Sunday 15 May 2011

A Dark and Cloudy Dawn but with a Small Hope of a Ray Of Light

In my last post I talked of a new dawn. In the first paragraph, I gave examples of a few positive signs but I am not so naive, as someone suggested, as not to know that there are also some dark clouds hiding the rising sun. In my post "Depersonlised Comments to Improve this Blog", posted on the 1st May 2011, I anticipated the controversy that the electorate will be faced with at the forthcoming election.

I wrote : "My personal sadness is that the risks of the personal circumstances of anyone elected to the office of  Chief Minister having an adverse effect on Gibraltar are heightened by the democratic deficit that exists in Gibraltar. The very fact that our electoral system results in the election of a presidential style Chief Minister magnifies that risk, should the person offering himself or herself for election to that office be found to be wanting. If the electoral system was reformed to elect a truly representative government from amongst whom a Chief Minister would emerge, the risk would be somewhat diluted."

The essence of my point is that those who stand for election need to carefully consider their respective personal circumstances and ensure that these will not impact on the reputation of Gibraltar. I cast no stone but already we have the challenger to the post of "president" of Gibraltar being questioned in his first interview on GBC about certain professional issues that he faces. I do not castigate GBC for bringing these issues to the fore. I applaud Gerard Teuma for his incisive and hard hitting interview. He has set a new standard for interviews on GBC. GBC now needs to maintain that style and standard for every interviewee, whatever his office or post. GBC's much criticised independence and credibility, going forward, depends on it doing so.

The electorate has the right to know about anything that might impact on the ability of any candidate to properly undertake his or her duties as an elected representative, especially if the candidate is putting himself forward as a potential Chief Minister. The media has a responsibility to inform. In the same post from which I have already quoted above  I also wrote "The present electoral system converts the 10 votes that each voter has into one vote for a president who is known as the Chief Minister. This fact alone militates to comparisons  being made as between one potential candidate for the post of Chief Minister and another and criticisms of each." This is exactly what has happened. Mr Picardo was asked about certain professional issues that he faces; in part defence he retorted by making certain assertions against Triay & Triay, pertaining to a period during which Peter Caruana was a partner.

Unfortunately for Mr Picardo there is no comparison between the cases he was quizzed about and the matter that he alluded to relating to Triay & Triay and so to the Chief Minister. I fully stand behind, support and repeat the statement, issued by No 6, that Mr Picardo's assertions on the Necora case are untrue and false. The circumstances of where Mr Picardo finds himself professionally are completely different and the cases involving him are still ongoing. He also said that Triay & Triay lost its libel case against a newspaper in Spain. This statement by Mr Picardo is not accurate.  The Necora case  involved the arrest in Spain of a Gibraltar lawyer who had no connection and had never had any connection with Triay & Triay. Mr Picardo should, as a lawyer himself, know that repeating statements that have been already found to be defamatory is itself defamation.

The theory that I have been preaching for a long time is that the confrontational style of politics that play out in Gibraltar do not improve Gibraltar; that this style is partly caused by the electoral and parliamentary system that Gibraltar has; that, consequently, one route by which it can be alleviated is by electoral and parliamentary reform. It is a theory that most politicians have discussed, accepted and consequently promised reforms to change the system for at least the last 35 years, which is the time that I have been politically aware in Gibraltar. None have progressed the issue, save that, thankfully, the 2006 Constitution was drafted in manner to allow for such changes to be enacted by our Parliament. I would have preferred these matters to have been resolved and included in the Constitution, leaving within the Constitution sufficient flexibility for future improvements, but it was not to be. 

Now, at long last, we have the GSD Government inviting the GSLP Opposition to achieve reforms as a matter of urgency. Now we also have the GSD Government publishing an outline of its proposals and inviting the GSLP to make suggestions. This may be a ray of light in an otherwise cloudy dawn. I know that there are skeptics that do not believe the reforms will actually come about. I am optimistic and refuse to be a skeptic on this issue. I am not prepared to believe that the two mainstream parties will be so cynical as not to progress the promised reforms. The electoral reaction to that would be too vociferous. The loss of trust and confidence in the system of government too great. The repercussions serious, in this age of internet freedom and communication.

Time will tell whether the GSD proposals go far enough. They are certainly a start. They do not deal as yet with details, such as the electoral system or the issue of  direct representation of people in Parliament. The GSLP may wish to make suggestions in this regard. We will see. I hope and trust that the issue will be fully aired and debated and that the reforms will be robustly democratic whilst balancing the need for the ability to govern not to be seriously compromised. However, if reforms are to be implemented there must be legislation before the next election, otherwise the window of opportunity will close.

One important facet of democratic government is inclusion. Inclusion helps to avoid confrontation. It helps to attract more participants. It will help to ensure that a void in government does not result. It will ameliorate the possibility of scandal affecting Gibraltar adversely. Gibraltar's success and administrative and territorial integrity are best safeguarded by ensuring good governance. The chances of good governance are enhanced by the greater participation of people and also by systemic checks and balances. Any reforms should bear these considerations in mind.

Reforms should enable more people to involve themselves in politics at an earlier age, encouraging candidates to get involved at an early age will ensure that experience can be gained and continuity of government secured. I would hope that reforms would also encourage consensus in the manner in which Gibraltar is governed. All existing parties adhere, in the main, to the centre ground of politics. It should not be difficult after any election for those elected to join together to govern in a government of unity. I do not have the depth of knowledge of political theory to design a system that will deliver these ideals but it cannot be beyond the wit of those learned in this subject to be consulted to design a custom made system to work in a place like Gibraltar for its best advantage. I urge our politicians to seek advice. There is no shame in that.

How can the electorate help? Easy, do not block vote for parties. Even though I have decided not to stand for election, for the present, the strategy that I have proposed in the past still stands. Use your 10 votes wisely. Look at each individual candidate. Analyse his or her character. Decide on his or her salient political characteristics;  believe me, in both parties there are those who lean more to the centre right and those who lean more to the centre left. Try and understand who each is as an individual. Then vote for those you consider to be the best and most suitable candidates, ignoring the party acronyms beside their respective names. If no party gains a majority so be it. Let them sit round tables behind closed doors in smoke filled rooms (possibly not smoked filled any more) and negotiate a package of policies and measures that will benefit Gibraltar. They know they can do it just force them into it. Gibraltar will be radically changed for ever and for the better if this is achieved. 

211 comments:

  1. FP might have issues on-going but the truth is that many millions went to a consultant without tender.(airport project)

    I remember the winston days and many youngsters made money out of it but today its only a few moving containers that make the bucks and i mean big bucks!!!!!

    What is worse?

    I do not defend the Winston days but the reality is that today we don't see fast launches simply because they don't smuggle tobacco they rather risk them for something else!!!

    A new prison has been built and i believe it to be almost full.Does anyone know how many prisoners were the peak during the Winston days?Certainly more than now.Socio-economical prosperity at what cost?

    Robert,perhaps you should write something about the direct link between political managment and crime.

    D

    ReplyDelete
  2. There should be a full enquiry into Picardo and his antics. Democracy requires we know who will be managing our affairs should he be elected. Strikes me London and Madrid could have a field day with Pucardo. And to think he was the only person to contest the GSLP election.

    ReplyDelete
  3. D
    All expenses related to the Airport Project have been supplied in detail in the House of Assembly, by the way the consultant is not a person, it is Montagu Group which was the main contractor for all the GSLP housing projects.
    With regards Winston, their is a big deference between selling retail and smuggling in fast lauches, toto YouTube and see for yourself. Let's not kid ourselves, the situation got so bad that the then deputy governor in defacto applied direct rule.
    J

    ReplyDelete
  4. Robert, I have the highest regard for you, and do not wish to cause you any disrespect but it would be a very sad day indeed, if after having failed to get to you through the FSC, they accomplished the mission through your Chambers. Sad because I honestly believe they would only be using you, promising you the earth in return for your silence and negative comments to the other side in order to help their cause. Once back in, any promises made to you would be quickly forgotten.

    If my observations are indeed mistaken, I apologise to you for inferring the above, and hope you don't take offence.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Anonymous at 21:49

    I can assure you that no one is getting at me in my chambers.

    ReplyDelete
  6. if you say so, then so be it.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Anon 21.49
    Please note that Robert is a Partner of Triays not ........
    Not all law firms and Partners are the same..
    And Triays have shown their principals for over 100 years...

    ReplyDelete
  8. J,

    Does it mean that because it has been said in parliament its the right thing to do?There are many wrong things said in parliament.I don't care if the same company was used by the GSLP or not what i can tell you that the expense is not warranted.

    I dare to say that certain Government department has the expertise to carry out such role why wasn't this not commissioned to them?Then we complain that we have an expensive civil service!

    We are living beyond our means and the CM needs to understand that this is simply not on and he will be defeated in the next general election simply because the electorate is not silly!!!

    The threat of direct rule could never be proven and there was no evidence to support such.I give you the benefir of the doubt on this one but if this was the case then the Chief minister of the time should be ashamed of it also.

    You seem to imply that i am a GSLP supporter,Well i am no!I am a citizen of Gibraltar who is very pissed off with the way this Government is running our affairs.

    I can tell you that today Gibraltar is a society that has less smokers but yet sells more tobacco than 20 years ago!!!
    Were does all the tobacco goes if there are no fast launches?

    Smuggling is smuggling no matter how you do it and today you see certain persons living a lifestyle that 20 years ago the fast launch boys couldn't even have dreamed of.

    D

    ReplyDelete
  9. perhaps someone can tell us how much revenue the Government received last year from tobacco import duty, and how much it received in 1996.

    anybody?

    ReplyDelete
  10. J
    I partly agree with your views, however, seriously speaking, you cannot get into a large project without specialised consultants, I am lead to believe that a large portion of the sums paid to the consultants are then used to sub-contract leading airport consultants from abroad, as obviously, we simply do not have that knowledge. That applies to Montagu or indeed civil servants... Frankly, I think that Caruana has learnt from his mistakes and now ensures that we do not end up with a deficient building. With regards to smuggling I agree that it doesn't do good for our image wether it is fast launches or people coming in to buy a cartoon to earn a living, pero, their is a big difference. Remember that even in those fast launches days the ones that made the big bucks were the importers...but that's a fact of life, today it is the same story. Mates of mine in school prefered to go out in fast launches than study...that surely wasn't the right thing for our people. Finally, I am not of any political party, and also have issues with the GSD... I want change but the alternative is definitely not good for Gibraltar for reasons we all know.

    ReplyDelete
  11. In 1996 tabacco revenue was around 30m today it is much higher, closer to 50m...main reasonis not volume driven, today sales of tabacco is substantially Lower than then, it is due to the fact that in 1996 a packet was selling at £1 and today that same packet is selling for £2.20... Less volume more income... Not a bad business proposition for us.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Anonymous at 22:40

    So many wanting change, a system that does not deliver good alternatives and it is controlled by politicians. How did we get ourselves into this mess? Perhaps voting YES in the 2006 Constitution Referendum? Oh dear ... some of us advised a NO vote precisely for these reasons ...

    ReplyDelete
  13. in 1996 Government received £7 million in import duty from tobacco.
    Last year it was £96 million!!!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Robert, our democratic system can only enhance by implementing the reforms, I hope that these will be incorporated in our next election. If that was the case is their still a chance that the likes of you and Gomez stand for election. Another question will the main parties have enough depth to present competent back benchers ?
    J

    ReplyDelete
  15. The gsd are only paying lip-service to the reforms because, a)Picardo is supporting it, and b)its the only way to keep Robert from standing for election and upsetting the applecart.
    They know the GSLP can win this, and they also know Robert will steal one of their opposition seats, and they would never live it down!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Anon 22.54
    I beg to differ.... So do GOG accounts... You are probably referring to sales and not import duty. And probably you are right on the 1996 revenue, that was before the GSD GOVT substantially increased import duty....

    ReplyDelete
  17. J

    We will see ... lets keep the pressure up on the reforms so that we get them before the next election.

    ReplyDelete
  18. the chief minister has set the standards so very high for participation in local politics, so so high are these standards that even picardo (the new leader of the gslp) seems on the verge of not making them according to the government, and this might be true BUT let us make sure that the same measure is applied to all those within parliament and if ANYONE is found wanting then let him be CONDEMNED with no minister or opposition member having any kind of immunity...let the real debate of ethics and standards in gibraltar politics and those of all our politicians begin...they may all be surprised to learn what a bad opinion most of public opinion have of them!!!

    Let the man who is free from any sin cast the first stone...

    ReplyDelete
  19. Anon 23.37
    I agree, pero lo Picardo is not a joke....their are many cases and heavy serious...
    J

    ReplyDelete
  20. and let's extend exactly the same debate to holders of high public office and posts...all those who are charged with serving the public...from top to bottom...then we can judge across the board if gibraltar passes the sodom and gomorrah test or if it fails as the tiny land of the big hypocrites!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Mr. Fabian Picardo impressed many on Teuma's Viewpoint. As Don Pepe wrote this week on Vox Online:Picardo se toreo todas las preguntas que le tiraron en el “interview" Although I do not think Don Pepe realised the accidental irony, torear is essentially about evasion and Picardo did it passably well. By the time that the embarrasing disclosure that Picardo's comment about the Triay Necora case was wrong came to light, Picardo had long left the ruedo. Most people do not read Llanito world and in the minds of many the message from Picardo that lawyers are always in and out of court and not just as advocates and that his involvelement in Noble and Banco popular are are in a days works for a busy lawyer will now be deeply ingrained. Fabian has got away with it in Round 1. His performance was very well received by the growing number of people who have had enough of Caruana and the likes of Holliday. Style over substance counts and Fabian makes up for his cavernous lack of substance with a degree of style which may not be great but leaves Caruana in his underpants. The GSD is in a tight fix.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Picardo is not blind and he is certainly not stupid, he knew full and very well the GSD would hurl this at him as soon as they could.
    Perhaps now we know why GBC was sanctioned to interview him alone for an hour on Viewpoint in the first place. This was the perfect opportunity to get him to answer something he hadn't in public before, and the GSD were ready and waiting with guns and cannons fully charged.

    I very much doubt that an ambitious professional who has the job of his dreams, the pinnacle of his career, in his grasp, would put himself out there and go for it, if he didn't know he could in the first place.

    In previous blogs, pro-GSD posters have stated that Picardo is the puppet of 'el sobrino' (remember the behind-the-scenes manipulating Boss? The one that, despite anon @ 22:02's attempts to cast aspersions on his chambers, runs the most successful law-firm in Gibraltar, ever and also employs a GSD executive member, the GSD founder member & previous deputy minister, and used to employ a present minister?). If this is so, (and the GSD cannot be wrong then & right now, can they?) would this legal-genius (that others can only dream of emulating) allow his best chance of taking control of No 6 knowing that he would fall at the first hurdle?
    Come on GSD-rumour mill & dirty-tricks department, you have to think your strategy through, the electorate is not stupid!

    Alternatively, STOP THE GUTTER POLITICS... IT DOES YOUR PARTY NO GOOD BUT MOST IMPOTANTLY, IT DOES GIBRALTAR EVEN LESS, & WE DESERVE MORE!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Good afternoon Robert

    I am sorry to learn of your decision not to stand as an Independent at the forthcoming election. The struggle of an independent candidate trying to get elected in Gibraltar is not to be underestimated. You deserve many plaudits for your efforts thus far and have rightly drawn the political spot light onto uncomfortable areas like electoral and parliamentary reform that had previously been allowed to stagnate.

    Your innovative and effective use of this blog in tackling many issues affecting Gibraltar, together with a willingness to stick your head above the parapet, demonstrate a level of civic concern sadly lacking in some of the present incumbents of our Parliament. I therefore hope that you have reserved the right to change your mind should no proper legislation regarding Parliamentary and electoral reform be put into place before this Parliament is dissolved.

    I wonder though whether we are all going to get genuine reform of our House, that will actually make a practical difference to how affairs are run? Or is this an electoral stunt, designed to placate a restless electorate and to assuage the most effective critic of Gibraltar’s current affairs, i.e., your good self? The devil of the proposed reforms will, as always, lie in the fine detail. For instance, I hope that the increase in number of “back bench” MPs will not be purely on party political lines. Otherwise I foresee an extension of the current Big Top level of repartee between our elected representatives to full-on Champions League semi final levels of vitriol: 2 larger teams of elected representatives, plenty of hot air from the two leaders with the outcome of each encounter decided well in advance and no prospect of appeal!

    ReplyDelete
  24. For the sake of clarity there are no Triay & Triay lawyers under investigation, whether partners or associates.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Picardo is at it again - and this time we hear it from the unlikely source of an Australian daily newspaper.

    Imagine our surprise when we saw in the Sydney Morning Herald newspaper edition of 10 April 2011, that a certain Tony Morris has been extradited from Sydney to London to face charges of defrauding a pension fund of £52 million. During Mr Morris's brief appearance in Southward Crown Court, the investigators revealed that Au$50 million of the funds had been recovered but Au$36 million was still missing.

    What is the connection with Picardo, you might ask. Well, some of you may recall that on the 1st July last year, the High Court in London described Picardo as having "a long standing relationship" with a certain Tony Morris. The High Court goes on to say that Picardo "had set up and administered" a number of Tony Morris' offshore structures and that "In so acting Mr Picardo at all times maintained that his client was Mr Morris."

    Picardo´s powers of analysis really came to the fore when the High Court described Picardo's evidence to the court as "confused as to the status of the money that his firm had received….". It appears that he gave the impression that "He frankly never seemed properly to analyse the situation but was quite willing to follow instructions given by Mr Morris provided he had a piece of paper which justified them. A good example of that was the Morris/Cerberus loan which his assistant created retrospectively to justify the repayment of the so called loan. He did not appear to check whether such a loan had in fact taken place."

    To be sure, it is insulting to the people of Gibraltar that the GSLP should propose as Chief Minister someone whose CV carries that sort of an endorsement from the High Court.

    Never mind. Bossano and Perez are staying in charge aren't they....:)

    ReplyDelete
  26. Robert, do you know if there are any other lawyers under investigation or with comments in judgements on them in any other law firms other than Hassans?

    ReplyDelete
  27. I think the interview, on balance, was a great first live performance on part of Mr Picardo. I was enthused to see a fresh approach by a local political leader, and not the stuck-up arrogance I am used to witnessing from other political party leaders.

    I am highly skeptical that Gerald Teuma can or will apply the same level of pressure on the Chief Minister should he do a solo appearance of an hour with live telephone calls being probed about all the "questionable" matters.

    I am with Robert 100% here - the interview technique is great if applied to all on an equal footing. Perhaps the discussion should defer until such a thing, if ever, happens.

    ReplyDelete
  28. This ought to be investigated by the Admissions and Disciplinary Committee pero no hay pelotas. Lawyers protect lawyers, particularly if the lawyer inquestion could be the next Chief Minister.

    ReplyDelete
  29. never realised the GSD's support extended as far as Sydney, Australia! My God estan unido como una familia ;)

    Paca Garse

    ReplyDelete
  30. But what are those responsible for discipline in the legal profession doing about this? This is the problem with the way the legal profession is supervised. It is too incestuous.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Well, well, RV in the end you are no different to any of the others. I don't for one moment believe your reasons for deciding not to stand for election. What do you take us for? I think the getting together of the GSLP and GSD to discuss parliamentary is just the excuse that you needed to back track and get out of the frying pan. What about all the other things the CIR was going to push for and impelemnt. Your credibility is in tatters. Perhaps you should from now on use my nome de plume.

    Marie Connor

    ReplyDelete
  32. Marie Connor

    I have too much respect for the gay community to use your nome de plume ... and none for your homophobic use of it!

    ReplyDelete
  33. Anon at 19.41 maybe the Chief Justice does not have a copy of the GP Noble judgment. I think the system is dependent on the matter being brought to his attention and he probably does not have a copy otherwise he would no doubt have referred the matter by now.

    ReplyDelete
  34. The GP Noble case is reported in the All England Law Reports.

    ReplyDelete
  35. All these cases have been there for a while now. It is obvious that the dirty tricks campaign of the GSD is out to discredit Fabian.
    They are using everthing they can get hold of. In the previous blog we had the antics of Isobel and Gibraltarian realities and they have forced Politiqueo Llanito and they have blamed the GSLP.
    Roon!! y Roon!!
    This is similar to many of things the GSD did in the 1996 election the difference this time is que la gente no se lo traga.

    ReplyDelete
  36. Robin Hood says:

    Some previous posts challenge the opposition for not coming out with any policies for the past 16 years. Perhaps this is a way of diverting unwanted attention from the pathetic way the current government is handling our affairs. My question is, should the opposition be formulating policy on how to govern or should this be the sole responsibility of government? My understanding is that the opposition’s primary role is to sound out the policy and decision making process of the government of the day and challenge any issues which they consider to be misguided. I believe this is done during the debates and questions in the House. The opposition can substantiate these arguments with examples of how such policy can be formulated in a different way, and perhaps suggest alternatives, but I do think it is their job to actually set policy as a way of navigating our course into the future. The only time a party in opposition should perhaps set out clear policies and give a vision of how they would handle matters under their leadership, is in the run up to a general election when they produce their manifesto. As far as I am concerned a party in opposition can choose to sit on the fence if they so wish, particularly when they are not privileged to all the facts, and they only have a moral duty to do otherwise to their membership and those who have elected them into that position. They are not there to be made scapegoats for the short comings of the party in charge.


    With this in mind I hope that when the GSD are finally ousted from ‘power’, they do not leave behind a similar mess to what Mr Obama and Mr Cameron have had to inherit in terms of the economic state of the country. There were even suggestions of notes being left behind in drawers in the Great British Treasury Department saying ‘there is no more money’, and if it happened in UK and US what guarantee do we have that it will not happen here? Imagine that!!! Mr Caruana has to leave number 6 only for the in coming leader to find that we are up the proverbial creek! So what does the new leader do? :

    1. Publicly declare an economic crises and spook potential investors away from Gibraltar, but put all the blame squarely on the previous government? This is the option adopted by the UK and US and despite their much larger and versatile economies they are still bouncing along the bottom.

    2. Pretend like the current government does that everything is hanky dory and keep on playing the hand?

    Tough call and one that I hope our future political masters do not have to make, but certainly one that needs to be called the sooner the better before we have no more chips to bet and we are asked to settle up.

    ReplyDelete
  37. But Robin Hood what planet are you on. Fabian Picardo said on GBC that economy was so good we could afford reduce personal tax to 10 percent. You read too much New People mate.

    ReplyDelete
  38. What nonsense Mark Ashbey was a scandalous ploy by the GSLP to worm their way into the good books of members of the community and then criticise the government and government ministers. It is even against the rules of face book to have a fake profile. This is what the GSLP stands fo. It is what it's leader embodies and the way he misled the public on gbc about operation Necora is a classic example.

    ReplyDelete
  39. The Ashbey profile was not fake.

    K

    ReplyDelete
  40. The economy is not bad. What is bad is the relentless reckless spending going on on patent useless nonsense until one day the chickens come to roost is what is happening hence the reluctance of the current government to transparent accountability.

    I am not Anonymous by the way, I am Cucumberbear, so there.

    ReplyDelete
  41. K no he wasn't fake just afraid to start a Face Book page in his own name for fear of reprisals. That's what a prominent member of the Alliance said. What a laugh. Do you really think we are all that stupid?

    ReplyDelete
  42. Cucumberbear speaks again and says:

    Irrespective of political divide Fabian Picardo handled the GBC interview very well indeed and did not succumb to several attempts to render him emotional, kept his cool and answered all the questions with clarity and directness, and very refreshing it is to see, for a change, by the way.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Cucumber bear Fabian misled the public in trying to deflect attention from his professional problems by misleading the public about Necora. How could he possibly say the libel case was lost when it was not? He should apologise to the public for misleading us.

    ReplyDelete
  44. perhaps the few GSD activists tasked with objective of insisting Mark wasn't real and blaming the GSLP on fraud should take note that the longer you insist the more ridiculous you sound.
    Give up! you tried but it didn't work, in any case we have a new group now, so you can start dreaming up ways of how you are going to close this one when you can't silence the voices of dissent! lol

    ReplyDelete
  45. anon @ 00:25 which prominent member, exactly? and when was this said?

    ReplyDelete
  46. Anon 00:25, before you embarrass your party or yourself any further do yourself a favour and read over the comments towards the end of Robert's last blog piece. Mark Ashbey exists, and he has ties to Gibraltar.

    The fact that he didn't exist was a poor assumption made by those fanatical GSD supporters and a fine example of the GSD spin machine hard at work; Gibraltarian realities indeed.

    ReplyDelete
  47. The GSLP have elected a new young leader bringing a breath of fresh air to a once tainted GSLP. Unfortunately one cant say the same for the GSD.

    Much has been said regarding the need for new blood to be introduced into local politics.

    Now we have a smear campaign aimed to discredit one of Gibraltars most prominent young lawyers. Surely there must have been other lawyers within Gibraltar that have been entangled in clients dubious activities.

    Fabian hasn't even had the chance to demonstrate his abilities as Chief Minister and we already have researchers digging out newspaper articles as far a-field as Australia.

    Certainly there appears to be a devoted number of individuals digging up such articles. I wonder who is behind all of this?

    Could it be that Fabian is now perceived to be a true threat to the GSD reign?

    The interview on viewpoint was in my opinion an attempt to discredit this new young leader. Though I believe Fabian demonstrated his true qualities in answering all the questions. I surely hope the same aggressive stance is adopted to other political figures should they also be invited onto viewpoint.

    I ask you Robert hypothetically given the exclusive choice of one of the two potential leaders available within Gibraltar politics. Whom would you choose Mr Picardo an unknown potential leader, or Mr Caruana an individual you have criticised extensively throughout this blog and whom you have experienced as leader for the last 12 years?

    Although this is a hypothetically question I would be interested in your answer!!

    DA

    ReplyDelete
  48. DA uses the word "young" three times in allusion to Fabian, "new" appears several times and of course "breath of fresh air" - no matter that Fabian is 40 and has been in politics for longer than most people in Parliamant today. After getting rid of the Great Old Scruff Joe B, the GSLP seems to be getting its PR campaign from the washing powder companies (New Daz Ultra?). In reality Fabian is not only teetering on middle age but as some one has already pointed out he carries more baggage that Louis Vuitton. Moreover I doubt that in quite as many major cases as FP. I do not know but maybe the others are more careful who they deal with especially since the Know Your Client requirements bacame law. Sorry but for me Fabian does not wash. Is there nobody else?

    ReplyDelete
  49. of course there will be others for whom Fabian doesn't wash, that's why we live in a democracy and individuals are allowed to hold their own opinions.
    In the same way, you will find, that there are many for whom Caruana & associates don't wash.
    Please get over yourselves, Fabain is the same age as Caruana was when he took over the throne of the GSD, and he was marketed by yourselves at the time as young too.
    The smear campaign is on full-throttle as is the vilify & ridicule one, everybody is aware of this, but please pick your arguments with more care, you are all becoming quite boring!

    ReplyDelete
  50. anon @ 9:02
    re-reading your post (i managed not to yawn this time) I note your last question asks a different question to the one i answered before, so for clarity, let me answer this one too...
    The GSLP are a party that hold Leadership elections every 2 years. Any member can put their name forward if they so wish. This year Fabian did and, with the unanimous support of the party, he was voted in. So, no, there is nobody else because the Party has spoken.
    Its called Democracy!
    In any case, the Party could have chosen Jesus Christ himself, and you'd say he mixed with sinners, you'd call him a scruff and you'd comment on his 12 associates as being suspect, well 11, because Judas would probably hold the membership of your party!!!

    ReplyDelete
  51. Anon 09.02 in responce to your comment, I assume then that you would prefer a politician younger in age.

    Probably you would then use the argument that a politician of such age was not mature enough to hold the position of Chief Minister.

    40 years old is in my eyes young with regards politics and mature enough to undertake the responsiblities of office.

    Unless you would prefer to impose such responsibilities on an even younger politician??

    So dont be too hasty with the Daz Ultra.

    As for knowing your clients I'm sure you would probably jump into bed with them?

    DA

    ReplyDelete
  52. Dear Robert...

    Whats your answer to DA 01.38 hypothetical question?

    ReplyDelete
  53. Theres a lot of talk on what a suitable age for a CM should be going on here. Both Barack Obama and David Cameron are in their 40s with a much heavier and diverse set of responsibilities than any local CM could ever have. If it`s good enough for the Yanks and Brits why do question this here ????

    ReplyDelete
  54. DA and Anonymous at 09:50

    I have criticised GSD policies and the style and the manner of government of Peter Caruana. I have also been critical of the GSLP and of Fabian Picardo.I have explained numerous times that my criticisms of the GSD have been more frequent simply because, by it being in government, there is more scope for criticism.

    I have also made clear that I disapprove of the elction of "Presidents". The answer to the question appears in the last paragraph of this very article under which the comments are made. I will not "Block" vote, so will not be electing either Petar Caruana or Fabian Picardo as "President" of Gibraltar. I will vote for individual candidates of every party who I consider will deliver democratic government and checks and balances in Parliament.

    I need to wait for two developments before I decide who these will be. First the announcement of the slate of candidates of each of the GSD, GSLP, PDP and any independents. Secondly, what those promised parliamentary and electoral reforms might be.

    ReplyDelete
  55. The only reason the now-defunct PLL FB group was heavily skewed in favour of the Opposition was that the GSLP Libs have a far greater and more active presence in internet social media. A certain senior prominent and illustrious Gibraltarian regularly posted long comments full of devasting criticism of Joe Bossano (and at times also of Juan Carlos Perez, if I remember correctly) and I never saw any of these posts being removed. So, as you can see, it wasn't all one-sided. Still, I see the GSD is trying to redress the balance in social media by recruiting, ironically, the very same person who allegedly propagated malicious text messages containing false information about the Deputy Chief Minister at the last election. Quite a coup for the GSD to get such a technically-literate operator to change sides. It's certainly going to be a dirty election campaign.

    ReplyDelete
  56. The GSLP sychophants do n't know whether they are coming or going. Some say Piquie is young and new, others that he is mature and the same age as Caruana when he became CM, others still compare him to Obama and Cameron (not Bliar?). As a GSD extremist who is always on the look out for defects in the GSLP I am delighted to see that (1) the posts on this forum show that the GSLP is becoming hysterical (ROFL) and (2) on TV yesterday Fabian did not blink. Now I do not know about you but I find that scary. Read John Borg's book "Body Language" Hasta Caruana Siempre!

    ReplyDelete
  57. the PLL FB group was not heavily skewed in favour of the GSLP at all, the GSD supporters were there however, they chose to remain quiet instead of engaging in proper debate.
    The reasons for this are unknown, whether they were just watching or feared to come out too publicly in favour of their party (its evident from this blog that no pro-GSD poster ever declares their identity, so they have something to hide or fear).
    Alternatively, it could be said they lacked the arguments and preferred not to engage in the first place as they knew they would lose the argument every time (this is also evident here, as very few ever come back to reply when they are questioned or put on the spot to produce evidence)

    ReplyDelete
  58. anon @ 10:37, yo estoy perdio! quien es el technically-literate operator?

    ReplyDelete
  59. anon @ 11:31
    blah, blah, blah!

    ReplyDelete
  60. Devils Advocate..

    Funny joke regarding democrats...

    They say Christopher Columbus was the first democrat. When he left to discover America, he didn't know where he was going. When he got there he didnt know where he was. And it was all done using tax payers money.

    Sorry guys thought this was rather funny!!!

    ReplyDelete
  61. Anon 01:38. To quote " Surely there must have been other lawyers within Gibraltar that have been entangled in clients dubious activities." yes indeed the most recent case is of Marrache which is yet to go to trial. The matter at hand is that your young fresh leader who has sat it out during four lost elections seems to think that discrediting the entirety of the legal profession to excuse himself of his own misgivings is hardly a sign of leadership but rather passing the buck quite conveniently. Having spoken to various lawyers from numerous law firms in Gib I confirm Fabian is the only one with cases on his head. It would be a travesty and a great danger to replace Caruana with Picardo. The evidence to date is enough to convince most.

    ReplyDelete
  62. Just a reminder to all that the GSLP / LIBS have had their second shadow cabinet meet today. Outstanding stuff. Democracy in action people!

    ReplyDelete
  63. Anon 20:59

    ANYTHING is better than DEDOCRACIA!

    K

    ReplyDelete
  64. a 200% increase on the meetings of the Cabinet itself!
    Now that's even more outstanding!

    ReplyDelete
  65. Fabian is a young lawyer : I agree
    Fabian has the gift of the gab : I agree
    Fabian is charming : I agree
    Fabian is convincing : I agree
    Fabian has serious cases pending : I agree
    Fabian risks Gibraltar if findings are adverse to him | I agree
    These are fact not gutter politics
    J

    ReplyDelete
  66. K
    GSLP now talk about gutter politics, funny, they have been doing precisely this for the last 16 year to the person of Peter Caruana. Now they don't want gutter politics, por que sera....open your eyes mate.
    J

    ReplyDelete
  67. Fabian has the right to defend himself from the latest accusations from the Government: I agree

    Both sides of the story have to be heard before formulating an opinion: I agree

    ReplyDelete
  68. Yes this young fresh new look GSLP is an awesome example of democracy in action after four lost elections under the same leadership the penny drops and they swap a 72 year with political baggage to drown an elephant in a pond, for a 40 year old who held the bosses hand for 16 years and who single handedly can burry the elephant and the entire legal fraternity at the drop of a hat.
    Change you can trust, por los cojone.

    ReplyDelete
  69. It appears the Government has issued a statement placing into the public domain all the cases in which Mr Picardo is involved. GBC says it will be reporting on them in the next few days! Picardo has come out himself saying it's gutter politics. What I don't understand is how can it be gutter politics if it's true. Either it's true or not. If it's true we are entitled to know and take it into account when we vote. If it's untrue then Mr Picardo should sue.

    ReplyDelete
  70. What really constitutes lack of judgment is Mr Bossano passing the baton to Mr Picardo instead of Mr Licudi. I have never seen a situation where a new leader is embroiled in things like this within weeks of being elected. It's unprecedented.

    ReplyDelete
  71. "First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win."
    Mohandas Gandhi

    ReplyDelete
  72. Anon 21.38
    are you comparing Picardo to Gandhi ? Ohooo lo que faltaba..

    ReplyDelete
  73. if Fabian as some people suggest carries baggage. Can somebody please explain why there has never been report/article in the local chronicle.
    Surely such accusations would have been plastered on a regular basis as was the Marrache Case.
    Sounds to me like activists are bombarding this forum in an attempt to discredit Fabian. Gutter politics is certainly evident and coming from the GSD corner.

    A former GSD voter

    ReplyDelete
  74. Well there have been articles in el economista, la expansion, el pais, el negocio to name but a few on the Blueprime case just google, banco popular+Picardo+Casanova. There have also been articles in the English speaking press about GP Noble.

    ReplyDelete
  75. Ni tompaco salio en el New People, Panorama, Vox,

    Luckily with Internet we can be informed...
    Search Picardo GP Noble
    Search Hassans Banco Popular

    now is the world and judges against him ???

    ReplyDelete
  76. At the height of a political corruption trial, the prosecuting attorney attacked a witness. "Isn't it true," he bellowed, "that you accepted five thousand pounds to compromise this case?"
          
          The witness stared out the window, as though he hadn't hear the question.
          
          The prosecutor again blared, "Isn't it true that you accepted five thousand pounds to compromise this case?"
          
          The witness still did not respond. Finally, the judge leaned over and said, "Sir, please answer the question."
          
          "Oh," the startled witness said, "I thought he was talking to you."

    Now why would they make jokes like this about the legal profession?

    Lolol

    ReplyDelete
  77. I'm not comparing Picardo to Gandhi, I am merely explaining how this works.
    You'll note the first 2 phases of this great man's vision have already passed, in fact only yesterday you were attempting the 2nd one.
    Today, we have begun the third.
    The fourth is but an election away!

    ReplyDelete
  78. It appears from how quick the replies are coming in reference Fabian, that certain bloggers are getting a hard-on.

    Publica esto Robert!

    ReplyDelete
  79. confused-dot-com17 May 2011 at 22:19

    Im sorry I am just one voter in the scale of things. But I've been seriously thinking about where Im gonna cast my vote at election time and I know I crave change, because i think any Chief Minister who has 'presided' or 'taken office' for 16 years, should bow out gracefully and make way for the next generation, but really what are my options?

    As promising and exciting as the 'new GSLP' outfit seems to be, how can I vote for a team whose leader (the possible Chief Minister) has not 1, or 2, but 3 cases pending? I mean this is not rocket science, my leader has to lead, and most importantly lead by example! Its ludicrous to think we have a role model in somebody with these kinds of issues.

    This requires very careful thinking and as an anonymous said previously, we need answers or proof that Mr. Picardo is suing these allegations. Otherwise we are really been blinded somewhere here because surely these are not the types of leaders we want/need? Are they?

    ReplyDelete
  80. Devils Advocate..

    What fun I derive from this forum Robert? The censored comments must be a revelation.

    ReplyDelete
  81. And you believe you can compare a lawyer with serious pending cases everywhere with Gandhi...? Sigue

    ReplyDelete
  82. 22.19
    precisely...

    ReplyDelete
  83. This election will be based on choosing the best of two "evils".

    ReplyDelete
  84. confused-dot-com17 May 2011 at 22:35

    I know that Mr. Caruana is an arrogant type, a micromanager, and a dragon with Government Ministers. With regards to his arrogance, it would be a bonus if he was 'nice' but really, who cares as long as he's managing our country with pride and clout. - which i believe undoubtedly he is.

    If he would fight this as his last election, I believe he is still the best option FOR NOW. The situation with Mr. Picardo is just not good enough I'm sorry. Just the fact alone that there are issues is already a bad move for any voter, because who can really afford to bet their vote on a candidate who ALREADY has cases pending relating to his judgement???? I mean.... alarm bells anyone?

    Gibraltar is certainly in desperate need of change, its palpable. But please, lets not get into a from Guatemala to Guatepeor scenario... now that would rally be stupid....

    I say the way to go is vote individuals with integrity and leadership skills who want to contribute to this country with no alterior motives.

    But I'm still confused-dot-com!

    ReplyDelete
  85. The choice will reflect how desperate you are for change?

    ReplyDelete
  86. Devils Advocate...

    Touche!

    ReplyDelete
  87. confused-dot-com17 May 2011 at 22:45

    I'm desperate for a new dawn! BUT AS LONG AS ITS FOR THE BETTER! Not at a cost that would be reckless or destructive, especially when we are hearing the alarm bells!! Surely we should be on guard there? No?

    ReplyDelete
  88. Ahoo the statement about Triay & Triay, Necora and the case having been lost is turning into a Bill Clinton moment: "I did not have sexual relations with that woman".

    ReplyDelete
  89. It would seem that the presumption of innocent is being in the main, conveniently overlooked here.
    You want to hang a man, (metaphorically speaking), before any evidence is even produced!!...

    ¿Quién no tiene o ha tenido algún asunto legal pendiente de resolver? ¡Eso no te hace culpable! ¿VERDAD?

    Show some respect and dignity… and a little courage, stop cowardly hiding behind anonymity.

    It would seem that society (ours) has still a long way to go.

    ReplyDelete
  90. que alguin le diga a Pinkie que mejor que se compre un dictionary, por que no da ni una !

    ReplyDelete
  91. Mr Buttigieg this is a man who asking us to vote him in to lead the country and you are asking for it all to conveniently be swept under the carpet. Come on please. We know you are unhappy with current administration and that is your prerogative but don't ask us to ignore serious issues that could well interfere with someone's ability to govern let alone whether he is suitable for the job. The evidence is there in the GP Noble judgment and the criticisms made by a High Court judge. You work in the courts. Should we ignore the very serious comments made by a judge? The Government appear to have taken the unprecedented step of putting all this in the public domain. Are you saying it's a witch hunt by the government?

    ReplyDelete
  92. confused-dot-com

    What alarm bells ?? Where I come from people are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. What we have now is the usual rumour mill in overdrive with people like your self commenting on gossipy hearsay. If Mr Picardo has committed himself in any way let the full force of the law come down on him.
    Until then the constant mailicious barrage that has recently taken an upturn is highly suspicious. Don`t believe every thing you read or hear because more often than not malicious gossip is exactly that.

    ReplyDelete
  93. Anon 23.44 take care of your priapism. Having it for too long can be bad for your health?

    ReplyDelete
  94. Anon 23.59 just read the GP Noble judgment and the comments made by the judge about the role Mr Picardo played in the case. That is not rumour.

    ReplyDelete
  95. confused-dot-com18 May 2011 at 01:04

    Anon @ 23.59

    I have news for you pal, court judgement papers are NOT HEARSAY!

    so maybe take the blinkers off love?

    confused-dot-com

    ReplyDelete
  96. Anon 23:44

    A witch hunt would be putting it lightly!

    J 21:19

    You seem to be very easily led, maybe it is YOU who should open your eyes.

    Last time I checked Picardo had not been charged as such. There is speculation and then there is the TRUTH.

    Furthermore could the Anons please refrain from blindly adhering to information that they have “googled” up on the internet? Many online publications will usually exaggerate of misinterpret facts in order to portray Gibraltar as a criminals haven, were smugglers run rampantly.

    I can’t believe I actually have to highlight these things, they should be common knowledge.

    K

    ReplyDelete
  97. www.bailii.org

    ReplyDelete
  98. I am a liberal and all I can say after reading the chronicle today is "for the love of your community Mr Picardo RESIGN, give someone else a chance before it's too late."

    ReplyDelete
  99. Presumably Picardo will now have to apologise to Caruana for the incorrect Necora allegations. The effect of this? Caruana 1 - Picardo 0. What a way to start an election campaign.

    ReplyDelete
  100. Por favor this is a storm in a tea cup. If Berlusconi doesn't go after his wild parties why should Picardo?

    ReplyDelete
  101. As it has already been repeated ad nauseam the GSD have been incredibly foolish in making this the emphasis of their political campaign.

    The Politiqueo debacle demonstrated one thing quite nicely, the GSD are quite happy to let their spin machine run amuck at the expense of their credibility in the eyes of the electorate.

    People are so fed up about Caruana that even these doubts about Fabian’s ability to lead a CABINET driven government will not sway them from voting against the GSD in order to remove the despot on top. It’s as simple as that and it was reflected in how an even greater number of people were prepared to vote for Joe at the time of the Panorama election poll even though he had lost four elections and still has the stigma of the events in 1996 hanging over him.

    The GSD should be arguing this election on the basis of facts and policies without trying to smear Fabian and the GSLP as a whole by insinuating that they were somehow trying to gather likeminded individuals into “GSD bashing groups” through Anonymous fake accounts when it has been comprehensively proven that these were outright fabrications on their part.

    That is why they will lose, because they stubbornly continue to try and implement their rule through fear as opposed to trying to inspire the people of Gibraltar.

    ReplyDelete
  102. confused-dot-com18 May 2011 at 11:52

    Kaelan... do you read the Chronicle?

    Maybe you should invest £1 today, may clear up a few doubts on Mr. Picardo?

    confused-dot-com

    ReplyDelete
  103. Trevor: the chronic !! Do people stil read this BOE 'boletin oficial del estado'
    Wow!

    ReplyDelete
  104. The content on today's Chron about Mr Picardo is frightening. How on earth can we take this guy as a serious contender to the office of the Cheif Minister?

    ReplyDelete
  105. I am a right wing populist but I have to agree with liberal Trevor who wrote before that Mr. Picardo has to resign. Not because the Blue Prime case implicates him in anything (that will be determined in court in due course) but because it would not do for a Gibraltarian chief minister to be involved as a key witness or any other way in a massive case of this nature - least of in Spain. The person who wrote, "Por favor this is a storm in a tea cup. If Berlusconi doesn't go after his wild parties why should Picardo?" is mocking Gibraltar and should be ashamed of himself. I know Fabian Picardo to be a man of principle who appreciates that the Gibraltarian common good takes priority over his political ambitions and he will resign. There are suitable candidates to take over the leadership of his party including Gilbert Licudi, Christian Rocca and Albert Isola and if needs be Charles Bruzon. GIBRALTAR REQUIRES IT.

    ReplyDelete
  106. Kaelan,

    que gracia me haces, havent you been the one who has exposed Gibraltar as a Criminal's haven over the last year!

    and mate, if we are reffering to facts, then just read what the judge said about picardo!! now thats a fact.

    how long do you think the spanish will take to catch on to this if Picardo becomes chief minister? im guessing they are just playing the waiting game!!

    ReplyDelete
  107. I hope that Fabian Picardo's response is robust and convincing. If the published details of the pending cases are not adequately defended I would question why his party ever allowed him to be involved in public life let alone run for the office of Chief Minister.

    ReplyDelete
  108. it seems obvious that the right winger from the GSD are out in force. They are will to be the judge and jury and are desperately trying to discredit Fabian. Pero do you all think that the others in the opposition did not know about Fabian before?
    Viven ustedes como la cancion Con ilusiones sera sera, Con ilusiones a si naci. Con Ilusions!!!

    ReplyDelete
  109. ya empezo el circo and let's see where it finishes

    ReplyDelete
  110. Aaaahhhh so the opposition knew about it & condoned it ! Pue vamo bien !

    ReplyDelete
  111. People need to stop focusing solely on law reports for evidence of bad judgement in Fabian's professional career as a lawyer (not his political career)
    and start concentraing on the evidence of Caruana's bad judgement in the time he's been acting as Chief Minister.

    Sure Caruana's obviously done a great number of good things during his time as the Chief Minister, but he's also made some poor decisions that have had reprecussions on us all.

    ReplyDelete
  112. Kaelan you have made the most telling point of anyone on this site, the Spaniards are playing a waiting game over this and when Fabian becomes CM they will his bollocks like a pair of ripe satsumas.

    ReplyDelete
  113. This is a very dangerous time for Gibraltar, it seems that the leader of the opposition may have his c**k in a vice and the Spanish Government (PP?) could have its hand on the handle. Does Gibraltar really want to take this chance?

    ReplyDelete
  114. I see the Circus is in town and Caruana is wearing the Top hat....vaya circo se ha montao! I am apolitical but I think that ALL our politicians should be ashamed about the way they are conducting themselves! Is this Politics?? Are these the people who are going to represent and lead our nation? Que verguenza y que pena! I think gibraltar deserves something much better and not be content with the "Better the devil you know" mindset that seems to be prevalent in town! I really believe "The Gibraltarian" has died and given way to an uncaring individual who is happy to go with the flow and not rock the boat even if it is required. Mientras que no me afecte personalmente, que hagan con Gib lo que le salga del alma! SAD!

    ReplyDelete
  115. Anon 17:51

    I am shocked by your mention of not taking law reports seriously. I cannot think of a better precedent than a law report to determine and analyse someones judgement.

    We should stop trying to darle la vuelta a la tortilla a look at the facts...and before you accuse me of it, I am not a GSD sychophant but merely someone looking at facts and making a responsible decision.

    If such facts (not allegations) are being put forward by the government, lets assess them, look at the evidence available (in official government websites and not only google Special Cornflake K que se te ve el plumero de picardin) and make a decision.

    Imagine the tripartite forum with Spain and UK holding such judgements against our chief minister? We would become submissive and loose all the credibility towards our self-determination which Joe Bossano and Peter Caruana so elequently fought for over the years.

    Make a decision...for our future...no recklessness please.

    Pa caparse

    ReplyDelete
  116. In view of everything that is happening...should we not start to consider Azzopardi and his party as serious contenders???

    People seem unhappy with Caruana and his collection of marionettes. Picardo is wrapped in scandal. Shall we give Azzopardi a try???

    As posted earlier, Im really tired and sick of hearing people complain and whine about the present caruana dictatorship, and then have this people say "Better the devil you know". That says a lot! We don't really care it seems! We shouldn't have to "put up" with anyone! That is not the whole purpose of the system!

    ReplyDelete
  117. http://www.vox.gi/Local/3772.html

    ReplyDelete
  118. Picardo has come out with a statement saying the judge was biased against him because we are a finance centre.

    ReplyDelete
  119. Robin Hood says:

    Reading the recent posts, it seems to me that the only option left for the GSD is for the GSLP to loose the election rather than the GSD winning it on merit. To my mind this means that the GSD, together with all those supporting it, can in effect only amount to a bunch of self proclaimed losers, perhaps one rang above Picardo if indeed it turns out that all these allegations go against him, and that is a big ‘IF’. So where exactly does that put our credibility in our political masters generally? For me the thought of the GSD winning the next election would be annoying, like a turd that just won’t flush!!!

    ReplyDelete
  120. cornflakes...nothing from you yet eh...

    Pim pom

    ReplyDelete
  121. at the end of the day, its all in the numbers.
    Bearing in mind, the results at the last elections,the PDP must have gained strength since the last election, so their share might rise a little above the 3% they gained in 2007.
    Whereas the GSD has lost some support over the last 4 years, this is evident from the many posters and others who come out saying they used to be a GSD supporter but now think its time for a change as the style of government and increased public debt is making them question the judgement of the Chief Minister. It is probable therefore that their share of 49.33% will go down.
    But, the GSLP core vote has always been there, and if their facebook support in the party's page, Alliance ministers pages, and on discussion groups like this one and others, is anythingto go by, the GSLP's support is rising daily above and beyond the numbers that supported them back in 2007, whatever the spin-masters of the GSD may have to say to the contrary. It's very probable then that their share of 45.49% will rise too.
    So on polling day, each individual will cast their vote according to preference, and if the numbers above foretell anything, the warn that whatever the GSD propaganda machinery come up with and however much they try to vilify and insult Fabian Picardo, his party is behind him, and the election is very much his to win and the GSD's to lose.

    ReplyDelete
  122. Completely agree. If the GSD get into Givt at the next election it will be as a result of the GSLP losing the election, and not through their winning it. Agree too that this says a lot. Winning an election because the other party lose it, as opposed to winning the elction on merit and due to it being what the electorate wants are two completely different things.

    Let's hope ALL GIBRALTARIANS and RESIDENTS with the RIGHT TO VOTE, really take stock and think things through before using their vote WISELY!

    ReplyDelete
  123. Robert just watched GBC, aqua el que se ha hablado mas es de Triay & Triay y el caso Necora..... So Picardo/Hassans have been completely cleared of any wrongdoing based on their arguments that the judge made a big mistake and is against finance centres... Que poder !!!

    ReplyDelete
  124. Another interesting point is that the disciplinary case is purely politically motivated by the Feethams....

    ReplyDelete
  125. yo lo metia a to en un cuarto, politicians & activists alike, y ke se maten ellos vivo!

    If this is May y todavia no sa llamao lo elections, no vea cuando lleguen, va a ve mierda hasta en la sopa!

    Master Cleaner mas vale ke se compre ma electric cars ke le van a se falta!

    ReplyDelete
  126. Do not underestimate the silent majority at election time.

    ReplyDelete
  127. Guys i think we got this all wrong! This gutter politics by the GSD has got to us people and is clouding out judgement here man. Picardo is innocent and the proof is that neither the bar council nor the AG nor his fellow partners have questioned or brought anything into play.

    There's no evidence on Picardo. He is the change we can trust. Por los cojone.

    ReplyDelete
  128. So the High Court is lying to us and got the facts wrong. I presume we will have to take Picardo's word for it?

    ReplyDelete
  129. All this hipe and hard-ons people are getting concerning Picardo.

    I know of 2 Gibraltar lawyers disciplined in the past and nothing to do with Mr Picardo and or the Maraches?

    Unfortunately complex cases make you susceptible to certain challenges and or risks. I supposed if you are a mediocre lawyer doing menial work the chances of being probed internationally will never really occur.

    Perhaps if Fabian had done basic mundane local legal work he wouldnt have been caught up in these complex cases.

    Mr Picardo is a prominent international lawyer; emphasis on the international. Working for one of the most highly acclaimed legal firms within Gibraltar. Some of these cases too complex to even be discussed/understood during the remainder of this election year.

    Yet individuals have the audacity to criticise and make comments claimimg to have read the England Law reports etc etc and know all the intrinsic details related to the case. Bollocks is all I can to those individuals.

    Carry on with conveyancing its less risky!!!

    ReplyDelete
  130. Anon 21:58. This is exactly my point, the judges, the union, Triays, Feetham, el tribunal en Madrid, hasta los mexicanos saben que lo que dice Picardo es viridico y we should trust him and the change he brings.

    ReplyDelete
  131. Anon 21:58
    It is people like you, GSD followers that judge our future Chief Minister based on unfair comments by a Judge that is known to be anti finance centres... Fabian has clearly exposed the true facts and the witch hunt against him.

    ReplyDelete
  132. Anon 23:03. Your not the copy paste lawyer who assisted Picardo are you ? Are you seriously suggesting that to be a prominent politician with integrity and good judgement you have to have cases questioning the very factors of your character that the electorate demands of it's leaders. Give us a break.

    ReplyDelete
  133. Anon 20:32

    I posted before going to the gym but Robert refused to publish.

    So here I go again............haha :)

    Anon 15:11

    Gibraltar’s crime rates are indeed at an all time high as is Tobacco contraband. One quick look at the Panorama or Chronicle will confirm this. Statistics are published on a monthly/weekly basis that gives substance to such assessments.

    This though does not mean that Gibraltar is a smugglers haven where dirty money flows like spring rain. In my opinion the Costa del Sol area is such a place. Spanish websites portray us as such for two reasons, one as a means to deviate attention from them and two to tarnish Gibraltar’s international reputation.

    I see you have interpreted my comments as you have seen fit. Well done gold star for you :)

    Anon 18:46

    Or maybe just maybe the PP is hoping Caruana who refers to the prince of Spain as “su alteza real” manages to win yet another election. Piensatelo, if the CM has conceded ground to the “friendly” PSOE imagine what the MOST extreme rightist right wing formation in the whole of Europe will make him do!

    Please think carefully before you respond to that because it is not only our future that is on the line, but our children’s and their children’s after.

    Oh so special....K :) hahaha

    ReplyDelete
  134. Anon 22:07 si picha to el mundo la tiene en contra el pobrecito de picardo.

    ReplyDelete
  135. Like anon 22.03 mentions these international cases are of such complexity that it would be unfair to attempt to scrutinze Picardos involvement.
    Even the Government through all its media hype hasn't the resources to fully comment/understanding the facts.
    One would consider the Governments opinion only if they had an International legal professional who over the years studied the case enough to provide an opinion.

    ReplyDelete
  136. Anon 22.07 I'm privileged that you think I am of the legal profession.
    Unfortunately I'm not?

    ReplyDelete
  137. And I thought we'd be spared of flakey K for one day. Dale que te pego con el niño y sus statisticas del crime. Niño the frontier is open, la Linea has unemployment of up to 40% that is having an impact on us.
    You have the audacity to talk about our children and our children's future whilst prancing around defending the party that brought us down to our knees and who single handedly dropped a generation of teenage smugglers on our door step.
    Today Gibraltar is considered by most Gibraltarians as incomparable to just a decade ago and described by most who relocate here as dream land by comparison to most modern wetern economies.
    In short, you are talking bollocks and urge you for the sake of your own ego and to save you further embarrassment that you consider what it is that Youvare saying.

    ReplyDelete
  138. Anon 22:17. "One would consider the Governments opinion only if they had an International legal professional who over the years studied the case enough to provide an opinion." a flipping judge in the UK doesn't agree with you mate. A hearing in Spain currently ongoing does not agree with you, these cases are live and ongoing.
    For the live of God people let's stop with the spin, the guy is in it up to his neck.

    ReplyDelete
  139. wimbledon's come early this year...
    pelota tenis pa ya, pelota tenis pa ka, pelota tenis pa ya... OUT! ahora a quien le toqua?
    Pelota tenis pa ya... FAULT!
    Y como se llama el umpire? Vasquez?
    y lo linesmen, quien prefieren ke gane?
    pero aqui dejarse de usa love en lo scores porke aqui de love hay poco!

    ReplyDelete
  140. Kaelan I do not know if you are old enough to remember that the GSD have led Gibraltar with a PP Govt in office before and done a great job of it.

    ReplyDelete
  141. Robert mojate, what did you think of Picardos press release about your firm affairs in the Necora case, the anti-finance centre judge and the politically motivated desaplinary case ???

    ReplyDelete
  142. Anon 22.25.

    I take it you know all the ins and outs of the case.

    Bollocks is all I say.

    Give us a detailed breakdown of all the facts otherwise piss off.

    Facts and details is all I'm interested in and like you said this investigation is still ongoing. So neither you nor me can comment justifiably.

    Why because we lack facts and details!

    ReplyDelete
  143. confused-dot-com18 May 2011 at 22:40

    Robert i feel bad for you. Any and every piece you write ALWAYS ends up en lo mismo. O Picardo o Caruana... bla bla bla zzzzzzzzzzz. Maybe you should consider doing an LW poll and lets see how we clock up the points en ves de hechar tanta mierda.

    Pero desde luego que el que no se de cuenta lo peligroso que es tener un Chief Minister capaz de estar metido en tanta mierda esta SIEGO!!! Como digo... ALARM BELLS everyone!!!

    confused-dot-com

    ReplyDelete
  144. Robert I assume my response to anon 22.25 has been censored.

    I would like to know your opinion as a lawyer?

    Are there enough facts either released by the Government and or other sources locally to merit providing a true opinion on Fabians professional performance.

    Dont hide away from this question Robert

    ReplyDelete
  145. Anon 22:34

    THAT PP Government was NOT this PP Government, if not time will tell.

    Anon 22:22

    I have not defended any party as such merely stated FACTS. If these are not to your liking then there is not much I can do.

    Furthermore I do not know if you have noticed but the GSLP of today is a totally different animal to the one of 16 years ago. Please stop scaremongering it looks desperate.

    Finally please note I will happily make a fool of myself if in the process I manage to raise awareness.

    Ps – since when was quoting statistics published by the Chronic and the Panorama courtesy of the RGP and the Government “embarrassing”?

    K

    ReplyDelete
  146. I have already said Necora was NOTHING to do with Triay & Triay. The highest court in Spain found that Triay & Triay had been libeled and allegations made against it were lies. Picardo has accepted this rather churlishly. As Necora had NOTHING to do with Triay & Triay it CANNOT be compared to the situations that Picardo finds himself in. Both cases referred to in relation to Picardo involve HIM personally.

    A High Court Judge is a High Court Judge that he has been criticised in another case is of no relevance to exonerate Picardo but I do not judge him, one can only go by what the High Court Judge has said which is a matter of public record.

    I do not know the details of the disciplinary case. It is still under consideration. It is not correct for me to comment on it.

    ReplyDelete
  147. Thanks for your opinion... I hardly heard him excusing himself for his words regards your firm. Who considers the disciplinary case, is it a local judge ?

    ReplyDelete
  148. Disciplinary matters are considered by the Admissions and Disciplinary Committee who advise the Chief Justice.

    ReplyDelete
  149. Hal que dice lo interesante que es que el disciplinary case was motivated by the Feethams, picha Michael Feetham jr took the Vox to court for libel and won. As part of the case it was revealed that Picardo had advised Vox behind the scene when Feetham was being represented by Hassans, Mr Picardo's firm. This all came out on gbc and the chronicle as a consequence of a statement provided by Peter Schirmer the editor of Vox. Apart from that there is a complaint by the Union because Picardo acted for Joanna Hernandez when he had previously acted for people she had instituted an investigation against. El tio es maravilloso.

    ReplyDelete
  150. Anonymous at 22:45

    This is a political blog not one in which I judge people nor is it my job to judge people. People know what is in the public domain so each one will decide for themselves. I would pose two questions, is it right that Gibraltar should take any risk, if there is the slightest chance? Is someone whose mind is engaged on such complex and important legal problems the right person to lead Gibraltar or should he wait till all issues concerning him are resolved?

    ReplyDelete
  151. Robert is the Government in a position to provide a fair opinion of the details related to Mr Picardos case?

    ReplyDelete
  152. It is in a position to make people aware of factual aspects and as provide as fair a view as Picardo has provided on Necora and his own subjective take on the two cases involving him.

    ReplyDelete
  153. I have a few questions which would be grateful if you could answer |
    how long can a disciplinary hearing take ?
    How long can the GP Noble case last ?
    how long could the Banco Popular case last ?
    Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  154. Do some of the factual aspects as displayed by the Government provide a true picture of the case as is, iIrrespective of whether the view provided by Picardo regarding Necora is as fair?

    ReplyDelete
  155. Anonymous at 23:07

    Disciplinary matters should be dealt with promptly and quickly but it depends on how actively the Committee acts.

    The GP Noble case ... it depends certainly months but if there are appeals, years.

    Cases in Spain tend to take years so Banco Popular case may take years.

    ReplyDelete
  156. Anon 22.58
    What you say excuse my word is BS.... If all you say is true why hasn't the disciplinary committee acted ??? Less political murder and more political fairness......

    ReplyDelete
  157. The disciplinary committee has taken a year and a half on the Unite complaint and it still has not been resolved. Is that a sign of innocence or the shambles of our system?

    ReplyDelete
  158. Ask Ricki Rhoda why these cases take so long?

    ReplyDelete
  159. Anonymous at 23:10

    The Government quote from the judgement of a High Court Judge in the case of GP Noble. It provides factual information on the Banco Popular case obtained from public sources. I can say no more than that.

    ReplyDelete
  160. Robert why is Triay and Triay mentioned in connection with the Necora case? What is it all about? Why has Fabian mentioned Necora and Triay and Triay?

    ReplyDelete
  161. Are these the comments of a Spanish Judge?

    ReplyDelete
  162. I believe the disciplinary case has been pending for over two years.... So either the is no case or ....

    ReplyDelete
  163. Anonymous at 23:20

    Ask Fabian ... I have given all the explanations ... Triay & Triay had nothing to do with Necora Traiy & Triay was found to have been defamed by the highest court in Spain as Picardo has admitted i his statement.

    ReplyDelete
  164. Anon 23.21 how can it be right for a disciplinary case to take two years. Unfortunately the system in Gibraltar is a shambles. What are they waiting for the result of the next election?

    ReplyDelete
  165. Well that is not what Fabian has said. He has been rather more circumspect.

    ReplyDelete
  166. Anonymous at 23:26

    I called it churlish already ... his spin for favour him perhaps? He did say clearly that Triay & Triay had been libeled.

    ReplyDelete
  167. Was the highcourt judge dealing with the GP noble case Spanish?
    If so could the Spanish view of our finance centre have contributed to the Judges comments, especially since a Gibraltarian lawyer was involved in such a high profile case?

    ReplyDelete
  168. Well I am not suggesting this is the case, but they do expose themselves to the criticism that they are waiting to see whether he will be CM. Noble is a serious case. The judgment was published in July 2010 and must have been referred by the CJ shortly thereafter. This inactivity is very unsatisfactory indeed.

    ReplyDelete
  169. The GP Noble case was dealt with by a good old fashioned English judge of the Higj Court.

    ReplyDelete
  170. Anonymous at 23:32

    The GP Noble case is a Case in the High Court of England and Wales so the judge is English.

    ReplyDelete
  171. Just seen an article in the Government newspaper seven days, dated 18th September 2009. Issue no 171.

    It states if the High Court judge accepts the evidence provided by Mr Picardo he most likely will be exonerated.

    Can somebody please explain what all the fuss is about. This is info obtained from seven days news paper.

    Yet we have hundreds of comments in this crucifying Mr Picardo and his eligibilty as possible Chief Minister.

    Once again providing opinions on complex cases without the facts.

    Sorry if I've burst a few GSD bubbles.

    ReplyDelete
  172. The 7 days was quoting from a judgment given, not in the trial, but an interim injunction to freeze assets. A different judge there said that if mr Picardo was believed he would be "acquitted". He used the word "aquitted" not exonerated.

    ReplyDelete
  173. I've just checked seven days as mentioned by anon 23.56.

    How can the Government have the cheek to exploit the issue of Fabian when in their own newspaper 2009 they a talking about him being exoherated.

    Looks like the Government having been reading their own newspaper.

    What a joke!!

    ReplyDelete
  174. Anon 00.03 explain where you retrieved all this detailed information?

    The article certainly doesnt mention any of your so called detailed info.

    For the normal layman could you explain what the true definition of acquitted means? I assumed it meant certified innocence.

    ReplyDelete
  175. The way I see it EVERYBODY will have some sort of baggage or problems in the past they'd rather not be associated with. This is a small unforgiving town where there are no secrets and people, in the main, are straight and down to earth, and therefore take no prisoners. For whatever reason, it seems there is only room for 2 sides, and most people identify with either one or the other. So at the end of the day, we can shout, insult and bully the others while we support, exault and promote our side ad nauseum, but little will be achieved, other than every single piece of dirty laundry being aired for all to see, here, in UK, and in Spain.
    It has always been said the the Gibraltarian is his own worst enemy, and in this election we are going to prove this so well that its going to have to form part of the new reforms & be enshrined in our constitution!
    I believe Spain and UK are watching and noting down all the wonderful ideas we are happy to produce and pass on.
    Can we not accept the fact that the government/GSD has spoken and the opposition/GSLP has spoken too. We all know everybody's stance on the issues that have been discussed here for the last few days, so can we move on now, and discuss issues that affect the day to day lives of gibraltarians?
    I'd hate to think that this is the only topic that is going to be discussed for the next few months because life is too short to waste on the same ping-pong match, day in, day out!

    ReplyDelete
  176. The next election will rest on the issue of integrity of the two personalities that personify the two main parties contesting.

    ReplyDelete
  177. Bossano stated that he was staying on to ensure that Fabian Picardo did not do crazy things when he became CM. He failed to add that that he was aware that Fabian had done crazy things before and thats why he was going to be around to ensure he did not repeat those mistakes. So people stop worrying about Fabian being the next CM. Bossano will be there controlling him.

    ReplyDelete
  178. Robert you are like what my grandmother would have described as a boiling pot of milk..all hot and ready to boil over on the issue of reform of parliament and all you need is to blow a little and it cools down immediately. A paper tiger. You were just a storm in a teacup and a disappointment

    ReplyDelete
  179. The fact of the matter is that Picardo is now a lame duck candidate. The best thing for the GSLP now to do to have any hope of winning the election is to dump him with the minimal of fuss and get Lucidi in so as to get the electorate focussed on the issues that matter on the election campaign table. For as long as Picardo remains the issue will always revolve around the integrity of the man

    ReplyDelete
  180. Robert, i think your record number of posts is because in the grand plan to discredit the threat that is Picardo, your blog would become a place for GSD activists to show their support to the All Knowing and to continue the battle.

    creo ke te estan usando!

    ReplyDelete
  181. Dear RV, on average how long does it take for a comment made to be approved, moderated and published on your blog?

    ReplyDelete
  182. Anonymous at 00:41

    Usando? How can you say that? Everyone is freebto comment. Most times I get accused of being an anti-GSD forum suddenly I am an anti-GSLP forum. I must be doing something right.

    Anonymous at 00:47

    There is no average. It depends on when I access the site. I work and sleep and have a life, so I just do my best to do it as frequently and quickly as I can. Usually between 9 pm and midnight I have more time so moderation between those times can be faster.

    ReplyDelete
  183. In the last 23 years 3 Gibraltar lawyers have been arrested James Levy QC in the UK in the Barlow Clowes case, John Azopardi in Spain by Baltazar Garzon and Chris Finch in London in 1999. All were subsequently exonerated.Under our system all are innocent until proven guilty and the same applies to Fabian Picardo 100 times over because he has not been accused or charged with any offence. but he should not be seeking election as Cheif Minister with these investigations hanging over him.

    ReplyDelete
  184. usando Robert because its not about your blog anymore, and its less about giving the freedom of speech, under the cloak of anonymity to those that fell oppressed and will not speak out for fear of retribution.
    Instead it has become the launching pad for a handful of party faithful to throw the same mud incessantly in a bid to keep this issue alive because its the only issue they want discussed, as the rest of the issues maybe initially declared fantastic, but when contradicted and questioned further, they have little or no argument and cannot sustain the debate, and that is the essence of this blog, is it not Robert? or are you going to allow yourself to play into their hands and provide a mud pit for them.

    ReplyDelete
  185. this government has been here for to long not on my wishes but of the blind and easily bought Gibraltarians who say llanito 100% and live in spain permanently Time for change and to say un poquito mas G.S.L.P. hasta la muerte, is el GSD looking after the interests of our young and new ones to come cos GIB IS LOOKING LIKE MONACO TODO PAL RICO Y NA PAL POBRE a weno mahora a los del patio chico le da un bonus de 1000 pounds a cada uno por callarse se nota que it's election time, weno gente hablando un pokito de todo cuando a llegao tan cerca la guardia civil anuestras aguas y no la echao huevos el ranger or the trumpeteer ONLY SINCE THE G.S.D. has been in government

    ReplyDelete
  186. Good morning Robert

    The majority of comment on this thread has obsessed with the pros and cons of Mr Picardo's suitability as CM relative to that of Mr Caruana. Respective positions on either side are becoming ever more entrenched and acrimonious. I have no doubt that the mudslinging will intensify in the coming days and weeks with all the usual negative aspersions bandied about. The PDP will no doubt also chip in from the sidelines in their ongoing effort to gain respect (and good luck to them).

    In the midst of all this metaphorical flag waving, tub thumping and proclamations of whose champion suits best, it seems to me that we, the people, are not only being neglected but suffering further division. What Gibraltar needs is balanced direction from its elected representatives for the benefit of the whole town. Granted, the current GSD administration has finally published a draft outline of some electoral reforms. Will these reforms be along the lines of the 2006 Constitution, i.e., a document which seemingly took years to put together and was still, in my opinion, not fit for purpose because of the inclusion of the Trojan horse of the Utrecht reference? How can we, the people, trust that these reforms will be put together in a timely manner and enacted so that Gibraltar’s interests are best served, not those of our elected representatives?

    Although nobody has been forthcoming to stand with you in a Coalition of Independents, I think that you perhaps underestimate the groundswell of popular support there is for a person with no main stream party political affiliations and with the best interests of Gibraltar’s democracy at heart. To some extent, I think that Mr Gomez did an admirable job at the last election by making many people change their attitude to the traditional block vote. The number of people who voted for him is testament to that.

    Therefore, a good reason to have stayed in the running as an Independent candidate is playing itself out in front of us all on this very thread. "Variety is the spice of life" and it seems to me that if you had remained as an electoral prospect, you would have provided a physical focal point on Election Day for your argument towards splitting the traditional block vote. A vote for you would also be a protest vote against the misfiring local democratic scene. Exhorting people to split the block vote from this blog does you great credit but I think that you had a genuine chance of being voted into Parliament. In fact, it’s not too late to change your mind! :)

    ReplyDelete
  187. Anonymous at 08:50

    The main culprits of your complaint historically have been GSLP supporters. Freedom of Speech cuts every way not just in favour of the dissident (or as you call it oppressed) opinion. The issue in debate is fundamental for the ongoing success or failure of democracy and representative government i Gibraltar. It is fundamental for the credibility of Gibraltar.

    Unfortunately Picardo's inaccurate statements about Necora, which he now admits by having admitted that Triay & TrIay were libeled, has fueled the issue. Picardo is a central player in the isues that arise in both the Noble and Banco Popular cases. Neither Peter Caruana or Triay & Triay had any involvement at all in the Necora case. Ther is simply no comparison at all.

    ReplyDelete
  188. Paco

    I hear and appreciate what you say. I believe that the system militates against an independent ever being elected. As you say there is time before the election. We will await developments on the Reform front. I believe that agitating on this blog is effective. Certainly the government has recognised in its press release that pressure for reform is also coming from outside Parliament.

    ReplyDelete
  189. robert if you had no link with triay & triay and instead had your own chambers or worked for say, TNT or even Hassans, would you be bringing up Picardo's reference to Necora so often and standing so robustly in its defence?

    ReplyDelete
  190. Paco, Charles Gomez got the grand total of 1210 votes, a mere 207 more than the unknown Richard Martinez. He didn't even manage 1%. I might refer to his effort as admirable, but certainly not his attainment.

    ReplyDelete
  191. Anonymous at 09:51

    La verdad solo tiene un camino.

    ReplyDelete
  192. If Charles Gomez got 1210 votes out of an electorate of 19,000 that means that over 6% of the electorate voted for him as one of their picks.

    As you can see the current system of 10 votes distorts results in favour of the bigger parties. With smaller parties or indies having no chance to be represented in the house.

    One person should have ONE vote. Either voting for a party or an individual.

    This is the KEY electoral reform we require.

    Having the house sit more and ministers being questioned is great but reform must start with ELECTORAL REFORM. ONE PERSON ONE VOTE.

    Johnnie Chimpo

    ReplyDelete
  193. como buen adogado, contesta pero no dice nada!

    no me quiero cojer contigo Robert. My question merely reflect my observations on a change of attitude I am perceiving from you since you announced your intentions not to stand for election. Perhaps I am alone in these observations and either I am very wrong or very intuitive! There may even be others who agree with me.
    Either way, because you haven't felt this in yourself does not mean its not happening. I don't mean to criticise you at all, instead point out new vibe I am picking up from what you write.

    ReplyDelete
  194. Anon 09:59- As we all know, statistics can be spun in any number of ways to prove a point... With that in mind:

    Mr Gomez did indeed poll 1210 votes, or 0.78% of the total votes cast in the 2007 election. A more accurate and representative reflection of his popularity would be to compare the number of people who voted for him out of the total electorate, about 19661 at the time. This would give him 6.2%. An even more accurate assessment would be to look at 1210 votes as a proportion of turnout, 16004 people or 7.6%.

    Therefore a shade under 1 in 10 voters marked a cross against his name in 2007, not bad for just an independent. On occasion, Independents in politics with a popular and just cause can and do get voted in, look at Martin Bell in the UK.

    Now, Mr Caruana became CM off the back of only 8333 votes or 42% of the actual voter turnout. In this context, Mr Gomez did fairly well really.

    ReplyDelete
  195. Robert, with the greatest respect, may I ask whether you have given up on pursuing the letter Peter Caruana sent to the FSC with regards to your circumstances?

    ReplyDelete
  196. I fail to understand how the Government newspaper seven days can write an article "Picardo likely to be acquitted" in 2009. Include comments by the judge in favour of Fabians integrity, then two years down the line omit these faourable judge comments in their latest press release of the so called facts.

    Its very obvious when one does the research that the Government are titrating the factual information available of a very complex case; playing to their advantage.

    I would advise people concerned in this matter to do their own research, review previous articles and formulate their own opinions. Read between the lines and consider that this is election year. Nobody in Gibraltar can claim to be an authority on these cases due to their severe complexity, not even the GOG.

    To accept the information as has been presented by the GOG is an insult to ones personnal intelligence.

    The GOG should set an example and refrain from entering into gutter politics. Instead they have implicated themselves and diverted intentionally or unintentionally the publics attention from the true issues existent within Gibraltar.

    For the sake of local politics and the well being of Gibraltar, public/political attention should refocus.

    ReplyDelete
  197. Anon @16.03 If PC had tried to take advantage of this very complex case he would have brought it up when the High Court Judge made his well documented comment about Mr Picardo. As it happened Mr Picardo signed his own political death warrant by mentioning PC's connection with the Necora case as justification for his own actions and what is being published now is merely the consequence.

    ReplyDelete
  198. Anonymous at 10:59

    I really do not see that anything I have written evidences any change in atittude. Your very statement shows that you have made a value judgment about my atittude and views and that is the measure that you are assessing me by. That measure is of necessity subjective. There is no new vibe. I am the master of my own political opinions. It is my right to defend my firm against unfair suggestions made by Picardo. He has now had the courage and decency, not least, to correct by admitting that my firm was libeled. I cannot see that you can or should interpret this as any change of view. I continue to be an independent.

    Anonymous at 11:51

    The Data Protection Commissioner has refused to give me the letter for a second time and has failed to reply to my last letter.

    The Chairman and CEO of the FSC have not provided me with a substantive reply to my request.

    The Chief Minister has acknowledged receipt of my letter requesting a copy of his letter.

    I am not going to spend my hard earned money on a Supreme Court case to get a letter that the mere fact of it being witheld from me speaks louder than words. I have drawn my own conclusions from the non-disclosure each one can draw their own.

    This episode is just a further sad reflection of how the rights of individuals are trodden on by officaldom ... until we gain true democracy nothing will change. We live in a state where accusations can be made against one but one is not entitled to defend oneself against them, or admit to the errors of one's ways, should they be shown to exist!

    ReplyDelete
  199. There are a lot of confused people out there, even before Mr. Picardo's interview on TV and all that followed since! But a point i want to raise is the following; if Mr. Picardo acted so badly professionally in the 'Noble' and 'Blueprime' matters and him being a senior partner with Hassans - one of Gibs prestigious legal firms, than how is it that Hassans only a few months ago were again selected as No 1 in the independent legal directory, Chambers Global 2011 for their expertise quality and service to clients????

    ReplyDelete
  200. Im quite surprised that Hassans has not released a Press Release with their perspective on the whole issue! One would expect they want to mantain their good clean image!

    Its disgusting to see our politicians rolling in the mud taking swings at each other! These are the people who are meant to be leading us! I think a child can act more maturely than they are at the mo!

    ReplyDelete