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February 8 – February 21, 2018 SNOW BLIND

VEHICLE INSPECTIONS

MORTGAGE CHARGES

Facing Summerland, just off the roundabout at the Language School

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SUSTAINABILITY RECOGNITION

Dramatic Teide rescue

Changes afoot soon

Reclaiming floor causes

Traditional fishing

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ANIMAL WELFARE

When shelters are starved... The 2018 season begins! Carnival has now begun - the season in which no one remains at home in the Canary Islands. It is celebrated unabashedly and in a different space in time, rather like a strange but highly amusing dream. By now, some people are feeling sleepy at their desks because they have been living out their fantasies well into the night. But this time of year, ‘carnival time’ applies and nothing is taken very seriously. It is an opportunity to dress up, dance and celebrate – to simply break away from everyday life. It’s therefore best to throw yourself into the middle of the crowd and join in the celebrations to your heart’s content. Continued on page two

Valle Colino’s cry for help Mónica Martín, councillor for the environment in La Laguna, recently contacted the Island Council to ask them to take over the administration of the Valle Colino animal shelter in the city. But, Jesús Morales, the person responsible for this area, reiterated publicly in a meeting that this was not possible, because by law the shelter is owned by the city of La Laguna. “We are willing to provide a grant to the Fecapap association, which manages the Valle Colino shelter, to help bridge the current financial crisis, and support the four communities involved using our experience, to help improve the situation. This is the fastest and best solution. To take over the home would require numerous administrative hurdles, which would take at least one to two years”, Morales explained. City councillor Martín was evidently disappointed with the response.

Photo: freeimages.com/Bethan Hazell

CARNIVAL IN THE CANARY ISLANDS

An estimated 200,000 animals are abandoned in Spain every year. In Great Britain, Germany and other European countries too, the animal shelters are overflowing, especially after Christmas or during holiday periods. Sadly, the situation in the Canary Islands is no better, so it’s vital for those who find an abandoned animal to have at least one central point where they can take them to. Animal shelters offer protection, veterinary care and a temporary home. The largest one in Tenerife, Tierra Blanca in Fasnia, is home to around 400 animals and is run by the island’s council. All other shelters on the island are run by private associations and financed by donations and subsidies from the community. However, that is precisely where the problem often lies. According to Article 17 of the Animal Welfare Act, each borough is obliged to take care of abandoned pets such as dogs and cats in their district. However, in practice, most let the various

charitable organisations deal with the majority of abandoned and

emaciated four-legged friends in their community.

Continued on page three

CANARY ISLANDS

FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 081

Carnaval craziness Continued from front page Enjoy the carnival, but caution is advised with many a food stall, especially when the prices are not visible – it’s better to buy only from those with costs openly displayed. The official carnival calendar ends on Ash Wednesday, but in some areas the carnival doesn't get going until as late as March, such as in Maspalomas, Los Gigantes and Los Cristianos. You'll find an overview of the most important traditions on these pages, and the programme for the events which start later will be in the next edition of Island Connections.

Santa Cruz Carnival Queen Nowhere else is the Queen celebrated with so much pomp, glamour and glory as in Tenerife. The grand gala for the election of the Queen takes place on the Wednesday before Carnival week. At the time of going to press, she had not yet been elected. Therefore, here is a photo of last year's winner Judith López García in her costume 'Madame Soleil', created by designer Jorge González Santana. In Gran Canaria and other strongholds, a carnival queen is also chosen, but none of them have such an elaborate costume as the Queen of Santa Cruz. Las Palmas Drag Queen Gran Canaria's capital Las Palmas has another highlight that is something very special: the Drag Queen gala, which couldn't be more spectacular. Last year's winner, Borja Casillas, as Drag Sethlas, even caused scandal by rebuffing Christian believers when he appeared as a black Madonna and Jesus on the cross. His election was discussed fiercely afterwards. This year 35 candidates have applied. A pre-selection will decide who makes it to the final gala. Every year, the drags inspire the audience again and again.

choirs, children's groups, musicians or just friends and family members who join in and march through the streets. There are always a few typical so-called personalities who appear every year and become a tradition, so to speak.

Carnival del Día The Carnival del Día (Day Carnival) guarantees fun, games and crazy activities for the whole family and is becoming more popular each year. Everyone can

is known as the second largest Salsa Samba Carnival after Rio de Janeiro. The dancers, dressed in elaborate costumes, move from one carnival procession to the next, so you will see many familiar faces in different parades around the island. Somehow they just don't get tired; they have practiced and worked towards this great moment all year round. All that rhythm and zest for life is simply contagious!

dress up, dance and have fun together and create unforgettable family memories. Santa Cruz began the trend by including it in the Carnival programme, and now many other carnival towns and cities also organise one. In Las Palmas there is even a special procession for dog owners with four-legged companions wearing fancy dress.

Carnival parades In all carnivals, the big procession is considered one of the highlights of the celebra-

Samba groups It is not without good reason that the Carnival of Tenerife

tion. Those who don't join in stand at the roadside and cheer the stars: the samba groups,

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Children's groups From a young age, many people have been brought up with an inherent enthusiasm for carnival, and children get to star too, such as in the young people’s Murgas (satirical groups which sing protest songs) or dance

shows, or simply because they like to dress up with their parents and throw themselves into the turmoil. This festival is cultivated and celebrated from the cradle to old age. Some of those taking part are still in their prams!

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Mascarita ponte tacón This is the motto for the most popular event of the international carnival in Puerto de La Cruz, a race in which men wear high heels and fancy dress. The marathon, in which only men in heels at least eight centime-

tres high can participate, exists only in the northern metropolis. Thousands of visitors watch the unusual race, which is an earthy pleasurable mix which always promises great entertainment.

Mata la Culebra That translates to ‘Kill the serpent’. This element is also only celebrated in Puerto de La Cruz. It is an old tradition from Cuba which was only brought back to life a few years ago. It speaks of the arrival of the black slaves into that country. The killing of the snake symbolises the assassination of the evil that threatened the lives of Africans. It is a symbol of black

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exploitation in Cuba. In spite of the rather sad background, it is a fun event practiced by schoolchildren.

Los Indianos The carnival in La Palma is celebrated in a very different way. The Carnaval de los Indios is a parody of the rich Canarians who have returned to the island from Cuba and other South American countries with their servants. The trademarks are fat cigars, white clothes and snooty women wearing big hats. One of the central personalities is 'La Tómasa', the black Cuban woman who arrives in La Palma with her family. All who attend the carnival are dressed in white. At one point during the festival, everyone is smothered in talcum powder, a practice that is also unique to this carnival.

The Burial of the Sardine Some call it a Sardine, others Crispín or Rascayú - they are all figures, mostly in the form of fish, made of papiermâché and carried in a procession before being burned ‘alive’ to mark the end of the carnival, to a background of loud lamentations from the accompanying 'widows'. It is a symbolic and very entertaining event, but usually not really the end, as the partying will continue for a little longer. The exact programme will be available on the Island Connections web and facebook pages from Thursday. n

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8.2.2018 – 21.2.2018

CANARY ISLANDS

ISLAND CONNECTIONS 814

Council disregard for animal care Continued from front page

Refugio Valle Colino Calle Cartagena, s/n San Cristóbal de La Laguna 673 89 50 15 (24 hours) www.alberguevallecolino. org Open daily: 11am to 6pm, Sunday 11am to 4pm

Refugio Internacional de Animales Camino La Hoya del Granadillar s/n La Cruz Santa, Los Realejos 676 445 547 www.refugiodeanimales. org Open daily: 11am to 2pm, Tuesday and Thursday from 4pm to 6pm

4A Asoc Amigos Animales Arico Finca Nadu Y Amigos Calle Los Gavilanes Arico 639 070 898 www.amigosanimalesarico. es.tl Open: On request

Adriana Naranjo, the director of the home explained, “We have been working successfully since 2005 and place about 1,500 dogs and cats in permanent homes every year. We accept animals from Tegueste, El Rosario, Santa Cruz and La Laguna. It’s urgent that the previous agreement, which expired in 2015, should be renewed. This would simplify everything because there would be fewer bureaucratic hurdles. Instead, our financial support must be re-approved each year in open council and then disbursed. In La Laguna in particular, the city council insisted that the decision be taken in the last plenary session in July, before the summer recess. In August there are holidays, in September the Fiesta del Cristo and then, at some point, we are attended to. As of the end of January 2018, we have not received the €97,000 owed to us by La Laguna for 2017. This is such a big chunk that we can't cope without it and are at the end of our capacity. There is no difficulty with the other

three boroughs, as they make the decision in previous plenary sessions and therefore the payments run more smoothly.” Another problem at Valle Colino is the notorious lack of space. The shelter needs expansion urgently, but La Laguna city council is also unfortunately the stumbling block in this respect too. It needs to change the land ordinance plan so that an extension can be designed and plans submitted. The Island Council urged the rapid adaptation of the local land regulations as well, and offered to subsidise the construction costs. It’s now in La Laguna council’s hands to get things moving.

More construction sites Unfortunately, that’s not the end of shelter difficulties on the island. For instance, the APRAM association closed its home in Tacoronte at the beginning of the year, as the installations had become increasingly run down and Tacoronte council had apparently not kept up with repairs. “As an association, we can't do it

all on our own. Now we are continuing to work in a small, private way until we have found a new point of contact and reorganised ourselves", clarified a representative of APRAM. Another case is the Refugio Internacional de Animales in Puerto de La Cruz, known to many inhabitants and longterm visitors from the time when it was located in Punta Brava. Its site was initially changed because of the shelter’s visual impact on the coastal tourist area, but it has been on the move ever since. First it was housed on the grounds of an animal hospital, then on a farm in Cruz Santa in Los Realejos, which, incidentally, is the only borough that currently has an agreement with the home. Their license has now been extended for one year. A generous donation of €150,000 allowed the association to acquire a 10,000m2 plot of land, on which a new animal shelter was to be built, close to Los Frontones, above La Orotava. "We had permission from the Island Council and the way seemed clear. Then residents objected and

the project has been halted. At first we were offered a plot of land in exchange, near Leroy Merlin. However, so far it's all just hot air. The land swap is only of interest to us if the value is the same or we get the difference back", explained Sylvia Felst, club member and representative of the Peludos Sanos animal defence programme on local television station Mi Tierra TV. “When we talk to the boroughs, they always treat us like supplicants. That has to change. We can work as an association and take animals in privately, but the boroughs have an obligation to help", she says, expressing concern. In fact, neither La Orotava nor Puerto de La Cruz currently has an agreement to send animals from their urban areas. Instead, on the other side of Puerto de La Cruz, by the east exit, there is another pseudohome that looks more like a shabby collection of huts, and which is at least as imagedamaging as the Punta Larga installation. “Why don't we join forces to build something sensible for all

Living creatures need more than lip service

three boroughs? That too has been under discussion for over ten years, hyped up and then fizzled out. A few weeks ago in the south, the Finca NaDu in Arico was inaugurated. The association 4A Asociacion Amigos de Animales Arico takes care of street dogs. The operation was possible within a few months there. If the boroughs want solutions, there are solutions to be found", says Sylvia Felst. It’s a fact that, even in Orotava Valley, important animal welfare options could be achieved if everyone pulled together, and not every community would need to deal with their individual problems. However, as in the case of Valle Colino, animal welfare is too often put on the back burner instead of being tackled seriously. n

CANARY ISLANDS

LORO PARQUE

FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 081

Chinstrap penguin birth

Resting in the incubator, to start life as cosy and safe as possible

The latest news from the Loro Parque keepers is that the Chinstrap penguin chick which hatched on December 11 of last year is doing extremely well. Weighing a mere 88 grams at birth, the chick spent the first few days of its life in an incubator. He was then raised by hand at the Planet Penguin baby station, being fed a diet of fishmeal enriched with vitamins and calcium five times a day for the first six weeks. The feeding regime was then reduced to twice a day before the chick was finally introduced to solid food. By the end of January, the chick was 46 days old and weighed an impressive 736 grams. It’s gradually being socialised into the main group. Breeding this species of penguin in captivity is always a

challenge, so the keepers are particularly pleased that their adult charges began reproducing two years ago. The Chinstrap penguin belongs to the genus of brush-tailed penguins and lives in the waters around the Antarctic. Their eyecatching head design, with a blue-black forehead, crown and neck, white cheek, chin and throat, and, notably, a thin black line running from the top of the head over the ears and underneath the chin, gives the impression of them having a helmet on, which gives them their English name. In Russia they are apparently known as policemen! The population in the Antarctic region is currently estimated at around 7.5 million breeding pairs, two thirds of which live

in the South Sandwich Islands. Usually attaining a height of between 41 and 61 centimetres, the adult animals are mediumsized and weigh five to eight kilograms. However, they are considered to be the most belligerent of the penguins and are thus quite comfortable mixing with much larger animals. The species can dive to a depth of 70 metres and stay underwater for up to 85 seconds, although most of their submersions are short and frequent. Their diet consists almost entirely of Antarctic krill, although they will also eat small fish and other seafood when the opportunity arises.

Getting it right At Loro Parque, great importance is attached to providing

all the animals with the best care conditions and those which imitate their natural habitat as closely as possible. About twelve tons of snow falls in the special Planet Penguin enclosure every 24 hours, which also follows the day and night rhythm of the Antarctic as well as the seasons. Right now it's polar springtime, which means there is plenty of light and the days are long. The birth of offspring is usually a sure sign that the animal clients are doing well in their surroundings, as only when all their needs are fulfilled do animals begin to reproduce. The close of 2017 became especially fruitful thanks to the additional birth of four Rockhopper penguins. n

NEW NORTHERN WEATHER RADAR

More accurate weather forecasts!

Cruz de Gala is located directly between the north and south of Tenerife. The 1.347 metre high point on the Abeje ridge is the highest point in Buenavista del Norte and borders Masca, Las Portelas and El Palmar on one side and Santiago del Teide, El Tanque and Los Silos on the other. Two large telecommunications antennas are currently installed there, together with the fire-watch station, and a meteorological radar system will be added later this year. It will apparently be the most advanced system of its type in the world, and its main mission will be to detect storms and severe weather approaching the archipelago from the west. The only current weather station, the data from which is used by the Spanish weather office Aemet to form the Canary Islands’ forecast, is on Gran Canaria. Unfortunately, the higher islands of Tenerife, La Palma and La Gomera cast shadows on the radar, which can lead to false assessments, a difficulty which has caused problems in the past. The most famous and devastating storm to come from the west so far was the rare tropical storm Delta in 2005, though severe rain in October 2014 also caused an unexpected level of damage. The radar will primarily cover the north of Tenerife, the northwest of La Palma and the east of El Hierro, which were previously ‘blind spots’ on the local weather map. On December 1 of last year, the Spanish central government pledged €1.3 million for the project and this year another €1.2 million will be added to the budget. Former mayor of Buenavista del Norte and current vicepresident of the island, Aurelio Abreu, said that the preparatory work had been satisfactorily completed, including expert opinions on ecological aspects as well. The project should shortly be going out to tender. n

The radar will hopefully make forecasts more accurate

8.2.2018 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 21.2.2018

ISLAND CONNECTIONS 814

PROMOTION

CANARY ISLANDS

FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 081

DANGER IN THE SNOW

Photo: Cabildo GC

A close call

Respect barriers and warnings

As snow in Tenerife is so extraordinary itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no surprise that many people flock to the mountains as soon as it has fallen, but for four young day trippers, their journey to drive in the snow almost ended in a tragedy. Two unnamed people in a Mitsubishi jeep recently went up to the Mount Teide National

Park after the first heavy snowfall of the year, to enjoy a drive along snowy forest tracks. There they happened to meet two more travellers who were planning the same thing in a Suzuki they had purchased just that day. The newcomers asked for directions and the two in the Mitsubishi offered to act as guides. Not long after-

wards, they drove over something sharp and the Mitsubishi suffered a flat tyre. The wheel was successfully changed, but due to the icy conditions, they lost control of the car a little later, left the road and needed to change another wheel. They had a second spare but unfortunately it was flat. The couple in the Suzuki offered to get

In the twilight, with fresh snowfall and fog, the trail can quickly disappear

the tyre inflated at the nearest service station and bring it back. This took place between 7pm and 9pm. Unfortunately, by the time they returned, it had become dark and fresh snow had covered their tracks. They asked another driver for directions and were told the easiest way to find the track was via La Guancha. The two drove there and searched in vain until 3.30am for the two they had left behind in the forest, before they finally called the emergency services.

Immediately, the Red Cross and a specialist Guardia Civil force were on the move. Three volunteers and rescue specialists on the ground also set out in an all-terrain vehicle to search for the Mitsubishi and its two occupants. They also searched around La Guancha until one of the two in the Suzuki showed them a photo of a place they had passed during the day. One of the experts recognised a signpost and realised they had been searching in the wrong area. Instead of

being in the pine forests of La Guancha, the missing people were in the mountains above La Orotava, two places almost 30 kilometres apart. The two day trippers were finally located, cold and tired but alive. The incident provides an important lesson to us all. No matter how tempting the white splendour of the snow may seem, it's vital to respect any barriers in place, to observe warnings, and wait until normal mountain access roads have been cleared. n

8.2.2018 – 21.2.2018

CANARY ISLANDS

ISLAND CONNECTIONS 814

TENERIFE AUDITORIUM

Quantum Ensemble’s Elegíaco greatest achievements in the chamber music field. Leoš Janácek began writing his only mature sonata for violin in 1914. It’s a short work in its typical late style, based on brief motifs, rapid changes of rhythm and a great emotional intensity. Israeli clarinettist Shirley Brill recently com-

clarinet) influences our perception of those traits so typical of Janácek's maturity, his emotional urgency, his austere and poignant motifs, and his capacity, in short, to always surprise us with the depths of his creative ideas. With Marta Fontanals-Simmons as mezzo-soprano, David

Quantum Ensemble with mezzo-soprano Marta Fontanals-Simmons

Culture vultures have an unforgettable date to put in their diaries, February 22 at 7.30pm at the Tenerife Auditorium in Santa Cruz, when Quantum Ensemble will be offering an incredible programme with Elegíaco. They will perform Shirley Brill's arrangement of Leoš Janácek's

Sonata for clarinet and piano JW 7/7, Richard Wagner's Wesendonc Lieder WWV 91, and the Trio in G minor OP.15 by Bedrich Smetana. Bedrich Smetana's contemporary composer colleagues considered that their identification with the progressive ideas of Franz Liszt and Richard Wag-

ner was hostile to the development of a Czech nationalist style. This opposition undoubtedly influenced his creativity and the reception of his work. However, beyond the artistic and cultural disputes of the time, his Trio in G minor, OP.15 is a clear example of a work where, without renouncing his

own stylistic evolution, his personal experiences had a notable influence. Completely devastated by the death of his daughter, Smetana devoted himself entirely to the composition of this piece and, although the critics' response at the time was negative, it’s now considered one of his

pleted a brilliant arrangement of the sonata for clarinet and piano, which is the version offered by Quantum Ensemble in this programme and allows us, on the one hand, to appreciate a valuable work in itself and, on the other hand, to reflect on how the change of instrument (from violin to

Ballesteros on violin, Cristo Barrios on clarinet, Ángel Luis Quintana on cello and Gustavo Díaz Jeréz on piano, it promises to be an unforgettable performance. Tickets are available from €15 and can be obtained via the Auditorium’s website at www.audi toriodetenerife.com. n

CANARY ISLANDS

FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 081

FUERTEVENTURA MAKES UNICEF CALL

ROBOT REVOLUTION

World’s first child-friendly island?

NEW!

Authentic Florentine Italian restaurant Fresh pasta made daily Fresh fish from the local port C/ La Marina, 3. Los Abrigos (Caixa roundabout) T. +34 642 063 159 Call for reservations scuolacucina@fettuccinabistrot.com www.fettuccinabistrot.com

Photo: Cabildo Fuerteventura

Fuerteventura Island Council has applied to the international children’s rights organisation UNICEF for the title of ‘Amiga de la Infancia’ (Friend of Childhood). At a meeting in Gran Tarajal with Mayor of Tuineje Sergio Lloret, Island President Marcial Morales said, “We are in the final stages now and, if all goes well, we will have the title before summer of this year, when we would not only be the first Canary Island to achieve this recognition, but also the first island in the world". In order to obtain the attribute, the council has implemented various programmes that allow young people to present their proposals and ideas to the council, with the aim of “taking the young generation seriously and listening to their wishes”. A youth delegation has been elected in various communities and schools on the Island, and the recent meeting in Tuineje was already the fifth of an ongoing series of discussions with the young representatives. Topics covered included transport, the environment, leisure activities, culture, sport, and solidarity measures. Morales went on to say, “For us, being an

Tenerife technological treats

Co-determination about the future is the concern of this young delegation

island called ‘a friend of childhood’ means we are backing the younger generation and giving them the opportunity to have a say in public affairs as much as any other citizen." Tuineje's mayor Lloret stated that he has been pleasantly surprised by the active participation of the youngsters. He explained that "Being interested and committed to problems and the improvement of our society, we politicians are also becoming more and more obliged to work on possible solutions." Political engagement at an early age, combined with the experience of being active in shaping changes, forms young people into citi-

zens who are politically interested and involved. Fuerteventura is also catching up in another area. Transparency is the order of the day, because access to information for all citizens has been guaranteed since the introduction of a new law on the statute books, declaration 12/2014 made on December 26, 2014. A dedicated commission oversees all Spanish authorities, government bodies and official departments for compliance with transparency laws. Unfortunately, last year Fuerteventura performed very badly. In 2017 only Gran Canaria, with tenth place, and Tenerife, at 22nd, reached

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acceptable levels out of the Canary Islands. Fuerteventura finished 44th among the 52 provincial and island councils in Spain. Only La Gomera (49) and El Hierro (52) were worse. Fuerteventura council seems to have taken the results seriously. At least that’s the conclusion of Daniel Cerdán, who recently made an assessment on behalf of the Canary Islands Transparency Commission and was able to see clear improvements. The regulation adopted by the island government in this area has made it easier for citizens to organise their internal requests for information," said transparency commissioner Ylenia Alonso. n

Tenerife island councillor for museums Amaya Conde recently signed an exciting collaboration agreement with the directors of the ITER renewable energy initiative and Grantecan Astrophysics Institute, Manuel Cendagorta and Romano Luigi respectively. The three institutions will be joining forces to design and build a robot to assist visitors at each of the centres. Under the names of Cosme (Museum of Science and the Cosmos), Marysol (ITER) and Gara (Grantecan), the prototypes will act as guides and answer questions, disseminate scientific facts, propose new ways of interacting with exhibition pieces and suggest specific tours around the venues. The project has an initial execution period of one year, extendable until 2019, and a budget of over €90,000. The council-run Museum of Science and the Cosmos is in constant evolution, with the aim of being a first-class scientific information centre open for the public, and at the same time it serves as a didactic resource for teachers and students of all levels. ITER, also belonging to the Island Council, was created in 1990 with the aim of promoting sustainable development and innovation in Tenerife. Its work focuses on technological development, innovation and research. The Gran Telescopio Canarias, run by Grantecan and located at the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory in La Palma, is supported by the Governments of Spain and the Canary Islands, as well as the Mexican Government via the Astronomy Institute of the Autonomous National University and National Institute of Astrophysics and Electronics, and the United States via the University of Florida. n

8.2.2018 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 21.2.2018

ISLAND CONNECTIONS 814

PROMOTION

CANARY ISLANDS

FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 081

COSMOS HUMBOLDT MULTIVERSITY CONFERENCE

Tenerife - Island of Knowledge By Sabine Virgin Cosmos Humboldt Multiversity, established in Tenerife for the last six years, sees itself as a think tank for finding new solutions for current problems. Following the example of Alexander von Humboldt and his brother Wilhelm, the project follows the principles of multidisciplinary exchange: a successful concept that is regarded as trend-setting for the 21st century. This is evidenced by the varied programme which has been arranged in recent years by the organisation’s founder Prof. Günter Koch. So far it has consisted of more than 30 events with participants from around 20 different countries and was implemented mainly in cooperation with the University of La Laguna (ULL). In the case of its latest conference, with the theme ‘Island of Knowledge’, the ULL was again involved, this time in cooperation with the Astrophysical Institute of the

The organisers and guest speakers of the conference

Canary Islands (IAC) which hosted the event.

Why Tenerife? In his opening presentation, Prof. Günter Koch summarised the advantages of transforming Tenerife into an ‘island of knowledge’. In addition to tourism, Tenerife already has an extensive network of promising investments and sectors of varied disciplines. These include

the Astrophysical Institute of the Canary Islands, the Centre for Biomedical Research and the Institute of Tropical Medicine, the D-Alix Supercomputer, the Centre for Renewable Energies (ITER), the Science Museum in La Laguna and the Spanish Institute of Oceanography (IEO) in Santa Cruz. This enumeration alone shows how much potential already exists on the island in order to think outside the box in a multidisci-

plinary way. In addition, there are the two technology parks that are in the process of being set up, with the aim of attracting new companies. From a geographical point of view, Tenerife's good connections with 160 direct flights via two airports, the internationally operating port and the strategic location between three continents make Tenerife ideal. Incentives for companies include tax breaks and Euro-

pean jurisdiction, as well as a good quality of life for employees, all factors that can be used to find multi-layered solutions to current problems. The Astrophysical Institute of the Canary Islands is a good example of a high-quality knowledge centre. It’s a breeding ground for learning, via the flow of scientists and trainees from all over the world and through close contacts with political and public bodies both in the Canary Islands and elsewhere, and also through the transfer of scientific knowledge into technology suitable for everyday use, so that the general public also benefits from the research institute. It would be a good thing if politics too were to adopt this concept of ‘cross-thinking’. Following the example of Sweden for instance, the only country in the world that currently has a Ministry for the Future at its disposal, where the threads for new future concepts converge. Prof. Koch believes that: “On

Tenerife too, such a control centre could be an important point of connection within the government".

Current economic situation Rodrigo Trujillo González, lecturer in applied mathematics and expert in research and internationalisation at ULL, presented some facts to identify present weaknesses. For example, the Canary Islands' gross domestic product (GDP) has risen by about 3.5 per cent since 2014, and further growth of about 2.5 per cent is forecast for 2018. This is a positive trend, but it doesn’t impress the population. The Canary Islands are structurally comparable to the Balearic Islands, where GDP growth was 3.8 per cent. However, these are the only comparable values. While unemployment in the Balearic Islands is generally 16.7 per cent, in the Canary Islands it still accounts for almost 22 per cent. Even more serious is the comparison of youth unemploy-

8.2.2018 – 21.2.2018

ISLAND CONNECTIONS 814

ment: 21.9 per cent in the Balearic Islands and an alarming 41 per cent here. “The aim must therefore be to create new jobs, not those we had 40 years ago, but those that meet the demands of the 21st century", says the expert. A key factor for him is that a large part of investment in Spain comes from the public sector. In sound economic concepts, the private entrepreneurial sector is much more active as an investor. The organisation, bureaucratic processes and also the mentality must alter so that those changes

can make a breakthrough. First and foremost, he insists that the greatest capital - intangible assets - be used. They are mainly found in human potential. This means that the intellect must be used, and also human relationships and global exchange. To date, the value of human potential has been far too little recognised and promoted and that is exactly what needs to change.

LEIF EDVINSSON

A man who thinks differently

the era of knowledge began and, parallel to that, a world era is emerging until 2030/50, in which social intelligence and well-being take centre stage. Disputes should no longer be conducted by military forces but diplomatically, and prosperity must be used to bring about social improvements. "If we make a wrong decision

often lack the foresight to initiate long-term projects. I think there should be some sort of negative bonus or penalty payments for the future. Politicians and companies who make the wrong decisions should be asked to pay for them", he said. His extraordinary demands and innovative ideas go much fur-

The hidden potential Hidden human potential was the main topic of Swedish guest speaker Leif Edvinsson at the event. As early as 1997 he published the book Realising Your Company's True Value by Finding Its Hidden Brainpower with Michael Malone. "The figures that Rodrigo has just presented show the actuality, but they're just numbers. What these statistics do not

CANARY ISLANDS

are called for with more shared and interdisciplinary project development instead of onesided individual routes. The promotion of human potential also involves constructing new, creative living spaces. “Many important centres for innovation and future planning are based on two important factors that are not accidental; they are close to the water and a have an attractive aroma. Water provides oxygen-rich air that encourages thinking; nice scents stimulate the brain within seconds. In this way, something new can be creatively made. Here in Tenerife both are available - use this potential", advises Edvinsson. Health-promoting urban planning is another concept that

done with the undeveloped areas. Oases of tranquillity, green areas, meeting places - there are so many possibilities to make unused space vibrate and thus improve overall quality of life. Even if more and more people are moving into cities, this does not necessarily mean living in standard boxes in the form of unimaginative high-rise buildings. New architecture with space for green areas and encounters - that's what urban planning in the 21st century should look like. Tenerife could once again become a laboratory where new ideas are being tried out in a small space. The island could take on a pioneering role for the future with ful-

the Swedish ‘future thinker’ brings into play. Urban landscapes must change, become healthier and more imaginative. In Montreal, Canada, for example, there is a district with original elements such as swings and seesaws for adults, and light effects on facades. The motto could be ‘lightness of being’. Through playfulness, free spaces are created in which people can switch off and relieve stress. Perspectives should be changed during planning. This means we shouldn’t only be planning what is to be built and how, but also just as intensively what’s to be

filling and creative work and living spaces, if the hidden, intangible capital is promoted and used. And there is still an additional potential that is taken into account far too little. About six million visitors come to Tenerife every year. Many of them are retired – the so-called ‘Silver agers’. They have a lifetime of wisdom and usually have time, money and knowledge that could be used for creative ideas. "You can never hire and pay us. We're free. But you can invite us to play along", says Leif Edvinsson. An invitation that has the potential to be fruitful for all sides. n

Around 41 per cent of investments come from the public sector in Spain. The UK, Germany and Japan are just 23, 29 and 15 per cent respectively

Leif Edvinsson, born in 1946 in Uppsala, started his career with the Swedish insurance company Skandia. There, in the 1990s, he developed his theory of hidden intellectual potential among employees and also developed practical programmes to promote its use. In 1998 he was awarded the ‘Brain of the Year’ prize and is one of the 50 most influential thinkers in the world. In 2001 he became a professor at the University of Lund and is an advisor to the Swedish government. He is an honorary lecturer and member of various universities around the globe, author of several books and acts as a consultant to renowned companies. n

Leif Edvinsson is an innovator who thinks outside the box High youth unemployment is a major problem as well as providing untapped potential

show is the hidden human intellectual capital that slumbers in all the people who are now out of work", he explains. He would like to set up a Ministry of Human and Intellectual Labour, because the world, and thus our working environment, is changing. The 20th century was characterised by industrialisation. From 1995 to 2020,

today, our children and grandchildren will have to pay for it. Unfortunately, these processes are slow, human potential must be formed and promoted. The result can only usually be seen after about 20 years. Politicians, however, think more short-term. They want to reap the fruits of their labour faster in order to be re-elected. They

ther. School and education must change, he suggests. Intellectual, social and creative thinking and learning are the values of the future. Entrepreneurship must be encouraged and the bureaucratic hurdles imposed by politics must be reduced. New collectives emerge through human networks and relationships. Crowd funding for good concepts can be a financing option for projects, separate from public authorities and bank loans. Collective intelligence must be mobilised and the world of work must be revolutionised. Instead of hierarchies, joint idea workshops

PROMOTION

FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 081

8.2.2018 – 21.2.2018

CANARY ISLANDS

ISLAND CONNECTIONS 814

LORO PARQUE FOUNDATION

Toxins and the Orcas' immune system A study recently carried out with the cooperation of the Loro Parque Foundation concluded that the accumulation of poisons in the sea generates a toxic cocktail – containing goodies such as DDT, PCBs and persistent organic compounds - that affects orcas' immune systems to a greater extent than if the animals were only exposed to one of these toxins in the same concentration. The main objective was to determine how toxic pollutants affect the animals' defences. The novelty of this approach is that it was not about the negative effect of each individual toxin, but about what the combination and accumulation of different substances entails. The investigated substances were selected according to the frequency with which they were found in stranded animals in Antarctica or in animals found within the allowable catch quotas of the Inuit aboriginal population in Greenland. The samples were analysed by researchers from the Danish University of Aarhus. For the purpose of the study, half a litre of blood was taken from every Orca living in Loro Parque’s Orca Ocean. This was purified and the cells responsible for the immune system were, in vitro, brought into contact with the 'toxic cocktail'. The result was that the effect is cumulative. This means that some components in combination have a more harmful effect on health than if only individual components in the same concentration affected the organism on their own. They disrupt the immune response system of the orcas earlier than initially

Half a litre of blood was taken from each animal for research purposes In the lab, the blood is prepped to be challenged by various toxins

of poisoning (in these cases). Logically, they do not die of poisoning per se, but of a dis-

in this context is how much easier it was for the pathogen to harm the animals’ health once their immune system had been weakened. Further studies are necessary. The Loro Parque Fundación therefore will continue to collaborate with the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria to clarify the concentration of toxins present in whales that are stranded on the Canary Islands. Toxicology has so far focused on each single substance. The study, which is funded by the Foundation, helps develop a different perspective to determine whether the accumulation of compounds interacts with the body and thereby increases the impact on the immune system of the animal. With regard to the regulation of these toxic substances, Dr. Javier Almunia considers the study results published in the journal Medioambiental Sciences and Technology as an important starting point. The next step would have to be taken by the policymakers,

ease such as an infection, a tumour or parasitic infestation." The question that arises

who are called upon to take countermeasures against the pollution of the oceans. n

The analysis of accumulated toxins opens up a new perspective

assumed and may even affect their reproductive ability. Some ingredients are structurally very similar to hormones. In fact, a group of killer whales in Scotland has not been repro-

ducing for years. It’s believed that this may be related to the contamination. Only recently a female was found stranded and the toxicity analysis showed that a high concentration of

certain organic substances was present. The direct effect that can result from this is a shortening of the lifespan of the animals, because the toxic combination weakens the animals' defence system which can then no longer efficiently fight off the pathogens it encounters. The Foundation's Environmental Affairs Director, Dr. Javier Almunia emphasised that, "Apparently, it’s difficult to prove that an animal has died

CANARY ISLANDS

FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 081

KEDDY’S ENTERTAINMENT

Discount vouchers Hello again from all of us at Keddy’s Entertainment. Wow! It’s busy out there on the streets. We know that going on holiday or living in Tenerife can be expensive when you are looking for things to entertain you on holiday or for residents to ensure that you create those perfect memories, so we thought we’d let you know about something that can help you look after those all-important pennies or rather cents! It doesn’t matter whether you are a solo traveller, travelling as a couple or soaking up the sun with the whole family or a bunch of friends, the cost of eating out and enjoying all the fantastic activities and entertainment on offer in the Canary Islands can add up. Launched at the end of 2017, www.TheVoucherGuru.com has one simple aim – to help save you money in everything you do in the Canary Islands. TheVoucherGuru.com is an online portal where both residents and tourists can login and securely book their favourite activities, from pretending to become James Bond for the day on jetskis to being entertained by the amazing whale and dolphin sightseeing boat trips, and download amazing and exclusive offers for restaurants, bars, shops, beauty treatments and top entertainment - almost anything you would want to do whilst on holiday or in your free time. With TheVoucherGuru.com you can entertain all the family and it won’t break the bank! Be entertained on some of the best boats leaving the ports of Los Cristianos and Puerto

Colón – choosing from an 11-seater boat to a glass bottomed catamaran –The Voucher Guru will cater for all your entertainment needs. With the vast array of options of what to do in the Canary Islands, TheVoucherGuru.com has realised that everyone, no matter what the budget, likes getting the best deal possible. With this in mind, The Guru set about sourcing deals and offers and creating a place where tourists and residents alike can simply and securely access all these great deals. From an exclusive 10 per cent discount at The Hard Rock Café in Playa de Las Américas where you can catch live musicians entertaining you while you dine Hard Rock style, to two for the price of one on cocktails at the famous Dubliner Bar to keep you entertained until the early hours. The Voucher Guru is fast

By Chrissie and Ray

chosen activities. No wasting time queuing when you get to your resort – book online before you arrive, saving you both time and money!

state of the art booking system – ensuring ease of use and the highest level of security for the consumer. Simply choose your activities, what time and

TheVoucherGuru.com is simple and secure to use. With the minimal amount of clicks a user can securely book their favourite attractions which are automatically confirmed with the attraction provider. The Voucher Guru works closely with all providers using a

date you want to reserve then check out! Your online discount will automatically be applied to your activities – a saving of up to 15 per cent off normal prices! Similarly for restaurant and shopping vouchers etc, to redeem the online vouchers

www.TheVoucherGuru.com Discounts at some of the island’s hottest spots

becoming the ‘go-to’ website for the best available offers around. It’s free to use and you can download and use a voucher as many times as you like! Simply login in and you could be enjoying some of the best bands on the island and creating those all-important memories – at a discount! Not only will you find great exclusive deals on eating and drinking, shopping and beauty treatments, with TheVoucherGuru.com you can also book all your favourite activities, excursions and entertainment online before you arrive. Online bookings are direct, secure and instantaneous – upon confirmation of your booking you will receive a boarding pass style ticket which can be redeemed at the point of entry for your

a user must first register with TheVoucherGuru.com. A simple Facebook login automatically creates a user account where you can browse, download and redeem or save the vouchers which appeal to you. This makes it easier to keep all the vouchers you want to use in one place. Planning your holiday has never been as simple – before you arrive you can have all your activities booked and have the vouchers saved that you want to use whilst in Tenerife, saving you time to enjoy the sun, the pool and the beach! S t a r t i n g i n Te n e r i f e , TheVoucherGuru.com will, throughout 2018, offer similar great discounts, deals and offers across the Canary Islands, so keep your eyes open. TheVoucherGuru.com was launched by Ciaran McCloy after successfully launching and running The Tenerife Voucher Book for four years – a print edition of redeemable coupons. In 2017 Ciaran decided to launch online and expand across the islands making it easier for users to find and avail themselves of online discounts and vouchers. www.TheVoucherGuru.com is constantly being updated with new and exciting exclusive deals, vouchers and offers – register now and don’t miss out! For further information check out our website or mail us at hello@ thevoucherguru.com. Another fab way of seeing the island and being entertained, but that’s it from us this week and don’t forget to contact us at Keddy’s Entertainment for all your entertainment needs info@ keddysentertainment.com n

8.2.2018 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 21.2.2018

ISLAND CONNECTIONS 814

PROMOTION

CANARY ISLANDS

FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 081

LANI'S SUITES DE LUXE

Pure romance in Lanzarote

Simple elegance in typical Lanzarote style

The most romantic hotel in Spain, according to TripAdvisor users, is the Hotel Lani's Suites de Luxe in Puerto del Carmen, Lanzarote. The popular hotel, which boasts 25 suites with six different styles and comfort levels, provides adult-only accommodation for those over 16 years old. Regular guests are mainly made up of German, British,

French and Spanish visitors. As well as reaching the number one spot in Spain for romance, it was also granted second place within Europe and third worldwide. In addition, it’s considered the best hotel in Spain in terms of guest service, and the best small hotel! Not surprisingly, owner Kumar Dadlani and director Víctor Rebollo are feeling very proud of the hotel’s

achievements at the moment. The simplicity and elegance of the accommodation, which opened in April 2015, is evi-

dently extremely captivating. The typical, white, Lanzarote building style forms the perfect contrast to the blue of the directly adjacent ocean and the surrounding black volcanic rock. High-quality materials, an exclusive wellness area, floral splendour and an array of water features provide luxury with a maritime flair. In addition, the fully-glazed restaurant serves upmarket Mediterranean cuisine based on seasonal products. Lani's Suites de Luxe is in Puerto del Carmen, in the heart of the Lanzarote holiday centre and has direct access to the beach. The airport is only ten minutes away, the capital city Arrecife is about 15 minutes by car, and a relaxed drive to the Timanfaya National Park takes about 25 minutes. Most bookings are received directly via the website www. lanissuites.com. Last year saw a full house on Valentine's Day, and fans of the small but special resort are already snapping up their spot for this year’s romance fest. n

WORKPLACE ACCIDENTS

Prevention and inspection bear fruit The Director General for Employment in the Canary Islands, José Miguel González, has just presented 2017’s statistics for accidents at work. A total of 23,849 accidents in the workplace last year resulted in sick leave. The majority, namely 23,679, were classified as minor accidents, and 155 as serious or very serious. For 15 people the accidents were fatal. González explained, “In recent years, particular efforts have been made to take preventive measures. This means that both employers and employees are informed extensively about health and safety at work. The aim is to reduce accidents and occupational diseases and introduce a culture of prevention.” He also pointed out that in 2017 approximately 45,000 more people were employed than in 2016 and that, nevertheless, the number of accidents had fallen by more than four percentage points, underlining the success of the campaigns. Broken down by sector, the figures for incidents in agriculture and fisheries fell by 4.5 per cent. In the industrial sector, there were 7.88 per cent fewer accidents and in the construction and services sectors the reduction was slightly more than four per cent. In addition, during last year there were 33,875 minor accidents at work which could be treated without the employee needing to leave the premises. Going to work, 3,222 road incidents were recorded and, sadly, in nine cases, the victims were fatally injured. The highest rate of accidents in 2017 occurred in the months of August, May and November. This year, yet again, over 120 campaigns are planned via the Canary Islands Institute for Occupational Safety with the aim of reducing the somewhat alarming statistics. n

8.2.2018 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 21.2.2018

ISLAND CONNECTIONS 814

PROMOTION

CANARY ISLANDS

PIONEER MARINE SYSTEM

The Canary Islands Territorial Policies Agency is preparing a battle plan against the possibility of new algae blooms on the coasts this year. The Deputy Environmental Minister for the Canaries Blanca Pérez confirmed an investment of €400,000 to purchase a ship that is said to be unique in the world. It’s equipped with a suction device that can absorb both micro-organisms and small amounts of oil contamination, such as those that recently occurred at Playa de La Tejita. In addition, a protective barrier system is to be purchased to prevent algae carpets from invading the beaches. The aim, as far as possible, is to prevent them causing any nuisance to bathers. It’s believed that climate change will cause algae to bloom more frequently. Javier Arístegui, a lecturer in ecology at the University of Las Palmas, confirmed that algae carpets caused by cyanobac-

FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 081

Combating the next algae blooms

Cyanobacteria are a phenomenon associated with climate change

teria have nothing at all to do with faecal waste water. Recently, several experiments were carried out with water samples with and without faecal waste water. The comforting result was that both samples behave similarly. The main rea-

son for the appearance of algae carpets would appear to be climate change. Nevertheless, it’s not nice when the brownishgreen carpets appear on the beaches, and that’s why the countermeasures decided upon have now been adopted. The

call for tenders for the ship, which is to intervene in the event of the presence of algae, is to be issued by March at the latest, so that the boat is ready for operation by June of this year. The presence of cyanobacteria on the Moroccan, Mauritanian and Cape Verde coasts will also be taken into account in a study financed by European funds. The Canary Islands Territorial Policies Agency is also supporting two research projects by the local universities with a contribution of a further €400,000. The University of Las Palmas is working on tracking down cyanobacteria such as trichodesmium and other species to create a kind of early warning system that will allow the authorities to act quickly and early, while the experts at the University of La Laguna are investigating the impact of climate change on marine life and fisheries. n

€1 MILLION FOR THE ELDERLY

Fighting loneliness The Canary Islands Government has earmarked a million euros in the social budget for 2018 to be used specifically to provide care for the elderly in remote areas. Research has shown that it’s those who live alone, often have a low income and are not mobile enough to attend one of the day-care centres who run the risk of becoming socially isolated. Keeping people active in old age and connecting the older members of our society with the activities on offer is part of the senior citizens’ programme that the Canary Islands Government organises to meet their needs. Some 42,000 participants are currently registered at the 27 day centres, which also organise excursions. That’s 14,000 more than five years ago. By 2026, thanks to longer life expectancy, around onefifth of the Canary Islands’ population will be retired and Reyes Henríquez, the department head for social policies explained, “The greatest social danger is loneliness. Not only does it make people unhappy but, as recent studies show, it can also make them ill. This is why social life should be maintained through joint activities and regular contact with the outside world. The aim is to ensure that people can live alone, independently and as healthily as possible for as long as possible.” The new network, which will involve social workers, educators and experts in the field of ageing, provides for regular contacts and visits to the elderly who live in isolated circumstances. n

LA GOMERA

Valle Gran Rey clear up La Gomera Island Council took care of cleaning and clearing the Valle Gran Rey protected coastal areas during the last week of January. The focus was not only on removing rubbish, but also on moving illegal campers off the beaches in local urban areas. Almost 100 people who were living in tents and other shelters were moved on. The clear-up operation mainly concerned Playa del Inglés and the Charco del Cieno scientific reserve. With these actions, the Environmental Protection Agency staff underlined their commitment to the security and protection of the zones. The Island Council will be maintaining increased vigilance in the area, which has been stepped up lately due to recent incidents. n Photo: Cabildo La Gomera

Dropouts and hippies on the Valle Gran Rey beaches

PROMOTION Carretera TF-65, 13 (in the roundabout) Los Abrigos

ccin

fettu

Opening hours: Daily from 7pm

& 642 063 159 This wonderful new addition in Los Abrigos has all the residents talking. Italian Cuisine at its finest. Bistrot Fettuccina now opens on the round about in Los Abrigos, offering you the finest Florentine specialities. Freshly made pasta prepared daily on the premises. Fresh fish caught daily and brought in to the local port where it has a very shorty journey to the restaurant at the top of the road. The portions are generous and perfect for sharing in groups. An experience for you and quality that will have you returning time and time again. Please book to avoid disappointment.

Bistrot Fettuccina

©Google

Brunelli’s Steakhouse Calle Bencomo 42 Puerto de La Cruz

Style

& 922 062 600 Every gourmet’s dream becomes a reality at Brunelli‘s, a steakhouse that is in the perfect location to inspire the palate. Selected meat of the very best quality, in a fantastic ambience right next to the sea, the culinary pleasure revolves around the Southbend: The only oven of its kind on the Canary Islands, it heats up to 800°C, sealing the juices and flavour inside the meat. Plus top quality wines from the island and Spain, and the restaurant’s crowning glory: an uninterrupted view of the Atlantic Ocean.

brunellis.com

American

Opening hours: Daily from 1pm – 3.30pm and 6.30pm – 11pm

Bodegón Las Vistas Calle Bencomo 58 Santa Úrsula Open: Daily, except Tuesday 12 to 11 pm

& 822 108 923 ide urant in & outs Heated Resta

Tasteful, canarian kitchen, a rustic and authentic ambience and a breathtaking panoramic view characterise the Bodegón Las Vistas in Santa Úrsula. Also the very hospitable servicestaff and the favorable prices. This place welcomes everyone, from local Canarian or foreign residents who don‘t want to cook, to holidaymakers who find themselves in an extraordinary place in the middle of typical island life. A place you will never forget. Ask for our San Valentine-Menu.

AMERICAN KITCHEN STEAKHOUSE

ot istr a

fettuccinabistrot.com

Bistrot Fettuccina

ITALIAN CUISINE RESTAURANT

CANARIAN KITCHEN RESTAURANT

ISLAND CONNECTIONS 814

d bodegonlasvistas

8.2.2018 – 21.2.2018

MOTORING

PROMOTION

The first thing that strikes you when you walk into the showroom of Agencia Auto in Guargacho is the wide range of beautiful gleaming cars. If you are thinking about buying a new car or upgrading your present one, don’t miss the opportunity to make this car dealer your first stop. For more than 25 years Agencia Auto has been a leader in the field of exclusive and nearly-new cars and they always have plenty of models to tempt any driver. German prestige brands, especially Mercedes, BMW, Mini, Audi and Porsche, are their main stock in trade. They import these cars only from top German dealers and they all have a full service history and a minimum oneyear warranty. Buying a car is a matter of trust and to avoid any hassle and problems a lot of people decide on a new one. On the

FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 081

Forget the rest and go for the best at Agencia Auto other hand, a new vehicle loses at least a quarter of its worth in the first months and if you keep it for a few more years you will definitely lose a lot more. On the other hand, shop at Agencia Auto where they can offer you, for example, cars with very low mileage which are only a few months old and in almost new condition and you can save a lot against a brand new vehicle. If they have your dream car in stock you could pick it up right away and even if they have to order one, it only takes a few weeks until you

will be able to enjoy it. Not only will you benefit from excellent value for money, but you’ll also be looked after by qualified professionals who really know how to do their job. Another of their top-selling points is that you will always be able to sell a car bought from Agencia Auto as they guarantee to buy back any vehicle they have sold, at a fair price, when you wish to change it. The company is also always interested in buying well maintained and low mileage cars from any source. They have a special diagnostic

service available to check the full car history and to see if there may be any hidden electronic faults or gauge manipulations. The best you can do for yourself is to visit the staff at Agencia Auto to see what they have on offer. You can be assured that any transaction will be completed quickly and without fuss or complications, as the dealership also undertakes all administrative procedures required to change the paperwork for the vehicle. In addition, the services of Agencia Auto’s department

for all transport-linked paperwork is open to anyone, regardless if the car is, or will be, purchased from them. Experts will carry out all the procedures for changing ownership, sorting out road tax, checking for outstanding debts, re-registration, changing your driving license and solving any paperwork problems for vehicles that were purchased elsewhere too. Furthermore, you can get help with insurance, MOT Tests, homologation and, especially, vehicle importation and transfer from abroad. They can even help you with export and general customs matters for motor vehicle

ISLAND GOVERNMENT AGREEMENT - NISSAN

Sustainable and clean Tenerife The island government of Tenerife, led by President Carlos Alonso, signed a sustainable development agreement with one of the world's largest car companies, Nissan, at the end of January. The auspicious meeting took place at the ITER Institute for Renewable Energy in Granadilla de Abona. The Direc-

tor General of Nissan Iberia, Marco Toro, supports Alonso's move to make the island of Tenerife a pioneer when it comes to electric mobility. More electric vehicles are to be integrated into the public and local transport fleets as well as the private market. Incentives are also to be created for car rental companies

to encourage them to purchase electric cars. It is hoped that Tenerife can become a model for sustainable development and clean transport. One weak point at present, however, is the minimal network of charging stations. So far, only in the bus stations of Santa Cruz and La Laguna as well as the Para-

Together, Tenerife and Nissan want to take a pioneering role in electric mobility

dor Hotel in Las Cañadas are charging stations available. Together with the AUVE Automobile Club for Electric Drivers and the Association of Electric and Telecommunications

Installers, Asinelte, the aim is to develop new points for electric filling stations as well as a system that will enable vehicles to be charged quickly. In the face of diesel scandals,

transport to and from Tenerife. All of their customers benefit from the company’s decades of experience and global contacts. It’s an all-round service and anyone who is looking for a professional car dealership, where you can not only buy a car but will also find all the services you need under one roof, would be well advised to first contact Agencia Auto to take advantage of their expertise and multilingual staff. What are you waiting for? All you have to do is visit them, on the main road through Guargacho towards the Las Chafiras end, to gain from all the friendly advice. The dealership is open Monday to Friday, 10am to 1pm and 4.30pm to 7.30pm. For more information call: 922 784 077 or visit the website at www.agencia-auto.com. n non-compliance with exhaust emission standards and the urgency to take action against climate change, the issue of electromobility and its feasibility is becoming increasingly important. “Nissan is on this path and it is the industry that drives change", Toro stated. Alonso emphasised the advantage of an island in terms of future development and his firm belief in the feasibility of moving to electric cars. “We are a territory in which this project can be implemented. We are a perfect platform for developing and enforcing sustainable mobility in Europe", said the president with conviction. n

BUSINESS

ISLAND CONNECTIONS 814

LOOMING LEGISLATION

Vehicle inspection changes Legislation for changes to the Technical Vehicle Inspection (ITV similar to the UK MOT) were approved by the government at the end of last year and will come into force this coming May. Some of the main alterations will be seen as a bonus by many drivers. These include being able to carry out an ITV up to one month before the previous inspection expires without it affecting the next renewal date, and the removal of restrictions on follow-up inspections. With the current legislation, if a car fails a test, any anomalies (such as worn brake pads, clutch problems etc.) have to be rectified and the car returned to the same station where the first inspection took place. From May, it will be possible to carry out the subsequent examinations to confirm all faults have been corrected at any official testing depot of the driver’s choice, free of charge, as long as it’s within a one month period of the original failed test. However, controls on emissions will be more comprehensive in an attempt to protect the environment and prevent possible fraud, an issue which has been under the spotlight in recent years. Inspection stations will also be equipped with improved diagnostic reading tools for onboard computers to check the operation of electronically controlled safety systems in more depth. This measure will allow for better detection of “malicious software” or other defects which may interfere with the effective functioning of items such as airbags, particulate filters and catalysts. The new regulations also update staff training requirements, including a minimum level of qualification as an Advanced Automotive Technician being required for all inspectors. In addition, exchange of electronic information between testing stations will be strengthened. n

ITV tests are evolving to keep up with innovations

AUTO ADVICE Whether you’re a first time buyer or just in need of a new ride, IAM RoadSmart’s tips for purchasing a second-hand car are equally relevant. Tim Shallcross, head of the organisation’s department of technical policy and advice, says there are many simple checks that can make a difference. For instance, blown turbochargers, snapped timing chains, smoking engines and more can result from simply delaying an oil change or using the wrong oil. Ask for the service history and take time to look through it. If a service is due, negotiate on the price, but if the history’s missing, walk away. Dashboard lights are important. Test all the systems such as ABS and stability control. Make sure they all light up when you turn on the ignition and go out after a few seconds or when you start the engine. Check the handbook if you’re not sure you’ve seen them all. After starting the engine, listen carefully for the first few seconds. Any knocks or rattles are bad signs. Grey exhaust smoke is an indication of a worn engine: take a look after a test drive when the engine is hot. As well as checking the suspension by listening for rattles or clunks over rough roads, try stopping at different rates, gently and rapidly. The engine should never stall as the car

Car common sense

Photo: Thomsn CZ / FreeImages.com

8.2.2018 – 21.2.2018

Simple checks carried out before purchasing can make all the difference

stops and the revs shouldn’t drop very low and then pick up to the right idle speed. Buying a car can too often be an emotional rather than rational choice. He advises, don’t be afraid to reject one if you have any concerns. If in doubt, sleep on it and make a

decision in the morning. Shallcross finished by saying, “Getting a new car, whether it’s brand new or new to you, is an exciting time. It’s also an expensive one, so the last thing you want is to pick a bad model. Do your preparation before you go so you know what

you’re looking for. If you’re not confident, take a friend, get it checked at a garage or, ultimately, walk away.” IAM RoadSmart forms part of the Institute of Advanced Motorists. Find more good advice at: www.iamroadsmart. com. n

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Porsche Boxster S 3.2

Smart FourTwo Passion

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Mercedes B 200 CDI Automatic

Mercedes C 200 Kompressor Automatic

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2009. 68,000km. Avantgarde, leather... €17,990

€21,990

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BUSINESS

FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 081

GOYA LAWYERS

Photo: Jan Stastny, Freeimages.com

Documents needed to reclaim mortgage expenses and floor clause excess charges

Your bank may owe you a lot of money

In the event someone thinks they may be affected by the ‘floor clause’ it’s best that they contact a lawyer to guide and to help them throughout the process. The procedure is as follows: 1. Locate the floor clause in the mortgage contract. For those who do not have expertise in this area, it can be somewhat difficult because banks often use technical language with which to conceal the term, one of them is, for example, "limits on the variability of the interest rate". 2. Once identified in the contract, you must calculate

the amount that has been overpaid from day one of the mortgage. This requires applying the correct calculations to the quantities outlined in the mortgage deed. 3. After that, proceed to court to reclaim the amount from the bank. In most cases banks will not voluntarily return the money, which is why, in most cases, you must submit a claim to the bank’s judicial claims department. The necessary documentation for (a) the solicitor to see if there is a floor clause in your mortgage, and (b) to carry out

the whole process explained above is as follows: Mortgage loan agreement, Model 600 (from the local tax office), copies of receipts for the notary fees, registration costs and agency (gestoría) expenses. Each of these documents should be available to you, since you had to receive them when the mortgage was registered in the Land Registry, but if not, we can help you to locate them. Mortgage loan agreement. You can request a copy in the same notary where the deeds were done. If you can provide this document for the notary it will be much easier for them to find

the mortgage loan agreement. In addition, this is where you can obtain a copy of the invoice for the notary fees. A copy of the Model 600 can be obtained from the local tax office (Hacienda), the main office in south Tenerife is in Los Cristianos on Calle la Hacienda, 38632, Arona, Santa Cruz de Tenerife. For opening hours and/or other offices in Tenerife and the rest of the Islands, you can find the information in the AEAT website, which is also available in English. A copy of the registration fees applied can be obtained from the Land Registry of the municipality where the mortgaged property is located. Gestoría expenses are usually made by agencies appointed by the banks, and are therefore usually more complicated to track down. Finally, remember that banks are only obliged to keep documents for the last four years, so if more time has passed since your mortgage began, you might not have the option to recover all the costs which you paid at that time if you are unable to provide proof, but the mortgage loan deed will always be at your disposal. If in doubt, do not hesitate to get in touch with us and we will help you throughout the whole process. You can contact us via email at despacho@ goyaabogados.com, or by calling 922 797 500. n

TENERIFE SOUTH RUNWAY MAINTENANCE

Night work replaces night flights Spanish airports and air navigation company AENA recently announced that from April 3 to June 30, night flights at the Reina Sofía Airport in south Tenerife will be suspended so that runway renovation work can take place. A spokesman for AENA Canarias reported, “We informed the airlines in good time so that they could adapt their flight times.” During the three months, the overnight hours will be used to lay new tarmac on the runway. There are currently no plans to add a second runway, as has been requested on several occasions. According to AENA, only about 50 per cent of the existing passenger handling area is working at full capacity, which means there is still plenty of room in the existing facilities for expansion. Last year, 11.7 million passengers were handled at the southern airport, where they currently have the capacity for around twelve million passengers. An investment of €140 million is to be made over the next three years, concentrating in particular on the expansion of the terminals, the construction of a connecting building between the two existing terminals (the second of which is not actually in use due to poor planning and design), the integration of new check-in devices in Terminal Two, security systems such as electronic passport control for non-EU citizens in the arrivals hall, the renovation of the rather tatty and unimpressive VIP area, a new multi-function centre, and the overhaul of aircraft parking spaces. In addition, the area for passenger handling is to be almost doubled. Currently, 64 airlines from 27 countries and 131 destinations fly to Tenerife’s southern airport. With the general overhaul between now and 2021, the airport should be able to offer passengers all the comforts they now expect. Officials claim the airport already meets very high quality standards which are above the European average. Travellers should be aware that not all airlines are completely honest about flight changes and they may be diverted to Tenerife North if a night-time arrival is scheduled. Free buses to Reina Sofia from the northern airport will be provided, but arrival times at the destination will be delayed. n

Work is to be carried out overnight so daytime flights are not affected

8.2.2018 – 21.2.2018

BUSINESS

ISLAND CONNECTIONS 814

BLEVINS FRANKS

Countdown is on to avert 200 percent UK tax penalties By Paul Montague, Partner, Blevins Franks

The new ‘Requirement to Correct’ regime gives UK residents with overseas assets a deadline of September 2018 to fix their tax arrangements or risk costly penalties, even if they are non-UK domiciled. The new penalties apply where there is unpaid UK income, capital gains or inheritance taxes on offshore income, assets or activities up to and including 6 April 2017. This could be the result of inaccurate declarations to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) or not filing a tax return at all – whether deliberately, through carelessness or inappropriate advice. If irregularities are not corrected by 30 September 2018, a standard penalty charge of 200 per cent on the tax owed applies. Although co-operation with HMRC can potentially reduce this charge, it will not go below 100 per cent. Where underpaid UK tax exceeds £25,000, there will be an additional ‘asset

based penalty’ of up to 10 per cent of the value of the related assets. This is all on top of the original tax to be paid. If HMRC determines that you moved assets to another country to avoid liability, you could pay another 50 per cent of the standard penalty charged, generating a potential total bill 300 per cent higher than the original tax owed. Serious cases could even lead to criminal charges.

As well as the changes to UK tax legislation, you need to understand the rules in Spain – and how they interact – to make sure you are getting it right. Taking personalised, professional advice from an adviser with cross-border expertise can help you enjoy favourable tax treatment while offering peace of mind that you are meeting your tax obligations, here and in the UK.

What should you do? Even if you believe your financial house is in order, you may owe taxes without realising it. It’s crucial to review your tax planning to make sure you are compliant. If you correct non-compliance before the September deadline, the tax owed and interest will be collected with the existing penalties applied, often as low as 10 per cent. In any case, you may prefer to make a ‘nil tax’ voluntary disclosure to HMRC about your offshore interests before the September deadline to con-

It is crucial to review your tax planning to make sure you are compliant firm that your tax obligations ‘automatic exchange of inforhave been met. mation’ regime, in which over 100 countries have committed Increased worldwide to share information on taxpayscrutiny ers’ financial assets and income. This means your local tax office The timing of the Require- will receive financial informament to Correct is designed to tion about you without having match the date HMRC starts to to even ask for it, enabling them receive full data under the global to verify whether tax return dec-

larations are accurate. With today’s heightened scrutiny, it’s more important than ever to take care with your tax and financial planning. Remember, it is your responsibility to regularly check you have declared all your worldwide tax liabilities and bring your tax situation up to date if necessary.

Summarised tax information is based upon our understanding of current laws and practices which may change. Individuals should seek personalised advice. Keep up to date on the financial issues that may affect you on the Blevins Franks news page at www.blevinsfranks.com Blevins Franks provides tailor-made 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

WHAT’S ON 2018

FEBRUARY

GRAN CANARIA DIARY DATES February 10

FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 081

Until February 18 Los pasos perdidos (The lost steps), hundreds of works by six renowned Gran Canarian artists from the 20th century, San Martín Centro de Cultura Contemporánea, LPGC, free entry, Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 9pm, Sundays 10am – 2pm. www.sanmartincontemporaneo.com

8pm: FIMA, classical guitar by renowned Spanish musician Isabel Martínez, Auditorio Infanta Leonor, Los Cristianos, €5. www.arona.org

Until March 1

February 16

February 24

Personas (People), collection of contemporary art, Fundación Canaria Para el Desarrollo de la Pintura, LPGC, free entry, Thursdays 11am – 2pm & 5pm – 7.15pm, other days of the week by appointment only. www.fcdp.es

8pm: FIMA, trombone and piano recital by Gyorgy Gyivicsan from Hungary and Tomoko Sawano from Japan, Auditorio Infanta Leonor, Los Cristianos, €5. www.arona.org

8.30pm: Muriel Sarda, acoustic guitar, Búho Club, La Laguna, €6. www.tomaticket.es.

TENERIFE DIARY DATES February 8 4pm - 10pm: Food and crafts market, over 30 stalls, Plaza de La Pescadora, Los Cristianos, free event. www.arona.org

9pm: Pastora Soler, Spanish pop, Auditorio Alfredo Kraus, LPGC, from €35. www.auditorioteatrolaspalmasgc.es February 15 8.30pm: Drag Queen Gala, Teatro Auditorio Agüimes, Agüimes, €8. www.entrees.es February 16 8pm: Munich Philharmonic Orchestra, Haydn, Bartok and Dvorak, Auditorio Alfredo Kraus, LPGC, from €50. www.auditorioteatrolaspalmasgc.es February 17 8.30pm: Festival Solidario de Ingenio, charity concert in aid of families in need, Centro Cívico Carrizal, LPGC, €10. www.entrees.es Until February 18 Las Palmas Carnival, theme is Magic and Fantasy Creatures. www.lpacarnaval.com

8.30pm: Canarian folk music, Plaza de La Pescadora, Los Cristianos, free event. www. arona.org

quet, and writer Angel Vallecillo (in Spanish), Paraninfo, La Laguna University, €10. www. tomaticket.es 9pm: Noches de Museo (Museum Nights), guided tour through Canarian history past to present (in Spanish), 2-3 hours duration, Museo de Historia y Antropología, Casa Lercaro, La Laguna, €9. www.tomaticket.es

FEBRUARY

9pm: ST Fusión, jazz and fusion, Auditorio Alfredo Kraus, LPGC, from €15. www.auditorioteatrolaspalmasgc.es

stalls, Plaza de La Pescadora, Los Cristianos, free event. www.arona.org

8.30pm: Canarian folk music, Plaza de La Pescadora, Los Cristianos, free event. www. arona.org February 9 8pm: CinemArona, opening concert of the Arona International Music Festival (FIMA), film soundtracks by the Municipal Music Band and top Tenerife soprano Candelaria González, Auditorio Infanta Leonor, Los Cristianos, €5. www.arona.org February 10 7.30pm: Sentimiento Flamenco (Flamenco feeling), Teatro Príncipe Felipe, Tegueste, €12. www.tomaticket.es 8pm: FIMA, Pulso y Púa performance, Arona Municipal School of Music and Dance, Auditorio Infanta Leonor, Los Cristianos, free entry. www.arona.org February 13 8pm: FIMA, multidisciplinary show of contemporary dance with percussion and audiovisuals, Auditorio Infanta Leonor, Los Cristianos, €5. www.arona.org

9pm: Klasikas, Kiara and Karina, top Venezuelan pop singers from the 1980s, El Paraninfo, La Laguna University, from €35. www. tomaticket.es February 17 8pm: CinemArona, closing concert of the Arona International Music Festival (FIMA), varied repertoire, Auditorio Infanta Leonor, Los Cristianos, free entry. www.arona.org

10pm: PUP, Canadian punk/rock, The Dream Is Over Tour, Aguere Espacio Cultural, La Laguna, €14 in advance, €16 on the night. www.aguerecultural.com Until February 28 Arona Son Atlántico, environmental marine festival, talks, exhibitions, diving sessions, workshops, music and more. www.sonatlanticofestival.com Until further notice

8pm: Munich Philharmonic Orchestra, Haydyn, Bartok and Dvorak, Auditorio de Tenerife Adán Martín, Santa Cruz, from €50. www. mgticket.com

Open air cinema at the Magma Centre, Adeje, from €4 for residents, many films in the original language. See: www.openaircinematenerife.es for programme and non-resident prices.

Until February 18

Every Saturday morning

Santa Cruz Carnival, 2018 theme is Fantasy. www.carnavaldetenerife.com

Events for specific groups, families, seniors, women, etc. Activate Sports Club. www.tenerifeactivate.com

Puerto de La Cruz Carnival, theme is Greek Mythology. www.puertodelacruz.es

EXHIBITIONS

February 22 4pm - 10pm: Food and crafts market, over 30 stalls, Plaza de La Pescadora, Los Cristianos, free entry. www.arona.org 8.30pm: Canarian folk music, Plaza de La Pescadora, Los Cristianos, free event. www. arona.org February 22 - March 4 Los Gigantes Carnival, theme is Fantasy. www. santiagodelteide.es February 23 8pm: Mayte Martín, Spanish pop, Espacio Cultural Cajacanarias, Santa Cruz, €12. www. entrees.es

Until February 16 Geosentimental Polimetry, collection of abstract and surreal paintings by Gran Canaria-born artist Chano Grimón, two different venues, Convento Franciscano and Museo de la Historia, Granadilla town centre, free entry to both, 9am - 2pm, Monday to Friday. www.granadilladeabona.org Until May 13 La ciudad sumergida (The sunken city) by Aube Elléouët-Breton, French artist, daughter André Breton, ‘the founder of Surrealism’ and artist Jaqueline Lamba, more than 500 works, Tenerife Espacio de las Artes, Santa Cruz, free entry, Tuesdays to Sundays, from 10am to 8pm. See more at: www.teatenerife.es Until further notice

8.30pm: Chris Kase, North American trumpet player, Teatro Guiniguada, LPGC, €10. www. entrees.es

Inédito (Unpublished), collection of works by, and information on, Alfredo Reyes Darias, founding member of the PIC Canarian Independent Painters movement, Museo Etnográfico, Calle Arquitecto Marrero Regalado, Granadilla de Abona, free entry, Monday - Friday, 8am - 3pm. www.granadilladeabona.org

February 23

Until further notice

8pm: Arie di Bravura, opera, Maspalomas Cultural Centre, Maspalomas, €10. www.entrees.es

Disponibilidad Limitada by David Ferrer (Limited Availability), contemporary art exploring the relationship between the artists, visitors and venues where art is exhibited, TEA Tenerife Espacio de las Artes, Santa Cruz, , Tuesdays to Sundays, 10am to 8pm, free entry. www.teatenerife.es

February 14

February 22

Until further notice Thursday – Sunday: CamBuyon Market, art, second-hand, vintage, Mercado del Puerto, LPGC, Thursdays and Fridays, 7pm – 11pm; Saturdays 6pm – 11pm; Sundays 12pm – 3pm.

EXHIBITIONS

11am - 2pm & 5pm - 8pm: St Valentine’s Day event, make a video of your declaration of love, possible €300 prize, Siam Mall, Costa Adeje, free event. www.ccsiammall.com February 15 4pm - 10pm: Food and crafts market, over 30

8.30pm: Syntagma, Spanish pop, Búho Club, La Laguna, €3. www.tomaticket.es 8.30pm: De la Atlántida a Canarias (From Atlantis to the Canaries), audiovisual show by pianist Diego Expósito, photographer Sergio Han-

For regular church, charity and recreational events, please see:

ISLAND CONNECTIONS 814

CANADIAN COMPOSITIONS

ROCKING ROOTS

Long live Sweden!

Photo: Montgomery (Own work) CC BY-SA 4.0

Catch Spanish indie group Viva Suecia in La Laguna on March 10. The cheeky quintet from Murcia formed back in 2013 and have developed a firm following since that time, thanks to the success of albums such as La Fuerza Mayor (The greatest strength) released in March of last year, as well as regular spots on the festival scene and endless live concerts. Why a Spanish band chose a name that translates to ‘Long live Sweden’ is down to drummer Fernando Campillo’s love of post-rock bands from said Nordic part of the world, a sound he and the other members do a great line in. However, this is far from a retro band, as their varied and original repertoire easily demonstrates. See them at the Aguere Espacio Cultural. Doors open at 10pm, and tickets cost €10 until February 15. From that date onwards they will be €12, or €15 from the box office on the day. Snap up yours now at: www.tomaticket.es. n

Viva Suecia playing Palencia Sonora 2017

GRANADILLA EXHIBITION

Speaking in colour Head up to Granadilla de Abona before February 16 to see an exhibition of paintings by Chano Grimón. The Gran Canaria-born artist is best known for his pop art and abstract works, which are colourful, eye-catching and finely executed, meant to not only be attractive, but also to capture the attention of audiences with their evocative and vibrant statements. His latest collection, entitled Geosentimental Polimetry, promises to provide “as many individual interpretations as eyes that see it”, according to the executer of the images. Aimed at encouraging viewers to explore their own feelings and emotions, the exhibition can be visited in two different venues: the Convento Franciscano and Museo de la Historia, both of them situated in Granadilla town centre. Entry is free and both settings are open between 9am and 2pm, Monday to Friday. Visit: www.granadilladeabona.org for more information on this and other activities in the area. n

February 24 is the date of a visit to Tenerife from Canadian band PUP, during one of only three concerts in their very first tour of Spain. The punk rock and indie band has been taking their home country by storm over the last three or four years, after the release of their self-titled first album set them on a meteoric rise to stardom. The collection of songs was nominated for and/ or awarded several of the top Canadian prizes in the music world, such as the Juno Awards, Polaris Music Prize, and CBC Bucky Awards, among others, and it wasn’t long before the group’s individual sound was noticed further afield. In 2014, Rolling Stone magazine listed the “Canadian punkers” as one of the year’s “breakout rock acts”. Their latest album, called The Dream Is Over and released in 2016, was included by publications such as The New York Times, Noisey and Stereogum in their lists of best discs of the year. PUP (believed to be an acro-

ful headlining tour of the US, Canada, Australia and Europe in 2016, and are following this up with further concerts throughout Europe this year. The only other dates in Spain are in Barcelona and Madrid so this is a fantastic opportunity to see them here on the island. Backing them on the

tour are This Drama, whose new EP Summer Failures was released four months ago. Catch them at the Aguere Espacio Cultural in La Laguna starting 10pm. Tickets cost €14 in advance, €16 on the night, and can be purchased via: www. entradium.com, or see: www. aguerecultural.com. n

Punk rock Pups

PUP playing live in New York in 2016

nym for Pathetic Use of Potential), is made up of four friends who have known each other since they attended primary school together: Stefan Babcock on lead vocals and guitar, Nestor Chumak on bass, Zack Mykula playing drums, and Steve Sladkowski on guitar. PUP carried off a success-

REALLY REGGAE

The Original Wailers Head to Santa Cruz on March 10 to truly experience the roots of reggae. Legendary singer-songwriter Bob Marley was backed by The Wailers until they disbanded in 1974. Marley then relocated to England, kicking off a solo career around the same time. Surprising many, he chose North American Al Anderson as lead guitarist for his new lineup, and it was Anderson’s stunning work on classics such as No Woman, No Cry, and Three O’clock Roadblock that helped shoot the Jamaican to international stardom. Marley’s unique vocal style and compositions, in conjunction

SPIN NEWS

Photo: Vladimir, CC A-S A 2.0 GL

8.2.2018 – 21.2.2018

with Anderson’s mastery of his instrument, ensured commercial success and various platinum award-winning albums. Sadly, Marley died at just 36 years old, in 1981. However, his musicians did not give in. Nowadays, the Original Wailers, featuring Al Anderson, continue the legacy for present and future generations. They will play at the Ocean Club in the capital city, starting 7.30pm, with a warm-up and post-concert party hosted by Javadub and DJ Shera. Entrance costs €15 up front or €18 on the day. Find more info and purchase your tickets online at www.tomaticket.es. n

FOOD

FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 081

RECIPE

Quick prawn stir fry Most gourmets will agree that seafood is a delight of the Gods and shouldn’t be reserved only for Fridays, when fish and seafood are traditionally served in Catholic countries. This prawn stir fry is very quick and easy to prepare, and uncomplicated for even the most inexperienced of cooks.

Rice (quantity at your discretion)

Preparation:

Ingredients (for two people) 500 grams of prawns (which should be briefly pre-cooked, so that they can be easily peeled) 3 handfuls of fresh spinach leaves

Simple, fast and delicious

6 colourful mini peppers ½ a leek finely sliced 1 small piece of ginger finely sliced

2 garlic cloves crushed 2 persimmons chopped 1 cup of coconut milk Olive oil

Fry the leek, garlic and ginger in the pan, then add the spinach and the quartered pieces of pepper and sauté briefly. Season with salt and pepper then add the coconut milk, prawns and pieces of kaki. Bring everything to a simmer and prepare some rice. Add the prawns just before the rice is ready, and once the rice is fully cooked this delicious prawn stir fry is ready to serve. n

SUSTAINABILITY RECOGNITION

First traditional fishing label

Demonstrating the first fish labelling gun

An official label for members of the fishing industry using time-honoured methods was introduced at the beginning of February. In the future, fresh traditionally caught fish will be given the 'Pesca artesanal' seal of approval, an important deci-

sion-making aid for the consumer, but above all a quality stamp for domestic fresh fish. Customers will be able to see when the fish was caught and above all that it came from Canarian waters. There are currently ten fishing associations in Tenerife with

around 500 professional fishermen and 340 boats. They catch around nine million kilos of fish a year and generate 0.3 per cent of the gross domestic product. A total of nine cooperatives, the Producers' Association of Tenerife Islatuna, Pescados Ramón and the direct sales stand at the Los Abrigos fishing port will receive the first labelling guns, and more will follow. Restaurants that buy local fish can also use the 'Pesca artesanal' seal to draw attention to this quality feature. Leading up to the decision, representatives of the Island Council's Agriculture, Livestock and Forestry department, which is headed by Jesús Morales, visited 22 fish shops, 45 restaurants and 14 direct points of sale to deter-

mine their exact needs. For their part, to obtain the label, fishermen are legally obliged to carry out their trade in a traditional way and to comply with prescribed catch sizes in order to guarantee continued breeding and production of offspring. In the sea surrounding Tenerife, pelagic coastal and oceanic fish such as tuna, horse mackerel, mackerel or sardines, demersal fish such as sea bream, white sea bream and sawfish, as well as seafood such as shrimps and octopus are caught. A seal of approval that makes local freshly caught fish recognisable has been a requirement that fishermen have fought for in order to raise awareness and distinguish themselves from imported products. n

RECETA

Cacerola rápida de langostinos El pescado y el marisco no sólo son especialmente buenos los viernes de cuaresma, cuando tradicionalmente no se come carne. La siguiente cazuela de langostinos se prepara muy rápida y fácilmente, incluso para los cocineros que no tengan experiencia.

Ingredientes para dos personas: Aproximadamente 500 gramos de langostinos, los cuales son precocidos brevemente para que puedan ser pelados. Además, tres puñados de espinaca fresca, unos seis coloridos pimientos picantes pequeños,

medio puerro, un pequeño trozo de jengibre, dos dientes de ajo, dos caquis y una taza de leche de coco.

Preparación: Saltear el puerro picado, el ajo y el jengibre en la sartén. Añadir las espinacas y los trozos de pimientos cortados en cuartos. Se deja guisar brevemente. Sazone con sal y pimienta. Añadir la leche de coco, langostijos y los trozos de caqui. Poner todo a hervir durante poco minutos y añadir el arroz. Cuando el arroz esté cocido, la cacerola de langostinos también estará lista para comer.

MACARONESIAN WHITE GIN

Intense and fresh taste

The sun, sea breeze, laurel forests and trade winds are common to the Central Atlantic islands, which include the Canary Islands, Azores, Madeira, Cape Verde and the Portuguese Sebald Islands. In Greek mythology they were also called Macaronesia and were known for their mild and pleasantly warm microclimate. The taste of Macaronesian White Gin, a special ingredient for the holiday gin tonic on the Canary Islands, reflects these qualities. Pure water comes from the Canarian water galleries and is filtered drop by drop through the porous, mineral-rich volcanic rock. The gin itself is concocted from Macaronesian flora using juniper, cardamom, angelica root, liquorice, lemon and orange peel and other high-quality secret ingredients. Its aroma is particularly light, tangy and not unlike the dryness of London Dry Gin. Macaronesian White Gin was awarded an extraordinary silver medal for excellence at the 2013 International Wine and Spirits Competition in London. This is a success for the Canarian distillers in Santa Cruz, who have developed a high quality product that bartenders are happy to make the most of. Macaronesian White Gin smells of the laurel forests and sea breeze and combines nicely with a good tonic. The gin comes in high-quality ceramic bottles which are produced in Germany and which guarantee a full aroma. A stylish, Canarian and pure Central Atlantic taste. n

8.2.2018 – 21.2.2018

FASHION & BEAUTY

ISLAND CONNECTIONS 814

CHOSEN FOR YOU ON THE DAY OF LOVE

Gift ideas in fine leather Sporty blue rucksack

149 €

Elegance in white

Classic handbag in red

159 €

99 €

Black wallet

49 € Spacious handbag

Day rucksack

115 €

119 € Clutch

89 € Handbag with pockets

Tote bag with charms

99 €

129 €

Weave bag

119 €

Antique effect weekend bag with shoe compartment

399 €

DISCOUNT C OUPON

-10 %

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HEALTH

FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 081

Cholesterol crisis?

Photo: Kristen Laing, Free images.com

Very few people can resist the cholesterol-laden goodies on offer over the holiday season, and the pigs in blankets, goose-fat roasted potatoes etc. will have spiked most of our LDL cholesterol levels recently. If you usually have a healthy lifestyle, with a balanced diet and regular exercise, it’s probable that the numbers will get back into the normal range within a short time. However, for those who are already overweight, have been diagnosed with borderline or high cholesterol levels, have certain health issues or a close family member with cholesterol-related problems, you may need to take action. A lipid panel as part of a blood test will check your levels of LDL, triglycerides and HDL. Many doctors recommend over 20s should get a cholesterol check every five years and that men over 35 and women over 45 have a physical check-up and a blood test once a year. Cholesterol on the whole has a bad press. Your body needs a certain amount of it to function, but it produces

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all it needs via the liver. Too much additional cholesterol from animal-based food such as eggs, milk and meat can cause a build up of LDL (Lowdensity lipoprotein) within your blood stream, which can lead to arteriosclerosis and/ or heart disease. High-density lipoprotein (also known as good cholesterol or HDL) helps the body process and digest fat and just small changes in your diet can help your body to cleanse itself. But what is high cholesterol?

What do the tests’ numbers mean? Overall, your total cholesterol should be less than 200, between that and 239 is classed as borderline high, and 240 and above is high. Ideally your LDL cholesterol should

be less than 100, 100-129 is classed as near optimal or above optimal, 130-159 borderline high, 160-189 high and above that, very high. Levels of HDL shouldn’t be below 40, whilst 60 or more is desirable and helps to lower the risk of heart disease, and Triglycerides should be below 150. A variety of factors can affect your cholesterol level: diet, weight, the amount of exercise you do, age, gender, heredity, medical conditions and medications.

The main goal in reducing high cholesterol is to lower the LDL levels. Some will be able to do this by following a heart-healthy diet, taking exercise and keeping to a healthy weight. Others may need to take drugs to lower the cholesterol – possibly for life. Your doctor will advise you on the best way to lower your LDL levels based on the number of risk factors you have for heart disease. These include age (men of 45 and over, women 55 and over), cigarette smok-

Pedro Alegre Alonso Pilates trainer ä Physiotherapist ä

Tel. 699 521 649

pedroalegrealonso@hotmail.com

Photo: Carlos Sillero, Free images.com

Laugh at life Nuts and seeds help lower LDL

ISLAND CONNECTIONS 814

ers, those with high blood pressure, low HDL, and a family history of premature heart disease in a father or brother of less than 55 or a sister or mother aged less than 65. If you have none or only one of these risk factors, you will be classed a low to moderate risk, and changes in your lifestyle should be effective in controlling your cholesterol. Two or more could require drugs to lower the LDL as well as dietary changes and an exercise programme. Multiple risk factors, known heart disease or diabetes will probably mean a combination of drugs and lifestyle changes.

weight, losing just five kilos can knock your LDL down by up to eight per cent. Getting back to a normal weight range is ideal. Aim for a loss of half a kilo to one kilo a week. Get off the couch. Just half an hour’s exercise a day five days a week will raise your HDL and improve LDL and triglycerides. Start slowly with 10-minute blocks of activity. Having someone to keep you company will help you stay at it. You don’t need a gym, walking to the shops instead of taking the car, going for a swim regularly, or maybe joining a water aerobics class or local walking group will all make a big difference over time. Stress can also increase cholesterol levels, so take a soothing scented bath, lose yourself in a good book, meet with friends or drag out the yoga mat.

How to get back on track If you’re carrying excess kilos, lose weight. If you are over-

Become an avid label reader and ban trans-fats. These can usually be found in fried foods, cakes, pies, pizzas, biscuits etc., and margarines. Look out for ‘partially hydrogenated oil’ on the packet – it’s a trans-fat. Increase your fibre intake. Foods high in soluble fibre reduce the amount of cholesterol your body absorbs. So add foods like oatmeal, apples, prunes and beans to your shopping list. However, too much of a drastic change can cause tummy cramps and bloating, so increase your fibre consumption slowly. Swap meat dishes for fish ones, and aim for two to four portions per week. Choose sardines, tuna and wild salmon for the best heart-healthy results. If you can’t face dry bread or

toast, try switching out butter with olive oil, which will improve your HDL level. Extra virgin oil contains more antioxidants too which will also help prevent disease.

HEALTH

Nuts and seeds are high in calories, but recent research has shown they are good for lowering LDL. Try pistachios, almonds, walnuts, sesame and flax seeds (the latter should be

make a curry, or add ginger to your smoothie. Stop smoking and stay well away from others who smoke. Even second-hand smoke can increase your levels of bad cholesterol.

Photo: Griszka Niewiadomski, Free images.com

8.2.2018 – 21.2.2018

A simple blood test will show cholesterol levels

Photo: Matteo Canessa, Free images.com

ground for best results). Spice up your life. Spices like black pepper, coriander, turmeric, garlic, cinnamon and ginger do more than make your taste buds zing, they also reduce your cholesterol. Just half to one clove of garlic a day has been shown to reduce LDL levels by up to nine per cent. Try a coriander and garlic Canarian mojo sauce made with virgin olive oil, shake some cinnamon on your cappuccino,

See the funny side of life and laugh more. Believe it or not, laughter increases your HDL as well as improving your mood. Like high blood pressure, high cholesterol is a silent killer and may not show any symptoms until there is a serious problem, so regular monitoring is important. Remember to consult your doctor before making any changes to your lifestyle. n

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PETS

FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 081

ADOPT, DON’T BUY

Animal charities’ round up K9 Adoptions We have many dogs waiting for their forever homes. You can see them on our website www.k9tenerife.com. Or visit the Refuge on Calle Chimbesque, between Las Chafiras and Las Zocas, any day between 10am and 2pm. Alternatively, call us on 667 638 468 or email info@k9tenerife.com. You will also find stories of our dogs’ antics on Facebook at Diary of a K9 Tenerife Dogwalker or K9 Tenerife. Sponsor a pooch We know that many people would love to adopt a dog but it isn’t always practical, so sponsoring one may be a great alternative. Just €8 makes a big difference to our ‘hard to home’ dogs’ lives. In return, your sponsor dog will send you occasional news and photos of what they have been up to, and if you live locally they’d be delighted to go walking with you. You can find out how to do so for any of our fab fourteen sponsor dogs via any of our contacts. Shop till you drop Visit our shop at Alcalá Plaza, every day from 10am to 2pm. Donations of quality household goods are very welcome as well. Call 646 561 035 to arrange collection of larger items from all local areas. Proceeds from our shop are essential to ensuring our K9 dogs have everything they need to make their time at the refuge as comfortable as possible.

Cats Welfare Pet Insurance? Get it or Regret it

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Tel: 697 826 738 (D/E), 659 131 382 (SP, Trainer)

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Giving a kitten, cat, puppy or dog a new home is one of the most exciting and rewarding commitments you can make and has positive benefits for every member of the family. However, most owners will agree that their pets’ inquisitive nature can sometimes lead them into the occasional scrape and the costs of veterinary treatment to get them back to full health can easily escalate. With an insurance policy, owners can take a back seat and enjoy a wide range of benefits for their four legged friend. Because it’s so important, we are now collaborating with Ferdiesa Insurance SL, who speak Spanish and English, to offer you a great deal. There are three levels of policy to choose from, so one to suit every budget. Contact them by calling 615 397 908 or email info@ferdiesa.com, quoting promotion code FDS 21, for a special deal that includes a €10 donation to Cats Welfare with each new policy. Private adoption Misha, pictured here, is looking for a new home. She is two years old, leukaemia negative, vaccinated, micro chipped and neutered. Misha is a very lovable girl who likes lots of attention and would fit into most home situations very easily with her friendly, easygoing nature. Please contact Katja on 645 383 782 for more details and to arrange to meet her. Please note that Cats Welfare Tenerife cannot accept any liability for the suitability or health of any cat/kitten adopted through a private adoption. Foster carers needed We do not have a refuge, so we urgently need people who are willing to foster kittens and cats. We provide all the essentials: litter, food, litter tray, beds etc, and all veterinary bills are covered. We also find them homes, so you don’t need to do this.

Misha is looking for a new home

Adoptions All of our cats go on a week’s trial in your home. If you adopt two kittens together then kitten injection, micro chip and neutering is free for the second kitten. Adopt a black kitten or two and both kittens receive the above treatments for free. Contact us via our website: www.cats-welfare-tenerife.com or ring/whats app Sharon (English) on: 662 524 006, seven days a week 9am to 6pm, or Sandra (Spanish and German) after 6pm on: 671 282 773. Alternatively, message us on Facebook. Our shop Find our shop on San Blas, Golf del Sur (behind Hiperdino). It’s open seven days a week, 10am until 6pm, except Saturdays when it’s 10am until 4pm. If you don’t have transport or have large bulky items to donate you can ring Mark on: 636 590 557 to arrange collection.

Acción del Sol With more than 220 dogs looking for new loving homes please do come and visit us to see if maybe one is the dog for you. Every one of them has a full, clean bill of health, a passport and is fully inoculated, micro chipped and castrated, which is compulsory to try to reduce the large numbers of unwanted litters here on Tenerife. There are no adoption fees but donations are welcomed towards the upkeep and running of the refuge. How you can help We are often asked how peo-

ple can help. We need many things for the animals and refuge, such as products for our clinic, cleaning products and utensils, building materials, dog toys, leads, beds etc., tinned food for our elderly dogs, materials to help with our educational programme (pens, paper, etc.), and dog jackets for when our dogs fly to Ger-

ADOPTION

Gnasher many. Every donation is greatly appreciated. In addition, we are desperately looking for people who are travelling to Hamburg, Dusseldorf, Berlin or Frankfurt who would be prepared to escort a dog. All that’s needed is a little time at the airport, all necessary paperwork and handling of the dogs is done by AccionTier staff. Please do call 922 778 630 if you can help in any way, or visit us on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday afternoons from 2pm to 5pm, and Saturdays 1pm to 4pm. We’re situated directly under the wind turbines, from exit 52 on the TF1 north bound, just after the El Médano junction. Head for the windmills on the coast and we’re located in the buildings on the right hand side. Alternatively, email us on teneriffa@aktiontier.org or visit our Action tier Acción del Sol Facebook page. n

This beauty is the handsome Gnasher who is waiting at K9 for a forever home. Affectionate, playful and energetic, Gnasher would really benefit from a home as kennel life is a little difficult sometimes as he is not a good eater. He can get distracted by anything during dinner time and not finish his food, which isn’t ideal – somewhere he could eat in peace, put on some weight, and enjoy endless cuddles would be perfect! Contact K9 on 667 638 468 or email info@k9 tenerife.com for more information. n

8.2.2018 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 21.2.2018

PROMOTION

ISLAND CONNECTIONS 814

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FARMERS MARKET

FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 081

FARMER’S MARKETS

Island support!

Farmer’s Markets Adeje Calle Archajara, s/n, in front of Makro Saturday/Sunday 8am – 2pm / Wednesday 3pm – 7pm Telephone: 922 775 200

El Sauzal Hoya de la Vida, next to the church, Ravelo Friday/Saturday/Sunday 7.30am- 2pm Telephone: 922 584 657

Alcalá Plaza de Llano Monday 8am – 1pm Telephone: 922 850 100

Güímar Plaza del Ayuntamiento Sunday 8am – 1pm Telephone: 922 526 105

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 C/ Cooperativa, 2 Saturday/Sun 8am - 2 pm mercadoagricultor@arona.org 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

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 typical 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 necessary 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 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. 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 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 of Tenerife. Enjoy. n

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

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

Playa de San Juan Paseo El Bufadero Wednesday 8am – 1pm Telephone: 922 850 100 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 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

8.2.2018 – 21.2.2018

DIRECT TELECOM POOL LEAGUE

ISLAND CONNECTIONS 814

Big guns book semi spots Gaffers A have already claimed the league title and now they are gunning for another double by lifting the PJ Electrical & Building Services Cup. They are now just two wins away after swotting away the challenge of division two challengers Bluebell A. The Los Cristianos crew gave it a good go, but Gaffers were simply too strong. They will face Picasso’s B in the semi final next month. Picasso’s B have claimed a couple of big scalps in their cup run and they blew away Hoppys to make the last four. Holders James Hammers C came alive in the knockout format and they upset the form

Scores Division One Blue Water Bar 8 4 Tenerife Hammers A Dreamers 8 4 Phoenix Potters Exiles A 2 10 Treehouse A Gaffers B 4 8 Pool Centre Palms Elite 9 3 Terrace Subs Terrace Originals 6 6 James Hammers C

Scores Division Two Bluebell B 6 6 Palms Rebels Picasso’s B 7 5 Yates Bar Treehouse B 2 10 Bluebell A

book once again in making the last four. Pool Centre were good favourites, especially at home, but the Hammers boys were in no mood to hand the Cup back. James sank the vital 13th frame to spark celebrations from the holders. They will play a Treehouse A side who needed a deciding frame to sneak past division two highflyers Palms Rebels. In a cat and mouse match, Treehouse rode their luck before booking

their place in the semis. They will have to play better to book a final place. The Plate last four is made up of division one sides and the favourites will clash in the last four. Dreamers normally come alive at this time of the year and they just edged out a game Gaffers B side who were left rueing some missed pots. Dreamers will clash with Blue Water Bar who made it past Terrace Subs. Blue Water have

Palms Rebels suffered a jolt as they dropped points at Bluebell B. This allowed Bluebell A to cut the gap to three points as they smashed Treehouse B 10:2. Yates Bar are still in the hunt but there title ambitions suffered a hammer blow with a stunning loss at Picasso’s B. Yates were 5:4 and super confident with the two Lees next up. However they both got chinned and when Andy beat Tezza, a victory had turned into a devastating loss. n

Division 1 POS 1 Gaffers A 2 Pool Centre 3 Palms Elite 4 Blue Water Bar 5 Dreamers 6 Treehouse A 7 Tenerife Hammers A 8 Gaffers B 9 Exiles A 10 James Hammers C 11 Phoenix Potters 12 Terrace Originals 13 Terrace Subs

Club_and_Plate results P W D L F A +- PTS 19 17 1 1 162 66 96 52 21 10 6 5 129 123 6 36 19 10 5 4 132 96 36 35 22 8 11 3 141 123 18 35 18 9 4 5 122 94 28 31 21 8 7 6 130 122 8 31 21 9 4 8 128 124 4 31 20 9 3 8 120 120 0 30 19 7 4 8 109 119 -10 25 20 7 3 10 111 129 -18 24 19 3 2 14 84 144 -60 11 20 1 7 12 102 138 -36 10 21 1 5 15 90 162 -72 8

Division 2 POS 1 Palms Rebels 2 Bluebell A 3 Yates Bar 4 Hoppys 5 Picasso’s B 6 Bluebell B 7 Treehouse B 8 Exiles B 9 Picasso’s A

P W D L F A +- PTS 20 12 3 5 133 107 26 39 20 11 3 6 128 112 16 36 20 10 4 6 138 102 36 34 21 9 6 6 136 116 20 33 20 9 3 8 129 111 18 30 19 9 3 7 121 107 14 30 20 6 2 12 95 145 -50 20 21 5 3 13 108 144 -36 18 19 3 5 11 92 136 -44 14

Greer still holds the Golden Cue!

had a fine season and they deserve a day in the sun. The second semi will be a bun-fight between two sides who have struggled this season. Terrace Originals could yet collect the Wooden Spoon and the Plate! They were in trouble early against Division Two Picasso’s A who on another night may have pulled off a giant killing. However from 3:1 down Terrace got themselves composed and into the last four. They face Phoenix Potters who snuck past Exiles B in another close match. In the league the race for second place in division one of the Direct Telecom Pool

League is very much alive as we get down to the business end of the season. Pool Centre currently occupy that spot and they gained a routine win over Gaffers B. However they have played two more games than Palms Elite who were too strong for Terrace Subs despite Wayne losing the Golden Cue match to the holder Greer. He wasn’t happy! Dreamers are still very much alive in the charge for silver after another win, this time at home to Phoenix Potters. That said they face Gaffers A and Palms Elite in the next fortnight. The division two title is now down to three sides and leaders

PJ Electrical & Building Supplies Cup Treehouse A 7-6 Palms Rebels Hoppys 2-10 Picassos B Pool Centre 6-7 James Hammers C Bluebell A 3-9 Gaffers A PJ Electrical & Building Supplies Plate Picassos A 3-7 Terrace Originals Phoenix Potters 7-5 Exiles B Gaffers B 5-7 Dreamers Blue Water Bar 7-4 Terrace Subs

Club_and_Plate_draws

PJ Electrical & Building Supplies Cup Treehouse A vs James Hammers C at Dreamers Picassos B vs Gaffers A at Pool Centre PJ Electrical & Building Supplies Plate Terrace Originals vs Phoenix Potters at Phoenix Bar Dreamers vs Blue Water Bar at Gaffers Bar

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FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 081

BEAUTIFUL SCENERY FOR TREKKERS

Tegueste excursions The tourism department in Tegueste is offering more than 30 different trekking routes for residents and visitors this year, showcasing the most beautiful places around the idyllic little town. The itinerary has been organised to promote the area and includes the Tegueste vineyards and its wine cellars, laurel forests, the Barranco Agua de Dios and archaeological sites. There is also a visit to see the decorated wagons at their main Romería, and theatrically staged events are offered for entertainment and dynamic leisure activities. Some of the proposals also include Fasnia, Masca, the Anaga Massif and Teide National Park.

the Plaza de San Marcos in Tegueste. Book early because the number of people they can cater to is limited. n

Delicate green hills and flowers at Pedro Álvarez

A walk through the laurel forest

The programme runs from February to November and guarantees interesting cultural, gastronomic and scenic variety to suit all tastes. The excursion price depends on the trip type. Every Thursday between 11am and 1pm there are also guided

walks around the historic centre of the village with a visit to Casa Los Zamoranos. Detailed information can be obtained from www.tegueste.es, by e-mail to turismo@tegueste.org, by calling 922 316 102 or in person at the Tourism Office opposite

Tegueste is also known for its fine wines

CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT

Irish Fiddler Golf Society fundraiser

Since the Irish Fiddler Golf Society started 15 years ago, they have raised in excess of €85,000 for charity, a total

MOTORSPORT

No barriers for the disabled José Francisco Pérez, the Canary Islands Government Director General for Sport, recently visited the Sin Barreras Stop Driving Club, which is led by President Ana González and her deputy Domingo de los Santos, and is committed to making motor racing accessible to disabled people. On the one hand, the physically and mentally challenged are trained as pilots or co-

pilots, and on the other, races in the Canary Islands are to be made more accessible for disabled spectators. Pérez explained, "The Sin Barreras Club is a unique national pioneer in the field of adapted sports for the disabled. The club is committed to the normalisation and increased presence of handicapped sportspeople." The importance of these efforts was emphasised

prize presentation has certainly helped boost donations. Over the last couple of years all money raised has gone to the A.E.C.C. registered charity, which, amongst other work, provides cancer patients with a minibus that runs twice daily, six days per week, from the south of the island to the cancer department at Hospital Nuestra Señora de La Candelaria, so those in need can receive treatment. n

Photo: Gobcan

The latest fundraiser by the Irish Fiddler Golf Society raised a whopping €4,755

that was recently added to thanks to their latest successful fundraising event. The members were delighted to announce that this year’s tournament, held on January 2 at Las Américas Golf Club, raised the grand sum of €4,755. Irish singing star Daniel O´Donnell has been a member of the society committee for many years, and his contribution in promoting the annual event and entertaining the participants at the evening

José Francisco Pérez trying out an adapted racing car

by the politician, who underlined their value by pledging €140,000 in subsidies for disabled sports in 2018. Two successful elite disabled rally drivers, Domingo Pulido and Carlos Miranda, support the club and its efforts. Domingo and Carlos are the current provincial champions in Group T. The racing cars are adapted to suit the respective disability of the driver. n

Tegueste Itinerary February 10: Vinos Blancos de Tegueste (White wines from Tegueste) February 24: San MiguelAldea Blanca hike March 3: Las CanterasTegueste hike March 10: Territorio arqueológico (archaeological territory) March 17: Taborno-Pico del Inglés-Valleseco hike March 24: Monte Encantado (Magic Mountain) April 6: Wines, tapas and Romería wagons April 14: Walking tour and concert at a vineyard April 21: Following the footsteps of Hermano Pedro April 28: Walking between heaven and hell April 29: Harvest procession and a huge romería May 5: From Las Canteras to Pedro Álvarez May 12: The Guanches at the Barranco Agua de Dios May 19: Visit to the Cueva del Viento in Icod de los Vinos June 2: Walking into the past June 9: Cruz del CarmenTegueste walk June 16: Barranco de Masca (includes a kayak trip)

June 23: San Juan fiestas visit June 30: Archaeological trip: The Guanches in Tegueste July 7: Los Orgános of La Orotava (circular walk) July 28: Experience a coastal full moon August 11: Teide hike: La Fortaleza at twilight August 18: Sunset on the mountain September 1: Circuit: Tierra del Trigo September 15: The new Tegueste September 22: Guanche remains in the Barranco Agua de Dios September 30: Rural Tegueste October 6: Anaga hike: Afur-Tamadite-Taganana October 20: Theatre: Looking for Don Quixote in the mills of Tegueste October 31: Noche de Ánimas (Night of the spirits: Halloween) November 10: Hike: Aguere-Tegueste via the Camino de Las Peñuelas November 17: Fasnia, an unknown territory November 24: Bodegas and entertainment from San Andrés’ vocal groups

8.2.2018 – 21.2.2018

FOOTBALL

ISLAND CONNECTIONS 814

CD TENERIFE

Martí out - Etxeberria in By Chris Todd It has been on the cards for a while but shortly after Tenerife’s defeat to Granada news broke that manager Pep Martí had been sacked. Despite having a stronger squad than last season many thought, the team has struggled recently. It has been a case perhaps like that famous Two Ronnies sketch with Andre Previn when Eric Morecame claimed, “I’m playing all the right notes - but not necessarily in the right order.” In other words, Martí had the players but was he playing them in the right positions with the right tactics? The club was quick to act and hours later announced that exAthletic Bilbao and Spanish International José Etxeberria would be the replacement for Martí. It’s true that Etxeberria has only just started his career in management but after retirement in 2010 he spent many years with the famous Basque Academy before eventually making his way up to be the assistant at Athletic Bilbao to the now Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde in 2015. So what are the characteristics of the new CD Tenerife manager? Etxeberria demands players with personality, that do not skip on maximum effort and that press high, suffocating their rivals. His main football ideology is to be “compact, well balanced and reliable in both penalty areas”. So, it’s a new beginning for CD Tenerife on February 11 at 7pm, when they take on Córdoba in the Heliodoro stadium in Santa Cruz in a simply must-win match. With the new manager in place, the return from injury of key striker Samuele Longo and new signings Luis Milla and Alex Mula in place confidence will be higher than of late. Córdoba is struggling and

Etxeberria is the new CD Tenerife boss

despite making a raft of signings in the transfer window, including ex-Arsenal player José Reyes, they are likely to drop into the 2nd division B in June. CD Tenerife are doing all they can to pump up the Carnival atmosphere for their next match, with bands invited to the stadium and a fan zone organised. 28/01/2018 CD Tenerife 0:0 Valladolid As goalless draws go it was not one of the worst matches you will see. The first half saw Tenerife dominate with new signing Luis Milla pulling the strings in midfield. To pay €500,000 for a young player from the third level on a four year deal is a risk but great things are hoped for Milla, the son of Luis Milla the former Real Madrid, Valencia and Barcelona player. With both main Tenerife strikers still missing the scoring duties fell to Serbian Malbasic and Casadesus but both have been off the pace recently. The best chances of the half fell to midfielder Aitor Sanz who was living up to his ‘pitbull’ nickname with some crunching tackles. One of his efforts was a tremendous volley from outside

the box but it was well saved by the visiting keeper Masip. Luis Pérez made a rare start on the right flank and his probing runs caused problems to the Valladolid defence, this was an improvement on the previous weeks fare but that was not difficult! The second half was a case of one team, Tenerife, trying but not having enough energy to keep up the pressure against a visiting side that attempted to play on the counter attack but were happy with a draw. The point gained for Tenerife was not enough to make any

impact on the league table but the spirited play by the players was enough to keep boss Martí in a job for one more week. Granada 2:1 CD Tenerife Well it really was a big ask for Tenerife to take anything from the Cármenes stadium, Granada had been excellent at home, winning every single game apart from one on their home soil. Changes were forced upon Tenerife once again with suspended Camille and Carlos Ruiz out of the defence as

well as various players missing through injury. Not once since the first match of the season have we been able to field an unchanged side, with at least half the 22 man squad missing at some time or other. Bad luck or something wrong with the training pitches and medical staff? It needs investigating... Back to the match and in freezing conditions it was Tenerife who made the first attempt on goal, a sweet shot by Luis Milla which just missed the post. However Granada reacted soon after with two of the best goals

you are likely to see all season. In fact the second goal scored by Peña is worthy of a look on Youtube and a contender for goal of the season, a swerving half volley from a full 35 metres out. At 2:0 Granada went for the kill and if it was not for the agile Dani Hernández in goal it could well have been a bigger margin going into the break. The second half saw the blanquiazules come back into the game, Martí knew that this was probably his last chance to save his job and the players responded. Tenerife were on top and at last chances were created to encourage their travelling band of 300 supporters, a good effort considering away form. With ten minutes to play Granada had a man sent off for time-wasting and soon after Tenerife pulled a goal back, a fine header by substitute Juan Villar. At 2:1 going into the closing minutes it was the home team that was hanging on and Tenerife were so unlucky not to equalise at the death when Villar struck a post. But it was not to be and the defeat dragged the blanquiazules nearer to the drop zone than the desired play-off top six and Martí was sacked as soon as the expedition returned to the Island. n

HOROSCOPES | CLASSIFIEDS

FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 081 realising your secret wishes. Tel: (+34) 648 245 425.

Horoscope for period: February 8 to February 21 Aries 21.03 - 20.04 Aries you are going to be coming into your own. Now is the moment to assert yourself, and put into action some of the plans you made last month. Travel may take up a good deal of your time. Taurus 21.04 - 20.05 It’s time for you to look inward. In particular, you may be focusing on relationship issues, and how they affect home, work, family and friends. Bulls with partners will be looking closely at their motivation. Gemini 21.05 - 21.06 Most Gemini’s on the 8th through to the 10th desire a safe and loving home life, even though they are known for craving variety most of the time. Let music and art soothe your soul and bring you some well-deserved peace. Cancer 22.06 - 22.07 Creativity comes naturally to you now, so if you are interested in taking an art class or finishing up an artistic project you’ve already started, this is the time to do it. Crabs won’t have any problem finding a date on Valentine’s Day. Leo 23.07 - 23.08 If the person you’re seeing or married to is negative, you should maybe distance yourself from them in the short term in order to keep a more positive attitude. Pushiness isn’t a quality you look for in a mate. Virgo 24.08 - 23.09 You’re great at communicating your feelings right now, but your actions, like giving someone a meaningful gift or helping out one of their family members, speak louder than your words. And watch your budget! Libra 24.09 - 23.10 Expect things to get back to the status quo on the 15th and 16th, with everything falling neatly into place, just the way you like it. Librans who work in sales can expect good days on the 19th and 20th, so keep your eye on the ball. Scorpio 24.10 - 22.11 Your competitors have their work cut out for them right now Scorpio, because you are coming out swinging. You know what you want and you know who you have to wine and dine to get it: make the most of your contacts. Sagittarius 23.11 - 21.12 Archers began the month working long hours, but a misunderstanding or miscommunication could slow your progress considerably mid-month. Don’t be disheartened, it’s only a hiccup in your plans, all will be well. Capricorn 22.12 - 20.01 Feeling at home while you’re at work is a priority for you on the 8th, 9th and 10th, so you see very little wrong with bringing in a few personal items to make your office feel a little more comfortable. Aquarius 21.01 - 20.02 Aquarius got off to a mellow start in the beginning of February, preferring to remain true to their principles and ethics. There may be a time of separation from your loved one soon but remember this is all part of life. Pisces 21.02 - 20.03 You have surprisingly strong shoulders for the time of year Pisces, and they allow you to be a rock for a close friend who has a lot on their mind. However, don’t neglect yourself and your own issues, make time for you!

Contacts Are you looking for erotic relaxation of a special kind? www. lynn-tantramassage.com. Enjoy two Venezuelan girls, one blonde, one brunette, 26 and 37 years old, beautiful, luxurious, party lovers, good bodies. Mind blowing French, Greek, lesbian, positions, vibrators, toys. Apartment in the centre of Los Cristianos. Tel: 639 121 699. You’ll love the details. Luxury erotic massages. Beautiful masseuse from the East. We are in Playa Paraiso, near the Hard Rock Hotel, in the Costa Adeje area. Tel: (+34) 662 960 065. www.edentenerife.com. Transsexual, beautiful, tall, fat, dark haired, long big penis, 140cm breasts, active/passive. €60 for half hour and €100 for one hour. Apartments Royal, in front of the bus station, Los Cristianos. WhatsApp for info. Tel: (+34) 602 626 848. Erotic private massages, parties, threesomes, bondage, escort, in a beautiful location or at your home/hotel, with a German couple or alone with me, a nice little lady with piercings in all the best places, enjoying French and

Cute Latin girl, sexy, hot, massages, sensual dances, erotic, Cuban flavour. Sweet cinnamon, 29 years old. I can go to hotels. Experiences and toys, come and enjoy it all, naked. Every day. Buzanada-Malpaso. Tel: 620 860 728. Elena, well built Russian, 35 years old, and Leti, a slim Lithuanian, 19 years old, natural French, 69. €50 for 20 minutes, €60 for 30 minutes. Los Cristianos, Edificio Royal, opposite the bus station. 9am to 11pm. Discrete. Tel: 605 215 513. Qualified masseuse. Hello gentlemen, my name is Sophie. I am the masseuse who you’ve always wanted to spend some time alone with. Relaxing massages with a good ending. Tel: 642 615 094. Los Cristianos, beautiful Colombian girl, providing all types of services without limits. You can visit me in my private apartment or I can come to you. Tel: 604 117 090. German, slim, bright and very lovely. Linda, 40 years old, offers tantra, wellness, nuru, prostate and unusual massages, role playing, submissive education. Private ambience with Jacuzzi. Erotic full-body massages, delicate or strong and passionate. Indulge and feel pampered. Good English spoken. Tel: (+34) 619 614 380.

Los Cristianos, new, Aracely, Spanish blonde. All services. I can do hotel visits or I will welcome you in my private apartment. Tel: 664 099 043. €60 an hour, Carolina, tall, fair skinned, 90cm breasts, slim, affectionate, fun, all-body massage on a table with oils, no rush, happy ending. Los Cristianos, Calle Monaco, Edificio Marte. For an appointment, call 610 620 089. Los Cristianos, Meliza, Venezuelan, large breasts, all services, natural French, positions, kisses, sado. I have a private apartment in Calle Ramón Pino, near to Playa Las Vistas. I do outcalls. Tel: 602 629 191. Only for generous ladies: Excursions, escorts, massages (also erotic) and more. Marc (German) speaks English and Spanish, has an apartment and car and also does visits. We can meet in a café before. Tel: (+34) 630 759 974. Pamela, Afro-Brazilian, Las Chafiras. Massage service available for gentlemen only. Private apartment. HH Franciscano Street, beside the large park, Las Chafiras. Tel: 608 285 035.

To advertise your services with us, please call

922 75 06 09

8.2.2018 – 21.2.2018

ISLAND CONNECTIONS MEDIA GROUP S.L. www.islandconnections.eu

Island Connections Online: www.islandconnections.eu

CLASSIFIEDS DEADLINE NEXT EDITION The deadline for edition 815, which is published on 22nd February, is 20th Feb. 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.

CLASSIFIEDS

ISLAND CONNECTIONS 814

General Services 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

Donaldson is available to contact on Tel: (+34) 922 178 091 or Email: ave.fenix73@gmail.com Are you looking for an opportunity with financial independence and personal fulfillment? Become an Independent Beauty Consultant!!! More Info: 642 601 553.

Spanish and English Lawyers

Conveyancing • Inheritance & Wills Family Law • Criminal Law Civil Litigation & Personal Injury Timeshare • Tax & Commercial law and insomnia. Tel. 0034 699 15 61 47 (ask for Eugene). Masonic Lodge - Ave Fenix No.73. New meetings starting in October 2017 on the fourth Tuesday of the month. If interested, all visitors are welcome to come down. For further information, lodge secretary John

Mobile welder for hire anywhere on the island Contact Jason:

683 422 304

T: E:

922 719 520

tenerife@decottalaw.net

Av. de Los Pueblos, Residencial Villaflor B-20, San Eugenio

www.decottalaw.net

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.

Second-Hand Sale LOS ABRIGOS & Auction X Room

We sell everything you need for your home or rental apartment. We buy quality furniture for CASH. Free Valuations! Collection & Delivery Service. Opening hours: Mon-Fri 10am-1pm & 4pm-7pm · Sat 10am-1pm Tel: 922 749 664 Los Abrigos, 1st building on the right, coming from Las Chafiras News: Los Abrigos Auction Room www.second-hand-tenerife.com

General Services

CLASSIFIEDS

FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 081

Boiler King

All plumbing works undertaken including boiler replacements, drain clearance, swimming pool pump repairs and maintenance. Call Rory 680 278 579 or Tom 642 771 035

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

Teacher (English and Spanish) and interpreter gives Spanish lessons. I would also like to work as a secretary. Tel: 747 790 001 or email: k.arim555@ live.com. Body, foot reflexology, Breuss massage, manual lymph drainage. Let yourself be pampered by Simone’s hands. Economic price. Tel: 611 277 578. www. simonehands.de. Professional massage therapy, available at the client’s home/ apartment. Certified and experienced masseur for remedial, deep tissue, Swedish, sports and relaxing massage. Mobile/ WhatsApp: (+34) 683 141 129

You are invited to

Frank from Germany invites max. 4 persons on private, individual car excursions, hiking tours (also Pico del Teide), snorkelling and more, if you like with photos and videos (also underwater). The best (and unknown) places, towns, beaches, also nightlife tours of the best restaurants, bars, live music etc. Tel: +34 664 085 154.

LOCKSMITH Instant response, 7 days a week call out

Call 647 92 82 23 Sunday 10am and Wednesday 7pm

Shopping Center Salytien Av. Rafael Puig Lluvina 37 www.clifchurch.org Pastor Mark 637 321 453

MASONIC MEETINGS Logia Ave Fenix Nº 73 Edificio Simón, Los Cristianos. New meetings start in October, on the fourth Tuesday All Visitors welcome Contact John Donaldson (Secretary):

(+34) 922 178 091 or ave.fenix73@gmail.com

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.

Rental Classifieds

Wanted urgently: an apartment to rent in El Médano with 2 bedrooms and a garage. Tel: 676 243 558. 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 Apartment and Villa for rent in Tenerife south. Tel: (0034) 662 507 191.

Advert Placement www.islandconnections.eu

Garage to rent, double width. Victoria Court 1, Los Cristianos. Close to Sunday market. Very secure lock-up. Tel: 679 919 623

Sales

Classifieds APARTMENT TABAIBA ALTA For sale, only five mins away from the German school, roughly 102m2, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, kitchen, living ro om, utilit y ro om, garden, big terrace. Spectacular views of the sea and mountain, big garage with 2 spaces, 2 closed store ro oms, price €180,000, mob. 686 798 367, email e optene rife @ gmail.co m www.teneriffa-fincas.net 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. 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 One bedroom apartment for rent in Edificio Las Plataneras in Los Cristianos. Five minutes' walk to the beach. Fibre optic internet, international television. No pets. Would suit mature couples. Available February 15 to September 30. Tel: 637 268 337.

Situations Vacant / wanted Come and join our Dynamic Team! Te l e m a r k e t i n g company on the coast surrounding Marbella / Fuengirola is looking for Brokers /Qualifiers. High revenue. English, German, Dutch and Scandinavian. Send your CV to: telesalestenerife@ hotmail.com

Vehicles To advertise please call 922 75 06 09

Car needed for long-term rental 676 378 618

ISLAND CONNECTIONS 814

CLASSIFIEDS | PASTIMES

(For Crossword and Sudoku solution see pag 36)

8.2.2018 – 21.2.2018

CINDERELLA’S SE TRASPASA Fabulous boutique with all stock, fixtures & fittings €75,000

(price negotiable without stock)

Situated in the beautiful plaza of San Sebastián in a fast growing area of La Caleta Enquiries call 660 295 647 or 667 659 739 or email annienolan8@gmail.com

Across

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Car Hire, Excursions and Rentals Ocean Golf and Country Club, Golf del Sur 922 736 502

2 - screaming (7) 3 - old coin (5) 4 - responses (7) 5 - underwater apparatus (5) 6 - they enter data (7) 7 - nobleman (5) 14 - jewellery (7) 15 - dedicates (7) 16 - vary speaking pitch (7) 18 - tripod for artist (5) 19 - fastens (5) 20 - small woodland (5)

GARDENING

TROPICAL TREATS

FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 081

Potty about papaya

Papayas originated in South America, but today you can find them growing around the world in hot climates, including here in the Canary Islands. The trees inject a touch of the exotic into any garden, as well as providing excellent shade. They fruit all year round, are easy to grow and, as long as the plants have full sun, good soil and warm enough weather, you can be enjoying your first crop in under a year. Singlestem trees without branches, they shoot upwards quickly, to well over 5m if left to their own devices. The trunk is hollow, segmented, and somewhat soft. It sports a crown of palmate leaves up to a metre wide, giving it an appearance similar to that of a palm tree.

Taste and time

Seeds of success Papaya trees mature quickly and are easy to grow

cate root systems. Once the soil in your chosen areas is prepared, sprinkle a few seeds on to each spot, between five and twenty a time. Cover lightly with a little compost, and then mulch over the patch. Seeds take around a couple of weeks to germinate. Keep seedlings and young plants moist but not wet. If you are planting many trees, aim to have around 1.5m between each of them, and three or four metres between rows.

Only the best Once the seedlings start to develop, it will be obvious that some are stronger and healthier than others. The weaker ones will need to be pulled out, leaving the more vigorous ones to continue growing.

Papaya plants can be male, female or hermaphrodite (selfpollinating). Females and hermaphrodites are the only two which produce fruit, but the females need a male around for pollination, around one per 10 females. Unfortunately, you cannot tell which is which until the trees start to flower, at about one metre tall or five or six months of age. Female flowers are generally single blooms and close to the trunk. Male flowers are smaller and more numerous, and grow on long, thin stalks. Hermaphrodite flowers have a tubular shape, are thinner than female ones and contain both male and female parts within each bloom. As you continue thinning out, the aim is to end up with one

strong and healthy female per bed, plus the requisite number of males.

Care and attention To produce mouth-watering, juicy fruits, papayas need plenty of water, particularly during the hotter months. However, they are especially susceptible to root rot, so it’s vital to ensure they are never overwatered – always check the soil before irrigating. They will also need feeding regularly. Young plants will appreciate a dose of complete fertiliser every couple of weeks, whilst older trees will generally be alright on once a month (depending on type of fertiliser). A few handfuls of composted manure sprinkled around the bottom of

Papayas can be planted at any time of the year, but late summer is ideal. Select a sunny and sheltered place in the garden – they love heat and sunlight but don’t like wind at all, particularly if it’s cold. A loam soil is the best, but they can grow in most kinds, as long as it’s well drained and rich in organic matter and nutrients. Happily, papaya trees are particularly easy to grow from seeds taken from shop-bought fruit, especially examples that have been grown locally. Simply wash the seeds from a ripe fruit, gently removing the jelly bag that surrounds each one. Dry them in a warm and shady spot and, once completely free of moisture, store in the dark in a tightly closed container until needed. Always sow seeds directly into the ground, as papaya don't transplant well and have deli-

the tree every four weeks will usually suffice. Papayas over two years old can cope with strong or fresh manures (such as chicken) quite well. Keep the trees mulched to encourage moisture retention, but make sure it is kept between 20cm and 50cm away from the trunk or it will rot it.

Shop-bought and containers It’s possible to buy young trees from garden centres, and these can be transplanted successfully as long as the utmost care is taken to avoid disturbing the roots. Alternatively, if choosing to grow papaya in containers, make sure the pots have plenty of drainage holes and are at least 45cm in diameter and 35cm deep.

As papaya trees shoot up, reaching their delicious riches can become progressively more difficult. Not only that, but as they age they produce less and smaller fruit and are increasingly susceptible to pests and infections. In addition, they tend to grow top heavy and their shallow root systems mean they can be prone to blowing over in high winds. Their lifespan can vary greatly, but it’s not unusual for papaya trees to die sometime in their second or third year. They can live much longer, but as they are so easy to grow, and young ones are the most productive and resilient to insects and diseases, many people choose to simply keep replanting, the best way to ensure a regular supply of the fruit. You can also prune the growing tip off trees to keep them lower to the ground. Though sometimes it can kill the plant, if you cut into winter wood where the leaf scars are close together, and paint the wound with a sealant, the slice will often result in various ‘branches’ forming. Always cut papaya in dry weather, as their hollow trunks will rot if they fill with water.

Fruits of your labour The fruit grow directly off the trunk, and can be picked when green to use like a vegetable, or left until ripe. You can protect fruit from pests by placing a paper bag over them until they are ready. They can also be harvested once the skin starts to yellow, as they will continue to mature off the tree. n

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Homes and properties for sale in the Canaries

All photos: Wikimedia Commons

8.2.2018 – 21.2.2018

Townhouse in Residencial El Galeón

& + 34 822 144 541 The triplex consists of 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, kitchen, living room, 3 terraces (one with ocean views), 74 metres, 200 metre floor area, furnished, no community payment, pre-installed solar powered hot water as well as air conditioning and terrace Jacuzzi, fully renovated, exterior, bright.

PROPERTY GUIDE

FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 081

SOUTHWEST TENERIFE

Property of the month villa has four bathrooms in total, as well as a garage. Fully furnished to a modern standard, the property boasts stone and marble flooring throughout, and many of the rooms benefit from high ceilings. With all local amenities on hand, this is one of the prime properties in the area, and has just been reduced for three months to €950,000. n

refurbished seafront villa situated in the heart of Playa San Juan. The well appointed and extremely spacious property is constructed over two levels. The upper floor consists of an openplan living area that includes a very generous lounge, well-fitted kitchen, large dining room, and access to the extensive terraces, as well as the ensuite master bedroom. The exterior is home to a private heated swimming pool, a hot tub and a barbecue room, and offers some of the most spectacular uninterrupted views around. Downstairs, there are also three large double bedrooms, and the Los Gigantes Properties S.L. has a wide range of homes for sale in the south of Tenerife. For anyone who is thinking of buying a property, be it a family home, winter retreat, or holiday haven, there are plenty of opportunities to suit all budgets and tastes, and the staff at Los Gigantes Properties are always

happy to answer any enquiries at any time.

Luxurious coastal villa Each month we will be highlighting one of the most interesting properties currently on the market. This edition the focus is on a beautifully

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: PAUL RUANE PART FIVE

Reasons for success Paul Ruane has been a leading figure in the property market in southwest Tenerife for the last 38 years. Island Connections had the privilege of speaking with him in an exclusive interview, which we shall be publishing over the coming editions. Originating from the UK, Paul first came to Tenerife to take up a temporary position – almost four decades ago. After working with a prominent local developer for 15 years and gaining an immense amount of insight into the fields of construction and property, Paul opened the first estate agents in Los Gigantes, in 1994. Los Gigantes Properties is still going strong almost 25 years later. What do you think the reasons are for your continuing success?

If you would like more information on this or other opportunities in the area, please contact

Los Gigantes Properties S.L. by calling: 922 861 313 607 371 666 647 943 721 Alternatively, see their website at: www.tenerifepropertysales.com Or call into the office at: Calle Flor de Pascua, 43 Los Gigantes 38683 Santiago del Teide

One of the reasons is Tenerife itself. With almost all year round sunshine, a relaxed atmosphere and beautiful scenery, the island can offer an incredible quality of life for both residents and those who choose to spend just part of the year here. Professionally speaking, I think one of the main factors has been trust. For a start, it helps that people know they’re dealing with qualified staff and that the agency is an affiliated member of the Spanish Board of Professional Estate Agents. In addition, we’ve always aimed to provide our clients with the best possible advice, and treat every customer and prospective client with respect and courtesy, something we believe is very important. Discover more about Paul Ruane and Los Gigantes Properties in next edition. n

8.2.2018 – 21.2.2018

ISLAND CONNECTIONS 814

LUXURY DEVELOPERS Arquitect Teótimo Rodríguez Hermoso is delighted to present state of the art villas, located in the most exclusive area of Golf Costa Adeje just above the picturesque village of La Caleta, overlooking the golf course, the sea and La Gomera island.

Arthectónica Costa Adeje, Plaza del Duque Mall, Stand F, Tenerife, Spain Tel.: +34 608 495 131 Office: +34 922 716 312 arthectonicaluxury@gmail.com www.arthectonica.com www.teotimoarquitecto.com Follow us on Instagram @arthectonica

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BAR/RESTAURANT COSTA ADEJE This excellent traspaso opportunity has just recently come on to the market. This busy establishment specializes in lunch and dinner service along with a strong football/sports customer base who regularly frequent the establishment to watch their favorite sport on one of the 7 TV’s located around the bar. The restaurant/bar has an oﬃcial opening license

676 378 618 CONTACT: +34 icrealestate@icmedia.eu

TRASPASO

€200.000

8.2.2018 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 21.2.2018

ISLAND CONNECTIONS 814

PROPERTY GUIDE

FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 081

More than 200 real estates for sale. Videopresentation, fincas, villas, apartments... (+34) 617 825 331 agatastenerife@gmail.com www.agatatenerife.com

We speak:

Av. Marques Villanueva del Prado 15 | Local 30 | Puerto de la Cruz

Playa Honda Las Américas One bedroom apartment, tiled throughout, American-style kitchen, separate bedroom and terrace. Located in the centre of Las Américas 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

British Style Bar

Playa de Las Américas

€ 25,000

ALAN: 634 098 838

Penthouse for sale

in Playa San Juan

150m2 living space including wrap around terrace with views to La Gomera and Los Gigantes 2 community pools 3 bedrooms 2 bathrooms (1 en suite) Fully fitted modern kitchen complete with domestic appliances

Air conditioning / sun blinds / electric shutters / video door station / security door / double glazing Energy rating: F

Just reduced: €479,000 Direct from owner · Call +34 631 89 22 71

8.2.2018 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 21.2.2018

ISLAND CONNECTIONS 814

PROPERTY GUIDE

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www.tenerifepropertysales.com Each apartment has extraordinary panoramic views of the cliffs, the Atlantic ocean and the island of La Gomera. The building is structured in a terraced form and also raised to guarantee privacy and sunshine. Consisting of 19 exclusive apartments of large dimensions, all of which with a private swimming pool and also an additional communal swimming pool. Each property will be built with the highest quality of materials and with maximum quality finishes. All properties include fixtures, fittings and furniture to 5 star standards. The project has specifically focused its design on offering luminosity, comfort and luxury accommodation. The only 5* complex with touristic licence in Santiago Del Teide. A fantastic investment opportunity.

The view

CRISTA L Brand New luxury development with touristic licence in Los Gigantes

PaulRuane losgigantesproperties s.l.

£125,000

€150,000

€140,000

£119,000

Fully refurbished apartment situated in the well maintained community of Becker House. Centrally located in Los Gigantes, this apartment is based on the second floor and comprises of one double bedroom, one bathroom, lounge with dining area and kitchen. The balcony is accessible from the lounge area and offers views of the sea and cliffs. Tranquil community with low maintenance fees.

Well maintained apartment situated in the complex of Tamara in Los Gigantes. Based on the lower level of the B Block in the complex, this property comprises of one double bedroom, one refurbished bathroom, kitchen with breakfast bar, and lounge with dining area. Good sized terrace with views of the sea, cliffs and harbour. Centrally located. Well maintained complex. Tranquil.

Well presented apartment situated in the complex of Balcón De Los Gigantes in Puerto Santiago. Based on the fourth floor, this apartment comprises of one double bedroom, one bathroom, lounge, and separate kitchen with breakfast bar. The terrace is accessible from both the lounge and bedroom and offers views over the communal swimming pool area. Close to all local amenities.

ref: TPS1664

ref: TPS1657

Well presented apartment situated in the complex of Sansofe Puerto in Puerto Santiago. Based on the first floor, this apartment offers one double bedroom, one bathroom, lounge, and kitchen with breakfast bar. There are two terraces with the property, one to the rear which offers privacy and one to the front of the apartment offering sunshine. The complex is extremely well maintained, with two heated swimming pools and gardens. Centrally located within walking distance to all local amenities.

Significantly reduced, great sized apartment situated in the complex California in the urbanisation of San Francisco. Based on the first floor, this property comprises two double bedrooms, two bathrooms, living area and open plan kitchen. The terrace is inner facing into the complex and boasts views of the communal swimming pool and gardens, and has partial sea views. Well maintained community with secure entrance, communal gardens and swimming pool. ref: TPS2813

ref: TPS1665

ref: TPS1641

£140,000

£695,000

£135,000

£149,950

£295,000

Good sized apartment situated on D block in the popular complex of Tamara in central Los Gigantes. Based on the ground floor in front of the communal swimming pool, this property offers easy access. The apartment comprises of two double bedrooms, two bathrooms, one of which is an en suite, a lounge, and kitchen with breakfast bar. The second bedroom offers access to a rear balcony. The main terrace is to the front of the property and offers wonderful views over the communal swimming pool and garden area and also partial sea views. Close to all local amenities. ref: TPS2007

Well presented villa situated in the urbanisation of San Francisco just minutes outside of Los Gigantes. Constructed over two levels, this property boasts three double bedrooms, two bathrooms, spacious living area and a separate kitchen with dining area. Extensive terraces surround the villa, boasting a private heated swimming pool and wonderful views. Private garage. Situated in a tranquil cul de sac close to all local amenities.

One bedroom apartment with additional sleeping area situated in the popular complex of Club II on Calle Tabaiba in Los Gigantes. Offering easy access via lift, this property comprises of one double bedroom, additional sleeping area, open plan kitchen and lounge. The terrace is accessible from the lounge area and offers fantastic views of the sea and cliffs. Fully furnished. Situated on a well maintained complex with communal pool and lift.

Spacious one bedroom apartment situated in the touristic complex of El Marqués Palace. Based on the third floor, this property comprises of one double bedroom, one bathroom, lounge and separate kitchen. Terrace accessible from both the lounge and bedroom. All afternoon sunshine. Wonderful sea views. Extremely well maintained complex.

Front line apartment with panoramic views of the harbour, sea and cliffs, situated in the complex of Cornisa in central Los Gigantes. Fully refurbished and pleasantly furnished, this apartment is also fantastically positioned. Comprising of two double bedrooms, one shower room, lounge and open plan kitchen, the property also offers easy access to the communal swimming pool. Great size terrace with magnificent front line views. Garage available. Must be seen.

ref: TPS4358

ref: TPS1662

ref: TPS1667

Calle Flor de Pascua 43 | Los Gigantes | Tenerife | info@tenerifepropertysales.com +34 922 861 313 | +34 607 371 666 | +34 647 943 721 Who is selling your property? Two alignments of duplex houses with large terraces and private infinity swimming pools. Each house has a ground floor containing a large living area, dining room-kitchen, toilet, laundry area and stairs to the upper floor that offers two bedrooms, one with en suite, dressing room, and a bathroom with bath and shower. The façade disappears giving the feeling of space without limits. The private infinity swimming pools that occupy the entire front of the terraces (65m²), are elevated above the terrace so the views literally melt into the ocean, enhancing the natural beauty of the magnificent views.

LUXURY DUPLEX

ref: TPS2011