stalwart responses from the Prime Minister, the Foreign Secretary and the Minister for Europe. Believe me, their support is real and not just for the cameras.
So as we start our National week celebrations, rest assured that our economy is not only stable, but actually performing even more strongly than i predicted during the budget session in June. Rest assured international investment into Gibraltar has not been put-off by the recent problems at the frontier. And rest assured that Gibraltar will emerge from this assault stronger than ever before; because the course we are navigating is a sure route to our continued growth and prosperity.
So enjoy your National Day celebrations with family and friends safe in the knowledge that the future of our Nation and our people is secure.

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 Great programme about the Gibraltar-Spain situation, a la telenovela style - written by Carmen Gomez and Directed by Martin Noon - starring a few members of DoG too

http://gbc.gi/television/tv-player.php?programme=774&episode=6127

Anne-Marie Struggles

Thursday 5 September 2013

Spanish Media fail to report on SICAV - the SPANISH lies about their own corruption!

Spanish Media fail to report on SICAV - the SPANISH lies about their own corruption.


 How true is the saying people in glass houses should never throw stones.Below is some recent information posted on our group and which is vital for people to know.

Spain has really take on a tough stance to put Gibraltar in the worlds attention but not with truths but rather lies! So we need to ensure we get the truth out.

Today there are 2 hour queues to get into Gibraltar. This is not good and is detrimental to us and our economy and for all workers who live in Spain but work in Gibraltar.

What is not good is the fact that this country called SPAIN who is in EU and in NATO also wants to host the Olympics - this is a very scary thing as if they treat their neighbours like this what will they do to other nations? Remember that recently they have come out with telling their Guardia Civil to treat coloured people differently!

We need more people to write blogs with true facts to answer all bad publicity.

One bit of news and two opinions columns from the Area Campo news website.This is the news bit Guardia Civil ask for more protection at the frontier following yesterday's incident in which allegations were made that one of their own was run over by a motor cycle.http://www.campodegibraltar.es/2013/09/05/la-guardia-civil-solicitara-mas-proteccion-en-la-frontera-con-gibraltar/ And these are the 2 links to the 2 opinion columns .http://www.campodegibraltar.es/2013/09/04/firmeza-espanola-en-gibraltar/ http://www.campodegibraltar.es/2013/09/04/un-monton-con-mas-de-lo-mismo/ 

Ex Pats couple living in Fuengirola with general comments about Gibraltar and on the problems affecting them and their friends after visiting Gibraltar published in the Huddersfield Daily Recorder.http://www.examiner.co.uk/lifestyle/ex-pats-gibraltar-gets-hot-bothered-5833278 

Columbian official press agency quoting Sky News website with comments attributed to the Chief Minister. http://www.novacolombia.com/nota.asp?n=2013_9_5&id=20416&id_tiponota=8 

Tobacco smuggling is a worldwide not just Gibraltar - SPAIN too
Speaks for itself
http://es.noticias.yahoo.com/intervienen-melilla-10-000-cajetillas-tabaco-contrabando-220755760.html


Intervenidas más de 1.200 cajetillas de tabaco de contrabando en Ronda - http://www.europapress.es/andalucia/malaga-00356/noticia-intervenidas-mas-1200-cajetillas-tabaco-contrabando-ronda-20130904121733.html

  Turkish Press comments on the spanish Madrid Olympic bid annoy the spanish press.Not used to getting a dose of their own medicine I suppose. http://vozpopuli.com/actualidad/30997-la-prensa-turca-barre-para-casa-la-gente-no-quiere-jj-oo-en-madrid-sino-los-especuladores

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MEET SICAV !
Whilst Spain continues to label GIBRALTAR a Tax Haven, and has called for our financial activities to be investigated by every financial regulator in the World, I want you all to meet and welcome a new Spanish friend, his name is SICAV!

Who is SICAV?


-SICAV stands for (Sociedades de Inversion Colectiva de Capital variable). To you and me, SICAV is something we could understand as a PLC – a Public Limited Company.

What is the purpose of SICAV?


-SICAV is essentially a public limited company whose object is to ‘invest in financial assets’, and attracts a tax rate of just 1%,. Yes, you read right, just 1%!
SICAV’s 1% Tax compares to Spain’s corporate taxation of 30% for large enterprises and 25% for small and medium size firms. And a 25-30% rate on the incomes of most Spaniards.

Is SICAV Controlled, regulated and monitored?


-Of course it is. SICAV is monitored by the CNMV – the Comision Nacional del Mercado de Valores.

CNMV is the Spanish government agency responsible for the financial regulation of the securities markets in Spain. It is an independent agency that falls under the Ministry of Economy and Finance of Spain

How does SICAV work?


-To invest in a SICAV, a minimum capital of €2,400,000 is required. Also, a single SICAV needs 100 investors. The 100 investor rule helps to control potential abuse and prevents a single person from solely owning a SICAV.

Are there limitations to SICAV?

 
-There are. Investors will only pay 1% tax, because they cannot cash in on dividends or sell off shares. In effect, this means that their cash is held in a “financial limbo” of sorts.

So, SICAV is sort of alright then?

 
-Well, it is in other European jurisdictions which operate their own SICAV schemes. With Spanish SICAV, I would emphasise the Spanishness in its identity!

-Regulation, Monitoring and Control
SICAV is regulated by the CNMV as outlined above. Haven’t you wondered why Spanish HACIENDA hasn’t been mentioned thus far?

In 2004 HACIENDA investigated SICAV in Spain and unhappy at their findings demanded that a large number of SICAV pay 35%.

Why did HACIENDA demand this?

 
-Well, HACIENDA found many irregularities in 98% of Spanish SICAV.

HACIENDA found for example that SICAV were using “straw investors” termed “mariachis” to make up the 100 investors rule. This meant that contrary to rules, SICAV were especially being created for the benefit of SINGLE PERSONS. They normally owned over 99% of the SICAV entity, and the remaining less than 1% would be “straw” owned by family members, “ghost investors” or persons who did not even know they were part of a SICAV. In effect, the remaining 99 other investors were really the same single investor who would get other persons to stand in as 99 others to camouflage their ownership of 100% of the SICAV. This is ILLEGAL under SICAV rules.

Further to that, capital could not be withdrawn by investors in a SICAV as withdrawing would subject those monies to the regular 35% tax rate. You didn’t expect SICAV investors to just park their money unable to use it for the rest of their lives right? SICAV investors, it was found by HACIENDA, were by-passing this rule by reducing capital and other means and in that way collecting monies from the SICAV and not paying their dues on the withdrawls.

So what did HACIENDA do?

 
-Well, Hacienda demanded that a large number of SICAV pay 35% tax and started investigating ALL SICAV.

And what happened?

 
-Well, SICAV investors, being part of Spain’s financial elite, panicked and mobilised and had a word with the Spanish political class.

And what then?

 
-In May 2005, a year after the Hacienda investigations, Spanish politicians in parliament, or congreso if you rather, decided to pass two motions.

So these Motions sorted the SICAV scandal out then?
-LOL. The proposals sought “Amnesty De Facto” status for ALL SICAV. By the way, remember “De Facto” means “whether legally recognized or not”. LOL

Also, Spanish politicians removed HACIENDA as the regulator for SICAV and their powers of investigation over them. The new Law protecting SICAV also cancelled any demands and sanctions made previously by Hacienda on any SICAV and also erased the results of the Hacienda investigations past and present. All SICAV effectively got a clean slate.

So did anybody take over as regulator for the SICAV?
-Of course! They couldn’t just be allowed to do as they please with no control. CNMV took over the role.

Phew, at least, despite grating them a clean slate and allowing them to get away scott-free, things would be closely monitored from now on, right?
-Of course. THE CMNV took over from them.

So did CMNV sort it all out then?

 
-Well, they did, for the SICAV investors that is. There was one problem however.

One of the top figures at CMNV is Carlos Arenillas.

So, who is he?

 
-Carlos Arenillas is the Vice President of the CNMV. The problem is Carlos Arenillas is also the owner of a very important SICAV in Spain. His SICAV is worth 9M EUR and he owns 99.25% of the SICAV. The remaining 0.75% are owned by another 99 investors who happen to be “straw investors” – remember them; family and friends who have most likely invested in the SICAV using the larger investors monies to start off with. And remember these “straw investors” or “Mariachis” are not allowed under SICAV rules, and are one of the main “cheats” that CNMV is tasked with investigating and sanctioning.

Oh dear, so it gets quite messy then?

 
-And messier still!
Other than a major conflict of interest for our friend Carlos here, Carlos Arenillas is husband to Mercedes Cabrera. Merche is a politician and belongs to the PSOE.

So in effect, the SICAV, with all its illegal cheats under SICAV’s own rules is being used by politicians themselves. LOL

But PSOE I suppose are currently the opposition Party in Spain, and not in government.
-That’s correct. But PP personalities have also been naughty and also have their own SICAV. A high profile one is Rosendo Naseiro, ex Financial Secretary of the PP and an important business personality in Spain.

You might remember him…think hard…..yes that’s right, Rosendo Naseiro - he is Rosendo Naseiro of the very high profile “Caso Naseiro” fame.

You don’t remember the “Caso Naseiro”?

I’ll remind you! The Caso Naseiro was the famous “caso” which involved the then President of the Spanish government Jose Maria Aznar and revolved around illegal financing of political parties in Spain…you now, the high profile one involving bribes and the likes. LOL

WOW! So it is all quite…dodgy then?
-Quite! The King’s sister, Infanta Pilar de Borbon de Borbon also has her own SICAV. It is worth an estimated 4.5M EUR and her 99 other investors include her five children. She also famously and “quietly” removed herself from the SICAV by passing it onto a businessman from Alicante. She did not pay the 35% tax payable on removal of capital from SICAV because la “pobre” thought nobody had noticed. A couple of years later, nothing has been done about it! LOL

So, who else has a SICAV in Spain then?

-Well, quite a few politicians, famous business personalities, celebs from the world of TV and film, footballers, singers, bull-fighters….in essence anyone who makes a lot of money in Spain, but no-one who earns a normal salary.

Anyone notable?

 
-Other than the ones above, another one that stands out for purely conflict of interest reasons is Santiago Herrero Leon. Santi here is the President of Andalucia’s own version of the Chamber of Commerce.

Amancio Ortega, Spain’s wealthiest man (until 2010) has SICAV too. His ex-wife, Rosalia Mera has 500M EUR invested in SICAv, and participates in the 3rd largest Spanish SICAV.

The Pino family, owners of Ferrovial – the Spanish multinational company involved in the design, construction, financing, operation (DBFO) and maintenance of transport, urban and services infrastructure, also have SICAV.

Emiliano Revilla the famous Spanish industrialist also has SICAV. You might remember him! He was the one who was kidnapped by the Basque separatist group ETA in 1988!

The leading architect of international repute Ricardo Bofill also participates in SICAV.

The Lladro family, them of the porcelain fame too.

From the world of football, Roberto Carlos, Fernando Hierro, Fernando Morientos, Ivan de la Peña and Jose Luis Nuñez.

So, quite a few people are involved and the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. At least during these hard economic times in Spain, the Church will look after the most needy.
-Well, the Church can definitely afford it. The Spanish Catholic Church also participates in SICAV – Angel Vallejo Balda a priest and also an economist responsible for the Church’s financial affairs also participates in a SICAV.

As do La Orden de la Inmaculada Concepción, who have 3,5M EUR invested in the Francat SICAV and also Las Hijas de la Caridad who invest 5.4M EUR in various SICAV. And we cannot forget Los Hermanos Hospitalarios de San Juan de Dios who control 99.99% (naughty) of more than 11M EUR invested in the SICAV Finanzas Querqus.

At least no-one that regularly accuses Gibraltar of being a tax haven is amongst SICAV investors right??
-Wrong. To the delight of many, myself included, guess who is scandal-wrapped in SICAV. TeleciRco’s very own daytime Queen, ANA ROSA QUINTANA – yep, she, the one who every morning calls Gibraltar a tax haven, a centre for money laundering and tax evasion. Ana Rosa, te cojimo frita!

Ana Rosa Quintana participates in no less than SEVENTY-ONE, yes 71 SICAV. Her participation in the different SICAV varies between 97 and 99%.

When her participation in SICAV was discovered, Ana Rosa Quintana defended herself by saying that she participates in numerous charitable organisations and also famously built schools in Africa. The latter is completely true. This was at a time when Broadcast industry people were calling Ana Rosa “Spain’s own Oprah Winfrey” after her meteoric rise from the ashes and her managing to dethrone former long-running daytime queen Maria Teresa Campos after a bloody TV war which saw their two formats go head to head. Ana Rosa took this label to the tee and when Oprah went to Africa to build schools she did same. She also launched a failed book club after Oprah did but failed and quickly converted the Book Club into a leading Woman’s magazine, but I digress…

So what have we all learnt about SICAV?


Well, we now know that after constantly accusing Gibraltar of being a Tax Haven despite our removal from all lists, Spain operates its own tax haven within Spain, which only allows the financial elite to join the Club. This whilst allowing them to make massive gains in their Capital by ignoring the very rules of the SICAV which otherwise would allow them to operate as “low Tax incentives” which also operate in other European jurisdictions with different rules- by different meaning rules which allow SICAV to be regulated and controlled.

So when Spain mentions Gibraltar and Tax Haven in the same sentence, just ask them about SICAV, the great new friend of the Gibraltarians!




****Compiled from information obtained from various sources (Notably most are Spanish language sources from Spain, notably the book "SICAV, paraíso fiscal" (Editorial Rambla)Guillermo Rocafort

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This morning on telecinco Spanish Worker calls Spain's BLUFF LIVE from the Frontier.
Spokesperson for TRABAJADORES DE GIBRALTAR telling Ana Rosa as it is.
He has said there are lies being propagated and that the truth is there is only one fishing vessel affected and that they employ illegal nets.
He has also said the border delays ARE NOT related to fishing.
Ana Rosa has tried to intimidate him.
The spokesperson have stated that fishermen are being used.
He has also said that if Gibraltar wants to do something, Gibraltar gets attacked by Spain. If a Miss World is won, border delays. If a Royal visits, same. He emphasises that La Linea is being used and that the Spanish government should debate problems through formal legal channels.
Ana Rosa has said legal channels take too long and that pressure is best as it motivates people to sit down and debate.
Telecinco collaborators have jumped in and emphasised their lies to drown the spokesperson Spanish worker who has interrupted and called his bluff.
The contributors are saying that they are Spanish, and Worker has rebutted saying Spanish TV is manipulating and spreading lies without allowing Gibraltar to defend itself in the media.
Feeling that he has exposed them they have drowned him out and contributors take over - he has however made things very clear. This man deserves Monument. He has said that if it were not for Gibraltar he would starve like so many others.
Quintana has said that this is because Gib leeches off Spain.
A contributor tries to drown the workers truths by saying those fishermen should fish in Spanish Waters because it is their right. Another has said he should moderate his comments in respect to Margallo.
The Spanish worker says the Spanish government should be the one finding solutions for the fishermen.
Another has said that people launder money in Gibraltar, and the worker mocked him by saying Barcenas.
He has ended calling for peace and saying that if Gib belongs to Spain they should challenge it in a mock tone, and Ana Rosa has said that it would be better. She cheekily says that it wouldn't be a Tax Haven and that she does not want a Tax haven in Gibraltar.
The worker has highlighted the fact that smuggling tobacco at Gib border is minimal compared to that arriving at Spanish ports and Quintana butted in saying yes like the drugs that get in there.
They cut him off and returned ti studio and mocked the poor guy saying he does not understand politics. They have continued with their own drivel and have tried to mock it all with laughs and claiming he is a poor soul who depends on Gib for his livelihood.





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Courtesy -A.Palma


REDACCION | 20131 lecturas
Estremecedoras imágenes de video: Decenas de marroquíes alentados por un senador atacan con piedras a policías españoles en la frontera de Melilla
Tamaño del texto: + (mayor) / - (menor)
Nada describe mejor la gravedad de la situación que se vive en Melilla que las imágenes espectaculares que AD ofrece hoy en exclusiva. Son imágenes del ataque que han sufrido hoy los policías españoles que prestan servicios en la frontera de Beni Enzar por parte de un grupo de marroquíes, lalentados por el senador Yahya Yahya, desde el espacio fronterizo marroquí.
Es decir, se trata de una acción violenta alentada y permitida por las autoridades marroquíes, que obvia decir no hicieron nada por aplacar ni detener a los violentos. Este nuevo ataque deja en entredicho no sólo la gestión del delegado del Gobierno en Melilla, Abdelmalik El Barkani, sino sus declaraciones laudatorias hacia la colaboración de Marruecos. Nunca los intereses españoles en Melilla habían estado en peores manos.
(Pinche aquí para ver video 1)
(Pinche aquí para ver video 2)
Populares en Libertad (PPL) ha señalado hoy que esta auténtica batalla campal “demuestra el abandono que sufren los agentes de la Policía Nacional y Guardia Civil en los puestos fronterizos de Melilla”.
Por otra parte y según ha explicado a los periodistas el delegado del Gobierno en Melilla, Abdelmalik El Barkani, el cierre comenzó a las 17.15 horas cuando unos individuos “empezaron a tirar vallas y organizar alboroto”, momento en el que los agentes del Cuerpo Nacional de Policía procedieron al cierre de las puertas del principal puesto fronterizo.
A continuación decenas de marroquíes que esperaban para pasar a Melilla “iniciaron el lanzamiento de piedras y otros objetos contundentes” contra los miembros de las Cuerpos y Fuerzas de Seguridad del Estado, tanto Policía Nacional como Guardia Civil, que controlan el puesto fronterizo.
Desde las 17.15 horas hasta las 19.45, dos horas y media, el paso tanto de vehículos como de peatones desde y hacia Melilla estuvo paralizado. El Barkani ha asegurado que no ha habido heridos entre los agentes españoles, que reforzaron la vigilancia con los miembros de Unidad de Intervención Policial (UIP) de la Policía Nacional y los del Grupo de Reserva de la Guardia Civil (GRS).
La empresa concesionaria de la limpieza pública, en ese intervalo de tiempo, limpió el puesto fronterizo de las piedras y los objetivos que se acumularon sobre el asfalto, momento en el que se reanudó la circulación con Marruecos una vez que la situación estuvo controlada.
Este gravísimo incidente se produce solo unas semanas después de que el ministro español de Exteriores, José Manuel García-Margallo, destacara la “cordial, estrecha y extraordinaria” colaboración de Marriecos con España.
También El Barkani ha elogiado en los últimos meses la “ejemplar cooperación” de Marruecos. Como se ve, España debe ser el único país del mundo que no tiene que buscar fuera a los enemigos, porque ya los tiene dentro.


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So it is hard to get the truth out with so many lies from a bigger nation with more resources than us but I kow that Truth will always prevail. So join us now to bring the truths to the open and bring a stop to the lies!
Anne-Marie Struggles