Gibraltar is like Marmite.

[capnsensible]

It seems that people either love it or hate it. No in between.

On the plus side, I reckon Gib has:

Enough bars and restaurants to suit most tastes and pockets
A huge sports following for all interests (mostly onscreen live footy, cricket, rugby)
A casino
A 2 screen cinema
Ten pin bowling alley
Banks
Duty free chandlery
Just about every yacht repair service
2 marinas
English speaking radio
A mostly mild climate
International airport with flights to London and Madrid in walking distance
Virtually no crime
Stunning views from the top of the Rock
Weather that lets you sail most days
2 countries and 1 continent a short sail away
A rich history that stirs a bit of pride in most
Cheap fuel, cigs and booze
No road tax
A big shop where you can buy Marmite

On the downside

Er.
It rained when I walked up the pontoon this morning to get the Sunday paper


Over to you.........

 

[VO5]

It seems that people either love it or hate it. No in between.

On the plus side, I reckon Gib has:

Enough bars and restaurants to suit most tastes and pockets
A huge sports following for all interests (mostly onscreen live footy, cricket, rugby)
A casino
A 2 screen cinema
Ten pin bowling alley
Banks
Duty free chandlery
Just about every yacht repair service
2 marinas
English speaking radio
A mostly mild climate
International airport with flights to London and Madrid in walking distance
Virtually no crime
Stunning views from the top of the Rock
Weather that lets you sail most days
2 countries and 1 continent a short sail away
A rich history that stirs a bit of pride in most
Cheap fuel, cigs and booze
No road tax
A big shop where you can buy Marmite

On the downside

Er.
It rained when I walked up the pontoon this morning to get the Sunday paper


Over to you.........

I wholly approve of your post, absolutely.

About the drizzle this morning we shall see what can be done, after all the sun has been blazing since February with occasional interruptions from Uncle Levanter whose mission it is to cool the heat and keep the Rock green, much to the envy of the neighbours next door.

You have earned a special treat.

See your PM inbox for details.

 

[Nautorius]

Well I love it! Mind you the quality of life/sailing/lower tax helps a lot! I woke up this morning and thought, "Winter has arrived at last".

Got a great day of sailing yesterday...it was as flat as a milpond, 10-15kts 18 degrees and sunny! We were commenting it was like a Summer day in the Lakedistrict (as it suddenly started raining...but then stopped).

I agree it is no Monaco or Cannes, but it is better than the UK for me!

Are you guys in OV/Marina Bay?

They even have a Pub quiz on a sunday evening at the Lounge bar Queensway.

Come sun or shine....I am stayying here!

Paul

 

[VO5]

Well I love it! Mind you the quality of life/sailing/lower tax helps a lot! I woke up this morning and thought, "Winter has arrived at last".

Got a great day of sailing yesterday...it was as flat as a milpond, 10-15kts 18 degrees and sunny! We were commenting it was like a Summer day in the Lakedistrict (as it suddenly started raining...but then stopped).

I agree it is no Monaco or Cannes, but it is better than the UK for me!

Are you guys in OV/Marina Bay?

They even have a Pub quiz on a sunday evening at the Lounge bar Queensway.

Come sun or shine....I am stayying here!

Paul

Capnsensible is near you. I am not. But I don't miss anything either, viewing all this from a great height

Are you attending the pub quiz next Sunday ? Is it fun ? Good Quiz ? Nautical or General ?

 

[capnsensible]

Having a small PM problem that may need me to and find the fine tuning hammer. I will not be long......

 

[Ubergeekian]

It seems that people either love it or hate it. No in between.

On the plus side, I reckon Gib has:
...Virtually no crime

Apart from an economy which is hugely dependent on drug smuggling, you mean? And all the dodgy financial services which go with dubious tax regimes?

I'd prefer if we did with Gibraltar what the French do with their overseas départements: make it a proper part of Britain, subject to all British laws and with representatives in the British parliament. Who knows, perhaps that would be more acceptable to Spain than a sleazy tax haven on their doorstep?

 

[exfinnsailor]

Strange people on the Dark Side

We have been to Gibraltar a couple of times .. Really enjoyed it .. But there are a few strange people on the Dark Side ..

 

[VO5]

Apart from an economy which is hugely dependent on drug smuggling, you mean? And all the dodgy financial services which go with dubious tax regimes?

I'd prefer if we did with Gibraltar what the French do with their overseas départements: make it a proper part of Britain, subject to all British laws and with representatives in the British parliament. Who knows, perhaps that would be more acceptable to Spain than a sleazy tax haven on their doorstep?

Listen orbister, pay attention.

First of all there is no drug smuggling in Gibraltar because there are no drugs to smuggle. The drugs originate in Morocco, because that is where they are cultivated and where they are harvested.

They are slipped over the border into Ceuta (which is Spanish territory) which is on Morrocan soil, on the other side of the Straits of Gibraltar.

Then these drugs you talk about are transported across the Strait in fast ribs under cover of darkness by Spaniards and are landed in mainland Spain. So it starts and ends being a Spanish problem and has nothing to do with Gibraltar.

Now here is another cannonball roaring in your direction, so take cover or have your head blown off..

There are no dodgy financial services. All the financial services are very tightly regulated under very strict supervision to conform with all the requirements agreed by the financial community in Europe, the UK and the USA. And your dubious tax slur is just sour grapes, the politics of envy. LOL.

What you might or might not prefer, orbister, is of no consequence.

As you do not pay the bill, you have no right to bleat.

Gibraltar is totally self sufficient, has a huge surplus, and does not rely on the UK for one penny.

There are many British ex pats who live in Spain who would like to take up residence here who have similar insidious opinions like the ones you have.

Fortunately the elected Government of Gibraltar, in its wisdom, has created, like in the Channel Islands, a two tier housing system that effectively prevents undesireable and impecunious rabble settling here.

I am all in favour of it. I am in favour of a lot of things you are probably not in favour of I reluctantly have to tell you and just one of them is contained in the above paragraph for your benefit and my satisfaction.

It appears that you are equally ignorant about Spanish politics and Spanish foreign policy as well. You ought to learn the language and read the Spanish press with care, and then you would not make the inept and ignorant statements that you do.

You know nothing about the subject, otherwise you would not be making the ill considered statements that you do blurt out.

The Spanish people on the whole are charming and friendly and fun loving.

They unfortunately have inherited the remnants of the ghost of Spanish Fascism that is kept alive like a flickering flame by a progressively more distanced and irrelevant old guard on the fringes of national politics of a nation included in a modern Europe.

These are old political dinosaurs that have survived the fascist Franco era and remain involved with Spanish politics, but their days must be numbered within the political, civil and cultural stucture of what is essentially nowadays, a modern country.

If you want some more, come back and I will give you more, and have a good evening.

 

[relvidge]

Gib

You forgot JC's on draft

 

[tarik]

Love it

I have been going to Gib for over 30yrs that must say something, the locals are so loyal to UK it is very heartening. I put my money where my mouth is and bought property there - I'll be back there for Xmas anybody fancy a meet for a drink ( RGYC / Longe bar at Queensway / Biancas ???

David

 

[VO5]

You forgot JC's on draft

You don't mean he's on the sauce again ? Dear oh Dear....

 

[Ubergeekian]

Listen orbister, pay attention.

First of all there is no drug smuggling in Gibraltar because there are no drugs to smuggle. The drugs originate in Morocco, because that is where they are cultivated and where they are harvested.

And all those big, fast and surprisingly unluxurious speedboats in Gibraltar, what are they for?

There are no dodgy financial services. All the financial services are very tightly regulated under very strict supervision to conform with all the requirements agreed by the financial community in Europe, the UK and the USA.

Just like every other tax haven, then? I can see why you're so sensitive.

Gibraltar is totally self sufficient, has a huge surplus, and does not rely on the UK for one penny.

And yet Gibraltar doesn't seem to want independence. Odd, that.

 

[VO5]

I have been going to Gib for over 30yrs that must say something, the locals are so loyal to UK it is very heartening. I put my money where my mouth is and bought property there - I'll be back there for Xmas anybody fancy a meet for a drink ( RGYC / Longe bar at Queensway / Biancas ???

David

Here's just one anecdote..

At the announcement of the invasion of the Falkland Islands by the Argie Bargies the UK Govt under Maggie Thatcher dared not entrust the job of refitting (I think it was a hospital ship or a support vessel) in time for it to cross the vast expanse of the North and South Atlantic for it to get there in time. No yard in the UK could estimate less than ten months to complete the job.

The ship came to Gib....

Immediately everybody VOLUNTARILY set to, working round the clock to get her ready, I am given to understand the contribution was strictly voluntary and a matter of solidarity and collective pride.

I am told that the grannies, aunties, wives and girlfriends were very supportive throughout all this and took care of all the catering and tea making by the gallon while their men worked 24 / 7 until they were ready to drop.

The result ?

The vessel was made ready to perfection in less than six weeks, and sailed away without a further moment's delay to resounding cheers that could be heard across the border.

 

[VO5]

And all those big, fast and surprisingly unluxurious speedboats in Gibraltar, what are they for?

What speed boats ? Where?

Just like every other tax haven, then? I can see why you're so sensitive.

I am not sensitive I am sensible.

And yet Gibraltar doesn't seem to want independence. Odd, that.

Independence does not suit the Foreign Office either, or Nato for that matter.
In all other respects the territory is independent, self sufficient, well off, safe and civilised, which is more than can be said for other parts of the English Speaking World, probably including where you are lurking at the moment.

 

[Ubergeekian]

I have been going to Gib for over 30yrs that must say something, the locals are so loyal to UK it is very heartening.

So loyal ... and yet they clearly don't want to be British in the sense of "having the same laws as the rest of Britain". Not that I think we should hand 'em over to Spain: like the Falklands, it's the wishes of the inhabitants that count. But if they want to be British then, in the French style, there should be no half measures and they should expect to have all the rights and obligations of other Britons.

 

[tarik]

Loyalty

So loyal ... and yet they clearly don't want to be British in the sense of "having the same laws as the rest of Britain". Not that I think we should hand 'em over to Spain: like the Falklands, it's the wishes of the inhabitants that count. But if they want to be British then, in the French style, there should be no half measures and they should expect to have all the rights and obligations of other Britons.

Orbister - I'm afraid your are talking out of your rear orifice I won't rise to the bait - your views are not supported by the facts - suggest you do some research before quoting useless soundbites.

By the way the story about the shipyard workers refitting the supply vesssel is perfectly true - my sister's father in law was one of those workers. And they would do it again tomorrow if the need arose. I would be there helping make the tea!



David

 

[VO5]

So loyal ... and yet they clearly don't want to be British in the sense of "having the same laws as the rest of Britain". Not that I think we should hand 'em over to Spain: like the Falklands, it's the wishes of the inhabitants that count. But if they want to be British then, in the French style, there should be no half measures and they should expect to have all the rights and obligations of other Britons.

How do you mean to be British in the French Style ?

What gibbrerish are you posting now Orbister ?

What does that mean?

Qu'est ce que ca veut dire, Orbister? Quoi exactement ?

What do you mean by having the same rights and obligations ?

The people of Gibraltar already have the same rights and obligations.

The difference is that life in Gibraltar is like life in Britain ought to be but isn't, with religious and political and economic and social tolerance and happiness and harmony and comfort and wealth and general well being with beautiful scenery and a marvellous climate.

With zero crime.

In a society where people are normal human beings and care about each other, are kind to animals, and where children are treated as if they were little gods, worshipped, where there is no knife crime and anyone, including a lady or even a child can walk about at night anywhere without fear of being attacked or molested.

So don't be silly and express opinions again about that which you know nothing about, just for the sake of posting..

 

[Ubergeekian]

How do you mean to be British in the French Style ?

Being properly part of Britain, just as French overseas territories are properly parts of France. You'd have an MP, for example, and a UK postcode. You'd have a town council, too, though it would be more concerned with sewers and old peoples' homes than with inventing its own rules about who could live there.

What do you mean by having the same rights and obligations ?

Same laws, same taxes. We don't let the Isle of Wight or Solihull set themselves up as a tax havens - why should we let Gibraltar do so?

 

[capnsensible]

I reckon its because Gibraltar is a self-governing British overseas territory instead of being the Isle of Wight or Solihull.

 

[VO5]

Being properly part of Britain, just as French overseas territories are properly parts of France. You'd have an MP, for example, and a UK postcode. You'd have a town council, too, though it would be more concerned with sewers and old peoples' homes than with inventing its own rules about who could live there.
Same laws, same taxes. We don't let the Isle of Wight or Solihull set themselves up as a tax havens - why should we let Gibraltar do so?

Now listen Orbister please.....

We are not interested of being levelled off in the way you are.

Nor are we in favour of being dumbed down like you are, sorry.

Why would Gibraltar want an MP ?

Is it ito face the embarrasment of what MP's get up to in the House of Commons ?

What is the use of a UK postcode, when the Royal Mail lurches from crisis to crisis and does not ultimately function ?

Town council you say ?

Wot for ?...

Wot for Orbister, why ?

So they can make a mess of things by deciding not to decide and deciding they cannot, like the parish pump politics endemic where you have the misfortune of being, with an icicle on the end of your nose and a hot water bottle for company ?

First of all the sewers run perfectly here. They run by gravity feed. They are very well maintained. Considering the amount of rainfall of monsoon proportions that may fall when the rock is under a cumulonimbus or a cluster of cumulonimbuses, flooding on the proportions you have over there are unknown.

You would like the rock to be the same would you ?

The answer is NO. NO . NO.

Now about the old peoples' homes....

You ask anyone here...anyone...

The old peoples homes are like what in your wildest and most fanciful dreams you can not imagine.

Middle aged people put themselves on a waiting list just in case, by the time they are ninety, there might be a place for them in these highly coveted residences. They are run like luxury hotels. Palaces. There is no expense spared.
The food is Cordon Bleu every day. Every weekend is a party.

This is a caring society orbister, not a gulag like the one you are unfortunately imprisoned in but have not yet realised.

The wrinklies and crumblies are the treasure of the rock. They have a lot of experience about living.

Living is what is done on the rock.

Existing is what you habitually have to endure where you are.

These are two very different situations, it has to be explained clearly as possible so that you can get some reality on what it is like not to have to endure and survive in a society that does not care, in which its government derelicts its duty of care so that wretched elderly persons are bullied to sell their homes just so that they can get sanctuary and care in their old age, which you must concede beside yourself is a disgrace.

That is only one example of the level you lot have sunk to that we refuse to.

We have none of that here. The youngsters take it in turns to visit the old, frequently.

like every week, or every few days.

They are taken out.

They are entertained, they are made to feel they are still part of society, that their contribution in earlier years is of significance, that they are respected and cherished and treated as if they were sacred monsters.

This is a very different scenario to the one you have, with apalling reports of neglect, disregard, disrespect, even violence and a whole catalogue of negative sentiment and behaviour too long to enter here.

Dreadful.

You are impertinent to assume your ideas are superior.

They are far from being superior. They are dire. Awful. Indefensible.

A society that regulates itself properly not by imposed mandate in the form of fascism or dictatorship but by its public awareness, its charitable nature, its tolerance, its trust, earns the right to choose who is allowed to live among its citizens and who is not.

In order to be able to have the right, the citizens have to earn it.

People earn the right by behaving properly towards one another.
Amongst other qualities, by being considerate, helpful, kind, generous, open hearted, sincere, loyal, honest, truthful. law abiding, industrious, innovative, tolerant, creative, friendly, positive, steadfast, determined and harmonious.

What next orbister ?

If you come back for another one...I will gladly give it to you..... ...for your benefit and to my satisfaction once again or however many times you like orbister indeed...

I am here to respond to each as deemed fit according to individual conduct.

I had the honour to serve in a regiment whose motto is "WE NEVER SURRENDER"......just so you know where you stand.....