Although officially under investigation by the Royal Gibraltar Police (RGP), the silence associated with this incident is deafening, particularly from the Gibraltar Government and the FCO - are they trying to brush it aside in the interests of patching up an already deteriorating relationship with Spain?
THE INCIDENT ITSELF
On Saturday 9th August, in British waters just south of the lighthouse, two Gibraltarians were peacefully fishing in their small vessel (one of these individuals is a Civil servant). Sources have informed us that a Guardia Civil vessel approached the local boat and came alongside whilst still in BGTW, asking for the boat’s documents (this is a clear attempt to exert jurisdiction in British Waters). The person in control of the vessel then informed the Guardia Civil that as they were inside British waters they were under no obligation to comply with the request.
This is where it goes from bad to worse....
The Guardia Civil, obviously disenchanted and potentially deflated by such a pointed and informed reply, insisted in exercising jurisdictional control; one of the Guardia Civil members then drew a side arm and pointed it at the civil servant on board the fishing boat.
The individual in control of the fishing boat switched on the engine and fled from the area full-throttle, where they were then chased by the Guardia Civil vessel and rammed on 2 occasions. The RGP eventually arrived at the scene where the Guardia Civil alleged that the local fishing vessel had rammed their vessel (a fishing boat ram a large Guardia Civil paramilitary vessel? I wonder which smart cookie cooked that one up). The Guardia Civil expressed their intent to arrest the individuals and convey their vessel to Algeciras, but were told in no uncertain terms by the RGP crew which attended that this was not allowed.
SILENCE IS GOLDEN
Well it seems to all and sundry that this incident is being brushed under the carpet by the Convent, the UK Government, the Gibraltar Government and more than likely the RGP - why? If we look at it logically, it appears at first to be in the interests of all at this precarious moment; they would like to believe that these incidents are outside of the norm and to be set aside in the hope of an improvement in the relationship with Spain; and therein lies the fault.
The powers that be are hoping, hoping and praying, that the status quo will get better. Over the last 2 1/2 years, the powers that be have barked more than their bite, letting diplomacy take its course against a foe who perceives diplomacy as weakness and a sign that more action is needed. In that time, we have seen incident after incident after incident.
This is despite the fact that just last year, the Guardia Civil were running around like cowboys shooting at locals on jet skis:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-23044236
Video of Incident
I now find myself completely agreeing with a local journalist, Leo Olivero, who recently said in an article:
"Many people will find it difficult to accept that such a serious allegation on such a high-profile issue of great public interest, can be treated from a public perspective in such a low key fashion, not only by the RGP by making a one line comment but by the Government and the Convent.
The news also came on the day that Gibraltar was being bashed left, right and centre by the whole of the Spanish press after interpreting the EU’s Anti-Fraud Office’s letter as a massive victory for the PP Government, which for them justifies everything they are doing with the frontier controls. Here we had a serious incident in BGTW involving a civil servant, or it could have been anyone else for that matter. A story that could have poured cold water on the Spanish euphoria yesterday!
But again, Gibraltar got it wrong with the moral high ground syndrome, unlike the Spanish who do it so well, and use the news to their advantage, we are light years behind I am afraid."
I have also been told off the record by sources that the GoG has been adamant in enforcing the view that the witnesses statements were wrong, and that they were in Spanish waters.
My advice to you if you are a local with a sea faring vessel... be prepared to lay on the sacrificial altar, if this incident is anything to go by im afraid...
By Gareth R Gingell
Article by Leo Olivero on incident can be read here
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UPDATE*****
1 hour after posting this blog update, the Gibraltar Government issued this press release - what a coincidence :)
That behavior which is tolerated will continue. Evidently the Government of Gibraltar has no balls. Incompatible with holding office.
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