All that glitters

The Editor March 31, 2025

Gibraltar is a small yet significant British Overseas Territory. From time to time, we have had people and groups coming from much bigger metropolises in the belief that our seeming provinciality can be exploited to their advantage.

But perhaps they should have been aware of the Spanish saying that describes precisely the feeling some of us have regarding these newcomers, “cuando ellos iban nosotros ya veniamos” or rather, ‘we are already one step ahead of them’.

Should they not have had the humility to learn from us before they try to overwhelm us with their aggressive online presence and lofty promises?

When the modus operandi appears to be centred around flooding social media channels with their smiling images peeking at us from every available online window, purporting to offer viable solutions to the myriad problems Gibraltar faces, ranging from housing challenges to social issues, it is legitimate to ask, what is their real goal?

In fact, a key point of contention is any group's status as outsiders. Many Gibraltarians are wary of entrusting their local issues to individuals who may not have a comprehensive understanding of the territory's history, culture, and socio-political landscape. There is a palpable concern that the solutions proposed by any outside group might be based on generic templates that do not take into account the specific needs and nuances of Gibraltar.

A case in point is that on the 29th November 2024, Hey Gibraltar asks in a post, “(Gibraltar) The only English-speaking town in Spain?”

With a well-executed social media strategy, even individuals or groups with no prior connection to a region can quickly become significant players in the local discourse. This phenomenon underscores the need for critical thinking and media literacy among residents as they navigate the complex landscape of online information.