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June 9 – June 22, 2016 Gran Canaria
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Noche de San Juan
Wasteful bonfires The popular summer festival known as Noche de San Juan (Saint John’s Eve) takes place across the Islands on June 23, heralding Midsummer and the accompanying traditions of purging the soul and making fresh starts. The Feast of Saint John closely coincides with the summer solstice and the Christian holy day is held on June 24, however, in most countries the festivities are held the night before. The summer solstice is a festival celebrated by many cultures around the world, including the Guanches, the aboriginal inhabitants of the Islands. Legend has it that fire banished evil and disease while the ash contained mystical properties that healed skin conditions. Jumping over the fire and dancing around it was said to bring good fortune. Continued on page 3
This bonfire site in Los Silos already shows a large number of items unsuitable for burning
Yeremi Vargas
New clues to missing child? On March 10, 2007 Yeremi Vargas disappeared when he was just seven years old from his hometown of Vecindario on the southeast coast of Gran Canaria. On the day, the young lad was playing with friends and cousins on a vacant lot very close to the family residence, but he never made it home. More than 400 members of the security forces, several dog teams, friends and family members searched for the missing boy, the largest contingent ever deployed in the Canary Islands to date. All the effort was in vain, however, and despite intensive investigations by the Guardia Civil since there have never been any indications of his whereabouts. The discovery last year of a skull on the site where the boy had played brought hopes of closure, but the autopsy showed it was of a female adult who had been
Demonstrations were held all over the Islands to draw attention to the children’s disappearance
dead for at least 10 years. Spanish authorities even followed the trail of two British men, resident in Gran Canaria at the time Yeremi
went missing and currently serving time in a UK prison for paedophile offences, but this seemingly hot lead also came to a dead
end. However, there is now a new suspect in the case. Continued on page two
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NEW SUSPECT
Answers at last? Continued from front page At the beginning of the month a Canarian man called Antonio Ojeda, aka ‘Juan El Rubio’, was interviewed in relation to the disappearance of Yeremi. He lived about a kilometre away
fered penetration and the prosecutor is asking for a 13-year prison term for sexual abuse of a minor in a hearing which is expected to be held in Las Palmas in November. The suspect was questioned at the time Yeremi went missing, but on
him in 2007 – now things may appear differently. He’s currently on remand in prison in Algeciras, Cádiz for the 2012 abuse allegation, and this may have been his downfall. Two things have sent the investigators on his trail. Apparently, he remarked to fellow prisoners several times that he knew who had taken Yeremi and secondly the police received information about a white Renault at the scene of Yeremi’s disappearance. A middle-aged man wearing a baseball cap (typical headgear of the man now under suspicion) was supposedly sitting at the wheel. The suspect also had a white Renault 5 Oasis in March 2007. Under questioning he has so far neither confessed nor pointed the finger at anyone else, but has been accused of the kidnap and murder of Yeremi nevertheless.
Ongoing investigations
This poster continues in circulation as new campaigns are launched to find the boy
from the site where the child went missing and was known to locals as someone who liked watching the kids playing. He also made an official statement six months after the boy went missing, claiming he had seen him with a woman. The new suspect came to the attention of the law enforcement officers in 1988 for aggression against a policeman, in 2005 for domestic violence, and last year for the alleged sexual abuse of a young boy in 2012. It’s alleged that on July 19 of that year, he spoke to the boy who was playing ball in El Doctoral, and promised him a bicycle if he went with him to his hut. It seems the child suf-
that occasion there weren’t any reasons to suspect him as the father of three did not have any paedophile allegations against
Genetic ID Fénix (Phoenix) is a worldwide, pioneering research group of forensic medicine and toxicology that was founded at the University of Granada in 1998. The first database of its kind, it is a storage bank for those who have disappeared and provides a catalogue for comparison with information from corpses which cannot be identified by simpler methods. Later, in 2004, they developed a new project, DNA Prokids, which specifically targets the genetic identification of missing children. The programme was tested in Central America and Asia and following the results achieved it was decided to introduce the system worldwide. Since then over 600 minors have been tracked, identified and returned to their families.
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In a press conference, Canarian MEP Enrique Hernández Bento admitted there is a new suspect but asked for patience whilst the authorities continue their investigations. Yeremi’s mother Ithaisa told representatives of the Spanish press that her father remembered the man, and that it was known he often watched the children playing, but wasn’t acquainted with him personally. Yeremi’s father Juan Francisco Vargas announced “We are at
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Yeremi’s image can still be seen on cars, bus stops and in shops
the point where we believe he is responsible for taking the boy, but he doesn’t want to talk. He must confess.” Yeremi’s maternal grandfather José Suárez Castellano was full of praise for the police who have never stopped looking for the boy. Above all, the family wants to know whether the child is still alive and/or simply what happened to him. His mum, more than anyone, has never given up hope that her son may still be alive and might “only” have been abducted. The possibility of an act of revenge within the family, human organ trafficking and child abuse have all been considered at one point or another. Now, finally, answers may be found.
More than 60 Missing
looks like a high number, but a lot of the reports are kids who escape from children’s homes or people who return but the missing person’s report isn’t cancelled”. The police clarify that in 99 per cent of the cases there isn’t any offence committed. In fact, some 65 – 70 per cent of the reports are about under 18s and are usually resolved within the first 48 hours. Most are minors who have escaped from children’s homes or run away after an argument in the family or school environment. Approximately 30 percent of disappearances deal with 18 to 65 year olds who suddenly vanish, and around three percent of cases are over 65 years old – often of people suffering from a mental illness. Most
cases are cleared up within a very short time, but about one percent remains a mystery. A spokesperson for the Guardia Civil declared that “in areas like the Canary Islands these traceless disappearances are particularly worrying because the search area is limited and closed in”. The officer admitted that the Yeremi Vargas case is perhaps the most complex they have dealt with in recent years as there was simply no trace. Investigators have kept looking for new clues and Yeremi’s parents and family have never let the case rest. Whether this latest breakthrough will finally shine light on Yeremi’s disappearance will probably depend on whether or not Antonio Ojeda finally makes a statement and n what he has to say.
Yeremi’s case isn’t the only one of its type puzzling local forces. Teenager Sara Morales disappeared from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria some nine months earlier and also vanished without a trace. Overall, there are at least 60 unexplained disappearances in the Canaries currently documented. The Guardia Civil’s records show 4,128 reports of missing people in the last decade and the National Police register 16,773. Former Senator Luz Marian Socas who now works for the European Foundation for missing people (QSDGlobal) explained: “It
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“Creating Europe” This company has qualified for subsidies from the Spanish Government, cofinanced by funding from the European Regional Development Fund, for the transport of merchandise in the Canaries.
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Magical misuse
Cleansing with thick smoke Continued from front page Traditional celebrations also include a midnight dip in the black of the ocean so that swimmers can wash themselves clean of sickness and safeguard their happiness for the next year. Everyone can relate to the nostalgia conjured by the scent of burning firewood mixed with the imagery of orange flames blazing in the dark, and that’s what makes the San Juan experience truly unforgettable. Due to the nature of the festival, fire and safety regulations across all boroughs must be adhered to, such as an appropriate distance of 500 metres between bonfires and
If made from wood and not accompanied by sickening fumes, bonfires can appear beautifully magical Jumping over the fire and dancing around it is said to bring good fortune
a minimum of 15 metres from buildings. The flames must not exceed four metres in height and a supply of water must be at hand. Wood can be burned but
no potentially hazardous material such as rubber or plastic should be included. Over 90 bonfires were lit by partygoers in Santa Cruz alone last year.
However, in the Canaries the reality of Noche de San Juan can be very different from the considered measures laid out by authorities and environmental organisations. In many towns and villages, thick black smoke and strong smells literally blanket the sky and choke the air. Among the stacked woodpiles are often old sofas, tyres and other harmful household items. For a celebration symbolically based on new beginnings and washing away unwanted strife, the thick black smoke clouds that hover over residential areas is hardly purging. Prior to the celebration it’s very common to see enormous bonfires constructed in public areas which clearly show a mountain of waste rather than a carefully assembled woodpile. Of course, the authorities should be controlling such sites and inspecting whether bonfires adhere to the legal requirements, however, especially in rural areas, this rarely occurs and any checks that do take place are often done with n a blind eye.
Comment
In the name of tradition
By Sabine Virgin
We all know that tradition and modern concerns, such as environmental factors, don’t always align, and a large sacred fire for one person is an unnecessary health and safety risk for another. Canarians, tourists and foreign residents are generally happy to go along with the fun events surrounding San Juan and be spellbound by its magical feel. However, few people stop to question the obvious misuse of tradition to privately burn the previous year’s waste. Using the festival as an excuse to rid a household of unwanted items has become a tolerated feature, which is slightly baffling given that the PIRS waste disposal site in Arico is available all year round. The thick smoke and stink that fills the night air in many areas, for me, removes any ‘romance’ associated with the event. People should be careful playing the ‘tradition’ card; many cultures also celebrate the summer solstice, only with far more consideration for the after effects of their activities than we seem to have in the Canaries. Despite everything, the Eve of San Juan is a magical night and celebrations take place on most beaches across the Islands, but some around Tenerife are particularly noteworthy: El Puertito in Adeje; Las Galletas; Los Cristianos; El Médano; San Juan de la Rambla; Punta del Hidalgo and Puerto de la Cruz. The celebration on Playa de las Canteras in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is also magnificent. Check with your local council for events near you.
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FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 040
Charity expedition
Gofio for Nepal
The Canarian humanitarian organisation Dona Vida (Give Life) plans to introduce gofio to Nepal with the aim of fighting hunger, saving lives and even eradicating illiteracy. Gofio is a traditional roasted cereal that once saved the lives of many Canarians during periods of severe shortages in the early 20th century, and it could now serve the same purpose in Nepal. On May 27, volunteers from the organisation set out on an expedition to Nepal to verify the feasibility of several possible projects, including introducing gofio into Katmandu and creating the ideal conditions for the Nepali people to produce it themselves in the villages. At the same time, the organisation is working to export the machinery needed to make gofio and, later, to teach the local people how to use it. When two major earthquakes shook Nepal last year, kill-
This little boy can run again, thanks to a surgical procedure funded by the organisation The simple but nutritious Gofio dishes can be prepared without baking and eaten raw
ing 9,000 people, the resulting destruction and lack of resources caused a humanitarian crisis with around 9.5 million people, around a quarter of Nepal’s population, needing aid. Approximately 2.8 million have fled their region of origin and about 1.4 million urgently need food. It was dur-
ing an expedition last year by representatives of Dona Vida to the remote villages of Sipty and Kabilash, that the idea to help them with Canarian gofio began. The organisation was founded in 2009 by Germán Domínguez Naranjo and has its headquarters in Las Palmas de Gran
Canaria. On a trip to Nepal in 2006 he saw that, despite the harsh lives of the people, especially the children never stopped smiling. He decided to do what he could to try to improve their lives. Since then the villages Kabilash and Sipty have been established, where around 7,000 people currently live. The organisation has guided their future and, among other things, they now receive food and medicine. There is also education for children and adults to improve illiteracy levels. Every school child receives a school breakfast and lunch but, as always, the lower castes in the country suffer the most from poverty and hopelessness. Nepal is among the ten countries in the world that have the highest percentage of undernourished children. Almost half of the children under the age of five are too small and underdeveloped, and as such are also much more susceptible to illness. The ground and parched grain mixtures of Canarian gofio, rich in vitamins and minerals, could specifically help to ensure a balanced diet. It can be used in many ways: Simply mixed with a glass of milk, to enrich simple soups, or mixed with water and honey and rolled out. It doesn’t need to be baked before it is eaten. Gofio is versatile, nutritious and very simple to use. Those who wish to make a donation or who are interested in this or any of the other projects organised by Dona Vida, can find more information at: n www.dona-vida.org.
Yet more red tape?
Working time checks irk employers Plans to force companies in Gran Canaria to keep clocking-on records for all employees have sparked furious opposition. The Department of Employment has notified companies that it intends to monitor working time regulations very closely to see whether the more flexible contract legislation is leading to undeclared overtime. However, reaction to the plans has been swift, with influential employers’ federation CCI already stating clearly that the move would be detrimental to recruitment. The unprecedented opposition led the authorities to convene a “clear the air” meeting with the federation to clarify exactly what the purpose of the checks is and to impress on the sector that inspectors will be deployed with or without the cooperation of businesses. The meeting did little to help reach a consensus and employers insist that the monitoring, and the threat to oblige firms to have electronic time-recording systems, was not conducive to industrial relations. “The whole point of the new legislation is to allow firms and employees greater flexibility. In many cases, extra hours done one day are compenn sated on another”, said a CCI spokesperson.
Hold the door!
Game of Thrones filming for Tenerife? Tenerife could be a filming location for the hugely popular Game of Thrones series, the island’s president has revealed. Carlos Alonso, head of the Tenerife Council, told journalists after a recent sitting of the corporation that the cult series is on the lookout in the Canaries for locations to film future episodes and Tenerife’s landscapes appear to be in with a good chance of being chosen. “We have to be very discreet on such matters and cannot confirm that sites have been picked. The production companies are looking at various options and it is our job to facilitate their search. When there is something to announce we will do so”, said Alonso, who added that the tax incentives of filming here could well be a key factor in any decision taken. In addition to Tenerife, it is thought that Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura are also being considered as potenn tial locations.
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PROMOTION
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La Gomera
Iglesias concert
Air to air missile discovery Fresh calls have been made for military exercises to be banned in the Canaries following a bizarre missile find on La Gomera. The normally placid town of Vallehermoso on the island was in the news following the discovery of an air to air missile which is thought to have fallen off a jet fighter on a training exercise. The device, measuring three metres in length and weighing approximately 80 kilos, had to be neutralised by
a Guardia Civil bomb disposal team dispatched from across the water at Tenerife South Airport to deal with the emergency. The incident has been played down by the authorities but has sparked further criticism of the use of the islands for air and sea manoeuvres by the Spanish Ministry of Defence. As reported here in April, the mayor of Pájara in Fuerteventura demanded a formal ban on low-flying military planes in the
Success despite slow ticket sales!
The missile is thought to have fallen off a jet fighter on a training exercise
south of the island due to the nuisance caused to tourists. Pájara has repeatedly called, without response, on the Min-
istry of Defence to close the artillery shooting range nearby and take the air exercises elsen where.
European unity demanded
Understanding Greece’s problems Fernando Clavijo, president of the Canaries, recently attended an international conference hosted by the KEDE Greek community Union in Samos. Also present were politicians and representatives of various voluntary organisations from Germany, Greece, Italy, Cyprus, Turkey and Switzerland. The central theme was the current issue of refugees - considered the biggest humanitarian crisis since the Second World War. Last year, more than 1,006,000 people arrived in Europe with refugee status. More than 40 per cent of these were from Syria, but people are also fleeing from Afghanistan, Eritrea, Nigeria, Albania, Pakistan, Somalia, Iraq, Sudan, Gambia, Egypt, Morocco, India, Nepal, Butan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Most of them request
Clavijo at the unmarked grave of a refugee in Vathi
political asylum. According to the ACNUR relief organisation, at least 3,700 more died whilst trying to reach Europe. The island of Samos received 140,000 refugees last year alone - an incredible four times the island’s own population and the local authorities are unable to cope with the influx.
Along with Lesbos and Chios, it is one of the three Greek islands to which most refugees arrive. Since January 1 of this year, 150,000 people have travelled across the ocean to Europe and at least a further 1,830 by land. Clavijo spoke about seeing parallels with the
situation in the Canary Islands when hundreds of boats began arriving full of refugees from the late 1990s onwards. The peak was in 2006 when more than 35,000 immigrants, from Mauritania, Senegal, Western Sahara and other African countries, arrived in that one year alone. “We can empathise with how our Greek colleagues feel and are concerned to see that Europe is drifting apart on this issue, instead of looking for a common solution. In particular, the 13- to 18-year olds who are considered adults in their countries, but for us are minors and need protection, should be quickly integrated into European communities. They should not be seen as enemies. In addition, Europe must rethink its development n policy.”
The summer concerts in the Canaries by Spanish crooner Julio Iglesias appear to be receiving massive advance publicity to boost ticket sales. Iglesias, now aged 72 and still going strong on the international circuit, is performing three times in the Islands as part of a tour of Spain but the early signs are that the events, which take place between July 16 and 23, will not be a sell-out. By late May a combined total of only 6,000 tickets for the three nights had been sold, even though the organisers insist that extra sales points have been added “to cope with the great demand”. Last time Iglesias performed in Santa Cruz he drew a crowd of 11,000 to the Exhibition Centre. Ticket prices this time range from €32 to €150. n Wikimedia/ Alejandro Vilar
Canary Islands
New Zika case confirmed A further case of the Zika virus has been confirmed in the Canaries, with the origins the same as the previous three cases. According to the Department of Public Health, a 46-yearold woman was diagnosed after returning from a trip to South America. She did not need to be hospitalised for treatment. Zika virus infection during pregnancy can cause a serious birth defect called microcephaly, as well as other severe foetal brain defects. It is spread to people primarily through the bite of an infected mosquito and the most common symptoms are fever, rash, joint pain and conjunctivitis. The latest case has been played down by the authorities, who have reiterated earlier assurances that an outbreak in the Canaries is highly unlikely and that none of the carrier mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus) have been detected in the Islands. Control at airports and ports in relation to insects will continue as a precaution, however. Since 2008, the Canary Islands have been involved in a transnational plan that serves to detect mosquitoes that transmit diseases. n
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Food for thought
Encouraging charity initiative The approximately 70 employees of the Isabel Family Hotel in Costa Adeje have voluntarily joined together to raise money for the Spanish Association for Cancer Research and the Walk for Life collective. They are inviting you to a charity dinner in the Centro de Desarrollo Turístico development centre in Costa Adeje on July 1, with an entrance fee of €20 that will be contributed towards research into cancers and possible therapies. “The fact that employees of a hotel get involved so selflessly in a campaign like this is a sign of the great solidarity amongst our residents” says the area’s councillor for health and quality of life, Amada Trujillo Bencomo. The slogan being used, ‘Los Colores de la Vida’, is to draw attention to the types of cancer, but also to the value of life and living in the moment. Inmaculada Hernández, spokesperson of the working group, asserted that: “We do this to support people who are experiencing a serious illness. We want them to know they are not alone.” The charity dinner starts at 7.30pm and lasts until about midnight and will include musical entertainment. n
Solidary staff is doing its part for cancer research
More good news
‘Tourist thieves’ arrested A well-organised gang of shoplifters who disguised themselves as tourists to steal high-value items from shops in resorts in the south of Gran Canaria have been arrested on the island. Police say the five-strong gang, whose members are all Spanish and aged between 21 and 48, posed as holidaymakers to steal bottles of alcohol, tobacco and expensive foods which were then sold off at discount to other shops, whose owners also face prosecution for knowingly receiving stolen goods. The gang used specially adapted bags which contained devices to neutralise alarms at the shops targeted for the thefts, which netted then up to €600 worth of goods on each visit. Four members visited the stores for the shop-lifting spree while a fifth waited outside in a car hired from Gran Canaria airport. The good news was followed by the release of nationwide figures which show that the
Photo: M D / FreeImages.com
9.6.2016 – 22.6.2016
The risk of becoming a victim of burglary is far below the national average in the Canaries
Canarian archipelago is one of the autonomous regions where the risk of becoming a victim of a burglary is far below the national average. In the province of Tenerife, the number of incidents of this type is about 36.9 percent below the national average and in the province of Gran
Canaria as much as 54.3 percent lower. Regarding serious theft, risk in Tenerife is lower by around 11 per cent, on Gran Canaria by almost a quarter. Las Palmas is among the ten provinces where the thievery is considered moderate, i.e. under a loss of €1,000. Most often, the robbers strike in
Madrid and in the Mediterranean region. The incidence of domestic burglaries in Spain is the highest in the three winter months and in the holiday month of August. The data were collected by the Association of Spanish Insurance UNESPA and relate to the analyn sis of data from 2014.
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Prize-winning journalist’s warning
Not mincing words…
Bridge or barrier for Africa? The journalist lived between Senegal and Mali and reported from there for El País, La Provincia, Mundo Negro and Cadena SER. He puts a human face on the statistics by telling the stories of local people, and at the awards he gave the example of the eight-year-old girl Tonhon Bolamou, whom he met in Guinea Conakry two weeks earlier. The child is an Ebola survivor and, although she is no longer contagious, local adults still shun her for fear of becoming infected. Ignorance and fear rule. However, her schoolmates gave her a different reception, welcomed
Naranjo lectured in the Faculty of Journalism in the ULL at the end of May
wooden boat were spotted and rescued about 100 miles south of Gran Canaria. The patera sighting was reported by an oil tanker and the rescue services went out to look for them. The lifeboat Talia eventually located 58 refugees, including several women and children, and took
Photo: Salvamento Marítimo
The Canarian Prize for Communication this year, awarded during the recent Día de Canarias celebrations, went to José Naranjo who has dedicated many articles, books and essays to drawing attention in the Islands and the peninsula to the poor living conditions in many African countries. For years he has written about the people who risk their lives in simple wooden boats (pateras) in search of a better life in the Canary Islands, Spain or other EU countries. With his characteristic truthfulness and respect for others, Naranjo talks about the people he meets in Africa and here, those who had the courage to climb into the rickety boats and dare the crossing. He used the occasion of receiving the Communications Prize to appeal to the conscience of the public. “Sooner or later we have to decide whether we want to be a bridge to Africa or the barrier that closes it in. We mustn’t forget how we Canarians were once the emigrants, travelling to Uruguay, Argentina, Cuba and Venezuela because there were no prospects here and our families went hungry, or they were persecuted as dissidents. “It’s shameful to see pictures of Syrians and Afghans with their children in their arms welcomed with barriers, police and tear gas”, a reaction that is so, “irrational it will end by destroying all of us”, he warned. He urged the Canarians to leave fear and prejudice behind and practice compassion and humanity.
No-one knows how many Africans have disappeared at sea forever
her back with warm hugs and were happy that she’s returned. “It would be good if we had a bit of the spirit of Tonhon’s schoolmates. The spectre of fear builds walls and paralyses and makes us irrational”, he insisted.
Rescued refugees Coincidentally, on the same day as the awards ceremony, a group of refugees in a small
‘Awful’ Carnival poster attracts criticism
them into Arguineguín where the Red Cross workers were waiting for them.
Business with Africa Africa doesn’t only give us the challenge of refugees, it also offers economic opportunities. The Canaries are ideally situated to be a logistical platform between the continents of Europe, Africa and America. The perfect place, we are told,
for tax-privileged branches of large corporations that wish to run cross-continents trade operations. In some countries in Africa there are now large shopping malls. At the end of June the world’s biggest airline fair will be held in Tenerife and it’s expected that more African connections will be on the discussion tables as well as a direct connection from Tenerife to the USA. However, if the opportunities for cash and big business to cross the borders are opened, will they remain closed to the people? Will the Canaries be a bridge or a barrier for its neighbouring continent as Naranjo asked? Increased trade, thereby improving prospects of the local people in the countries of origin, is certainly the best solution for all concerned. Not the exploitation associated with white colonialism and then later the multinational corporations, but an economic development that also involves the original population. However, until that happens and these improved opportunities actually arrive for the people, Europe cannot close its eyes and has a moral obligation to n extend a helping hand.
The Santa Cruz Carnival may be many months away but it is already generating controversy over the choice of the official poster for the massive event. The 2017 poster was designed by veteran Canarian artist Pepe Dámaso but his end-product has certainly not been to the liking of all and many voices are wondering aloud whether it is suitable for the purpose of advertising the island’s biggest celebration. The theme of the Carnival is the Caribbean but few are convinced that Dámaso’s poster makes the topic evident. Others say the inclusion of a skull and a parrot - interpreted by some as a gesture to Tenerife’s Loro Parque - merely cause confusion, while the insertion of a sinister eye in the summit of Mount Teide gives the whole design a needless Big Brother flavour. Among those to come out strongly against the poster is outspoken local journalist Andrés Chaves, who did not mince his words in calling Dámaso’s work “absolute crap” and the worst possible choice to showcase the Carnival. “It would be much better suited to a funeral than the island’s biggest celebration” said Chaves, who said he fears the worst if the poster is to be used to advertise the Carnival abroad. n
‘Dissatisfied’ woman stabbed older boyfriend to death
A woman from Gran Canaria said to have killed her boyfriend because he “did not satisfy her sexually or financially” faces a 19-year jail term if convicted. The defendant, a 26-year-old from Las Palmas, went on trial accused of stabbing her partner - 20 years her elder - as he lay sleeping in bed in his home in the town of Arinaga. She then wrapped his body in a blanket and hid it in an outside bathroom, where it was found several days later by Guardia Civil officers investigating the man’s disappearance. According to the prosecution, the accused had tired of her boyfriend because he could not keep her in the lifestyle she demanded. Neither could he keep up with her sexually, she is alleged to have told police when interviewed about the horrific crime in July 2013. However, her lawyer argued that she stabbed her partner in selfdefence after suffering repeated domestic violence. n
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10
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 040
Celebration or commiseration?
Reflections on Canaries Day tion or trans-gender sex worker autonomy. Their boss is possibly a retired British politician, enjoying the abundant fruits of his earlier national labours with a grace and favour position at some remove from his experience, scope or knowledge. No matter, it’s all well meant and the team just need his signature when he comes back from lunch. If their project’s approved, it’s incorporated into the EU agenda. Funding for whatever it is will be innocently announced and interested parties will present applications, Canarian traditional dress comes out on various occasions throughout the year (archive image) Some Canarian politicians have learned to adroitly milk EU funding over the last few decades
It was Día de Canarias on May 30. In local towns there was plenty of evidence that a sense of Canarian identity and pride in local culture, as well as a predisposition to party, are alive and well. Popular fiestas, despite the decline of the church, become even more popular every year. They may be held to celebrate saints’ days and start with mass and a procession, but people are generally there to dance, have a good time and celebrate life. These are all excellent attributes. Other aspects of Canarian life aren’t as laudable, but we tend not to let them bug us, on the basis that they’re not peculiar to the Canaries, just part of the human condition and exist wherever ‘civilisation’ does. The corruption scandals that rocked Spain, the Panama story that exposed both British and Spanish public figures, TV chronicles, stories in bars, rumours and scandalous legal processes all highlight the practice of individuals in power making money illegally. The Canaries are politically Spain, geographically Africa and an interesting study in what small communities make of themselves and how they operate. Tourism keeps the wheels oiled. There’s money to be made and people come here to either enjoy holidays, make a peaceful living or retirement,
ing possibilities. All normal and fine, but should we care more that exploitation and money making by public figures is still apparently OK too? A quick trawl through the news since last Día de Canarias reveals corruption among public figures throughout the Islands. El Hierro continues to be a bit of an exception, just because things somehow get done there, in contrast to the other islands, where all the official chest beating and hot air about future plans don’t come to much. But perhaps my admiration for the Herreños is inevitable, because I live in La Gomera, where we enjoy the dubious distinction of living on an island ruled by an untouchable emperor type with a personal (declared) fortune of €60m. Said island is dotted with horribly expensive white elephant projects. They have no purpose at all. They have never functioned and are rarely mentioned. A list would prove tedious, but rest assured that an island tour of useless, uncompleted projects in La Gomera would involve visiting most of the island’s six municipalities; it’s only fair that they’re shared out. We can offer the White Elephant tourist a stunning range of excursions, visiting everything from a ‘completely equipped pig breeding unit, incorporating all the latest
Photo: Svilen Milev / FreeImages.com
By Barbara Belt or to exploit the money-mak-
advances’, which has never been visited by pigs, to a ‘state of the art handicraft centre, purpose-built to showcase island handicrafts in beautiful surroundings, featuring an inverted glass pyramid, and innovative undulating stone wall exhibition space complete with bar and restaurant facilities’. It’s never been opened either. Handicrafts? Did the pigs somehow get mixed up with, and subsequently eat, the handicrafts, before expiring? Nobody knows, and few care. It’s just how it is. Everyone knows the score. Island authorities, and La Gomera is not alone here, cynically apply for funding for whatever’s Euro-flavour of the day and then ditch the results. This scam starts with individuals who probably occupy a small EU office in Brussels. Their admirable mission will be to ‘promote and support development’ in anything; be it indigenous breed recupera-
projects and, if they’re lucky and get funding, fat bills. Now this is the bit where Canarian politicians excel. They are very interested parties indeed and have learned to adroitly milk EU funding to great advantage over the last few decades, coincidentally becoming rich during the process. The important thing is to get the funding approved and our boys are no slouches. Once approved, invitations for tenders to complete necessary buildings or infrastructures are published in provincial bulletins. There’s plenty of scope for slicing up the funding cake at this exciting point and many sweeteners or incentives or fees - choose your euphemism, we’re talking bribes - get doled out to ensure contracts are awarded ‘impartially’. Work eventually starts after some inevitable shenanigans with sub-contractors and job contracts. Appropriate backhanders and jobs for votes’
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understandings aren’t organised quickly. Corruption takes time, you know. Once under way, a selection of tried and tested delaying tactics can be employed
a few years, sometimes forever if the indications are that funding has dried up. In the unlikely event of the buildings being finished, they very often stand empty and
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A visit to any one of them provides a fascinating opportunity to observe how quickly nature moves back in on man’s follies. The effects of the hundreds of thousands of euros spent in obliterating what was
often a natural beauty spot are quickly softened by invasions of returning plant, insect and bird life. So perhaps we should just leave it all to Mother n Nature?
The abandoned Dairy and Cheese Production Unit in Alajeró Yet another totally abandoned project: the botanical garden in Vallehermoso
La Gomera has almost incomparable beauty, shame about the way it is being run… The archipelago’s flag: all things Canarian are celebrated on May 30 every year
to milk a bit more funding, though it’s more difficult these days. Work frequently comes to a halt, sometimes for a few months, sometimes
unused, full of expensive discarded tools and equipment. This is often prudently recycled by locals, who have more sense than to leave it all to rot.
La Gomera’s white elephants are cases in point. Neither of the large, expensively constructed buildings mentioned above, like so many others, has ever been used. Their main interest now, as is the case with others like the abandoned Botanical Garden in Vallehermoso, abandoned
Therapy Centre in Hermigua, abandoned Dairy and Cheese Production Unit in Alajeró, abandoned bar restaurant Mirador El Santo overlooking Taguluche etc., etc., is in fact botanical.
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FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 040
Hard Rock
World Burger Tour hits the road Cocktail All Jacked Up
Cocktail Atomic Blues
Cocktail Melonpalooza
Cocktail NA
Colourful cocktail experiences from around the world
Local Legendary™ Burgers from around the world return to Hard Rock Cafe Tenerife. Guests say bon voyage as their taste buds take flight on Hard Rock Cafe’s World Burger Tour. Hard Rock Cafe Tenerife is celebrating the start of the burger season with a menu showcasing international Local Legendary™ Burgers - from the Aloha Burger inspired by Honolulu, to the Greek Burger inspired by Athens. The limited-time menu is available from June 1 to July 31, 2016. “Our World Burger Tour menu was a fan-favourite last summer, so we’ve remixed the menu and added burgers
160 of these were evaluated by Hard Rock’s culinary team with fan favourites selected to headline the World Burger Tour menu. Throughout June and July, Hard Rock Cafe Tenerife will feature the following World Burger Tour offerings: The Aloha Burger (Honolulu, United States) - a Certified Angus Beef® patty topped with SPAM, Monterey Jack cheese, a grilled pineapple ring with sweet soy glaze, guacamole and pico de gallo. Cuban Burger (Miami, United States) - a Certified Angus Beef patty topped with marinated pulled pork, melted Swiss cheese and sweet plantains.
It’s all Greek with this Burger from Athens
with authentic, regional flavours from around the globe”, said Alex Merchan, Sr. Director, Marketing and Sales Cafes Worldwide of Hard Rock International. “Hard Rock Cafe has been serving up burgers since its first cafe opened in London 44 years ago, and our global reach allows us to celebrate this culinary phenomenon like no other restaurant.”
Backstage Burger Pass Hard Rock gives chefs at their cafes the freedom to create a unique Local Legendary Burger that captures the flavours of their city. This year more than
ethnic flavours from around the globe, so there is something for every palate.” Hard Rock Cafe Tenerife has even created cocktails that perfectly complement the Burger Tour offerings. Served in Hard Rock’s iconic mason jars, adult guests can order the suggested pairing or mix it up with any other burger from the limitedtime menu.
New cocktails include: All Jacked Up – this features a mix of Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum, pineapple juice, Orgeat
Sway this way with the Aloha Burger
The Greek Burger (Athens, Greece) – a Certified Angus Beef patty topped with arugula, feta cheese and a tomato slice. Tropical Burger (Key West, United States) - a Certified Angus Beef patty topped with chopped bacon, toasted coconut, goat cheese crumbles, a grilled pineapple ring, jalapeño mango salsa and arugula. “Hard Rock wanted to offer a unique blend of spicy, sweet and savoury flavours for our guests to enjoy on this year’s World Burger Tour”, said Darryl Mickler, Senior Director of Research and Development. “We’re featuring authentic and
Rock’s house-made sour mix and pineapple juice, garnished with slices of pineapple and strawberry. Sweet and Fiery – an exciting blend of Absolut Peppar Vodka, Canton Ginger Liquor, Blue Curacao, lemonade and ginger beer, garnished with a red pepper. And the Black Cherry Melonade (non-alcoholic), which is a mocktail made up of Black Cherry Real and Monin Cucumber, topped with ginger beer, garnished with a cucumber slice and a cherry. World Burger Tour menus may vary by location; guests should consult their local cafe for a
A goat cheese burger in paradise: the Tropical Burger
full list of featured burgers. To learn more about Hard Rock’s World Burger Tour offerings and participating locations, visit: www.worldburgertour.com.
About Hard Rock International and lime juice, garnished with orange and pineapple wedges and a cherry. Crisp Sipper – this cocktail is a combination of Hendrick’s, Monin Cucumber, lemon, orange and raspberry, topped with tonic and garnished with rosemary and thyme. Melonpalooza – this one features a mix of Midori Melon Liqueur, Malibu Rum, Hard
With venues in 68 countries, including 164 cafes, 23 hotels and 11 casinos, Hard Rock International (HRI) is one of the most globally recognised companies. Beginning with their very first Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns the world’s greatest collection of music memorabilia, which is displayed
at its locations around the globe. Hard Rock is also known for its collectable fashion and music-related merchandise, live performance venues and an awardwinning website. HRI owns the global trademark for all Hard Rock brands. The company owns, operates and franchises Cafes in iconic cities including London, New York, San Francisco, Sydney and Dubai. HRI also owns, licences and/ or manages hotel/casino properties worldwide. Destinations include the company’s two most successful Hotel and Casino properties
A tantalising Cuban Burger
in Tampa and Hollywood, Fl., both owned and operated by HRI parent company The Seminole Tribe of Florida, as well as other exciting locations including Bali, Chicago, Cancun, Ibiza, Las Vegas, Macau and San Diego. Upcoming new Hard Rock Cafe locations include San Juan, Reykjavik and Lyon. New Hard Rock Hotel projects include Abu Dhabi, Atlanta, Berlin, Dubai, Itapema, Los Cabos, Shenzhen, Dalian and Haikou in China… and Tenerife! For more information on Hard Rock International, visit: www. n hardrock.com.
9.6.2016 – 22.6.2016
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ISLAND CONNECTIONS 773
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Low reservoirs
Gran Canaria’s water shortage dilemma Las Palmas being diverted to numerous deposits. Miguel Hidalgo, councillor for food sovereignty, announced the measures, which will see around 400,000 cubic metres of treated water taken to 250 southern deposits. Approximately €600,000 is being invested in the project, which will see a better connection of
own water supply but today the exact opposite is happening. Therefore we have to direct from the north to ensure sufficient water irrigation. The water qual-
Compared to Gran Canaria, Tenerife currently has lit-
Since then, through modern technology, well-designed infrastructure and desalination plants, as well as targeted education, water shortages have
tle fear of water scarcity. In recent times, local authorities have the situation under control following similar problems to Gran Canaria’s present dilemma some 30 years ago.
hopefully become a thing of the past. It used to be common practice for banana plantations to be simply flooded with water, but nowadays auto-
Tenerife’s water
Photo: Cabildo GC
Summer hasn’t started yet but there are already alarm bells ringing for residents and agricultural workers in Gran Canaria, where authorities, for the first time ever, will transport large quantities of treated water from Las Palmas in the north to reservoirs and basins in the south of the island. Low rainfall during 2015/16, particularly in the winter months, has meant that the southern reservoirs are well below minimum levels. Originally built in the 1970s, they were intended to be independent from those in the more industrial north, and designed to stockpile winter rainfall for agricultural use during summers. However, due to the drought this has become a growing concern, with the Chira reservoir at 21 per cent of capacity, Ayagaures with only four per cent and Soria at just two per cent. To guarantee crop harvests, treated water must be transferred from the north, with water from the Barranco Seco area and treatment plants in
Tenerife has a well spread out network of water treatment plants and reservoirs The Barranco Seco treatment plant in the north of Gran Canaria
reservoirs and pumping stations on the island. “This is a historic moment” Hidalgo said. “In the 1970s we wanted farmers in the south to be independent and have their
ity is excellent and has been subjected to purification and desalination processes, making it low in salt content and bacteria free. It is more than suitable for irrigation purposes”.
mated sprinklers and irrigation systems are set up in most fields, with nearby pumping stations managed by the agricultural department of the Island Council. Experts measure several factors, including temperature, wind, humidity and rainfall, to issue recommendations related to different areas of the island and the type of cultivation prominent in those regions. For example, bananas, tomatoes and avocados are typically grown near the coast while vegetables such as potatoes are produced at higher altitudes. Tenerife’s modernisation of its water distribution has led to a 30 per cent saving compared to three decades ago, which is an enormous plus for farmers and the government coffers, not to mention the positive environmental aspects. For further information on agriculture and water irrigation around the Islands, visit the Canarian Government’s agricultural department’s website: n www.agrocabildo.org.
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FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 040
Exclusive interview
Sandra’s story By Sabine Virgin children, Lorena (16) Shanya was detected following a new consulted wanted €7,000 in Cheated of life There are as many individual personal stories as there are people in the world, but some hit much closer to home than others. At times this is because someone who is unwell is known to us and their situation is no longer anonymous. This is the case of Sandra, who before her illness was a bubbly, smiling, friendly colleague in our company office, where she worked as the in-house accountant. Today, at just 40 years of age, this mother of three is terminally ill. She suffers from the rare Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 1 syndrome, MEN 1, which is also known as Wermer’s Syndrome. It’s a disease that attacks the endocrine system through the development of neoplastic lesions particularly in the pituitary and parathyroid glands and pancreas. There is currently no cure. Sandra has already had surgery to remove a lung, her spleen and pancreas and she currently has a tumour on her liver that she is receiving treatment for; it is unclear yet whether the treatment will be successful. Radiation and chemotherapy have already been tried once. “My hair fell out after the first treatment. It wasn’t nice and it was very physically demanding” she recalls. Her hair has grown back, but a new shadow on her liver did too. Nevertheless, Sandra continues to battle on. She wants to live as long as possible to be there for her
(13) and Adriel (5).
Why are you going public with your story? The diagnosis of Sandra’s rare genetic illness came very late. It was only with hindsight that
x-ray. It was after that that she was diagnosed with MEN 1 syndrome. “I know there’s no cure for my illness, but you can live with it. If I’d been taken more seriously earlier, the underly-
advance to start the ball rolling – an impossible sum. Now her hopes are pinned on a public defender. She is supported in her fight of both the disease and the system by her husband Gregorio.
A pretty, likeable and active woman
daughters are from her first marriage and now live with their father. “He is a good father to
Sandra and Gregorio married after her terminal illness was diagnosed
it was realised that there was another case in the family. Seven years ago she began to complain of pain, breathing difficulties and chronic tiredness. Her diabetes didn’t help. “I wasn’t taken seriously. Time and again I was told that there was nothing wrong with me”, she recollected. It wasn’t until 2012 that an attending physician at El Mojón medical centre ordered a chest xray. There was a visible tumour – but it wasn’t recognised for what it was: “More precious time lost”, laments Sandra. It was months later when she was admitted to the emergency room of the hospital that the (now larger) tumour
ing disease could maybe have been detected faster and perhaps I wouldn’t have had so many tumours and I would have more time. Lots of ‘ifs’ and ‘buts’ there, but for me they’re important, so I’m going public to advise people to keep pushing. Don’t let them get rid of you, even if they make you feel you’re being annoying… I believe that medical ignorance has cheated me of valuable time.” Sandra has now decided that she is going to make a claim against the health service. Even though she’s still in and out of hospital, “I want my children to at least get compensation”, she says. A lawyer she
Lorena and Shanya enjoyed a carefree childhood
Do you talk with your children about the illness? “Yes, of course, at least with my daughters, my son is still too small. We immediately had tests done for all of them because this disease is hereditary. Unfortunately, my two daughters have inherited a predisposition to the disease, my son not. The chances are 50-50 that it will develop. A doctor explained all about the disease to my daughters in front of me. It would normally only kick in post 60 years of age and not as early as with me. You can live relatively normally if you have frequent checkups, because early detection, enabling quick responses and countermeasures, is especially important. At the moment both are fortunately healthy and are examined regularly.” Sandra’s illness has also changed their living patterns. Her two
them. I just sometimes worry because he is very possessive. I hope that he allows them the freedom to develop.” Their mum’s illness and the threat to their own health have also made the girls grow up faster. “My youngest especially is very considerate when I’m home and cancels meetings with friends so that I’m not left alone, but of course I’d rather she didn’t. The eldest is interested in boys now and beginning to grow up. I would so like to help them and enjoy watching them for a long time as they develop into young women.” Gregorio, her husband and the father of their son, declared: “The two girls need their mother more. I also think it’s important to ensure that the children remain a family and have regular contact. None of this is easy, but I hope we can do that.”
How do you come to terms with your diagnosis? Sandra is a strong woman, but to have to deal with the spectre of such an early death is difficult. “At first I was really angry at the doctors who endangered my health for so long and treated me like a malingerer. Then came a time of great sadness, for three or four months I didn’t speak to anyone. I felt every word was too much, too meaningless. It seemed as if everyone just came to see me because they pitied me and I didn’t want that. Now, I’m at a stage where I can say that I have accepted my illness, and I’m trying to stretch out as much time as I can.” Now it’s important for her to keep in touch and to be there as long as possible for the children. It’s not always easy, and she admits that there are days when she wishes that it was finally all over. But, time and again her indomitable spirit and will to live is reawakened and that helps them keep fighting. “When you are OK, there is so much that seems inevitable. But I am aware that I will probably not be at my children’s weddings. I’ll never hold a grandson in my arms and tell him stories. That makes me sad. My son only knows me as a mother who is ill. Mostly my voice isn’t even strong enough to tell him stories. I’ll get hoarse and be in pain. Every Saturday he comes to visit me. I really enjoy it, he just watches and listens. He’s a
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ISLAND CONNECTIONS 773
bright little lad with a spirit of contrariness. It gives me pleasure to watch him.”
Are there things that you would have done if you had been diagnosed earlier? “I don’t know, I think I would have liked to see Alexandria in Egypt and Rome. I feel very connected with the Roman era and attracted by those old walls. I did make a trip to
What do you think of when you’re alone? “I like to remember. I’ve always been an active woman, even during the time when I was a single parent, sitting around at home was not for me. Work, the children, the household - I had a full day. When the girls were little, I always took my vacation in August. We’d sleep until 9am, breakfast quietly then make sandwiches, pack a picnic basket and head to the beach. We were always totally loaded down with buckets, spades and all the trimmings. Our favourite beach was Bahía del Duque or Playa Altamira. And if we didn’t go to the beach, then perhaps we’d have a BBQ in the mountains. Or we went skating, which I didn’t join in as I spent more time on my bottom than on the wheels. But my daughters had a lot of fun and I enjoyed it very much. Unfortunately, they can’t remember because they were still too small at that time and I didn’t take a lot of photos. Perhaps there were neighbours and friends who were there. I find that very sad because those memories have now been lost to me.”
the things that affect them. Right now Sandra is in the hospital because she needs physiotherapy. “I lost my strength and can’t walk. At home, I’m alone. My husband has to work so I can’t even go to the toilet. Therefore, it’s actually better that I’m in here. They take
Maybe I have lived my time of intense experience, if I’d known that I wasn’t going to have much of it, I would have created more moments to be remembered.”
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I hope that I will be spared that. I told Gregorio that I wanted to be cremated and that my urn should be buried in Córdoba where I am from. He has promised me that he’ll do that.”
my children remembered me with white roses. Or include white roses in important family events or a bridal bouquet. Or maybe they’ll even have a terrace or garden with these
Adriel and his Mum at a mountain BBQ
Egypt with my husband after I became ill, but there wasn’t time enough to see Alexandria.” Gregorio has supported his wife from the very beginning. When they got married, about a year after the birth of their son, they already knew of the disease. He takes care of their son, maintains contact with the daughters, encourages her and keeps her in touch with
good care of me. I can’t sunbathe at the moment because of the treatment, and I often think of the beach - Playa El Médano, for example, which goes level into the water and you can run into the sea until the ocean flows around your thighs. Sometimes I can really imagine it well and almost smell the Atlantic. Of course, these are just mind games.
A holiday flight. Sandra was already ill, but the family had hope
How do you personally deal with death? Are you religious? “Actually, not very. I believe in the reincarnation of the soul, however - that makes it easier for me. I’m not afraid to die, just of the ‘how’ and perhaps great pain.
How do you want to be remembered? “I have always been an openminded woman, strong, cheerful and active. My favourite flowers are white roses. I think it would be nice if
flowers blooming. Then I can be symbolically here at least. I want my children to remember a smiling mum. Yes exactly that: I want to be remembered smiling”, she n replies, smiling…
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CANARY ISLANDS
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 040
Tenerife’s Daniel lifts Mr Spain crown
Canaries Day
Back to school for mums and dads
Canary Islands’ Day is celebrated across the archipelago every year on May 30 with a host of festivities taking place to commemorate the occasion. The Canarian Government organised a number of activities throughout the Islands to mark the day, saying that it was a time to “value our history, our symbols and our flag”. Schools held informal parties on the Friday before the public holiday, inviting parents to enjoy locally prepared cheeses, snacks and tapas. Pupils and teachers dressed up in traditional attire with Canarian folkloric music providing a cultural backdrop. Children prepared crafts and decorations to temporarily give their educational centre a colourful cheer. The CEIP Punta Larga near Candelaria was one such school to deck their playgrounds and sports courts with long tables presented with Canarian foods and refreshments for parents to enjoy alongside the students and teaching staff. An official Canary Islands’ Day ceremony was held on May 30 at the Alfredo Kraus Auditorium in Las Palmas, where the 2016 Canary Awards to individuals and groups were n presented.
Daniel Rodríguez is pictured in the middle
A career in male modelling is on the cards for Tenerife’s Daniel Rodríguez following his win in this year’s Mister Spain International competition.
The contest was held in Platja d’Aro in Catalonia at the end of May and, although not one of the favourites initially, Daniel has proven a popular winner and
is getting used to his billing as Spain’s most handsome male. The 23-year-old current Mr Tenerife beat off 46 other competitors to lift the crown, pipping Valencia’s
Christian Pérez and Las Palmas’ Airam Deniz. He will represent Spain in the Mr World International contest which takes place n in India later in the year.
Teachers and schoolchildren wore traditional Canarian attire to celebrate Día de Canarias
9.6.2016 – 22.6.2016
TENERIFE GENERAL
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 773
Letter to Editor
Canarian cold coffee As a resident of Tenerife for over 10 years, I’ve gladly taken on some of the more Canarian habits and way of life, including ditching tea for strong coffee. Like other changes to my routine, this wasn’t a conscious thing, it happened naturally over a period of time and now I can’t live without my several ‘cortado natural’ coffees a day. Similar to how I switched from English language to Spanish for the most part to integrate better, and adapted my body clock to adhere to the local way of later mealtimes, my conversion to coffee was a natural process and one I am happy to have made. However, having waxed lyrical about the coffee culture here, I write about my amazement at how often I receive cold coffees on this island. I would sincerely say that 80 per cent of the cortados brought to my table are barely lukewarm – even in bars I go to regularly where I have complained about this in the past. I mean, really, it’s just staggering to me that established cafeterias send out so many cold coffees – do you think they genuinely do not know that they should be served hot? Please, bars and baristas of this great island, serve coffee steaming hot as it should be and stop making me send so many cups back for warming up – I’m starting to get known as a ‘Victor Meldrew’ and I don’t think my complaint is a small one. If you sell coffee for a living, remember that it should be sipped by the client when hot and not thrown back like a tequila shot because it’s cold. Oh, and stop half-filling the cup with milky froth. This is a Starbucks trick and a massive con! Yours sincerely Graham O’Neill, Los Abrigos
Please serve coffee when it’s still hot!
By
Hi everyone. I hope you’re all well, especially my two friends Zina and Mike. Zina, as many of you know, is now feeling well after struggling with lung cancer for two years, but now sadly her husband Dave is poorly too. I’d go and visit him but the poor deluded man is terrified of me. I performed my comedy show at Flicks Bar for many years but Dave always found things to do whenever I arrived and managed to stay outside the bar, even though it meant he was leaving Zina to run it for an hour without him. I can’t think why! Perhaps it was that I drew a great deal of attention towards him with slightly personal but very funny jokes and reminded everyone that the possible reason he never sat down was that his ‘Plymouth Argyles’ were too painful! Or perhaps it was when I had him captured on his birthday and sat him on the stage and ignored his pleas, the sweat dripping from his frightened little head, and aimed all of my routine at him to the huge amusement of the audience and particularly Zina. The last time I worked at the bar, I crept from the car park and slipped into the terrace but as I reached the entrance he caught sight of me and dashed through the door and legged it out of the car park, with everyone outside, enjoying the balmy evening before my cabaret started, shouting and booing at him. I promptly ran after him, shouting “Come back Dave. I promise not to hurt you. I’m really a very nice person. Come back, Dave!” However, all I got from him as he rounded
y Kat
Hi everyone,
17
katykennedy@telefonica.net
Dave’s ‘Plymouth Argyles’!
the corner of the car park was a very rude finger sign. I believe he has a bad hip so he wouldn’t be able to run away now would he? So come on love, hurry up and get better because life is not nearly so much fun without you in your lovely bar. And a serious warning for those of you, and there are many millions worldwide, who use WhatsApp. According to an email I received via The Independent, there is a new scam operating. For those few who’ve never heard of it, WhatsApp is an app for your phone which enables you to text, send photographs and even make phone calls, and it is all for free and to anywhere in the world. It’s fabulous and does exactly what it promises. However, the new ‘update’ is called WhatsApp Gold and is
a scam, trying to load malware onto your phone that is aimed at stealing your information and even passwords
One to avoid - the bogus WhatsApp Gold logo
WhatsApp’s typical logo and appearance
or details of your purchases and how you pay for them. The scammers claim that this
app was previously only available to film stars and celebrities enabling them to enjoy amazing features on their phone. This is all nonsense and they are nothing to do with WhatsApp and any update will only come from the app itself. This is only the latest scam these unscrupulous people are using to steal your data and track your movements online. Apparently they also used another name: WhatsApp Plus. So please be careful, not just with this, but with anything you are downloading. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Until next time, take care of yourselves and especially of each other. Send an email to: katykennedy@ telefonica.net. Telephone: 616 n 110 930.
TENERIFE GENERAL
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 040
12Dive delight
Scuba centre wins TripAdvisor award The scuba dive centre 12Dive in Costa Adeje recently announced that they had won the TripAdvisor 2016 Certificate of Excellence, reflecting the consistently great reviews earned on the travel website. Now in its sixth year, the achievement celebrates hospitality businesses that have earned good traveller reviews over the previous year. Recipients include accommodations, eateries and attractions located all over the world that have continually delivered quality customer service. To qualify, a business must maintain an overall TripAdvisor bubble rating of at least four out of five, have a certain minimum number of reviews and must have been listed on TripAdvisor for at least 12 months.
Jail risk
Prisoners in Tenerife’s only jail are not receiving proper treatment for hepatitis C, the rate of which is much higher than in other prisons in Spain, say their families. Local daily Diario de Avisos has revealed that around 250
ing experience: Wreck Dive, Night Dive, Deep Dive, Navigation Dive, and Fish Identification Dive to name just a few. 12Dive can organise a schedule specific to individual needs to suit your requirements and time frame. Their experienced dive instructors are fluent in English, Spanish, German, Dutch, French, Italian and Swedish.
‘No danger’ of scrap tyre blaze, insist authorities The massive fire at a scrap tyre dump on the peninsula has fuelled concerns in Tenerife that a similar disaster could also occur. As the giant blaze at Seseña near Madrid entered its second week, spewing a toxic cloud of smoke into the air and forcing the evacuation of thousands of local residents, the authorities here moved quickly to allay speculation that the island’s main site for storing used tyres is unsafe. The Island Council’s environment chief, José Antonio Valbuena, confirmed that up to 7500 tonnes of tyres are currently being kept at the big Arico waste treatment facility but all were “under strict supervision” and the chances of an ecological catastrophe like Seseña were very remote. Valbuena explained that the scrap tyres are deliberately not stored together but rather are split into 23 different perimeter locations throughout the Arico site in order to minimise the risk of a major blaze. He added that plans are in place to remove n all the tyres by 2018 to a purpose-built facility.
TripAdvisor
Mark and Alex from 12Dive
12Dive 12Dive offers a wide range of services including a one day excursion that introduces you to diving and the PADI system.
The next step is to become a Scuba Diver which can be done in just two days, or become a fully independent Open Water Diver in four days. Once you have your Open Water Certification you can continue gain-
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Hepatitis concern in Tenerife prison inmates currently suffer from the condition, three times the average figure for the rest of the country’s prison population. The alarmingly high rate has stretched the prison’s medical service to the limit and stocks of drugs needed to treat the hepa-
titis are much too low. Indeed, according to José Veiras - a doctor at Tenerife II and secretary general of the union for members of health care professionals working in the Spanish penitentiary system - only the 10 most serious cases among the
250 are receiving the required treatment with the latest-generation drugs. It is not known how many sufferers are foreign inmates, who represent a large proportion of the prison population n in Tenerife.
Photo: Ronald Schuster/freeimages.com
18
Tyres caused a huge fire in Madrid - which should not be repeated in Tenerife
9.6.2016 – 22.6.2016
OUT THERE
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 773
19
Roque del Conde
A tabletop full of nature By Colin Kirby and the gateway to several rock to boulders to fine dirt - Several walkers passed me My legs ached but my eyes bulged as they gazed down on the coast of South Tenerife, a 2.1 km hike below. ‘No bicycles or horses’ the sign said at the end of the path; I think they may have found it a little challenging anyway. That’s not to say it was an animal-free zone on the plateau peak of Roque del Conde. Lizards with muscles like an eastern bloc shot putter scuttled through the undergrowth, swifts swooped and rode the air currents over Barranco del Infierno, and tell tale goats wandered around with legs more nimble than my matchsticks. The peak looks sheared off from below,
walks that start from the Plaza Cristo de La Salud. Well signposted, the entrance took me down and up a small ravine before I took the steep stone
kept me alert. The track beyond the barranco passed a derelict cottage, it has always been minus the roof but, in the year since I
in either direction, a mix of nationalities and ages. This climb is officially medium difficulty, just remember it’s not a race and you can take as many rests as you want. Emerging at the top was a
Santa Cruz On my latest rummage around Santa Cruz, the port was blossoming as the revamp reaches completion. The stylish cruise ship visitors’ centre will speed
Roque del Conde, nicknamed ‘Table top mountain’ Walkers are treated to stunning views along the way
On top of the plateau The trek is classified medium difficulty
hence the nickname ‘Table top mountain’, and Roque del Conde is surprisingly flat once it has been scaled. Arona town is just a 20 minute ride up from Los Cristianos,
stand testament to illustrious Tenerife visitors like Churchill, Jules Verne and many more. A more recent celebrity, Julio Iglesias, will be rolling back the years on a giant port stage on July 23. The makeshift venue holds thousands and
path into Barranco del Rey; cool, shaded and echoing with clanking goat bells. Like most of the Tenerife walks I do, the route was well maintained even if the surface changes - from
last passed this way, one side had been daubed with a graffiti artist’s name. I can think of a few suitable names for this desecrater of history. Just above sat a large threshing circle, a throwback to busier agricultural times, when these mountain paths were vital to commerce between remote towns. In the starting plaza and at key points early in the walk you will find information on history and customs in several languages, including English. As I crested a large rocky outcrop the spread of the modern coastal resorts looked like a giant 3D map, complete with white wake trails from the crossing ferries. A nibble of my sarnies, a gulp of water and the big push for the second half descent brought a steeper track and a wider angle to the view below.
buzz. The edges of the plateau offered 360 degrees of wonder: Mount Teide stood proud in one direction and La Gomera seemed to be floating on some wispy cloud at the other side. Sturdy animal residents are matched by the plant kingdom; clumps of nettles, cactus, and flowers clung to the most precarious of perches. Retracing my steps was quicker, I envied those still on the way up but enjoyed the downward trek nevertheless. It took me four hours with plenty of water and photo stops. Arona town is a nice place to linger and unwind afterwards, some of the cafes and bars close for the afternoon siesta so poke your head in the side streets, you will be rewarded.
tourists through to top up tills in town, and the commemorative plaques around the marina
is a proven success with the annual Christmas night free classical concert. I always feel a surge of pride to see the inter-island steam ship La Palma tucked in the far corner. Built in Middlesbrough in 1912, its restoration is gathering pace and it’s just been used in the Spanish film production Los Últimos de Filipinas. There’s hope for us old wrecks yet! Till next time, see you on my wanders, and feel free to visit my blog to see what other mischief I have been up to. n www.colinkirby.com
FOOD
20
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 040
El Taller Seve DÍaz
A cut above By John Warm home-made bread of was presented on two sepaIf you are a resident of Puerto de la Cruz, Saturday evenings are for taking a stroll around the Plaza del Charco and then sitting down at one of the cafés for a glass of wine, whilst discussing where to go for dinner. We had heard a lot about El Taller Seve Díaz, the eponymous restaurant three or four minutes’ walk from the square, and decided to look in on them – twice as it happened, three weeks apart. The exterior, with its maroon paint, looks unworthy of what lies within because the interior is quite a revelation. At 8pm on the day of our first visit, we were first to cross their threshold and were seated at a corner table with plain hard chairs. The other tables – with comfier seating – were reserved, we were told. But not so, as we discovered when other walk-in customers arrived later. Why do that to us? This is a very smart looking place, as befits the prices marked up outside. We sat in anticipation. A small bowl of marinated olives arrived immediately, together with some other delicacies. A nice touch, as was the free amuse bouche – a tiny glass of chilled creamy gazpacho type soup, topped with shredded hard-boiled egg and drizzled with olive oil. On the second visit, this was, instead, a croquette or bombon of lightly smoked cheese with a guava cream. Both were very tasty indeed.
three types came in a linen bag, tied up in a knot. Butter, provided in a little domed glass case, was redolent of orange zest. Another square of butter was flavoured with coco-
rate plates by the thoughtful chef. On our second visit we ordered the cream of watercress soup, served warm. This was pure theatre – in the bottom of the bowl nes-
My wife ordered the suckling pig as her main course. It was very tasty and tender with thin crispy crackling, well seasoned. My main on the first occasion was confit cod loin with a tomato and basil tartare and roasted sweet potato.
nut and lime, presented almost as a mousse. All this sort of stuff sets a good scene – and of course keeps prices up! Our shared starter was a salad of less-common mixed leaves with chopped strawberries, a small cube of foie and some drizzled passion fruit dressing. Underneath was a smear of cream cheese, just enough to savour. It all worked well together, particularly so because the dish that we had ordered to share between us
On the second visit I enjoyed a thick chunk of beef loin, cooked perfectly medium rare at my request, topped with a slice of slightly overdone foie,
sitting on mashed potato and accompanied by a rich port sauce. Our dessert of textures of apple with cinnamon and lemon thyme was delicious and the ice cream that accompanied it was outstanding. Wine pricing was as you may expect in an upmarket restaurant. We paid €19 for a Vivanca Crianza 2011 from Rioja. It was well worth the money. So, two satisfactory forays to this classy and locally highly regarded restaurant. A lot of fancy footwork is required to produce food as good as this. This is towards the top end of pricing in Puerto, but, for a special occasion, you may not do better. Certainly the fullness of the restaurant whilst we were there bore testament n to that.
El Taller Seve Díaz tled some slivers of pickled onion, smoked cheese and gofio. Then the waiter poured the soup around it until it was all but submerged. Service throughout was exemplary.
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Classified Agent for
Books, Cards, Internet Pto. Colón 1st floor Las Américas 922 715 682 bookswop@spantel.com
Calle San Felipe 32, Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife. Tel: 822 257 538 Open: Lunch Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Dinner on Wednesday to Saturday inclusive. Loo Score: 5/10. It would have been much higher but there were no replacement locks on both doors on either visit, three weeks apart!
040
Canary Islands’ attractions for tourists and residents Where to visit
Euro 2016
Upcoming events
What’s on
Islands summary
Tournament calendar
Spin news
Cultural guide
Pages 22 & 23
Pages 24 & 25
Page 26 & 27
Page 28
Isla Baja
Musically whimsical
At the same venue on June 25 there will be a taste of opera from the Unión Artística El Cabo at 8pm, and on July 1, also starting at 8pm, Augusto Brito and Ana Delia García will give the aptly named lyrical concert at the Antiguo Convento de San Sebastián in Los Silos. Two days later, there will
Photo: teoman yuksel / FreeImages.com
ros and traditional Canarian music at the Municipal Theatre in Buenavista del Norte from 8pm onwards.
Photo: Eduardo Guillen / FreeImages.com
Each year, the area known as la Isla Baja on the northwestern tip of Tenerife holds one of the most respected musical festivals from around the the Islands - Musical Whims of Isla Baja. On until July 23, the series of concerts will take place in an array of beautiful settings, such as former convents and cobbled town squares, across the four different boroughs of Garachico, Los Silos, Buenavista del Norte and El Tanque. Although the musical extravaganza is well under way and some concerts have already taken place, there are still many more to come, and the best news is that - with the exception of one - they are all free!
On June 10 starting 8pm the Trovadores will give a tribute concert to Ibero-American songwriters at the Federico Pérez Hernández in El Tanque. This is followed the next evening by a great set from several of the local school bands in the Municipal Theatre in Buenavista del Norte, starting 7pm. An outdoor concert will be held on June 12 in the Plaza Nuestra Señora de La Luz in Los Silos. Beginning at 12.30pm, the traditional Ntra. Ms. de Los Remedios band will play a mix of rousing melodies. The following week on June 17, talented students from the Daute-Isla Baja Regional School of Music will give their end of year concert at the Antiguo Convento de San Sebastián, also in Los Silos, starting at 7pm. The next night sees the wonderful Entre Cuerdas group entertain audiences with their combination of popular classics, Bole-
be some serious outdoor jazz, funk and Latin, from 12.30pm onwards, by Sax4you at the Glorieta de San Francisco in Garachico. There is a small fee of €3 to attend the next offering: the comic Zarzuela ‘La Vieja’ in
Garachico’s Antiguo Convento de Santo Domingo on July 9 starting 8pm. On July 15 there will be a piano recital from 8pm in the town’s Antiguo Convento de San Francisco and, last but not least, the closing musical treat will be on July 23
with more opera at the Antiguo Convento de San Sebastián in Los Silos. See more information on the XI Caprichos Musicales de la Isla Baja at: www.consorcioislabaja.com/los-caprichosn musicales.
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HOLIDAY GUIDE
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 040
The Canaries have what is considered one of the best climates anywhere on the planet, making the Islands the perfect destination for all year round tourism.
ous luxury hotels and some very nice, small white sand beaches. In the foothills above these towns you will find three great places to visit. Siam Park (The Water Kingdom), recently declared the best in the world, has something for everyone, from beach lovers to adrenaline freaks. See: www. siampark.net Aqualand, on Avenida de Austria, a water park with a dolphin show. See: www.aqualand.es. The Jungle Park, at Las Águilas del Teide, is great fun for kids of all ages. See: www.aguilasjunglepark.com
Tenerife Teide National Park The highest peak in Spain, at 3,718m, is one of Tenerife’s greatest attractions. It is possible to hike to the top, and also to catch the cable car. See: www.telefericoteide.com. To access the summit of the volcano, Pico del Teide, you need to obtain a free permit in advance, issued by the Administration Office of the National Park, which you can download at www.reservasparquesnacionales.es.
Los Gigantes
El Teide
summer solstices. See: www. piramidesdeguimar.es
Santa Cruz
Playa de Las Américas
Santa Cruz, the vibrant, bustling capital city of Tenerife, is located on the northeast coast. It has a variety of interesting museums and art galleries, a well maintained historical centre, and an important commercial port. See: www.santacruzmas.com.
Currently Tenerife’s main tourist destination, this area has spectacular views of La Gomera. There’s a big night-life scene which attracts younger tourists, but it’s also somewhere you can relax, eat, and go sailing, whale and dolphin watching or golfing.
La Laguna La Laguna, a university city, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999. It has a lively night life and a thriving cultural scene.
Puerto de la Cruz The town of Puerto de la Cruz was a popular tourist destination long before the south was. Its attractive and busy town centre has maintained its picturesque fishing-village charm, and nearby is the prestigious, award-winning Loro Parque Zoo. See: www.loroparque.com.
Adán Martín Auditorium
La Orotava One of the prettiest towns on the island, La Orotava also gives its name to the whole valley, which has a very prosperous history. The town centre has beautiful old mansions reflecting the wealth of the past.
Anaga Rural Park The Anaga Rural Park occupies much of the mountainous mas-
Los Cristianos sif in the northeastern corner of Tenerife. This is a steeplysloping area with exceptional natural and cultural treasures, and amazing landscapes.
Güímar This northeastern town is best known for the ethnographic park which was developed by Thor Heyerdahl. The pyramids are a complex construction, astronomically orientated according to the winter and
Once a little fishing village, Los Cristianos began as a tourist destination for ailing Swedes who came to enjoy some rest and recuperation. From the port you can take a ferry to La Gomera, La Palma or El Hierro. The two main beaches offer safe swimming with disabled access.
Costa Adeje Costa Adeje is an upmarket area of South West Tenerife
which is popular with European, Russian and national tourists. There are vari-
The town of Los Gigantes, which lives mainly from tourism but on a much more modest scale than Playa de Las Americas or Los Cristianos, is overlooked by the towering cliffs. There is good diving and a small harbour. El Duque beach
9.6.2016 – 22.6.2016
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 773
Other islands La Gomera Only a 45 minute ferry ride from the port of Los Cristianos, La Gomera is a small, peaceful island with amazing hiking and a prehistoric rainforest which is a UNESCO world heritage site and the only one of its kind left in the world. The ferry will take you to the capital, San Sebastián, famous for being Christopher Columbus’ last stop before crossing the Atlantic on his voyage of discovery. Valle Gran Rey, in the southwest of the island, and Playa
HOLIDAY GUIDE
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is Fuencaliente: the place to go in La Palma to see a real volcanic landscape. The western side of this borough has nice beaches and withstood the many volcanic eruptions the island has suffered, the most recent being the Teneguía volcano in1971. La Palma has a lovely variant of Carnival called Los Indianos, where everyone dresses in white and people take to the streets during the day to cover everything, including each other, in talcum powder.
like parts of North Africa than it does the other islands. The interior is mainly empty, with a few sun bleached villages and a surprising amount of goats, but the coast has some lovely towns and villages and kilometres of white sand beaches ideal for sunbathing and surfing. The capital is Puerto del Rosario, a relatively modern port town, rather sleepy and quiet despite the fact that nearly half of the island’s population live there. The two main tourist towns are at opposite ends of the island; Corralejo in the north and Morro Jable in the south.
Gran Canaria El Peñón, La Gomera
green and rugged, with breathtaking sights and one of the best places in the world for star gazing, hence the location of the world’s most important astrophysical observatories on its Roque de los Muchachos.
The capital, Las Palmas, is a much bigger city than Santa Cruz de Tenerife and has a nice historical quarter, a good night-life and Las Canteras - a long, yellow sand beach with areas for supervised swimming - and another beach for surfers of all levels. The main tourist areas are Playa del Inglés and Maspalomas, with its beauti-
Lanzarote Lanzarote is known as the ‘Isla de los Volcanes’, with over 300 volcanic cones. Like Fuerteventura, it’s flatter than the other islands and there’s very little rain, even by Canarian standards. The whole island was
El Hierro
Santiago, in the south, are the main tourist towns. Valle Gran Rey is a beautiful valley with good beaches and great restaurants. The harbour still has a small fishing fleet. Garajonay National Park houses an ancient laurisilva (laurel) forest at its heart, with over 400 species of flora and fauna. The forest was declared a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1987.
El Hierro The smallest and westernmost of all the islands, El Hierro only has three municipalities; Valverde, Frontera and El Pinar. For exploring, it’s best to hire a car, and you can easily drive all over the island in a day. Valverde is a small town in the north, the only capital in the
Canaries not located on the coast. Frontera (El Golfo) is a milder, bigger town to the west, with more going on and better weather, and right down in the south is La Restinga, famous for its diving.
La Palma Also known as ‘La Isla Bonita’ (the pretty island), La Palma is
Lanzarote
The capital, Santa Cruz, lies to the east of the island. It’s a pretty city of seafaring tradition, although Los Llanos de Aridane in the west is in fact the biggest city on La Palma. The towns in the north of La Palma are also very beautiful and in the south of the island
ful sand-dunes and all-night bars and clubs. The island also has some spectacular archaeological sites.
Fuerteventura Flat, arid and sparsely populated, this island looks more
declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, and those who take the time to explore the island will find it’s strangely beautiful. The capital is Arrecife, to the east, and the three main tourist resorts are Puerto del Carmen, Playa Blanca and Costa Teguise.
UEFA EURO 2016
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 040
UEFA EUR
gesundheit
FRA
Group A
Group B
Albania / France / Romania / Switzerland
England / Russia / Slovakia / Wales
JUNE 10.
JUNE 11.
Saturday
Wales ___:___ Slowakei England ___:___ Russland
17:00 20:00
Russland ___:___ Slowakei
14:00
Saturday
JUNE 15.
Wednesd
JUNE 15.
JUNE 16.
England ___:___ Wales
14:00
Russland ___:___ Wales Slowakei ___:___ England
20:00 20:00
Friday
JUNE 11.
Wednesd
JUNE 19. Sunday
France ___:___ Romania
Albania ___:___ Switzerland
20:00
14:00
Romania ___:___ Switzerland 17:00 France ___:___ Albania 20:00
Romania ___:___ Albania Switzerland ___:___ France
20:00 20:00
Thursday
JUNE 20.
Monday
Group D
Group E
Croatia / Czech Republic / Spain / Turkey
Belgium / Italy / Ireland / Sweden
JUNE 12.
Turkey ___:___ Croatia
JUNE 13.
Spain ___:___ Czech Republic 14:00
Sunday
Monday
JUNE 17. Friday
JUNE 21.
Tuesday
14:00
Czech Republic ___:___ Croatia 17:00 Spain ___:___ Turkey 20:00
Czech Republic ___:___ Turkey 20:00 Croatia ___:___ Spain 20:00
©2015 FLN
24
JUNE 13.
Monday
Ireland ___:___ Sweden Belgium ___:___ Italy
17:00 20:00
JUNE 17.
Italy ___:___ Sweden
14:00
JUNE 18.
Belgium ___:___ Ireland
14:00
Italy ___:___ Ireland Sweden ___:___ Belgium
20:00 20:00
Friday
Saturday
JUNE 22.
Wednesd
9.6.2016 – 22.6.2016
UEFA EURO 2016
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 773
RO 2016
gesundheit
Nce Group C
Group F
Germany / Northern Ireland / Poland / Ukraine
Austria / Hungary / Iceland / Portugal
JUNE 16.
Thursday
JUNE 21.
Round of 16
Tuesday
Ukraine ___:___ Northern Ireland 17:00 Germany ___:___ Poland 20:00
Ukraine ___:___Poland 17:00 Northern Ireland ___:___ Germany 17:00
JUNE 25.
2a
14:00
2C
JUNE 25.
1B
17:00
3 A/C/D
JUNE 25.
1D
20:00
3 B/E/f
JUNE 26.
1a
14:00
JUNE 26. 17:00
JUNE 26.
Tuesday
JUNE 18.
Saturday
JUNE 22.
Wednesd JUNE 30.
3 C/D/E
20:00
JULY 01.
20:00
JULY 02.
20:00
JULY 03.
20:00
1C 3
A/B/F
1F
20:00
2E
JUNE 27.
1E
17:00
2D
JUNE 27.
2B
20:00
JUNE 14.
Quarter finals
Sunday
Poland ___:___ Northern Ireland 17:00 Germany ___:___ Ukraine 20:00
2F
Final Semi final
JUNE 12.
JULY 06.
20:00
JULY 07.
20:00
JULY 10.
20:00
Austria ___:___ Hungary Portugal ___:___ Iceland
17:00 20:00
Iceland ___:___ Hungary Portugal ___:___ Austria
17:00 20:00
Iceland ___:___ Austria Hungary ___:___ Portugal
17:00 17:00
25
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HOLIDAY GUIDE SPIN NEWS
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 040
Adeje fair
Grab a good deal!
Don’t miss a visit to the Adeje Bargain Fair on June 11 and 12, where you will find a whole selection of discounted goods, from fashion for men, women and children to electronics, toys, home and DIY goods, vehicle parts and food produce. This is the ninth annual fair and is organised by the Adeje Council in conjunction with
Mercadillo del Atlántico S.A. As well as offering excellent bargains to the public, the event is designed to help local businesses. According to the local councillor for Economic Development, Manuel Luis Méndez Martin, “we are offering a range of options to consumers, who can find a huge selection of products at excellent prices and,
at the same time, presenting a space for local and island businesses to promote their company and products and sell, at lower prices, goods that they have in their shops before the new season’s stock arrives”. The discounts are usually significant: it’s just as if the sales have been brought forward, so for bargain hunters this is one fair that is not to be missed. As
a bonus, during the two days there will be parallel activities for all the family, including a zumba class, relaxation zone, bouncy castles, and raffles. The ‘Feria del Saldo’ will be open from 10am to 10pm in the car park behind the Adeje Music and Dance School, opposite the police station in Las Torres. See: www.adeje.es n for more information.
Rozalén revives
Juan Belda Bit Band
Earlybird readers may just be in time to catch the wonderful singer Rozalén on her return to Tenerife As part of her Quién me ha visto (Who has seen me) tour around Spain, she will be in concert at the Teobaldo Power Auditorium in La Orotava on June 9 starting 8pm and at the Infanta Leonor Auditorium in Los Cristianos at 9pm on June 10. Rozalén began composing songs at the age of 14, and hasn’t stopped since! Usually accompanied by her friend and percussionist Tete Moragón, and currently by the guitarist Samuel Vidal, bass player Jorge Rodríguez and ‘El Cometilla’ on the Flamenco-style cajón, this very special artiste is
The Juan Belda Bit Band will present their Carretera Mágica show about memories and the passing of time at the Teatro Guimerá in Santa Cruz on June 10. With great interpretive creativity by all the musicians, the personal sound that oozes from the work can be included within the genre of experimental electronic music or free contemporary jazz. Juan Belda was born in Tenerife and has certainly journeyed along that magical path during his musical career. Though basically self-taught, he studied jazz and structural music, and is also licensed in pure philosophy. He recorded his first album in 1983, quickly developing a popular following, and has travelled around the world to take part in an endless list of concerts, shows and festivals.
You name it, The magic road she can sing it
extraordinarily natural and fresh, and can sing in any genre or style: blues, copla, flamenco, pop, rap, Arabic music and, of course, her own compositions. Tickets, costing from €18, are available from www. tomaticket.es, or see: www. arona.org. n
The Bit Band is formed by Belda on keyboards, Pelayo Arrizabalaga on saxophone, Enrico Barbaro playing bass, Juanjo Ortíz on drums, Epi Lorente on guitar and Hans Piesbergen with vocals. The show starts at 9pm, and tickets, costing €10, €12 and €15, can be purchased from the box office, or online from: www.tomaticket.es. For more information, see: www.teatroguimera. n es.
Santiago del Teide
Summer camps coming! It’s time to sign up the younger members of the family for their summer activities. One of the best in the south west of Tenerife is Santiago del Teide’s programme of games, sports, workshops, dance and crafts, which is aimed at children between the ages of four years old and 12. The activities will take place in the Pancracio Socas García sports complex in Playa de la Arena, Monday to Friday, 8am to 2pm, throughout July and August. The price for the child of a resident is €125 for one of the months, €150 if not resident. Alternatively, if both months are required, it is €200 in total for residents or €240 for non residents. There are also discounts for further brothers or sisters taking part. You have until June 27 to register your children. Call: 922 86 80 41 or see: www. n santiagodelteide.org for more information.
El Sauzal
The Kings of happy pop return
Efecto Pasillo, the successful Gran Canaria group which specialises in summery sounds based on rock and reggae, are returning to Tenerife on June 25. Following their triumphant concert in Costa Adeje last September, the cheery musicians will this time grace El Sauzal whilst touring to present their third album, Tiembla la Tierra. The members of Efecto Pasillo are Iván Torres on vocals, Javier Moreno on drums, Nau Barreto on guitar and Arturo Sosa on bass. They’ve been together for 11 years and their big break came in 2007. After winning a competition they recorded a track which aired on radio, and which caught the ear of award winning producer Tato Latorre, who signed the band immediately after hearing them live. Since then they have achieved high positions in the Spanish pop charts, made several recent national TV appearances, and have moved up to an international level. Enjoy Efecto Pasillo and their catchy, carefree brand of feel-good music in the Plaza San Pedro, starting 9pm. Tickets cost €15 to €25 and available from: www.tomaticket. es. n
9.6.2016 – 22.6.2016
HOLIDAY GUIDE SPIN NEWS
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 773
Love Latin
Saucy salsa festival
La Laguna’s fourth International Latin Festival will bring those sexy rhythms and dance to the Plaza del Cristo area on June 11. Gates will open at 7pm and the evening starts in earnest with the Tenerife Champions Dance contest at 8.15pm, the winners of which will go on to represent the Canary Islands in the national competition. This will be followed at 10pm by live performances from artists and groups from several Latin American countries, going on until 3am. Last year’s festival was enjoyed by over 6,000 people dancing the night away. Tickets are available in three classifications: general for €20, Premium for €30 and VIP which include a free bar are €50. You can buy yours online from: www.ticketyeswhynot.com or at post offices. For more information, see www.aytolalaguna. n com.
Granadilla
Sights and taste sensations
What better way is there to get to know the town of Granadilla than to join a guided tour which includes tastings? A gastronomic delight called ‘Con sabor a Granadilla’ is one of the events included in the programme for the fiestas of San Antonio de Padua and Nuestra Señora del Rosario. The route, guided in English, German and Spanish, begins in the Plaza González Mena at 10am, although it will be possible to take a bus from El Médano which leaves Playa Chica at 9.30am. The first visit will be to the San Luis Obispo Franciscan Convent and the History Museum, followed by the San Antonio de Padua Church, a walk to the area of La Fuente del Lugar and its small hamlet, and a look at a gofio mill, finishing around lunchtime. The tour also includes a performance of folk music by Secundino Delgado Parranda. It will take place on June 11, so register quickly by sending an email to: turismo@granadilladeabona.org, or calln ing: 922 176 002.
Charity performance
21st century slavery Sophia – Mantente Viva (stay alive) is a venture that has been developed by Dt project and Francesca Patiño to draw attention to the problem of human trafficking. Consisting of a heart-rending documentary, with accompanying CD, the project focuses on the life of Sophia, a Thai woman who was a victim of trafficking as a young child and who was sold, locked up and enslaved for 22 years. The thought-provoking initiative will be presented in Los Cristianos on June 19. According to the United Nations, there are currently over 27 million slaves around the globe, two thirds of whom are women and girls. Human trafficking, it is said, is the fastest growing organised crime in the world, and undoubtedly one of the most disgraceful that exists. Dtproject is a group of musicians and artists who use
MarvelLous Masca
Art for all
The great Gonzalo González
Internationally renowned artist Gonzalo González is currently exhibiting a collection of works in his home town of Los Realejos. With over 30 years of experience and more than 50 exhibitions to his name, González is one of the most successful Canarian artists of his time. His latest offering, entitled Paisaje (Landscape), is a gathering of 50 sculptures, sketches and photos. Well worth a visit, you can see it at the Casa de la Cultura until June 24, between the hours of 9am and 1pm, 5pm to 8.30pm, Monday to Friday. You can also find more information on the local council’s n facebook page: Ayuntamientodelosrealejos.
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The Adeje Council’s youth department has organised a fantastic trip to the Masca ravine on the south-western tip of Tenerife: one of the most spectacular outdoor activities on the island. First of all, there will be a walk around the idyllic village of Masca – an almost hidden enclave nestled deep in a mountainous valley. After a short rest, this will be followed by a trek along the 4.5 kilometre path down through its
their skills to present performances and audio-visual projects in aid of those who are victims of war, poverty, illness and, in this case, 21st century slavery. The joint charity project also works to rescue women and young girls trapped in Bangkok’s prostitution networks, with the help of hundreds of volunteers annually. The main objectives of the Sophia – Mantente Viva project are to disseminate information on the cruel trade; to raise awareness of the dimensions of the problem; to motivate people into action; provide information on the different organisations that are arduously working for the abolition of slavery; to generate funds through the sale of Sophia Mantente Viva; and to support Sophia’s work in particular, and that of the various organisations which are working in this field in general.
You can see their latest presentation at the Infanta Leonor Auditorium in Los Cristianos,
starting 7pm. Tickets cost only €5. For more information, see: n www.arona.org.
Put your walking boots on! famous ravine to the beautiful beach into which it opens out. Everyone will have the opportunity to bathe in the waters, and the highlight of the trip will be kayaking in the sea whilst admiring the enormous cliffs of Los Gigantes. The activity falls within the ‘Ponte Las Botas’ programme which aims to encourage people to enjoy the many delightful trekking and traditional paths around Tenerife, thus spreading awareness of the tremendous
natural and cultural wealth of our natural areas. You’ll need to take sturdy footwear or walking boots, a sunhat or cap, sunscreen, bathing wear, a light jacket and, most important of all, plenty of water. The trip will take place on June 18. For more information and to register, visit the Casa de la Juventud in Avenida de los Vientos in Adeje, call 922 78 18 08 or see: n www.adejoven.es.
HOLIDAY GUIDE WHATS ON 2016
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FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 040
June
June
GRAN CANARIA TENERIFE DIARY DATES
DIARY DATES
June 10-25
June 10
Fiestas to celebrate the foundation of the Gran Canarian capital. Full programme at: www. laspalmasgc.es.
6pm: Puppets, Three Little Pigs (in Spanish), Free Entry, Town Hall, Mogán. 11pm: Street party, live music, Free entry, Plaza Sarmiento y Coto, Mogán.
5pm – 8pm: Canarian singing workshops, first hour young singers, last two hours adults, Adeje Cultural Centre. 5pm – 9pm: International Capoeira festival, Free Entry, Las Torres sports centre, Los Olivos, Adeje. 8pm: Parranda (folk music) festival, Free Entry, Plaza Tierra Lavado, Los Olivos, Adeje. 8pm: Timple concert, Free Entry, Central patio of Santiago del Teide Town Hall. 8pm: Trovadores concert, homage South American singer/songwriters, Free Entry, Edificio de Usos Multiples, El Tanque.
June 11
June 11&12
10.30am: Children’s fiesta, Free Entry, bouncy castles, games, workshops (Calle Miguel Hernández), musical The Lead Soldier (in Spanish), (Calle Luján Pérez, foam party (in front of the Polideportivo Municipal), Moya. 9pm: Tribute band festival, Free Entry, Calle Luján Pérez, Moya. 11.30pm: Street party, live music, Free entry, Plaza Sarmiento y Coto, Mogán.
10am-10pm: Adeje bargain fair, discount shopping in a wide range of goods, plus bouncy castles, zumba, raffles, Free Entry, car park behind the music school, Adeje.
June 10-12 TBA: Gran Canaria Swimsuit Fashion Week, ExpoMeloneras, San Bartolomé de Tirajana. June 10
June 12 8am: Farm animals fair, exhibitions, competitions and traditional sports, La Fragata, Moya. 3.30pm: Foam party, Free Entry, Parque Nicolás Quesada, Mogán. 12am: Fireworks, street party, live music, Free entry, Plaza Sarmiento y Coto, Mogán. June 13 All day: Patron saint’s day of San Antonio in Santa Brígida and Mogán, banks and some businesses may be closed. Lots of events before, during and after, full programme: www.mogan. es (Santa Brígida NYA). June 18 All day: Dragon Battle Race – Agüimes. You need to register beforehand and get your numbers on June 16, discounts arranged with ferry company for participants. Anyone driving through the area on the day could face delays. www. dragonbattlerace.com. 8am: Hiking Valleseco, Barranco del Andén, Tourism office, 928 618 022, extension 221. www.vallesecograncanaria.com. 7pm: Romería street parade, Free Entry, regional costumes, decorated carts, music, followed by a dance by the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Candelaria, Moya. June 19 9am: Cheese, cake and chanterelle mushroom tastings, Free Entry, Plaza Tomás Morales, Moya. June 20 All day: Patron saint’s day of San Antonio in Moya, banks and some businesses may be closed. Lots of events organised before during and after, full programme: blogvillademoya.es.
EXHIBITIONS Until July 24 Summertime, 25 years of the International Jazz & Mas Heineken Festival, photographs, audio, video, Free Entry, San Martín Centro de Cultura Contemporánea, Ramón y Cajal 1, LPGC, Tuesday to Saturday, 10am – 9pm, Sunday, 10am – 2pm.
June 11 9am: Hiking Tegueste, circular route, four hours. 922 316 102. 9am – 9pm: International Capoeira festival (see above). 9.30am: Guided route in Granadilla with English speaking guide and bus, visiting local church, convent and gofio mill and includes a short walk, tastings, folk music entertainment, limited places. 922 176 002. 7pm: Young bands concert, Free Entry, Municipal Cine/Theatre, Buenavista del Norte. 7pm: Latin festival, entertainment, salsa music and dancing, from €20, Plaza del Cristo, La Laguna. www.ticketsyeswhynot.com. June 12 12.30pm: Open air band concert, Free Entry, main square, Los Silos. 5pm-9pm: International Capoeira festival (see above). June 13 All day: Fiesta of the patron saint of Granadilla. Banks and some businesses may be closed. Lots of events arranged around the date. Programme - www.granadilladeabona.org.
limited seats, Auditorio Infanta Leonor, Los Cristianos. 7pm: End of course entertainment by the DauteIsla Baja school of music, Free Entry, Antiguo Convento de San Sebastián, Los Silos.
wool, shearing, washing, spinning etc., also Gomeran whistling language, Shepherd’s Leap, folk music, gastrotextile market, tastings, Free Entry, Calle Mequínez, Puerto de la Cruz. June 20
June 18 All day: Youth hike through Masca, down the ravine with kayaking at the beach, organised by Adeje Youth Department, limited places. 922 781 808. 8am: Hiking with Arona council, Anaga route, Chamorga – Playa de Antequera, €12, register before June 11, online or at the SAC offices. www.arona.org. From 11am: Ethnographic recreation of the way Canarian people used to live, Free Entry, streets and fields of the village peopled by camels, donkeys, old crafts, pastimes and ways of life, Taucho, Adeje. 8pm: Entre Cuerdas, popular Canarian folk songs, Free Entry, Municipal Cine/Theatre, Buenavista del Norte.
6pm: Children’s entertainment, acrobats, magic, clowns, The Lion King, pre-event price €10, €12 on the day, Auditorio Infanta Leonor, Los Cristianos. June 21 8pm: folklore festival, Free Entry, Auditorio, El Sauzal. June 22 5.30pm: Open air Pilates with Laura, organised by the Pink Room, Free Entry but donations for Walk for Life welcome, Tenerife Top Training. Until June 27 Adeje School of Music and Dance performances to mark the end of the school year, almost every day, varied times, Free Entry. www.adeje.es. Until further notice Open air cinema at the Magma Centre, Adeje, from €4 for residents, many films in the original language. www.openaircinematenerife.es for programme and non-resident prices.
9pm: Sabandeños, famed Canarian folk music group, Free Entry, Plaza de San Pedro, Güímar. June 19 9am - 9pm: Pet show, exhibitions, agility, competitions etc., Las Torres sports Centre, Los Olivos, Adeje. 10am: Guided walk in Taucho with local resident Rafael Morales Siverio, from the Taucho Bar to Hoya del Agua, Adeje.
Every Thursday Until July 28, group therapy sessions for women with any type of gynaecology-related cancer with Alejandro San Blas, 6pm – 7.45pm, Free Entry, Escuela de Seguridad y Convivencia, 2nd floor, Calle Beneharo s/n, Las Nieves, Adeje. Tuesdays Tour of Dorada beer factory, Avenida de Ángel Romero, Santa Cruz. doradatour.es. Thursdays
June 15 – July 3
7pm - 9pm, International Gospel School led by Latonius, Escuela Municipal de Música, Adeje (Las Torres, opposite the police station). tlgospelchoir@gmail.com.
Events for the patron saint of El Sauzal. Programme available at: www.elsauzal.es. June 15
Saturday mornings
6pm: Open air work-out, pelvic floor exercises with specialist Mónica Giménez, organised by the Pink Room, Free Entry but donations for Walk for Life welcome, Costa Adeje Golf.
Events for specific groups, families, seniors, women etc., Activate Sports Club. www.tenerifeactivate.com.
June 16
EXHIBITIONS
7pm: International tapas day celebration, cookery demonstrations, exhibitions, tastings, Free Entry, La Pirámide, El Sauzal.
Until June 10
June 17
Traditional Canarian costumes, Patio Central of the Town Hall, Santiago del Teide, Monday to Friday 8am – 3pm and 5pm – 8pm.
6pm: End of course entertainment by Arona music and movement school, Free Entry,
From 11am: Wool festival, exhibitions of every stage of the collection and weaving of
For regular church, charity and recreational events, please see: www.islandconnections.eu/1000003/1000027/0/41004/living-lifestyle-article.html
9.6.2016 – 22.6.2016
MUSIC
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 773
29
THE QFM MUSIC REVIEW
Gospel - The root of modern music There is a history behind gospel music which is both disturbing and inspiring. Back in the 17th century, whilst African slavery became big business, the church took to enforcing religion upon not only slaves but also upon colonised Africa. A major hurdle was the fact that these people could not read, so they were taught to repeatedly ‘chant’ parts of the Bible over and over until they were memorised. At some point they began to chant these passages to ancient African melodies, thus the negro spirituals and work songs emerged. This was the dawn of the gospel genre, the mother of blues, and the grandmother of rock ‘n roll, jazz and country and western. And we all know where modern pop, soul, rhythm and blues, and rock came from! So it comes as an enormous pleasure to discover that Tenerife now has its very own resident Gospel choir leader. Latonius (the artistic name for Tony Jermaine Earl) was born in Mil-
waukee, Wisconsin, and later relocated to Los Angeles. Both parents were singers, and at just four years of age he sang with the band of his father and accompanied his mother to the church choir. Jazz, pop, rhythm and blues, gospel, and classical music were becoming ingrained into his very soul. He made the decision to relocate to Europe in order to embrace new cultures and influences, and after residing in Germany for several years, he relocated to Tenerife where he is currently teaching the gospel choir which he founded, first in the north and now in the south of Tenerife. Along his journey, he shared stages with legends such as Sarah Vaughan and Al Jarreau, and gospel artists including Dr. E LaQuint Weaver and The Hallelujah Singers, Kierra Sheard, Larry Callahan and SOG, Darnell Davis and The Remnant, Isaac Cates and Ordained. In addition, he recorded his debut album Say Yes. The album, in all honesty, is more pop-rhythm and blues ori-
entated rather than the pure and incredible gospel which
Latonius is more than capable of producing. However,
there are definite flavours of the genre throughout, and the tracks Mya’s Song and Don’t Be Afraid demonstrate a perfect fusion between pop, soul and gospel. The final track, a live version of Home, illustrates the vocalist’s unplugged abilities, his delivery far surpassing that of his recorded version of the song. Latonius has a natural ability to write and perform, he is dedicated to teaching the genre, is an incredible live vocalist, and we are fortunate to have him on this island. My only criticism of Say Yes is that perhaps Latonius shouldn’t shy away from his gift, the mastery of the grandmother of practically everything we listen to today. Let’s pray that his next studio project will not only contain more great soul and rhythm and blues, but also some pure, unadulterated gospel. Listen to tracks from Say Yes on Qfm 94.3 and Qmusica. com, also there are choir practices in Adeje every Thursday
where new members, with or without experience, are welcome. Listen to the hourly Qfm Cultural Guides for more inforn mation.
Tracklist
1. Just For You 2. Mya’s Song 3. Don’t Be Afraid 4. Meantime 5. Always Be Around 6. I Believed You 7. Never Too Late 8. Honesty 9. Foggy 10. All Or Nothing 11. Let Love Rule 12. Home 13. Let Love Rule (Remix) 14. Home (Live Version)
SPOTLIGHT
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FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 040
Spotlight on Anthony Scott
Comedy with the Fringe on top
Hailing from the comedy capital of Edinburgh, Scotland, Anthony Scott is a sharp standup comedian with a vast background in entertainment and photography. Anthony lived in the Scottish capital until spending a year in Jersey as an 18 year old before going on to study photography and print in London. This led to a stint working on cruise ships as a photographer, which would soon follow into entertainment when the cruise director recognised Anthony’s natural charm with the passengers and told him “you’re in the wrong department, do you want to come work in entertainment?” Anthony became a social host and animator, and later the assistant cruise director. At this time he met his future wife, who was working as a dancer on the liner, and the couple moved to Tenerife in 1998. “We knew that Carla would find work as a dancer on the cabaret scene and I hoped that I would pick up photography work” Anthony said. The plan moved into motion when he started work as the Entertainment Manager at the Ocean Beach Hotel in San Eugenio, booking all the live acts. However, Anthony quickly realised that the entertainers were making good money for only two hours work a day compared to the long hours he was
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personality in the show for it to really work. So I began writing my own material, introduced new sections and included some Swing songs”. For the last three years, Anthony has been writing two shows for each season; one for the Tenerife circuit and one for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Regarding the two different shows, Anthony says
“Holidaymakers like the Billy Connolly persona because it’s familiar and subtle enough that plenty of my own voice comes out. Performing as myself at the
like your style; you have a rare, controlled aggression’, which I thought was pretty cool!” Anthony has also shared a stage with Jim Davidson when
long time.” John Challis who played Boycie in Only Fools and Horses came to see Anthony and said “I laughed till I cried!” while the pub-
he performed two concerts with the former TV presenter in Afghanistan while entertaining the troops there. Davidson said of Anthony’s act: “He is one of the best new comics I’ve seen in a
lication The Stage called Anthony’s Edinburgh Fringe show “a must-see act”. There’s no doubt that Anthony Scott is a hugely-liked comic with great stage presence and material that appeals to a broad
Anthony performing onstage
Photo: Monika Marion
Anthony Scott
spending in the office and he thought about what kind of act he could do. Around this time, Anthony’s grandmother died and he flew back to Scotland to attend the funeral. He went into a second hand music shop and bought a stack of Billy Connolly comedy albums; material he hadn’t heard since he was a boy. “I realised there and then – I’ll do a Billy Connolly tribute show”. Ironically, despite having the accent and physical resemblance, Anthony admits it took three years to get the show to the point where he felt comfortable with it: “Tenerife is a tough place to do comedy, I believe, and I started by using condensed material taken directly from Connolly’s routines. While it was 80 per cent there, a friend told me that I needed elements of my own
audience. “People buy into people, I believe, if you’re able to make them like you”, he said of his popularity with the crowds that come to see him, “my job is a simple one: make people laugh. I’m quick-minded and sharp when I’m on stage but outside of performing I’m actually laid back really”. Anthony is also an accomplished vocalist who fronted a rock band for five years and incorporates Swing songs into his comedy routines. He is currently writing new material for this year’s Edinburgh Fringe and can be seen weekly at the following South Tenerife venues: Monday at The Pheasant Plucker at 10pm; Tuesday at Bar 39 at 11pm; Thursday at The Whiskey Jar at 10pm and Sky Bar at 11pm; Friday at Ye Olde Ocean at 11pm; and The Railway Tavern at 10pm.
Anthony Scott as Billy Connolly Anthony’s shows include hardhitting comedy with smooth music
Fringe festival is a continuation of this in many ways, but with a lot more freedom and no ‘disguise’ of course. The popular TV comic Jon Richardson has come to see me on consecutive years. The last time he was in the audience he said ‘I really
For a hard-hitting comedy show with smooth music, be sure to catch Anthony Scott one evening soon. For further information visit his Facebook page: www.facebook.com/AnthonyScott-294031117012. n
9.6.2016 – 22.6.2016 By Paul Montague, Partner, Blevins Franks
Today, more than ever, there is a range of choice when it comes to what you can do with your pension. An unwelcome side-effect of this freedom is an increasing number of scams targeting people with pension savings. One option open to British expatriates is to transfer their UK pension into a Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme (QROPS). For many people this is a suitable way to bring their pension with them. However, it is by no means a ‘one size fits all’ solution. It is also a common focus for scammers looking to defraud people out of their pension savings. It is therefore crucial to look at all your options and seek regulated, personalised advice when considering a QROPS. Citizens Advice in the UK found that two in five pension scams start with a cold call, estimating that 11 million people have received unsolicited calls or texts about pension services. Tell-tale signs of scams include offering a free pension review and early access or unusually
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ISLAND CONNECTIONS 773
31
Taking care of your pension
Look out for scams
“You can protect yourself by thoroughly researching any person or company that approaches you about your pension, before giving them any personal details.” high and guaranteed returns. Generally, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is, and once you transfer your pension, it’s too late. You could end up losing some or even all of your pension savings, and face a large tax bill as well as penalty fees.
Something else to be aware of is that many companies offering QROPS services are unregulated. While they may not necessarily be scams, these are unprotected investments that risk losing your pension savings, whether they aim to defraud you or not. Remem-
ber, with unregulated companies there is no recourse when things go wrong. You can protect yourself by thoroughly researching any person or company that approaches you about your pension, before giving them any personal details. A
simple Google search can reveal whether an adviser is regulated or on any warning registers. You could also search for consumer reviews, ask around your local community and follow up any references. Look for a regulated adviser who will carry out a high level of due diligence when recommending options tailored for you. In any case, be careful not to sign anything under pressure, unless you fully understand what you are getting into. Ideally, the advisory firm should outline your full range of options, not only QROPS, to establish the best pension solution for your particular circumstances. If you decide that a QROPS is right for you, you will need specialist guidance to navigate the complex tax and jurisdiction issues. Whether you are UK resident or an expatriate, make sure you use a provider that is authorised and regulated for the conduct of pension business by the UK Financial Conduct Authority. And, as with
any investment, it is important to ensure that the underlying funds in your pension scheme are suitable for you, your risk profile and objectives. It can only take a moment to lose a lifetime of savings but with careful planning and professional advice you can both protect and make the most of what you have. Tax rates, scope and reliefs may change. Any statements concerning taxation are based upon our understanding of current taxation laws and practices, which are subject to change. Tax information has been summarised; an individual is advised to seek personalised advice. Blevins Franks provides tailormade advice on investment strategies, tax mitigation and estate planning. It has decades of experience advising British expatriates in Spain. Contact Paul Montague on 922 716 079 or paul.montague@ blevinsfranks.com. www.blevinsfranks.com
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BUSINESS
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 040
UK and Europe
many a Spanish tourism chief when, speaking at the headquarters of the EasyJet airline, he predicted that the numbers of UK visitors to Spain would plummet along with the anticipated depreciation of sterling should the ‘Outers’ win on the day. This was met with derision by many of our Facebook followers, with many comments such as the following: “The Brits pour millions into the Spanish economy via holiday makers and retired ex pats. We want to go there and the Spanish want us to no matter what”. It was even suggested that these sort of declarations are nothing short of blackmail or scare mongering. Nevertheless, the number and strength of the comments show how feelings are running high right now, not least amongst the millions of Brits living abroad. What will happen to them if the Brexit becomes a reality? A recent meeting on the subject, held in the Adeje Cultural
Centre, was attended by over 120 British residents of south Tenerife. The conference was organised by the FOCUS Adeje International Residents Group and the Adeje Council, with panellists Paul MonPhoto: Bredmaker / FreeImages.com
The moment of the UK’s referendum on whether to remain in Europe or go it alone is fast approaching. June 23 is the big day – one that not only those who live in Britain are waiting for with baited breath but a date that the rest of Europe, and much further afield, will also mark as a ‘before and after’. The debate so far has been dirty, with fractions on both sides plucking random figures and consequences out of the air and proclaiming them as fact. The pound will crash, hoards of jobs will be lost, Britain will lose its voice as a world player or, alternatively, (after a slight wobble) the economy will grow, people will be safer, the government will be able to effectively control their own affairs... The trouble is, of course, that nobody really knows. The country’s prime minster David Cameron is firmly in the ‘stay’ camp and recently sent shivers up the spines of
Photo: szymon szymon / FreeImages.com
Should we stay or should we go?
Will the UK be a member of the EU by the end of this month?
tague, Tenerife representative for Blevins Franks; Adeje based Spanish lawyer José Escobedo; and Tenerife blogger and academic Janet Anscombe answering questions on issues such as pensions, health care provisions, and financial implications for businesses. One of the main
aspects made clear – as much of the rest is supposition - was that, even if the UK decides to leave the EU, the process will be slow: it will take at least two years, so there is no need to panic. No one who is
legally settled here is going to be thrown out, either. Paul MontAgue made reference to the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties ‘Acquired Rights’, which states that the termination of a treaty, in this
case the UK’s membership of the EU, ‘does not affect any right, obligation or legal situation of the parties created through the execution of the treaty prior to its termination’ (Article 70.1B). This means, he explained, “that if you have made your bed in another country then under this convention these have to remain”. José Escobedo added that the legal issue of resident status clearly states that anyone who had lived and registered as a resident in Spain over a number of years would continue to enjoy all the rights and benefits of a resident regardless of the outcome. At the end of the meeting a show of hands indicated quite a high number of those in attendance had registered to vote, a reflection of both the huge interest and the high profile campaign the UK government has run to encourage the millions of Britons living abroad n to register.
9.6.2016 – 22.6.2016
BUSINESS
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 773
Canary Island crisis?
Plight of longterm unemployed highlighted The much-publicised signs of economic recovery in the Canaries mask a much tougher reality for tens of thousands of people who are unlikely to find work even if fortunes improve generally in the Islands. According to the National Institute for Statistics, over a third of unemployed people have been out of work for at least three years, the highest percentage since the onset of the crisis in 2008. Currently, over 110,000 people last held down a job in 2013 or earlier, compared to just under 20,000 who had been out of work for three years or more in 2008. The increase of 440 per cent is the highest anywhere in Spain and has prompted calls this week for a concerted effort on the part of the Canarian and Spanish governments to provide work opportunities and/or urgent retraining for those affected, amid fears that they might never find employment again. n
Government stands firm
‘Mass exam’ rerun calls
The unwelcome statistics regarding unemployment were certainly mirrored by the recent applications from more than 40,000 people for just 614 jobs, not to mention the ensuing controversy. The Canarian government was called upon to scrap the subsequent competitive exam to fill the low-level posts in the regional Health Service, despite widespread criticism that the test was unfair. As reported here at the time, tens of thousands of people signed up for the test to qualify as junior clerical officers and the organisation of the mass exam needed over 700 venues across the Islands to be prepared for the first written paper. Only hours after the finish, applicants took to social media to complain that the questions had been “far too hard” for the level of the job and only over-qualified people would have a good chance of passing. The Health Service denies the exam was unfair and said it had every confidence that the panel of examiners had acted properly in setting the questions, which were all part of a preadvertised curriculum. As the storm of protest mounted, unions became involved and called for a number of the more difficult questions to be scrapped or the whole exam cancelled and a new test organised. However, the plea has fallen on deaf ears and the Service’s Director of Human Resources said he would publish a detailed document showing how all the questions related directly to the content of the curriculum. n
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CC Galeón outlet shopping
Permanent bargains! A brand new shopping centre dedicated to outlet stores will open in Adeje on July 16. The first of its kind on Tenerife, the innovative Galeón Outlet Commercial Centre is sure to be a hit with serious shoppers. Located in the town of Adeje in the high-density residential zone called Urbanización El Galeón, the centre is perfectly placed to make the most of excellent connections from the motorway and all of the tourist areas in South Tenerife. The shopping hub, which will boast more than 500 free parking spaces, will be home to many of the best brands on the market, each offering some terrific deals. There will be 40 different stores in total, divided over three commercial areas, so there will be plenty of reasons to visit. For fashion, some of the names include Guess, Forecast, Punto Roma, Encuentro Moda, Geox/ Desigual, Shana, Q-Queens, and Yeyo Boutique. The first Cortefiel outlet store in the Canary Islands - Fifty Factory – will also be there, offering its usual selection of Cortefiel Woman Secret, Springfield, Pedro del Hierro and Milano brands; and the Mint Company will have great bargains from big names such as Hugo Boss, Armani Jeans, Polo Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger and Burberry. If you need some footwear to go with the new outfit then you just need to take a short stroll to check out branches such as Via Franca and Walk It. Sport Zone is there for the energetically minded and there’re plenty of ideas for house decoration from JYSK and Mondi
Disini. There will be hairdressing with Monica and Jorge; you can get your eyes checked at Multiopticas; grab the latest for your pet at Koala, and even locate everything you need for that upcoming celebration from Party Fiesta. And while you are there, you can pop into the Hiperdino supermarket and peruse its selection of groceries over more than 2500m2 of sales area. For both residents and visitors, the commercial centre is sure to be an attraction. Tenerife has become the ideal destination for tourists who want to
enjoy one of the best climates in the world during their vacation, and each year some five million come from many different countries to relax, visit charming places and enjoy the island’s culture, cuisine and traditions. The south also has an extensive range of quality hotels, and now – the first ever outlet shopping centre. That’s very good news for customers, and the business world is also welcoming the new initiative. A study by the Spanish Chamber of Commerce
concludes that shopping malls represent an obvious benefit for businesses and jobs. The large influx of customers, long opening hours, ease of parking, diversity of shops and the products and services they offer, make large shopping centres a pole of economic attraction. The Galeón Outlet Commercial Centre is certainly making a good start in this direction as it will boost employment by creating more than 300 direct jobs. See: www.galeonoutlet.com. n
BUSINESS
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FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 040
Planning ahead
Death and taxes The last article when we were talking about taxes was based on a quote by Benjamin Franklin: “nothing is certain except death and taxes”, so this week we are going to talk about death. It’s a subject we Brits often prefer to ignore, but the truth of the matter is that it will happen to us all, and living in a foreign land can complicate matters further. Perhaps the kindest thing you can do for your loved ones is to be prepared. If you have assets in Spain, you should have a notarized and registered will, in which you can state that you wish English law to apply to your worldwide assets. This is particularly important if you want to leave your estate to your partner, who can then leave it to your children. This is not possible under Spanish law. And if you have been married more than once, and stepchildren are involved, it is vital to get
Photo: Alberto Ramírez FreeImages.com
Sponsored by the Free Advice Centre Tenerife
Planning ahead in all respects means you will have peace of mind
yourself organised beforehand to avoid problems. In addition, recent changes in the law mean that you may be able to donate your property to your immediate fam-
ily relatively tax free, with the right to retain use of the property for the remainder of your lifetime. You should also give some thought to your personal pref-
erences. For example, you can organise a DNR (Do Not Resuscitate or Living Will) here in the Canary Islands, and register it with the health service if that is your wish. There are also a number of Funeral Plan companies, who will help you plan and organise everything. Funerals here normally take place very quickly, and often we expats would like our families from abroad to attend. Funeral plan companies are able to organise a delay to make this possible. One phone call means that everything that has been prearranged can be put into place immediately. Planning ahead in all respects means that you will have peace of mind. There is a saying: “live every day as if it is your last… because one day, you will be right!” Call in to the Free Advice Centre Tenerife weekday mornings at the Wheeler Dealers premises in Las Chafiras, for clarification and free referrals, or call on: 922 738 500. n
Borough debt
Clean sheets and budget deficits The budgets of some local councils in Tenerife are reeling under the heavy burden of debt while others can rub their hands together at their book balancing feats. At the end of 2015 the boroughs of La Matanza, with 8,752 residents, and Tacoronte, with 23,893 inhabitants, proudly reported a debt-free account. The small municipality of Fasnia, with just over 3,000 residents, in the southeast of the island also had a clean slate. Santa Úrsula, with 14,246 people living there, started the year with a debt of €330,000 but managed to balance the books by the end of 2015. For areas with larger populations the story was a little different. Puerto de La Cruz in the north of Tenerife announced a mighty €22.37 million debt, albeit due to large reformation projects in the district. The PP and CC coalition council hopes to reduce that deficit to around €6 million by the end of 2016. Buenavista del Norte reported debts of €5.67 million, while the neighbouring regions of Los Silos and Icod de Los Vinos announced deficits of €5.3 million and €11.27 million respectively. The towns of La Orotava (41,317 residents) and Los Realejos (36,276) are, according to the Spanish Treasury, €4.83 million and over €3 million in debt. However, this imbalance is not as serious as in Los Silos and Buenavista where fewer than 5,000 people live in each area. While some councils can breathe and make plans for the near future, othn ers have to tighten their purse strings even further.
ELECTRIC VEHICLES PROBLEM
Charging points crisis
Safe clean have it covered Established in 1987, Safe Clean GDA Group SLU is the only British professional upholstery, carpet cleaning and pest control company registered with the Sanidad Spanish Health and Safety authority. Amongst other benefits, this means they are authorised to provide the recognised official certificates to bars, restaurants
and complexes necessary to comply with Spanish Law. So, are you being bugged by bugs? Is your business being bothered by unwelcome manylegged beasts? Or has your
three-piece suite lost its appeal? No problem, all you have to do is call Safe Clean… Whilst Safe Clean work with major management companies, estate agents, laundries
and administration companies, they are also proud of the service they offer to the private sector, where they will respond to all pest problems on a ‘same day’ basis. Not only does Safe Clean tackle the obvious problems like ants, cockroaches, mice and rats, they will also eradicate wasps, bed bugs and even wood worm. Interestingly, bees are out of bounds as they are a protected species. If you do find a bee’s nest, your port of call would be the local authorities. The company aims to provide a service that cannot be matched. Offering home collection and 72-hour turn around delivery on carpets, they also clean sofas and suites in record time. And a full commercial clean of up to 500m2 can be completed in just one visit. Make Safe Clean your first port of call for upholstery cleaning, carpet cleaning and pest control – you won’t be disappointed. For more information call the experts today on: n 666 192 119.
Photo: Nissan/Mariordo CC A-S A 2.0 UL
From bed bugs to rats, sofas to carpets…
Lack of charging points in Tenerife may be curtailing the use of electric cars
Tenerife may not be the best place to own an electric car, no matter how environmentally-friendly an owner may wish to be. Local daily La Opinión has carried out a study of charging points for the vehicles, billed of late as “the way forward” on numerous occasions by politicians, and has found that there are many fewer than originally envisaged, certainly fewer than are needed to make potential buyers take the plunge and steer clear of the petrol pumps. According to the paper, only four cities and towns in Tenerife have installed the all-important charging locations and others still have to make good on their promise to do so. The four are the capital, Santa Cruz, which has eight fully operational points, La Laguna (2), Puerto de la Cruz and Arona (one each). The news is of particular embarrassment in the case of the last two towns, given their tourism importance and their repeated promises to “go green”. The paltry provision has been slammed by the Association of Electric Vehicle Users here, which says the lack of charging points is severely limiting the possibilities of the current 150 owners and will prevent more drivn ers from going electric in the immediate future.
Free and easy
35
are less then around three kilometres in length. You will also be doing your bit for the environment, of course.
tive as antidepressants in mild to moderate cases of depression. One of the reasons is that it releases the body’s feel-good chemicals known as endorphins. But you don’t have to be suffering from anxiety to enjoy its benefits: a good brisk walk will reduce stress and calm the mind. And let’s face it – who wouldn’t benefit from a little of that nowadays?
Walk the walk…
By Xena Fox muscle in the calves - which Taking a brisk daily walk is one of the best things you can do for your health. It’s a gentle, low-impact exercise that has endless benefits, and all you have to do is walk 30 minutes a day to gain the most out of it. Here are just a few of the reasons why you should get your walking shoes on right now.
HEALTH
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 773
is also great for improving circulation in the lower legs. Do enough of it and, alongside a healthy diet, it will also help you lose weight.
Enjoy an energy payback
Save money
It may sound strange, but expending a little energy on a vigorous stroll will actually make
Walking is easy and free of any costs. You not only save on gym membership or the
J. Furmanczyk / FreeImages.com
9.6.2016 – 22.6.2016
Alongside a healthy diet, walking can help you lose weight
Photo: Ivan Vicencio / FreeImages.com
Photo: Armend (AD) FreeImages.com
Walking is extremely beneficial for the cardiovascular system. Endless studies have shown that striding out regularly not only reduces high blood pressure but also the risk of heart disease and/or stroke.
Photo: C D.C / FreeImages.com
Heartening news
A walk along the beach will also improve joint function
Brisk walking is free and has endless health benefits
Get your walking boots on!
It also significantly diminishes the likelihood of developing a whole string of serious conditions such as type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis and cancers of the colon, breast and uterus.
Get into shape Forget sweating away in the gym, walking is the perfect workout for toning up legs, bums and tums. It will give definition to your thighs and lift your derriere, as well as build
Cut dementia risk Regular exercise such as walking has been shown to reduce the risk of degenerative brain conditions in older people. Covering just 15 kilometres a week at a moderate pace could not only save you from one of the most distressing diseases around, but has even been found to improve memory and cognitive function no matter what your age.
Photo: Ana y Paco Sancho / FreeImages.com
Be it a walk around your local town or a hike in the mountains, it’s all good for you
Andy Greenhouse / FreeImages.com
Regular exercise improves memory and cognitive function and can help you avoid dementia
you feel more energetic in general. The exercise boosts circulation and increases oxygen supply to every single cell in your body, helping you feel more aware, enthusiastic and animated.
Look years younger
price of home exercise equipment but, if you walk to work, the local shops or any of those other short runs, you will also reduce fuel costs. It’s said that up to 40 per cent of car trips Therapies, Spiritual hypnosis, Past life regression
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Manage your moods Exercise has a positive effect on emotions and has even been shown to be as effec-
Improved circulation and oxygen levels, relaxed muscles, less stress, calmer mind, more toned body, better health, brighter skin, and bigger smile – all of these contribute to a younger looking you. n Anyone for a stroll?
BEAUTY & FASHION
36
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 040
A day in the life of…
The Jazz Hair Company By Theresa Willson Island Connections recently had the opportunity to spend several hours with the Jazz Hair Company team at San Blas, Golf del Sur, and I was lucky enough to see five clients undergo single treatments or stunning radical transformations, from start to finish, and to marvel at the skills of the stylists. Daniella wanted to change from a long to a shorter hairstyle, to have a more lively hair colour, and a facial make over to give her a completely new look. Claire, about to move away from Tenerife to Germany, was open to any colour change and a full make-up. Jess had come to the salon for gel nails, Janette for a spa pedicure, and finally Maare, originally from Estonia, was having a bridal package which included styling her hair with a GHD Platinum styler, full facial make-up and gel nail polish. With all these clients in the salon at once needing multiple services, all the staff were extremely busy, but it soon became clear that this team is able to work with, and around one another, easily. Freelance makeup artist Lily had joined them for the day, and also fitted in extremely well. For hair and beauty salons it is extremely important that the stylists carry out an adequate consultation with the client before starting any treatment. At the Jazz Hair Company it’s a priority that stylists find out exactly what the client wants to achieve, explain how this can be done, maybe give the client ideas for a style which would better suit their facial shape or lifestyle, and reach an agreement before starting. In the case of hair colouring or correction, it is essential that the stylist knows which products have recently been used by the client so that the hair can be adequately treated, and in most cases a sample swatch of hair is tested to ensure that the result will be the desired colour. For some processes, patch skin tests are done to make certain that there is no allergic reaction, and this needs to be done 24 hours in advance of the treatment.
The Jazz Hair Company team, l-r: Ella, Zoe, freelance make-up artist Lily, owner Claire, and Jodi
Ella gave Janette a relaxing spa pedicure using Kaeso products. This includes exfoliation, cuti-
Jodi worked on Jess’s gel nails, and after meticulous preparation they were painted with a
Claire before her treatment
Jodi who had already worked wonders with her gel nail extensions, also styled Maare’s hair using the GHD Platinum styler, creating gentle curls which would later tumble over her right shoulder. By now we had already seen some pretty amazing results, and the anticipation grew in the salon as the moment arrived that everyone had been waiting for. Maare was finally ready to put the wedding dress on as her makeup, nails and hair were complete. The result was breathtaking: she looked absolutely stunning. The Jazz Hair Company, which has been open for 13 years, offers services for ladies, gentlemen and children. It is well established with a varied client base of mostly residents, who return time and time again because they know that they will always receive the same high quality service. We saw a wide range of services performed during our visit, but the Jazz Hair Company also offers eyelash tinting, eyebrow waxing and tinting, normal and spa pedicures, in depth chiropody, hair extensions, conditioning treatments, colour correction, acrylic, gel, silk wrap and artistic nails, leg massages, Indian head massages, children’s face makeup, and preparation for events and galas. At any salon, as well
Daniella before
Claire after hair cutting, colouring and styling, and facial make-up
cle and nail work plus a massage to the feet and legs. The result was soft and smooth feet with red polish to accentuate the toenails.
style, like a bob, to create volume and height with lots of texture and movement. Her
Touch) to give a more vibrant, glossy mahogany tone. Lily worked on the facial make up for Maare, Claire and Daniella, moving from client to client to fit in with their hair and nail stylists. To see Lily working is fascinating, and similar to watching an artist with a palette. We noticed that she doesn’t simply use a particular colour as it’s supplied, but rather mixes to achieve the perfect tone to suit the client’s skin colour and hide any blemishes, applying delicate touches to give the desired result. Jodi also worked on Maare’s gel nail extensions to lengthen her natural nails. She used gel and gel polish as it enabled her to work with different techniques while extending and decorating the nails. Her nails were beautifully prepared, shaped and polished before Jodi began her artistic work. This was a time consuming process requiring meticulous work, and the result was amazing. Maare’s finished nails were white, with a different design in gold on each of the four fingers of both hands. Claire worked with her client, also called Claire, and, after a swatch test she meticulously blended hair tones using Wella Koleston and L’Oreal colours and foils. Later, after rinsing and blow drying to give
Daniella, with a sleek cut and glossy vibrant colour
delightful summery red, with glitter on the third finger of each hand. Zoe worked with Daniella to give her a shorter inverted
hair was left to dry naturally before the colour was applied. Her hair had been long and lifeless, so Zoe used the Wella semi permanent colour (Colour
plenty of volume, the result was a carefree style with soft curls, a deep colour with plenty of red tones, and above all, a great shine.
as the skill of the stylists, the use of high quality products is of paramount importance in achieving a perfect result. The Jazz Hair Company uses
9.6.2016 – 22.6.2016
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 773
ones that include Redken, Wella and Tigi, and is also an exclusive GHD salon in the area. The team offers wedding preparation and can go out on call to hotels and villas, with three different packages to choose from.
the team has worked with Lily. She has been efficient, professional, and delivered an amazing result. We look forward to working with her in the future.” Lily, who used to work for Dior, is a freelance makeup artist and
BEAUTY & FASHION The Jazz Hair Company is open from 10am to 6pm, and closed on Wednesdays and Sundays. As such it is the only salon in Golf del Sur which is open on Mondays. You can find this salon at Local 48, at the back of
Janette’s feet before her spa pedicure Janette’s soft feet with red toenails
Jess’s nails before her manicure Here we can see Maare’s make-up, nails and hair styling
Jess’s gel nails and polish
Maare with gel nails, gel polish and amazing artistic work
Jodi working on Jess’s nails
We would like to thank the Jazz Hair Company for the opportunity to come and see such high precision work undertaken in a wonderfully happy atmosphere. The owner Claire told us: “This is the first time that
Maare after make-up, with Jodi creating gentle curls
uses Mac, Dior, Estee Lauder and Anastasia Beverly Hills products. Now based at Golf del Sur, she handles weddings, parties, special effects, body painting and theatre work. She can be contacted on 672 605 517.
the San Blas commercial centre, Golf del Sur with plenty of parking available. Call for your appointment on 922 738 213. You can also check out their Facebook page: Jazz n Hair Company.
Maare before any of her treatments Maare with soft curls cascading over her shoulder
37
38
PETS
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 040
Adopt, don’t buy
Animal charities’ round up Acción del Sol Acción del Sol’s main goal since opening their refuge at Granadilla eight years ago has been to reduce the number of dogs abandoned on the streets of Tenerife. That is why they have accepted the official rules and regulations and have reached agreements with the Island Council and its various borough councils in the south of Tenerife. The centre’s aim is to press forward towards responsible management concerning the issue of animal protection. The local police notify the collector and arrange the collection of the abandoned dog. The Civil Protection, or the probation officer, picks up the animal and transports it in a specially-adapted dog collection box to the shelter. On arrival, the dog is issued with a serial number for registration and is documented. Three copies are made and all are signed and sealed by the manager/centre veterinarian. The dog collector will also take a picture of the animal for the document and checks with an electronic reader to see whether it has been chipped. If the animal has a microchip, the owner will be notified immediately. He/ she then has 21 days to remove the animal from the centre, after passing through the local police or Town Hall and show-
ing the relevant documents. If, after 21 days, the dog is not claimed, the dog will remain in the custody of the shelter. If the owner didn’t report a lost pet to the local police, he/she faces a substantial fine. Who
Although the Acción del Sol shelter can house up to 200 animals and is regarded as one of the largest refuges in Tenerife, there is insufficient space for all the stray dogs. That means there are strict
For that reason Marion González, who runs Acción del Sol and is a director of Aktiontier – the German charity which sponsors the refuge – stresses that it is not a place where people can simply
Live Arico adoption
Skar for life Look at this gorgeous pure bred lab retriever. Skar has been left alone in a house and not exercised or loved for most of his eight years. Isn’t he stunning? Surely he deserves better… Please consider adopting or even fostering, you can have a one-week trial to see how things go. For more information call Sue on: n 629 388 102.
Skar is currently at Live Arico (PAWS) waiting for a loving home
Please call the refuge on 922 778 630. We are always in need of tinned dog food, blankets, towels, dog toys, collars, etc. We are situated directly under the Eolica Park where the wind turbines are, at Exit 52 on the TF1 north bound, which is after the San Isidro/El Médano junction. We are open to the public Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 2pm to 5pm. On Saturdays we’re open from 1pm till 4pm. The refuge is closed on public holidays. Email: teneriffa@aktiontier.org. Or visit the Facebook page: action tier Acción del Sol.
awaiting homes can be seen on our website: www.cats-welfaretenerife.com/pets. If you don’t see what you are looking for, ring or WhatsApp Theresa every day between 9am and 6pm on 680 475 500. We are always looking for people willing to foster on a temporary basis for us. We provide everything required and it doesn’t matter if you are only here for a few weeks or months.
Live Arico (PAWS)
Acción del Sol has many beautiful dogs waiting for a home
holds the registered document? One copy stays in the shelter, the local police have another, while the third goes to the relevant Town Hall.
controls in place, which are necessary to prevent overcrowding and enable staff to maintain the relevant standards of animal welfare.
offload their pets. “If a person decides to have an animal, they must maintain responsibility for the pet’s lifetime. The refuge is not obliged to accept pets which are no longer cherished by their owners”, Marion said. “Although this sometimes causes arguments with people who want to abandon dogs at the shelter, there can be no exceptions to this rule. We have never said we can solve the major problem on this island; we simply want to be an example of how you could take the issue of animal protection from the authorities and other protectors. We all need to work together without repercussions, and to ensure that people who abandon their pets are punished. If we fail to do this, then the problem of abandoned and non-neutered dogs will continue.”
Bag a bargain at our shops in: San Eugenio (Open Monday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm); Los Cristianos (Calle Reverón, near the Thistle and Dragon Bar. Open daily, 10am to 4pm); Golf del Sur (Golf Park, just before the lottery kiosk. Open Monday to Friday, 10am to 6pm, Saturday 10am to 4pm, Sunday 10:30am to 3:30pm). Don’t throw things away! Call us on 629 388102 and we can sell it to help the dogs. Find us at: www.livearico.com, on Facebook, or join us on Twitter: twitter.com/live_arico.
Cats Welfare Tenerife At this time of year (and throughout the summer) we are inundated with kittens requiring homes so please contact us if you are looking for one. Let’s not forget though that we also have adult cats. Boris is a fabulous ginger teddy bear who has been waiting a long time to be chosen, which is a shame as he is so cuddly. He is castrated, micro-chipped and vaccinated, and also Leukaemia negative. All cats go on trial for two weeks so you can be sure they are the perfect companion for you. All cats and kittens
Boris is a beautiful ginger cat currently at Cats Welfare Tenerife
Do you have anything to donate to help us raise funds? Items can be dropped into the shop on San Blas in Golf del Sur (Behind Hiperdino). It is open seven days a week, 10am till 6pm. Saturdays is 11am until 4pm. If you don’t have transport or have large bulky items such as furniture and household effects, please ring Mark on 636 590 557 and he will arrange collection from you.
K9 Our shop on Alcala Plaza is in continual need of donations. If you have anything suitable please take it to the shop. The kennels are open every day from 11am until 2pm. If you have any enquiries or are looking for a dog or cat, the number n is: 667 638 468.
9.6.2016 – 22.6.2016
FARMERS MARKET
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 773
Farmer’s Markets Adeje Calle Archajara, s/n, in front of Makro Saturday/Sunday 8am – 2pm / Wednesday 4pm – 8pm Telephone: 922 775 200 Alcalá Plaza de Llano Monday 8am – 1pm Telephone: 922 850 100 Arafo Plaza San Juan Degollado Thursday 8am – 1pm Telephone: 922 511 711 Arico Porís de Abona Sunday 8am – 1pm Telephone: 676 159 034 Arona Valle San Lorenzo, Carretera General 122 Monday/Friday 8am – 2pm Telephone: 922 767 138 Buenavista del Norte Plaza de San Sebastián Opening times: Saturday 8.30am – 2pm Telephone: 922 129 030 Candelaria Wednesday 8am - 2pm Next to council offices Saturday 8am – 2pm. Plaza del Centro Comercial de Punta Larga Telephone: 922 505 014 El Médano Plaza Principal Wednesday 8am – 2pm Telephone: 922 759 966/62 El Rosario Carretera General del Norte, la Esperanza Saturday/Sunday/festivals 8am – 4pm Telephone: 922 010 160 El Sauzal Hoya de la Vida, next to the church, Ravelo Friday/Saturday/Sunday 7.30am- 2pm Telephone: 922 584 657
Güímar Plaza del Ayuntamiento Sunday 8am – 1pm Telephone: 922 526 105
side behind Titsa Depot) 8am – 3pm closed Mondays Tel 922 076544
Guía de Isora Plaza del Pueblo de Garachico Friday 8am – 1pm Telephone: 922 850 100
Playa de San Juan Plaza de la Iglesia Wednesday 8am – 1pm Telephone: 922 850 100
Icod de Los Vinos Calle Key Muñoz 5 Monday/Friday 8am – 2pm Telephone: 922 815 700 / 922 447 938 La Guancha Carretera General TFS km 49 Saturday/Sunday 8am – 3pm Telephone: 922 360 788 La Laguna Plaza del Cristo Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday 6am – 2pm Telephone: 922 601 100 / 922 253 903 La Matanza de Acentejo Ctra. General del Norte Saturday 8am – 3pm, Sunday 8am – 2pm Telephone: 922 577 120 La Orotava Calle Educadora Lucía Mesa Saturday 8am – 1.30pm Telephone: 922 336 804 / 681 277 633 Los Realejos Camino Viejo de San Benito, Finca el Llano, Realejo Alto Saturday/Sunday 9am – 2pm Telephone: 922 346 234 Los Silos Plaza de la Luz, Los Silos Sunday 9am – 2pm Telephone: 922 840 004 Parque de la Reina – El Cho Calle Infanta Elena, 32 (before Karting on right hand
39
Farmer’s Markets
Island support!
Puerto de la Cruz Avenida Blas Pérez González, 4 Wednesday to Saturday 8am – 2pm Telephone: 922 386 158 San Isidro Mercado del Agricultor de Granadilla Off the roundabout leading to El Médano Saturday/Sunday 8am – 2pm Telephone: 922 759 966 San Miguel de Abona P.I. Las Chafiras, San Miguel de Abona, next to the fire station Saturday/Sunday 8am – 2pm Wednesday 2pm – 7.30pm Telephone: 922 735 386
We at Island Connections are sure in the knowledge that one of the best ways to help yourself, and the economy, is to buy locally – even if you are just visiting for a short time. Canarian farmers harvest an extensive range of crops, which can be seen growing in the typi-
sary to keep farms from disappearing, which, like the hiked prices, also come out of our pockets. Enter the farmers markets, where the grower can sell directly to the customer without an intermediary. They are dotted all over the Islands, with
In these markets you will be sure to see a variety of seasonal products, as well as some local home-made delicacies such as preserves, honeys and Canarian goat’s cheese. A selection of meats and fish can also be found among the stalls, along with an assortment of
cal stepped-terrain farms around the Islands. Products range from tropical fruits, such as mangoes, to worldwide staples like lentils, potatoes and onions. According to the agricultural group COAG-Canarias, prices of fresh fruits and vegetables differ greatly between the amount the farmers receive and the sale price in the supermarkets. For instance, towards the end of last year, small marrows, which the farmers were paid just €0.07/ kilo for, retailed at €0.84, and leeks sold at €0.36 were passed onto the consumer for around €2.23 a kilo. Many of the prices don’t even seem to cover the cost of production - and this is when subsidies became neces-
at least one in almost every town. They allow customers to purchase fresher, higher quality produce at cheaper prices, and the farmers receive a fair payment for their efforts. This enables them to maintain or raise the standard of their crops and uphold productivity levels – it’s a win-win situation.
cakes, pastries and biscuits. Buy locally, eat healthily, pay fairly – this is one way we can all help each other. So, to show our support of local farmers we are taking this timely opportunity to publish the details of the many farmers’ markets around the island n of Tenerife. Enjoy.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife Avenida José Manuel Guimerá Sunday 8am – 1pm Telephone: 922 606 000 Santa Úrsula Carretera General, near the town hall Saturday 8am – 1pm Telephone: 922 301 640 Tegueste Calle de Asuncionistas, 6 Saturday/Sunday 8.00am – 2pm Telephone: 922 316 100 Vilaflor Plaza de Vilaflor Monday to Thursday 8am – 1pm Telephone: 922 709 002
40
HOROSCOPES | CLASSIFIEDS
Horoscope for period: June 9 to June 22 Aries 21.3 - 20.4 Compromise is the name of the game. No matter how little you wish to do this, it is vital that you see situations from other people’s points of view more readily. To not do so will bring undesired consequences, for you and those around you. Taurus 21.4 - 20.5 If you are not one of the lucky ones, you have not been happy in your job for a while. There is no need to be drastic but it really is time to start thinking about a change. Don’t be put off by others telling you it isn’t possible – it is. Gemini 21.5 - 21.6 You are one of the great thinkers of the zodiac, but over analysing everything is holding you back. If you must spend all these hours on self-reflection, how about taking stock of all the blessings you have in life? Develop a positive outlook. Cancer 22.6 - 22.7 It can be a trying and tiring time over the next few weeks, and this may show in your health. You need to concentrate on looking after yourself – you can’t help anyone else if you are run down and ill. Treat yourself: you deserve it. Leo 23.7 - 23.8 You are a lover of fun and adventure and like nothing more than change. That’s good because your life is about to be thrown into turmoil. This may not necessarily be a bad thing, but the coming month will certainly try your patience. Virgo 24.8 - 23.9 You have known both good and bad times lately, but a new, and happier, beginning is coming your way. It won’t be all plain sailing, nothing ever is, but if you can stay positive – not your easiest achievement – then all will be well. Libra 24.9 - 23.10 Sometimes people hold onto situations or people even though they know they are no longer beneficial for them. This could describe your life right now. You need to think carefully about what you actually want for your future. Scorpio 24.10 - 22.11 Communication is still the main theme of your life right now, especially as you may find yourself drawn into a situation which is not to your liking. Don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself, but do not try to do it from a position of anger. Sagittarius 23.11 - 21.12 Your work situation is highlighted. Business owners may find that longawaited improvements start to appear; whilst those who are currently out of work will be made an offer they cannot refuse – as long as you are open to all possibilities. Capricorn 22.12 - 20.1 Not always the most diplomatic of people, this is a good time to learn as an opportunity is heading your way that will make the most of your new talent. It may take a little practice, but ‘think before you speak’ should be your mantra. Aquarius 21.1 - 20.2 This is a great time for you to learn a new skill or pick up one that you haven’t used for a while. Be it work-based training or one of the arts, any effort you put in now will really pay off. Have confidence in yourself and you can make an exciting change. Pisces 21.2 - 20.3 Personal relationships are looking really good but you may need to put some work in first. If you already have a significant other then now is a good time to sit down and talk. If you are single, making an effort to get out more will pay dividends.
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 040
Los Cristianos, Patricia from Venezuela returns. Beautiful. Blonde. Big breasts, French, positions, kisses, vibrators, massages, private apartment in Calle Noruega, near the Altavista supermarket in Los Cristianos or I can come to you 24 hours a day. Transsexual, young and Tel: 650 442 665. slim, feminine, educated, very pretty, dissolute, affec- Come and enjoy our erotic tionate, active and passive, body to body massages with Los Cristianos. Hotel visits. a happy ending! Unforgettable experience, beautiTel: 687 319 783. ful Polish ladies. Opening Los Cristianos, 2 girls: hours 10am to 10pm, Playa slim and discreet Hungar- Paraiso, Costa Adeje area. ian and a dominant Eng- Tel: (0034) 662 960 065. lish girl (sado, toys), both www.edentenerife.com. young, all services, discreet apartment, Edificio Royal, Las Americas, Adeje. We in front of the bus station, offer delicious massages, Los Cristianos. Call first. We extremely relaxing yet enorspeak a little English. Tel: mously stimulating. Top quality, caressing and very 626 712 090. sensual. You will be soakTranssexual, 37 years old, ing in a sea of sensations. beautiful, tall, fat, blonde, Tel: Natalia 663 566 105. long big penis, active/pas- www.withyouforevermassage.com. sive. €60 half hour, €100 one hour. Apartments Royal, I’m Diana, a pretty Latin in front of the bus station, girl, 23 years old, good Los Cristianos. SMS/Whatbody, pleasing, French, sApp for info. Tel: (0034) positions, massages, avail602 626 848. able 24 hours. I’m waiting for you in my private apartLas Américas, Verónicas, ment in the centre of Los blonde Colombian, slim, Cristianos. Home/hotel visbeautiful, sexy body, all its available. Tel: 605 072 services, natural French, 917. massages, erotic toys, threesomes, accompani- Erotic massages, also ment to swingers club, pri- Tantric and other services. vate apartment, hotel visits, Attractive lady. Without make your fantasies come rush. Nice location. Jacuzzi. true! I speak English. You Tel: (0034) 619 614 380. will repeat this experience. Erotic private parties for Tel: 649 879 663. singles and couples, also
Contacts
Los Cristianos, Anahi, age 25, no limits, French, positions, kisses, Greek, private apartment in Calle Noruega. Tel: 672 970 209. Los Cristianos, Paula, Latin girl. Enjoy my kisses, body, vibrators, no limits. Available 24 hours in my private apartment, or I can come to you. Tel: 604 115 052.
Los Cristianos, Ukranian, provocative blonde, escort, great body only for demanding men. Incalls or outcalls. All my services will fulfill your dreams. Just call me. Tel: 602 631 367. For ladies: Excursions, wellness, shopping, erotic massages and more with Marc who speaks good English. I have my own apartment and car in Tenerife South. My visit to your location is also possible. Tel: (0034) 630 759 974. Cockney girl, Ana, just what you need to get pampered. Stunning hot brunette. Let my pleasure be your pleasure, owo, French kissing. Los Cristianos, opposite the bus station. Tel: (0034) 611 203 925. Busty curvy. Pamela, brunette, Las Chafiras. Massage service available for gentlemen only. No limits, French positions, private apartment, HH Franciscano street, beside the large park, Las Chafiras. Tel 635 801 105. Los Cristianos, Silvia, blonde, Spanish. No limits. My place or yours. Tel: 608 103 319.
quickies and threesomes. English and German speaking. Tel: (0034) 648 245 425. English model, showgirl, professional striptease, quality service, general entertainment, stag nights, dominatrix, fetish, luxury conditions, visits 24 hours, escort service available. Tel: 697 227 139.
To advertise your services with us, please call 922 75 06 09
9.6.2016 – 22.6.2016
The deadline for edition 774, which is published on 23rd June, is 21st June. No classifieds will be taken after this date.
Head Office: Calle Francisco Feo Rodríguez 6º- first floor. Pol. Industrial Las Chafiras 38620 - San Miguel de Abona. Tel.: 922 75 06 09 Fax: 922 795 810 Office Hours: Mon-Frid 9:30 -16:30 hours
Classified Info Adverts for our Classifieds Section must be sent by email or hand delivered to the office. If you would like to advertise, please send your classified text to: classifieds@ ic-news.com. Alternatively, place your classified advert with one of our four agents: Now Tenerife.com in Golf del Sur, Redhound Bookshop in Los Cristianos, The Bookswop in Las Américas, Petras Deutscher Bücherstand in Puerto de La Cruz.
Rates: * Lineage classifieds: From 16 € * Small & Long Term: Ask for long term advertising (3, 6, 12 months) and our special discounts. * Further Options: color / boxed adverts. To Place your advert call: 922 75 06 09 You are welcome to come to our offices in Las Chafiras to place small ads. Card payment facilities are available.
Island connections media group s.l. www.islandconnections.eu
Island Connections Online: www.islandconnections.eu
Classifieds Deadline Next Edition
CLASSIFIEDS
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 773
General Services
Translation Services NIE and Residencies Car transfers School registration Driving licences General ‘Tráfico’ Problems Also doctors and hospital appointments. Transport provided Excellent Rates. Tel: 606 583 178
Massage and more. Offer: 60 minutes body massage €36. Couples, four hands, lava stones tantric massages, etc. Playa de las Américas, Ernesto Sarti no.8, across from Iberostar Hotel Torviscas Playa. Tel. 602 608 626 For sale. Home-produced ecological vegetables, Tenerife south. Interested businesses, call 650 323 751 (Spanish only), send WhatsApp or email to: michelteide@hotmail.com www.mascuidados.com Website for our massages, dedicated to bringing the benefits of therapeutic massage to your home or hotel, no charge for travel. Do you want a massage? www.mascuidados.com Tel. 663 190 727 After school classes, help or activities in English, German or Spanish, please contact Mrs. Garus. Tel. 602 506 793. We are 5 minutes away from Wingate School in Cabo Blanco. Qualified specialist from Germany helps you with back pain, neck pain, sciatica, headaches and insomnia. Tel. 0034 699 15 61 47 (ask for Eugene). Spanish native teacher and interpreter gives Spanish lessons at reasonable prices. Tel: 747 790 001. k.arim555@ live.com Masonic Lodge - Ave Fenix No.73. New meetings starting in October 2015 on the fourth Thursday of the month. If interested, all visitors are welcome to come down. For further information, lodge secretary John Donaldson is available to contact on Tel: (+34) 922 178 091 or Email: ave.fenix73@gmail.com
MASONIC MEETINGS Logia Ave Fenix Nº 73
Integrated Tax Planning and Wealth Management since 1975
922 716 079 www.blevinsfranks.com
Spanish and English Lawyers
Conveyancing • Inheritance & Wills Family Law • Criminal Law Civil Litigation & Personal Injury Timeshare • Tax & Commercial law You’re invited!!! FREE BEAUTY SESSION. This is your time to relax with friends or on your own, share the excitement of trying new products, learn about the latest techniques and trends and of course, earn fabulous rewards. More info: 642 601 553 Maggie. Are you looking for an opportunity with financial independence and personal fulfillment? Become an Independent Beauty Consultant!!! More Info: 642 601 553. For sale, cooker with three burners, spit roaster for chickens, three freezers, chairs and decoration. Tel: Carlos on 676 243 558.
Santiago del Teide Lions Club Bargains galore From clothes and children’s toys to kitchenware and books – there are plenty of great deals on second-hand goods. They even have sets of golf clubs! Don’t miss out – visit their shop below the plaza in Puerto Santiago (Behind Vigilia Park). Open Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 10am – 1pm and Wednesdays 2pm to 8pm.
BLOCK BUSTERS WE UNBLOCK ALL TYPES OF DRAINS
Edificio Simón, Los Cristianos. Meetings every fourth Tuesday. We are back in October!
internal and external using our high pressure jets and cameras.
All Visitors welcome Contact John Donaldson (Secretary):
Call
(+34) 922 178 091 or ave.fenix73@gmail.com
41
647 928 223
We sell furniture suitable for bar/restaurant (tables, chairs, kitchen accessories, decoration etc.) in excellent condition. Price negotiable. Tel: 922 717 613 or 671 912 301
T: E:
922 719 520
tenerife@decottalaw.net
Av. de Los Pueblos, Residencial Villaflor B-20, San Eugenio
www.decottalaw.net
42
Rental Classifieds Storage rooms for rent, Los Cristianos, Torviscas and Fañabé, from 7 to 12m2. 24 hour video surveillance, easy access. 3 months: €150 pm, 6 months: €100 pm, 1 year: €65 pm. Call Luis on 617 872 957. Apartment for rent, 1 bedroom, fully equipped, near Playa Martiánez, in Puerto de La Cruz, €470 /month + electricity. Tel: Theresa on 606 105 101. Winter letting Puerto de La Cruz Studio apartment, 24 hour concierge, pool, sea views. Minimum three month contract. €500 per month. 669 652 149 Looking to swap my house in Tenerife for a house in Dublin or surroundings. If agreed, the time could be arranged. From a month to a year time gap. Call Carmen 693 727 683 Studio for rent, in quiet Bio Finca, 25 sqm, in Los Realejos, close to Restaurant Monasterio, furnished, balcony, parking, garden, terrace, SAT TV, Internet, €280/month, incl.
CLASSIFIEDS additional costs. Tel: 616 802 861 or 699 044 668. Looking to exchange or rent: Luxury 85m2 apartment in Travemünde (on the Baltic Sea, Germany) in exchange for 2/3 bedroom apartment in Tenerife for 4-6 weeks January/ February 2017. Our property is located on the 2nd floor overlooking the sea and the city and furnished to a very high standard. There is a Wellness and Spa on resort and underground parking. We are looking for a 2/3 bedroom apartment in Tenerife in a nice complex with heated pool and Spa facilities. Email: m.perling@gmx.de or 0049 179 51 75 987. Apartment and Villa for rent in Tenerife south. Tel: (0034) 662 507 191. Chayofa. Quaint 2-bedroom apartment for rent, partially furnished with large terrace. Safe and secure, ideal for mature couple. €600 including bills. Tel: 609 588 038 after 6pm. Garage to rent, double width. Victoria Court 1, Los Cristianos. Close to Sunday market. Very secure lock-up. Tel: 679 919 623.
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 040
SALEs Classifieds We are looking to buy a 1 bedroom apartment in the south of Tenerife up to €100,000. We are a German couple. We pay cash quickly. Tel: (0034) 662 507 191. For sale, Bungalow 160m2 Costa Sauzal, situated front row with guaranteed spectacular sea-views, 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, living room with panoramic windows, modern kitchen, dining room connected to the terrace, including a heated 4 x 8 m pool, all on same level, garage and a marvellous tropical garden with 800m2 landscaped with various plants and lots of fruit-trees. Private sale contact: info@ simonsananes.com. Tel.: 00 34 699 444 879 For sale www.teneriffa-fincas.net Apartment Tabaiba Alta For sale, only five mins away from the German school, roughly 102ms, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, kitchen, living room, utility room, garden, big terrace. Spectacular views of the sea and mountain, big garage with 2 spaces, 2 closed store rooms, price €180,000,
Property for Sale Playa Honda Urb. Oasis Dakota, Playa Fañabé
3 Bed Semi Detached. Toilet, complete bathroom, separate kitchen, totally equipped, furnished, 35m2 terrace, secure access to pool, infant park, good views, beside commercial centres, 800m from Playa Fañabé, community fees
Las Américas
One bedroom apartment, tiled throughout, American-style kitchen, separate bedroom and terrace. Located in the center of Las Americas within 3 minutes walk from the beach.
€ 122,000 Alan: 634 098 838
British Style Bar
Playa de Las Américas Located just off front line, excellent reputation, regular clientele. Terrace for approximately 10 tables and refurbished interior in timber. Bar walls adorned with memorabilia. Includes store room and Ladies & Gents toilet facilities.
€ 25,000
Alan: 634 098 838
30€/month
Tel 629 244 958 € 155,000
Freehold
Roadside Cafe Bar High profile main road bar located opposite one of Tenerife major parks and situated on the side of a busy main thoroughfare to one of the South’s largest residential areas.
€ 188,000
Alan: 634 098 838 Wonderful rustic house available for holiday rental in San Miguel de Abona. 4 bed rooms, independent flat on the roof. Very well furnished with amazing views. Please call for further information. €70 per night for 2 people. €15 per extra person maximum 5 people. Close to the local town, restaurants, bars, cultural centre.
Tel. 616 460 728
mob. 686 798 367, email eoptenerife@gmail.com Beautiful seafront apartment for private sale. One bedroom, garage, sea views and in a sunny position. Price: €120,000. No agents. Tel: 922 752 759. Mobile: 608 425 426.
Villa for sale in San Isidro, 11,500 m2, living area 400 m2, 4 bedrooms, living room, 4 bathrooms, kitchen, dining room, office, double garage, utility room, hobby room, pool, sauna. Telephone 922 390 951, email: horstbrett@gmx.de. Price: €990.000 (negotiable) possibi-
lity of payment terms. Website: horstbrett.de
Situations Vacant / wanted
Instructor required to teach essential life skills and thinking for young kids, in south Tenerife. Diplomas not needed. Please send CV to lin@ rebl.biz. Tel: 696 713 635 Lin. Sales staff needed to represent a printing and design company in the south of Tenerife, applicants must be presentable and have their own transport. For more details please call Jon on 604 103 048
Vehicles To advertise please call 922 75 06 09
CLASSIFIEDS | PASTIMES
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 773
43
Are looking for international girls to model swimwear in the south of Tenerife for an immediate start. Must be presentable and speak good English, other languages are an advantage. PR experience essential. Daily work, salary, commissions paid and contracts given.
Call José, between 11am and 5pm on 606 181 946 or 922 751 021
We have 2 positions available: LOS GIGANTES – Suncare Advisor™ (English mother tongue) LOS CRISTIANOS/LAS AMERICAS – Suncare Advisor™ (basic Spanish an advantage)
(For Crossword and Sudoku solution see pag 40)
9.6.2016 – 22.6.2016
As a Suncare Advisor™ you will be part of a great team, advising guests around the swimming pools in hotels about the sun’s effects and on how to look after themselves, thus being directly responsible for their well-being during their holiday. You will promote the best 100% Natural and Organic lotions on the market, and will give the guests ongoing and continued support and advice.
Flexible working hours 11.00-16.00 includes contract and full training. Please send you CV to jobs@suncarecentral. com or call Louise on 651 170 660.
Veterinary practice for sale / Tenerife south
Porsche Panamera 2012 / 36.000 km 3.0L- 3.0 D/ Automatic Diesel /Sport 4doors / Color : White 1 Owner
€69,000
Fully equipped veterinary practice (small animals) for sale leasehold, due to health issues. The practice is located on the busy main street of a small town in the South of Tenerife. It measures 85m2 and has a spacious waiting area, a small shop, a consulting room, toilet, laboratory, operating room, etc. It is sold including stock, furniture, equipment and instruments. The only vet in town. Good customer base. All licenses and permits are fully up to date. Interested? Contact 667 811 462 or veterinariotenerifesur@outlook.com.
Across
1 - collections (7) 4 - small children (5) 7 - move forward (5) 8 - working together (7) 9 - immobilise (4) 10 - shelter (3) 11 - this place (4) 15 - under water (9) 17 - zero (4) 19 - Mediterranean tree (3)
20 - sailors (4) 24 - portable computers (7) 25 - cooks (5) 26 - role; office (5) 27 - reading (7)
Down
1 - fasteners (5) 2 - languages (7) 3 - dyes (4) 4 - attach together (4) 5 - boat (5) 6 - legume (7) 8 - reminders (9) 12 - fall back (3) 13 - pride (3) 14 - light givers (7)
16 - softens (7) 18 - pause (5) 21 - hood (5) 22 - congregation (4) 23 - blemish (4)
MOTORING
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 040
Look after the pennies… By Wheeler Dealers
Thoughtless positioning of sat nav devices is apparently posing a huge threat to road safety, according to breakdown organisation GEM Motoring Assist. Today’s large screen devices, when positioned in the middle of a car windscreen, mean a potentially lethal reduction in driver visibility, especially on left hand bends and at junctions. GEM chief executive David Williams MBE comments: “Sat nav devices are great for relieving a lot of motoring stress. But if in the process you’re obscuring a vast swathe
Developing a close relationship with a local garage can save you money in the future
speed. Always change up a gear whenever you can to improve fuel usage. Poor battery health is a drain on
Based on their years of experience in the car industry, Wheeler Dealers will be providing useful advice and in-depth information for the coming editions of Island Connections. Call Wheeler Dealers, Las Chafiras, n on: 922 73 64 51.
fuel economy, as is air conditioning. Here in Tenerife, it´s tempting to use the aircon a lot, but use it for a short blast
Driving blindly Photo: Rotorhead /FreeImages.com
Senseless sat nav-ing
Photo: Hector Landaeta / FreeImages.com
Petrol is a relatively cheap commodity in Tenerife, but nevertheless there are still a few things you can do to improve your fuel consumption and therefore keep your fuel bills down. Firstly, keep your car tuned so that it is running well and efficiently. Develop a relationship with a local garage which will be happy to help you check your levels and give you honest advice about your car. You need to be able to call in and see them if you hear a strange noise, think your tyres might need attention, or can hear that the engine is not running smoothly. Keeping your car maintained and serviced regularly will give improved performance and fuel efficiency. Every extra pound or kilo can also affect your fuel efficiency, so don´t carry those golf clubs around unless you need to. An idling engine gets you nowhere, so if you are in a queue, or waiting for someone, turn off your engine. And it´s kinder to the environment and those around you as well! The higher the gear you are in, the lower your engine
and then turn it off and you will see the benefits in your fuel bill. You might be a rarity in Tenerife, but think ahead when you are driving. Thinking ahead means adjusting your speed and driving to make the best use of the conditions, so slowing down early to avoid the need to stop completely at a junction or traffic lights, for example, or speeding up before you reach the foot of a hill so that you don’t need to work your way through the gears so much. Make sure your tyres are correctly inflated. Again your local garage can help with this. Correctly inflated tyres are not only safer but also last longer. They also reduce the amount of drag on the road therefore improving your fuel economy.
If you must use a satnav, make sure it doesn’t block your view
of your field of view, then you are taking a huge risk.
“A typical large-screen device measuring nearly 17cm wide by
10.48cm high has the potential to cause significant restrictions to a driver’s field of view, especially if it’s mounted in the centre of the windscreen below a large rear view mirror. “Placing a sat nav right in the centre of the windscreen will block most of your nearside view, and will mean you miss all the hazards that might be there. This is particularly dangerous on left hand bends, at junctions and crossings, and in any locations where you may share the road space with cyclists n and pedestrians.”
Road safety
Motorbike metal mayhem The TenerifeVial group recently initiated procedures to denounce the use of metal on the TF-1 motorway near Santa Cruz in Tenerife. According to the online bikers’ tabloid Canariasenmoto, the organisation states that one of the most dangerous areas is a stretch of 113 metres of metal inlaid into the road at kilometre 9.5 travelling towards the capital from the south of the island. Put forward by the Unión Internacional Defensa Motociclista, the initiative hopes to highlight the treacherousness of the zone, particularly in wet weather when the section turns into the equivalent of an ice rink. All vehicles could be affected by the slippery surface, but to bikers it could easily cause a fatal accident. The groups are also denouncing a recent repair made to the TF-16 where two metal sheets have been used to cover a hole in the road. The plates, which stretch almost the whole width of one side of the highway, at around kilometre 8.5, are raised above the surface and held in place by large metal pins which provide a further hazard. For more information, see: www. Bikers are particularly Canariasenmoto.com. n vulnerable to obstacles in the road
Free exhibition
Classic two-wheel fun Fans of motorbikes from days gone past are in for a treat on June 26. A display of classic and vintage bikes will be on show in the Plaza de San Pedro in El Sauzal, in the north of Tenerife, as part of the San Pedro fiesta which will run until July 6. The show opens at 11am and is organised by the MB Trujillo Racing Team, El Sauzal local council and the Club Veteramoto de Tenerife. Entrance is n free.
Drink and drugs disaster
Guaza biker death A twenty-two year old woman who apparently caused the death of a biker was detained for questioning after she was found to be driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs. The incident took place in the borough of Arona on the TF1 just before the exit for Guaza and Las Galletas, heading in the direction of Santa Cruz. The young driver evidently collided with the bike that the 73-year-old Slovenian was riding. Unfortunately, the man’s n injuries were so severe that he died at the scene.
©2016 FLN
EVERYDAY MOTORING
Photo: Matthew Maaskant / FreeImages.com
44
SPORTS NEWS
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 773
45
Basketball
Best striker since Pizzi
Photo: CD Tenerife
CD Tenerife’s latest striking talent is already being compared to some of the club’s illustrious goal scorers, with growing speculation that he may move on to bigger things sooner rather than later. Alexander Mesa, popularly known as Nano in footballing circles, has been the star of the second half of the season and the record books show his goals per game ratio is the best at Tenerife since the days of Juan Antonio Pizzi. Argentinian Pizzi won the Golden Boot Award in the 199596 season, averaging a goal every 104 minutes and Nano’s goal-scoring run put him at one every 108 minutes. He is also being compared to Ayoze Pérez, who was snapped up by English side Newcastle United immediately after his 16-goal season two years ago. Nano, 21 years old, started the season as a fringe player under Raul Agné but then became nearly indispensable under Agné’s replacement Pep Martí, and has been repeatedly linked to bigger clubs in the Spanish sports media since February. n
Alexander Mesa, popularly known as Nano
Activate sports club
Rocking the workout
Activate Sports Club, in collaboration with Sensa y Vida, is proud to be the very first Sports Club in Spain to present a brand new fitness class, Pound: Rockout. Workout. An Luypaert, the founder of Sensa y Vida, is a Pound Pro certified teacher and member of the Label. She is the first to introduce the Rockout/Workout in Spain. Activate Sports Club is always looking to offer innovative classes and services to the general public and this new class fits perfectly in Activate’s philosophy; to encourage everyone to adopt a healthier lifestyle and above all to socialise and have fun in the process. Pound is the fastest growing group fitness phenomenon in the world! It is a full-body cardio jam session, combining light resistance with constant simulating drumming. The workout fuses cardio, Pilates, strength movements, plyometrics, and isometric poses. Through continual upper body motion using lightly weighted exercise drumsticks, you’ll turn into a calorie-torching drummer! Pound welcomes participants of any age, level and ability and musical preference through flexible programming, diverse and exciting rhythms, exceptional instruction, and good old-fashioned fun. Pound classes start on June 7 and will be given twice a week on Tuesdays and Fridays at 6pm. The maximum number of people allowed in one class is 10, so booking in advance is definitely recommended. For further information, visit: n www.tenerifeactivate.com or www.sensayvida.com.
Playoff defeat for Iberostar It was not to be for Iberostar Tenerife but the failure to reach the playoffs in no way tarnishes a very successful season for the ACB premiership side. After a dismal start to the season, which saw the islanders lose the first five games, a change of head coach led to a remarkable turnaround and Iberostar once again showed that they are a force to be reckoned with in Spanish basketball. The defeat at regular league winners Barcelona on the last day of the season ended their hopes of a Top 8 place and a playoff quarter final but nobody at the La Laguna club is disappointed at finishing ninth in what is
widely recognised as the second toughest league in the world after the NBA. Now that the end-of-season dust has settled, the question will be how many of this year’s players will stay on next year. Blagota Sekulic looks to be on his way out after a disappointing second half but the main worry is whether Iberostar can hold on to Nico Richotti and Javier Beirán, who were star performers this year and are sure to attract offers from bigger clubs either here n or abroad.
Photo: Elemaki CC A 3.0 UL
Nano in the limelight
Iberostar are hoping to hold on to several big name players, including Javier Beirán
IberoAmerican Athletics
Tenerife to host Championships in 2020 Tenerife has been selected to host the IberoAmerican Athletics Championships in 2020 in what the organisers have hailed as a major boost for the island’s standing as an international sporting venue. The decision, announced at the Championships in Rio de Janeiro with just weeks to go before the Olympics begin in the same city, has been warmly welcome by the Tenerife authorities and the local athletics federation, which is already setting to work on the logistics involved in hosting over 500 athletes from Spain and almost 30 countries in Latin America. The Championships, scheduled to take place over approximately one week, will be one of the most important final warmups for the athletes for the Tokyo Olympics. Tenerife beat off competition from Chile and Venezuela to get the nod from the IberoAmerican Athletics Association. It is anticipated that the Championships will
Photo: Mataparda CC A S-A 2.0 GL
9.6.2016 – 22.6.2016
be based at the new stadium outside Santa Cruz, although some events may be taken to Los Realejos, La Laguna and Los Cristianos, which also have n top-class facilities. Los Cristianos may feature as one of the venues for the 2020 IberoAmerican Athletics Championships
SPORTS NEWS | POOL LEAGUE
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 040
Local rugby
Ñandú add Canarian Cup to season trophy haul 14/05/2016
21/05/2016
El Médano Boatmen 0 Ñandú 48 Following their success in the Spanish Nationals, Ñandú returned to action against the El Médano Boatmen in the Tenerife leg of the Copa Canarias. As normal in El Médano, conditions were hot and windy, with both teams fired up for the match. About 15 minutes in, Ñandú started to play, with a driving maul resulting in their brilliant scrum half Mateo darting over the line which was converted by Gabri. El Médano responded immediately but Ñandú’s defence held strong, allowing flanker Mel to drift past two defenders to score the visitors’ second try. Again Gabri added the conversion and went on to score a try of his own six minutes later, showing his pace and great feet to race over. Another try by Ñandú’s superb prop Gregor and Ñandú went in for the break 0-24 up. Further tries gave Ñandú a 0-48 victory. Well done to both sides for a great rugby afternoon. A special mention to Rob, Danny and Victor from El Médano, just three of the many outstanding players the Boatmen have. With local clubs working together, the future of Canarian Rugby looks strong.
Canarian Under-18 Cup Final (Away Leg) Las Palmas 7 v Ñandú 19 After a record-breaking score against El Médano, the boys embarked on their final away game of the season and a trip
to Gran Canaria. The opening 20 minutes saw Las Palmas throw everything they had at a determined Ñandú defence. After 23 minutes, a break on the outside from flanker Facundo Patsouris took the play up into the Las Palmas half and slowly the momentum started to build. On the 26th
minute, the marauding prop, Gregorio Prieto, carried the ball (and the entire Gran Canaria pack) over the line to score the opening try for Ñandú. The whistle blew for the second half and the game was taking its toll on both sets of players. Ñandú rallied and focused on the need to enjoy the experience of tough physical matches, and now was the time to show mental toughness to come back from behind and score to take the lead. The intensity level went up a number of notches as they put the pressure back onto the Gran Canaria forward pack; enter the potent Ñandú backline. The forwards put phases together to provide Mateo Paolin with a quick ball, and allow Jacob Oakenfold (fly-half) to release the players at his disposal, and they didn’t disappoint. Using technical nous, they changed the strike points and put the opposition under sustained pressure. Kicks by Oakenfold and the outside centre, Gabriel Mendez, provided targets for the wings, and Ryan Cox with his die-hard attitude reacted to a player out of position to score
UD Las Palmas
Lemos still on Barcelona agenda Despite having had a preliminary bid rejected, Spanish champions Barcelona are still interested in Las Palmas’ central defender Mauricio Lemos, sources at the Gran Canaria club insist. The Catalan giants tabled an offer believed to be in the region of €4 million at the end of the season as they look to bring in new blood to replace several defenders rumoured to be on their way out, including Javier Mascherano and Marc Bartra. The offer was dismissed as derisory by Las Palmas, who hope to capitalise on the soaring value of a defender signed permanently from Rubin Kazan after a successful loan deal. Although the move from Russia cost the Canarians just €2 million and the Barcelona bid would have allowed them to double their money, the club are holding out for a much higher offer and hope to earn at least €9 million from a player who impressed La Liga with his performances in n the second half of the season. Photo: Casualito CC A-S A 4.0 IL
46
Lemos could soon be leaving the Gran Canaria stadium
a last ditch tackle. The final score was 19-7
28/05/2016 Canarian Under 18 Cup Final (Home Leg) Ñandú 29 v Las Palmas 7 (aggregate: 48 - 14)
tries rain down and brought the score to 22-0. A further converted try from Gabri put the score at 29-0 with minutes to go. Las Palmas didn’t give up the fight though and a last minute converted try put them on the board, leaving a final score of 29-7.
Ñandú defeated the El Médano Boatmen in the Tenerife leg of the Canarian Cup
Ñandú celebrate winning the Canarian Cup
Ñandú beat Las Palmas in both legs of the final
in the wide channel. Score: 712. As the game progressed, Ñandú took tactical control and never looked back. The backs continued to apply pressure and eventually broke the Las Palmas defence with sublime inter-play and a deft offload to put the inside centre, Toby DenholmSmith, through for his maiden try of the season. As the game continued, winger Thiago Groba saved a try with
The final official game of the season had arrived and the boys were feeling tentative. Las Palmas got off to a great start dominating the play and putting the Ñandú defence under pressure. Edu broke through to put the score at 50 and the first half finished with only one try in it. The second half saw Ñandú find their pace, playing a higher tempo game which saw
Ñandú Under 18s are very proud to finish the 2015-2016 season as: Undefeated League Champions; League Cup Champions; Copa Canarias Champions; National Tournament Bronze Cup Winners; and Adeje Multi Cultural Team of the Year. For further information on how to get involved in the club, please call Paul on 664 n 361 058.
9.6.2016 – 22.6.2016
FOOTBALL AND SPORTS NEWS
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 773
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CD Tenerife
Blanquiazules hopeful for next season By Chris Todd So it’s the end of another campaign for the blanquiazules in a season that can be summed up by a poor start, a good middle and an average end. Their final league position of 13th is probably a fair reflection on the team this time, although for many months CD Tenerife were only a few points away from the play-off zone and hopes were high for a chance at gaining promotion. However, it did seem that every time that they had an opportunity to break into that elusive top six they were not quite good enough, having said that they did have more than their fair share of bad refereeing decisions around April. So what does the future hold for Tenerife? For the first time in many years the fans are going into the summer break in a buoyant mood and with total trust in the abilities of new manager Pep Marti. One problem that hinders the team is the amount of players on loan that have now returned to their original clubs but it is
Nomads FC
The Heliodoro stadium was hardly a ‘fortress’ this season The players receiving a rousing reception from fans The supporters were vocal throughout the whole season
hoped that Saul and Moutinho, who have impressed, will negotiate new deals to extend their time at Tenerife. Another player who is keen to stay at the club is popular striker Choco Lozano who is currently playing for Honduras in the Copa America tour-
nament. If we can maintain the strike partnership of Choco and Nano, the young local top scorer who was voted player of the season, we could be in with a shout this time next year. Meanwhile club president Miguel Concepción has still to call the exact date for elections
that are expected to be held in June. It was widely expected that ex-president of the Canaries Paulino Rivero would take over the position but due to a “conflict of interests” with government sponsorship money, signed when he was in power, this seems improbable now.
Rivero’s path would be clear in 2018 due to the fact that five years would have passed since his time in office, so the current president may stay on for two more years. This has not gone down well in fan circles who were demanding change. There are two candidates for the presidency: ex-player Pier Luigi Cherubino, who enjoys the mass backing of the fans and the sum of 16,000 shares
collected, and a newcomer to the fray, Juan Quintero. Quintero has promised a new €300 million stadium, totally funded by foreign investment, and a team that will fight with the best. I believe it will be an interesting summer of players coming and going, as well as a fierce presidential battle. Pre-season training begins on July 11 with the first round of friendlies likely to take place in late July. n
info on the trips can be found at: www.nomadsfc.com. The men’s 6-a-side division is looking for new teams for the summer 6s league so if you and some friends want exercise and fun playing football why not get
together and make a team to play every week at our field in Los Cristianos? We are getting more requests to provide daytime football games and bookings for night time workers, so if you and your friends want to use our renovated pitch in Los Cristianos or organise a friendly game during the day, please contact us. If any Tenerife based players would like to join Nomads FC next season please come along to one of our weekly training sessions or have a look at the teams on our website. For more information visit: www.nomadsfc.com. Alternatively, email: info@premfs.com or visit: www.premfs.com. Call/ message: +34 654 200 470. Also visit our general website: n www.premfs.com.
Double delight
Sponsored by: Foreign Language News & www.windowsplus.co.uk Nomads FC under 8s have won the South Tenerife league and cup double. Big congratulations to the young players, who in their first year of playing in the local league have just won the South Tenerife Cup final. They can add this to the league title they won a week previously. It was a wonderful achievement for all the boys, parents and coaches involved. Nomads FC are a brand new club helping young footballers in South Tenerife. The sides play against Spanish clubs that are over 50 years old while Nomads is just one year old. They have already won the under 12s league last year and that team almost won the dou-
Mike, the under 8s team coach, celebrates after winning the South Tenerife Cup final
ble but lost in the cup final, and now the under 8s have really achieved something special by winning the double in a very tough and competitive category. The young side has players from Scotland, England, Spain, Sweden, Russia and beyond, and we are delighted that we have players from so many different countries.
Nomads FC under 8s won the South Tenerife league and cup double
The Nomads Football youth teams will go on football, cultural and fun trips to Granada and the Costa del Sol in early July 2016, and the following week they will participate in a UK competition against profes-
sional academy teams. These trips are an amazing opportunity for young players and provide them with excellent experience and enjoyment. We still need a few players for the under 14s for the UK trip. More
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PROMOTION
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 040