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February 22 – March 7, 2018 Animal cruelty
Puerto de La Cruz
New bus station
Cop shortage
Page 3
Page 5
Page 18
Joke of the month
In early February, when the Canary Islands President Fernando Clavijo firmly claimed in Parliament that there was no corruption in the Canary Islands, he could be sure of being mocked. It didn’t take him long to apologise for making that claim. None so blind as those who will not see perhaps? However, it doesn’t work that way and certainly not if the facts of such ‘fake news’ are so easily contradicted. The latest data from the General Council of Justice (CGPJ) alone shows that the Canary Islands are the autonomous region within Spain in which most open cases of allegations of corruption exist today. Continued on page two
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Child abuse in the Canaries
How do we protect our children? It’s an appalling statistic that there are around 2,000 people in the Canary Islands who have been convicted of sexual abuse. Their personal data, including a DNA sample, is recorded in the Central Register of Sexual Offenders. It’s also a fact that municipalities, sports federations or cultural associations employing members of staff who are constantly dealing with minors are obliged by law to check whether applicants are convicted of child pornography offences. A convicted person is obliged to report this immediately. So far, so good. However, there are weak points which the PP Senator for Tenerife Antonio Alarcó wants to tackle, together with the coordinator of the civil front against paedophiles in the Canary Islands Abel Román and the president of the FITAPA (Federation of Children’s Parents’
Photo: GC
Photo: wikimediacommons
No corruption here?
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Canary Islands
Justice for abused dog
Too many instances of backhanders and nepotism
Facing Summerland, just off the roundabout at the Language School
Paedophiles often contact potential victims via social networks
Associations) Eusebio Dorta. They have made a stand to contribute towards the protection of children in the Canary Islands. “Town councils such as La Laguna, or Island Governments, should be more
committed to effective measures to protect minors, in order to prevent paedophiles from approaching children and adolescents. Unfortunately, some councils are not very cooperative.
“The rules on how convicts are dealt with must also be reviewed. The main problem is that the offences are written off after four years and the convicts can show ‘a clean sheet’ in their job applications. Our demand is that these offences be punished with life imprisonment, which should be maintained until it can be clearly shown that the complete rehabilitation of the convicted person can be guaranteed and that the safety of our children can be assured”, says Román. Dorta also sees the limitation of the reporting requirement of only four years as the biggest problem. Senator Alarcó supports this move, given that the majority of paedophiles are repeat offenders, and wants a minimum two year revision period. Continued on page two
CANARY ISLANDS
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FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 082
Canary Islands
Children at risk Continued from front page Often paedophiles meet their potential victims in places where parents believe their children to be safe, such as playgrounds, children’s clubs, sports’ associations etc. The group has insisted that people with paedophile tendencies should never, ever, be able to pursue a professional career connected with children or adolescents.
What is paedophilia? Medically, the perpetrators are seen as victims of their inclinations. Paedophilia is a designated mental disorder that is considered a disease. It’s described
as a persistent sexual interest in children who are not yet sexually mature. The sexual interest of these persons is almost exclusively directed at those who are not yet pubescent. This distinguishes the accused from perpetrators who, for example, sexually abuse children but also practice a different sexuality - for example, men who are married or in a relationship and use a child in addition to their partner for sexual satisfaction. A paedophile has a sexual preference that he has not chosen, and against which some say they can do nothing. Many of those affected are aware of their disorder and also know their tendency is wrong from a
moral point of view. That also means that not every paedophile actually becomes an offender. Those who are aware of the explicit danger and the damage they could cause can take countermeasures through therapies and self-help groups. In Germany, for example, victims can find help at www. schicksal-und-herausforderung.de and in Great Britain in the forum of virtual paedophiles, www.virped.org. Together with therapists and people with similar propensities, ways are being sought to prevent them from carrying out their desires. In the course of the therapy, the affected person learns to recognise and control his or her impulses
Three pioneers trying to protect children
and to avoid behaviour patterns that put them in a position where they could potentially abuse a child. Often, they themselves suffer so much because of their tendencies that they tend towards depression or seek a solution in alcohol or drugs and therefore also need therapeutic help. Sometimes, testosterone inhibitors are used as a medicinal ther-
President’s parliamentary slip up
Canarian corruption cases Continued from front page The Canary Islands currently stand ahead of the province of Valencia when it comes to corruption, even though that region has several cases being investigated and going through court, including one in which the Spanish King’s brother-inlaw is involved. In addition, from July to September last year, the Canaries registered the highest number of corruption cases in court. The former mayor of Santa Cruz Miguel Zerolo was sentenced to seven years in prison for the Teresitas scandal. Fernando Clavijo himself recently had to answer in a court of law on suspicion of corruption in the granting of
towing licences during his time as mayor of La Laguna. Anyone sitting in a glass house should be careful, in case a stone isn’t thrown from outside. According to the General Council of Justice, the most common allegations related to corruption are misuse of office and embezzlement. Both are charges which are also currently being investi-
gated against Clavijo. The list of current suspected cases of corruption is long and by no means a relic of the past. Over 88 per cent of corruption cases in the Canary Islands are to be found against members of the nationalist Coalición Canaria (CC) and conservative Partido Popular (PP) parties. It’s true that most of the current politicians in power come
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from these political circles. The spokesperson for the Podemos party Noemi Santana complained, “I'm sorry, but we at Podemos won’t have it like that. Pretending that nothing is wrong or ignoring the problem only makes it worse and chronic." At best, the numerous cases can be seen as a kind of cleansing act. "The facts are very hard for our Islands and
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apy to control the urges. Once the individual has been a perpetrator, the probability that they will do it again is about 40 to 50 per cent. In contrast, the recidivism rate for ‘normal’ sex offenders is around 22 per cent. If the offender receives therapy, the probability of relapse decreases by up to 17 per cent. Realistically, the political, drumbanging demand for perma-
nent incarceration of paedophile criminals for the benefit of children offers a limited solution. Those affected should also be offered help, wherever possible before a crime is committed, where they can make use of therapies and exchange ideas and self-help strategies, free of charge, with understanding people in order to learn how to conn trol their predisposition.
they should shame our chamber. We should be concerned about each of them, from beginning to end. The problem concerns all political parties. The loss of credibility affects all politicians and such accusations damage our democracy", the left-wing politician criticised. Nevertheless, there is a ray of hope, because during the course of the debate, the Podemos Canarias party’s proposal to introduce anticorruption measures, based on the Greco States’ model, was adopted unanimously
by all the parliamentary parties. The idea is based on the Council of Europe's anti-corruption recommendations on maximum transparency. “The poet Horace said, ‘If a glass is not clean, everything you put in becomes dirty’. That is why we should thoroughly clean every glass, every plate and every dish, so that the Canary Islands are no longer at the top of the infamous list of corruption", Santana continued. Clavijo was asked to call for the same standards to be applied at the central Governn ment in Madrid.
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22.2.2018 – 7.3.2018
CANARY ISLANDS
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 815
Crazy World Tour 2018
Scorpions to rock Las Palmas German hard rock and heavy metal band the Scorpions will be rocking Gran Canaria Arena in Las Palmas on July 4. Even if you’re not a fan of this genre, you will surely know the band’s most successful songs, which long ago become classics. Going since 1965, after 50 years of stage experience and more than 100 million discs sold, the Scorpions have been one of the most successful rock bands in the world. Not surprisingly, in February 2009, the band received Germany’s ECHO honorary award for lifetime achievement at Berlin’s O2 World. A year later, a star followed with handprints of the members on the Rockwalk in Los Angeles, and in 2017 they were admitted to the Hall of Heavy Metal History. Songs such as Rock you like a Hurricane, No one like you, Still Loving you, Send me an Angel and the power ballad Wind of Change have made music history. Tickets for their Crazy World Tour concert, which starts at 9pm, are available from n €45 via www.mastaquilla.com.
3
Judge accepts maltreatment case
Justice for deceased dog
The animal was in a wretched condition. Nobody believed he would make it
Martín, later Pinky, had an unbelievable will to survive and lived for another year and a half
Regular Island Connections readers may remember the case of the retriever who was buried alive in a gravel pit at Porís de Abona at the end of 2015. The then eleven-year-old Martín had been mutilated by his owners who, amongst other atrocities, had cut the chip out of his throat to prevent identification, tried to hang him, and then buried the bleeding animal in a gravel hole with only his head showing. A couple walking in the area found him whimpering
kidney and liver failure, caused by the torture he suffered. Pinky, as he was called in his second life, had an incredible will to live and inspired everyone who knew him. Until now, the former owners, who were quickly identified despite the chip removal, believed that they would get away with it. But a lawyer called Sandra Barrera refused to give up. Now the Granadilla de Abona number two court has ruled that there is sufficient evidence to prosecute the own-
after he had been there for possibly two weeks. It was unbelievable that he was still alive, but he was in a terrible state and infested with worms. The animal protection association Amigos de los Animales de Arico took care of him. The veterinarian was able to save the dog's life despite his injuries, which included burns caused by the sun. However, he was blind and his internal organs were failing. At least he lived in loving care until May last year when he succumbed to severe
ers, especially after their confession. Barrera explained that in legal terms, "The aggravating fact is that this is a case of active animal torture. In other words, they did not just passively let the animal starve, but they actively injured and buried him with the will to kill him." The lawyer demands the maximum sentence of 18 months imprisonment and a ban on owning livestock and keeping pets. Barrera has sworn that she will not let this cruelty n escape justice.
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CANARY ISLANDS
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 082
Promotion
Guaza flea market
The neighborhood of Guaza in Arona has one of the leading flea markets, according to the President of the Cultural Association Rastro Miscelánea de Guaza Enrique Pérez. The Association was created to manage and organise all the activities of the flea market. It’s a project that began in 2016 and celebrated two years of effort this February. The flea market is currently made up of some 50 to 60 people who come from Friday to Sunday to
sell various types of products: handicrafts, clothing, secondhand items, shops’ stock liquidation and a long etc... Each stallholder pays for the space occupied per day. The Guaza ‘Rastro’ was previously sited elsewhere, but with infrastructures which Pérez described as, “insufficient” and it was closed down in 2013 for various reasons. Pérez who once held a stall on the old flea market came up with the idea to create a
new sales outlet that would have, "decent conditions to be able to work". A year later, the Association was created and the project began to materialise, all thanks to the effort and dedication of the people that make up the group, as they don’t receive any type of subsidy. "It has taken two years of uninterrupted work and no profit has been made," said Pérez. This means that the funds generated are reinvested in improving the facilities and
conditions of the establishment (bathrooms for the handicapped and quality security services, for example), as well as to pay other basic expenses of the market such as renting the grounds or installing and paying for electricity. All these improvements in the market go to show that its stallholders seek both customer and employee satisfaction. Pérez assures that the optimisation of services and resources have turned the Guaza flea mar-
ket into a, "management and organisation reference point" within the island, a fact that, according to the president of the Association, is reflected in the increase in visitors and the number of stalls. The cultural mix is another outstanding characteristic of this market Austrians, Germans, Spaniards, Italians, Venezuelans, Colombians, Moroccans, Senegalese, amongst others, work side by side every weekend. Looking forward, the group wants the project to grow, to complete the existing infrastructures, add more stalls and to create an area where courses and events could be held. These are just some of the ideas that are expected to be put into action within the next two years, since, according to Pérez, "The Guaza flea market is not just a market, it’s a more ambitious project". The president of the Cultural Association wants to achieve just one goal - to be the best flea market in Spain. To achieve this, he hopes to form a cooperative with the other members of the Association, so that future facilities will also serve as a trading link between Europe and Africa. With these plans, Pérez seeks to encourage the stallholders to become more professional and to generate direct and indi-
rect jobs as a result of their activities. To achieve this he assures that, "We have to fight hard and look for sustainable ideas, since we cannot live on the sun and beach holiday model alone". One of the next socio-cultural events that the Association has in hand is the Spring Festival, which will be held from March 15 to 18 in the same grounds as the Rastro. The event aims to kick off this season of the year by mixing the culture of the Canary Islands and Germany. It will be a tourist-attraction party and aimed at all audiences. Live music, an amusement park, clothing cat walks and karaoke are just some of the activities proposed within the days of the event. To all this will be added the typical German fare of beer and meat. The activities will start at 8:30 am and continue until midnight every day, starting with the new products market and ending with live music. Alexander Vespremi, one of the main organisers and one of the musicians at the event, stressed that the party itself is, "An occasion for the whole family to enjoy”. Adding that they aim to make, “The Oktoberfest’s little sister", a regular event within the Association's n agenda in the future.
22.2.2018 – 7.3.2018
CANARY ISLANDS
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 815
the project moves forward
A new bus station for Puerto!
The bus station in Puerto de La Cruz has been closed since 2008, and since then intense negotiations have continued endlessly over its construction and the land needed for its replacement. Happily, the almost 10-year delay is now about to be brought to an end. The Tenerife Island Council has now announced that over €2.1 million will be invested in the project, with the majority (€1.4 million) being supplied by the council itself, and the remainder being borne by the Puerto de La Cruz council. The work was adjudicated to the company UTE Estación de Guaguas Puerto de La Cruz in the first week of February, and the company has twelve months in which to complete it. Numerous official deliberations have led to delays. Among other aspects, the Central Government in Madrid had to release the land needed. The new bus station will have ten bus bays and ten waiting areas. The individual stops will be connected by footpaths while green areas will guarantee a relaxed atmosphere. Two entrances for pedestrians, located to the southwest and northeast, will ensure that traffic in the station flows quickly and safely. The exit for the buses to Calle Hermanos Hernández Perdigón has been arranged in such a way that the buses can use an existing bus and taxi lane to join the traffic flow without any complications. Additional complementary measures will be taken around the complex. Finally, the city will have a bus station that meets 21st century standards. n
The project exists on the drawing board
5
La Orotava moves forward
School bullying awareness Around 800 primary and secondary students from several schools in La Orotava have benefited from a programme against bullying, carried out by the council's Youth Department during classes in the 2016/17 school year. The department’s councillor Yurena Luis explained that the programme is called 'Piensa, Siente y Actúa' (Think, Feel and Act), the cornerstones on which the campaign is based. Thinking is to help us understand the concept of how bullying works; feeling to awaken compassion; and finally, acting, according to the resources available and depending on each case. Students' parents and teachers were also involved in the programme. The activities and talks were given by psycholo-
Bullying mainly affects the weakest members of society. The message is that we all have to protect them
gists Elena Pérez García and Attasara Cairós Cabrera. The aim was to strengthen the personality and values of each individual, and also to provide options to families and those
affected for different ways of reacting to attacks. According to the youth councillor, prevention is essential. Due to the positive results and subsequent demand, it
is planned to repeat the programme, which was presented with the collaboration of Obra Social La Caixa, in January and June this year, benefitting a simn ilar number of students.
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CANARY ISLANDS
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 082
San Andrés y Sauces
New hotels for popular La Palma resort
The Charco Azul in La Palma
The district of San Andrés y Sauces is one of the most pristine areas in the north eastern part of La Palma, while the historic centre of San Andrés attracts almost every tourist who explores the island. With the Charco Azul natural pool, the port and coast of Espíndola and the surrounding Bosque de Los Tilos, the area has many charming landscapes to offer. So far, however, it has remained largely unaffected by tourism. Day-trippers
love it, but by late in the evening peace and quiet prevails again because there is almost nowhere for them to stay overnight. The vicinity has never been caught up in the big holiday trade, as there is only one small guesthouse, and a few rural holiday homes and coastal apartments. While presenting the latest plans, Mayor Francisco Paz announced "We do not want to compete with the tourist centres of Los Cancajos or Puerto Naos, but yes, we want
to participate in the dynamics of touristic development and thus bring prosperity and jobs to our community". The plans are for the creation of a thousand hotel beds in the San Andrés y Sauces area. The mayor elaborated by saying, "The coastal areas of the seafront promenade between Charco Azul and San Andrés will be urbanised, providing about 800 hotel beds. We will ensure that the landscape is not disfigured and that new resorts
are integrated into the banana plantations. There will not be any high rise hotels, but rather resorts with a village character. The details are still being worked on." The remaining 200 beds are to be created in the historical town centre. However, the preference there is for the renovation and conversion of existing buildings. Paz said, "We must use the sea and our natural pool Charco Azul, one of the most beautiful in the Canary Islands, to develop our community". The mayor affirmed that the borough itself will develop and design the project guidelines, adding that "future investors must act on this". After all, not everyone finds the development of this almost untouched coastal area really desirable. With the emphasis on a harmoniously landscaped building method, the mayor is trying to take the wind out of the sails of the critics in advance. Will n that be enough?
Santa Cruz Carnival Queen
Fantasy in red, gold and white
During this year’s grand gala, Carmen Laura Lourido was chosen out of 13 candidates as the 2018 Carnival Queen of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Wearing a resplendent costume, designed by Jorge González and entitled Renacida (Reborn), she was the second to go on stage, setting a high standard for the rest of the competitors. Sponsored by the Fuente Alta water company, the fairy tale design in red, gold and white even spouted dry ice to complete the stage effect. It is the third Queen title out of the last four years for the young designer who has devoted himself to the spirit of carnival. n
22.2.2018 – 7.3.2018
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 815
PROMOTION
7
CANARY ISLANDS
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Tropical enclosure births
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 082
Scarlet Ibis chicks at Loro Parque
For the first time ever, two Scarlet Ibis chicks have hatched in the South American bird enclosure at Loro Parque. Their homes, in which their natural habitat is imitated as closely as possible are designed in such a way that they can train and develop their flying skills and musculature, but the two Scarlet Ibis chicks that have recently hatched would not yet be recognised as such. The impressive birds from South America, also known by the scientific name EudoThe chicks are camouflaged by their inconspicuous plumage Eating crustaceans produces their bright red colouring in adult life
cimus ruber, develop their bright red plumage gradually. Chicks are born after 23 days of incubation with a black-grey plumage. Only in the second year of life do the youngsters develop their bright feathers, as a result of the pigments in the crustaceans on which the birds feed. Apart from the fact that the young chicks are clearly distinguishable from their parents by their dark tones, they are born with the perfect camouflage against pred-
ators. The Scarlet Ibis grows up to 70 centimetres tall and weighs about 500 grams. It lives in the northern part of South America, usually in large groups of up to 2,000 specimens. Although the species is regarded as 'not endangered' in the catalogue of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (UICN), with around 150,000 animals at present, its population is currently declining. This is mainly due to the fact that its living space has been reduced by man. The main reasons are poaching, the construction of canals and damage caused to the mangrove forests in which they live. Loro Parque therefore uses this species to create awareness in visitors of the need to conserve biodiversity in nature and also to demonstrate how quickly a species that is not in difficulty can suddenly become severely endangered. Meanwhile, these births show that the birds, which live in harmony with different species, feel comfortable in their surroundings and find their living n conditions optimal.
Candelaria goes environmental
No more plastic bag madness
The Candelaria council departments for rural development and environmental protection, led by Jorge Baute and Fernando Alduán respectively, have jointly launched an initiative against the use of plastic bags. Information stands at the farmer’s market in Candelaria at the beginning of the month and again on February 28 pointed out the great damage caused by the use of plastic shopping bags. On March 10 and 24, the campaign will continue at the farmers’ market in the shopping mall at Punta Larga. Among other things, reusable fabric bags printed with a community motif are being distributed. Above all, however, it is important to point out the high environmental impact of plastic bags. According to studies by Greenpeace, a plastic bag is used for about 15 minutes, but it takes around 100 years to break back down into the environment – a discrepancy that could hardly be greater. About 92 per cent of the waste in the oceans, as well as damage to marine organisms, are caused by plastic. Only around seven per cent of our shopping bags end up in the recycling bin. During beach cleaning work within the municipal area, it became clear to participants that most of the rubbish collected is plastic-related, kick-starting the commendable campaign. The initiative draws attention to the fact that from March 1 all businesses are obliged to make a charge for their plastic bags. From 2020, non-biodegradable plastic bags will generally be prohibited. The project, which is supported by mayor María Concepción Brito, is accompanied by awareness-raising messages on local radio station, Candelaria Radio. The campaign also pron motes targeted consumption of local products.
Buying local products and avoiding plastic bags means less environmental impact
CANARY ISLANDS
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 815
Chances of survival increase
Hope for cancer patients
On World Cancer Day, February 4, Juan Julio Fernández, Tenerife president of the AECC Spanish cancer association, said that although the number of cases is rising, patients’ chances of survival are also increasing. Last year, 9,300 new cases of cancer were diagnosed in the Canary Islands, and over 228,000 throughout Spain. The increasing numbers are thought to be mainly due to longer life expectancy. Fernández, whose association helps patients and their families and friends, stated that “The older cells get, the more likely it is they no longer function properly, so tumours can develop”. “Nowadays”, he added, “this illness is curable and predictable. It can become a chronic disease that the patient can live with for a long time.” In recent years, the chance of survival for cancer patients has increased from 20 to 40 per cent. By 2020, 60 per cent of patients are expected to be cured, and by 2030 doctors expect that figure to reach 75 per cent. At a recent national congress, to which Fernández was invited, the experts focused in particular on the impact of the disease on the economic situation of families, as well as the suffering it causes. The likelihood of developing cancer is slightly higher in men than in women. Out of every ten patients, six are currently male, and this is primarily due to lifestyle habits, smoking being top of the list. Lung cancer is one of the most aggressive cancers, causing the most deaths. In the Canary Islands, lung, intestinal, prostate and breast cancers are the most common forms of the illness. The Spanish Cancer Society points out that four out of ten cancers can be prevented by adopting a healthier lifestyle. Important factors are a healthy diet, exercise, no excessive use of alcoholic beverages, and especially no smoking. These aspects are to be further disseminated through educational work, especially for the younger generation. The Spanish Cancer Association also stresses the The earlier the illness is disimportance of prevention covered, the more chance it can and regular screening. n be cured
9
Loro Parque Foundation
Tracking hammerhead sharks The Loro Parque Foundation is currently funding a project being undertaken by the Canary Islands Association for the Study and Preservation of Elasmobranquios (ElasmoCan), to learn more about smooth hammerhead sharks. Within the scope of the project it has been possible to fit a satellite device to this type of shark in Canarian waters for the first time. The device records the animal’s range of movement, preferred temperature and sea depth. As far as is known, there are only two examples in the archipelago’s seas currently. Unfortunately, the hammerhead shark is easy to catch by various fishing methods, meaning its mortality rate is very high. In addition, the species often travels long distances, even across borders, which makes it difficult to plan effective protective measures. ElasmoCan has launched the Hammerhead Shark Research Project in order to study the sharks and thus be able to protect them more effectively. The research focuses on the islands of Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote, where professional and recreational fishermen have made regular sightings of the sharks. The use of state-of-the-art telemetry technology, which enables remote data transmission, is unique. The PAT
Photos: Filip Osaer - ElasmoCan
22.2.2018 – 7.3.2018
unit (Pop-up satellite Archival Tag) is able to store information about temperature, depth and light intensity. After about six months, the device detaches itself from the animal and transmits the stored data via satellite while it floats on the surface. Anyone who discovers such a floating unknown object will receive a ‘finder’s fee’ upon returning it to ElasmoCan. Scientists have also been able to extract biological data and tissue samples, which can be used for genetic and nutritional studies in the future.
The hammerhead shark was caught on a floating platform and fitted with a transmitter The device is attached to the shark for six months before automatically releasing itself and sending the stored data to ElasmoCan
Since its foundation in 1994, the Loro Parque Foundation has invested more than $17 million (about €13.65 million) in research and conservation projects for endangered species. It has developed more than 135 projects in situ and ex situ all over the world,
including various ones to protect and conserve marine biodiversity in the Canary Islands. This latest one is being run in conjunction with Loro Parque’s recently opened Poema del Mar giant aquarium, located in the port of Las Palmas de Gran n Canaria.
CANARY ISLANDS
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FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 082
Populism on the rise
Photo: ULL
Emotion versus information
By Sabine Virgin “It has been proven that the more distorted and bizarre a message is, the more it is spread", said Carlos Elías Pérez, professor of journalism at the Carlos III University in Madrid, speaking at a course at the Summer University in Adeje last year. “New populism, communication and democracy in the digital age. The news is no longer judged on whether it is right or wrong, but on the basis of whether it arrives emotionally or politically", he warned. For instance, the bizarre message that Hilary Clinton was a Satanist had an incredible effect. Some people made fun of it, others believed it. Such reports are not about the truth, but about the quickest and most comprehensive distribution possible. A lot of information, even from recognised reference platforms such as Wikipedia, is written by socalled community managers, often on behalf of others, and is not necessarily based on scientific data. The global network makes it easier for stran-
Toledano calls for more investigative and critical journalism Prospective journalists and reporters learn to publish responsibly
gers with the same ideas, be they opponents of vaccination, right-wing radicals, UFObelievers or people with eating disorders, for example, to come together, strengthen each other and consolidate opinions, because suddenly they are no longer standing alone. However, Wikipedia offers sources at the end of an article in which you can (and should) find further articles, information and corroborative evidence of facts. Just how far the influence of populist movements can spread became clear, for example, in the cases of Brexit, the election of Trump, and in Catalonia. The Facebook platform founded by Mark Zuckerberg was demonstrably used by Russian propaganda networks to influence the election in the USA. On January 22 this year, Facebook management announced they wanted to change direction as they have recognised that the spread of targeted false reports
jeopardises democracy. “The group is determined to combat the negative impacts and to ensure that our platform is beyond doubt a source for the democratic common good", said Katie Harbath, global policy manager for Facebook, which has meanwhile begun to delete dubious groups. It’s questionable whether the users' decision as to which source they consider credible is the right way forward in all cases. The Australian media king, Rupert Murdoch, demands that Facebook and
the media should even pay for well-founded news. Through their contributions, publishers would increase the credibility and value of social networks. At the same time, it is an opportunity to support publishers and to compensate for losses caused by digital media. Samuel Toledano, a lecturer at the University of La Laguna (ULL), also believes that the world of journalism has changed fundamentally in recent years and that both the profession and society must respond to those changes.
Every year, around 80 students are recruited to the Faculty of Journalism, but demand is around four times higher. Some of the graduates later work in town halls and write local political daily reports, which then appear almost unchanged in all local newspapers. Is this also a loss of democracy and the diversity of opinion? Perhaps readers must ask themselves if that’s what they really want. Mr Toledano, what do you teach your students about populism in the media?
“The phenomenon of populism has always existed and has been used in the past by politicians to communicate with potential voters at ground level. Today, the abundance and scope of populist-sounding news stories on social networks is problematic. Stories which are less serious but sensational spread virally around the globe in no time at all. The reader is not being informed, but stimulated emotionally. So-called fake news (incorrect information) can be published and circulated by anybody. Awareness
Such short messages on Twitter and similar networks often help to form opinions. How do you see this and do you believe in self-regulation? “Unfortunately, sensational short messages are read a lot and meet the current trend to get a quick overview. How wellfounded the information is is not questioned. I don’t think that self-regulation is working. This issue must be resolved politically, though without censorship, of course. It’s a difficult question and every medium must appeal to its own ethics. This starts with the way it’s promoted. For example, with a homicide - unless there
NEW!
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is unambiguous evidence or a confession, a suspect should be named as the ‘suspected offender’. But ‘killer’ in the headline, sells better. Or take the nationality of an accused. Again and again one should ask oneself: Is the origin of the suspect or the victim relevant for the report? At ULL, we teach the students that we as journalists have an ethical responsibility for well-considered articles, but we must also be critical.”
How can a reader be better prepared for the flood of information and how to deal with it? “Nowadays, data, statistics and other sources of information are banded about a lot. This means that a journalist has to be careful which sources he relies on and question them vigorously. We must learn to choose and verify correctly - something that readers also have to bear in mind. The problem is structural. The ancient Romans said: ‘Give the populace bread and
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have doubts, you should investigate further. There are so many ways that facts can be checked these days. This is one of the advantages of the digital world - let's use it. I also believe that the educational system needs to be changed. In our schools, children and adolescents are conditioned to learn recallable, memorised knowledge. Teaching material is learned for the next exam and is often forgotten afterwards. That's because it's not internalised. It would be much better to encourage
Many of them have suffered heavy losses as a result of competition from the Internet and have cut staff. Where do you see the future of the journalists you train? “I am firmly convinced that quality journalism has a future. There will be media that will disappear, but others will remain. I firmly trust that readers are and will be willing to pay for good coverage. Perhaps there will be more qualitative specialist journals and newspapers - news-
young people to think, question and reflect. Knowledge that is internalised is knowledge that remains. And it’s important to know that there can be different opinions of equal value.”
papers that not only print the press releases, but also carry out their own research and write well-founded articles. Our students learn this craft at the ULL and prove their competence with their own researched articles on critical topics. I don’t think the Canary Islands' media are currently fulfilling their role as critical reporters. “In the future, major global issues will be solved through cooperation. The best recent example is the Panama Papers. Those activities were exposed via the cooperation of journalists on an international level. That is precisely why I believe that the media should receive subsidies from the public budget. Irrespective of their orientation and whether they publish the news sent to them by the press offices. We need media diversity for formn ing opinions.”
In their student publication, the budding journalists claim that the local press is not currently critical enough
Photo: Cabildo GC
of what truthfulness is and serious political news is a task for our age. It shouldn’t be judged on how lucrative a report is, but on the responsibility we bear with its dissemination. It’s not acceptable for newspapers to print quasi-media articles about politics for an income, and even less so without identifying them as such. Journalists must ask questions and get to the bottom of things. That's their profession. Readers also need to be made aware of the fact that real information cannot be obtained via short messages in a few words.”
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 815
Photo: 360 degrees
22.2.2018 – 7.3.2018
Gran Canaria conference on sexism in the media
circus’, thus distracting them so that those in power secured their position. Even today, many media focus on entertaining people and distracting them from the essentials, though the level varies. However, it’s also true that everyone only hears what they want to hear, or sees what they want to see. That is why we must start media education in schools.” What would media education consist of? “We must point out the dangers and, of course, the potential of modern media. Pupils have to understand that problem-solving is complex and cannot be summed up in simple buzzwords. One must always try to see and understand the background. The young generation must learn to differentiate emotion and information. Every reader must be aware that a text can also aim to manipulate. If you
We live in a world of fast information. What does this mean for the media? “Only rarely is the fastest news, which sounds sensational, also right. The media follow the strategy of reaching as many readers as possible. A sensation is more profitable. Often, emotional headlines simply serve as confirmation of the reader's opinion. Messages are selected according to your own personal filter, but also the media itself are a filter. What do we offer, how serious is it and what can we achieve? Media bear responsibility.” Media, especially in digital times, live off advertisements.
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Abuse of privilege
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 082
Pornographic photographer
Young men with ambitions for a model or acting career agreed to be photographed, hoping for a career jump
As part of the Photo Norte operation, the Puerto de La Cruz judicial police, in cooperation with colleagues from the Department of Violent and Internet Crimes, recently arrested a 45-year-old professional photographer from La Orotava. The suspect, well-known in the island's fashion industry, is accused of sexual abuse, seduction and bribery of minors, having used his job to apparently manipulate them. The alleged perpetrator met his victims on the catwalk or at talent events during his
work. Afterwards, he used his knowledge to establish contact with the youngsters via social networks, offering them the opportunity to use photos to help them advance their professional careers. However, the photos he took of them were clearly of a sexual nature, and he may even have persuaded some of them to have sexual intercourse. On occasions, the accused also apparently gave out photo vouchers via the young people, which they could pass on to their own friends. Thus, his potential for his photo archive as well
As an advertising icon or on the catwalk, the photographer enticed his victims via his connections
as for possible sexual partners increased. The victims are all male and between 11 and 17 years old. The pictures, in which the boys are usually seen naked, were taken in remote areas of nature, mainly in the north of the island, and some in a hotel in Puerto de La Cruz. The photographer’s main area of operation was the Orotava Valley. In the course of the investigation, hundreds of thousands of photo archives were seized from the suspect’s
apartment. In addition, 13 victims have been identified so far and several parents have filed charges. The accused was immediately imprisoned by order of the magistrate. The police are also currently investigating a 19-year-old male in connection with the photo sessions, who is said to have assisted several times in the organisation of the photo shoots, especially in group sessions where several young naked n people were involved.
Adeje animal shelter
Doors open to volunteers
The Centro de Acogida de Animales rescue centre was built in Adeje in 2010, after an investment of around €100,000 from the local council. In the past, the shelter has been the subject of an assortment of rumours, of varying seriousness, due in part to the site not being open to the public. However, further improvements have taken place to the shelter recently, as well as a restructuring of staff and a complete change to the way it is operated, perhaps taking the wind out of the sails of critics and putting an end to speculation. An agreement was signed back in 2016 between the local council and an animal protection agency that helps with adoption processes, yet the centre has apparently been understaffed, desperately needing support volunteers. However, due to the council’s rules, staff were not allowed to bring in helpers, but this is thankfully about to change. Adeje’s councillor for the promotion of health and quality of life, Amada Trujillo Bencomo, stated that “We are making good the promises made at the start of our term of office, that we would welcome volunteers into the centre. We know there has been a call for this from the public and we know too that it will make the animals’ lives happier, to have more people in to care for them, befriend them, take them for walks, play with them, etc.” The shelter is opening its doors to ten volunteers who will need to commit themselves to the project for a year. Each volunteer who is granted a place will also be asked to undertake a month-long training course, during which they will learn about the agreed duties and obligations and will be given full accreditation. After one year as a volunteer they must reapply and places will be granted on the basis of availability, with priority given to those applying for the first time. Volunteers will report to the employees at the shelter, and tasks will include walking, grooming, caring for puppies, and play time. Feeding, cleaning, administering medications and the care of potentially dangerous dogs is the sole responsibility of the trained staff. If you are interested, you can contact Adeje Counn cil directly at any time via www.adeje.es.
The shelter is opening its doors to volunteers
22.2.2018 – 7.3.2018
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 815
PROMOTION
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CANARY ISLANDS
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 082
KEDDY’S ENTERTAINMENT
Bublé bounty Keddy’s Entertainment is always on the lookout for new talent and we have recently signed a new arrival to Tenerife. If you are a regular reader of our page then you’ll know that we like to find out not only what you can get up to here in Tenerife but also about the story behind those who entertain us night and day, so we caught up with Richie Evans and this is what he had to say about the journey that led him here to start a new year in the sun! “It has always been a dream of mine that someday I would be living in the sunshine. I come from a small place in South Wales called Newport, where I have lived most of my life. From an early age in my primary school I was sporty and artistic, but what I really enjoyed was taking part in the plays and singing in the school choir. This has always been a passion of mine and has led me on my life’s journey to this present day. “I suppose my inspiration is my father who has supported me throughout my life and without him none of this would have been possible. Back in the early days when I left school, I would love to perform wherever I could - family parties, karaoke bars, wherever there was live music. At the age of 17, I became a regular singer in my local town in karaoke bars, and would sing songs from a Scottish group called Wet Wet Wet. It got to a point where I was known as the Marti Pellow of Newport (the lead singer of this group back in the late 80’s). “My background career was car sales which I did for 20
By Chrissie and Ray
continued to watch YouTube footage for hours on end to perfect his style. This made me determined to start knocking on doors at local bars and clubs offering my Michael Bublé tribute act. It wasn’t long before I had secured bookings in these bars and clubs and even the hotels, as my reputation started to grow. I have performed gigs from hair salons to hotels and enjoyed every minute of it. “I come from a background of family singers, my uncle was an entertainer and singer and performed on a UK TV talent show at the time called Opportunity Knocks. I had been destined to be a footballer at a high level, playing for Newport County, like my father before me, but at the age of 16 I had a serious injury, a broken leg, which ended any chance of doing what my father had
Newcomer Richie Evans captures Michael Bublé’s singing style to perfection
years, however my passion was for singing, music and entertaining people. Then in 2008 my father bought us tickets
to go and see Michael Bublé in Cardiff. It was then my father encouraged me to sing his songs as my voice suited
this style. I started to listen and watch Michael Bublé do his thing and thought I could maybe put a set together. I
done. It was a massive disappointment at the time, but as they say things happen for a reason.
“A huge thank you needs to be said to my fiancé Lianne. We met in November 2011 and she has always been a massive support for me since the day we met. She said ‘The name is Jones’ on a sunny Sunday afternoon in a beachside pub where I was performing. Naturally I asked her to take a seat on the bar stool I had on the stage and sang Me & Mrs Jones to her. The rest is history, and we are now making plans to get married in the summer of 2019. “I arrived in Tenerife on January 1 this year and had such an amazing welcome here. I will now grasp this great opportunity with both hands to do what I have been dreaming about for many years. I’m finally living my dream. I am truly blessed with all the support both from home and here in Tenerife. As one of Michael’s hits suggests, Haven’t Met You Yet, but I hope to meet you all on the island. “Lastly, thanks need to go to Gary Nelson, compere and singer from St Eugen’s and Adam Keddy the director of Keddy’s Entertainment and his wonderful management team for their continued support.” We are sure that you agree that Richie has taken that leap of faith like many of us do and is now living the dream as he always wanted to, covering Michael Bublé’s greatest hits in the sunshine. For more information and for all your entertainment needs, contact our office between 9.30 am and 5.30 pm, Monday to Friday on 922 096 975 or drop us an email at info@keddys n entertainmnet.com
22.2.2018 – 7.3.2018
CANARY ISLANDS
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 815
Inspirational music in Adeje
International gospel music workshop Latonius Jermaine Earl is the director of the Latonius Gospel Choir which he formed in Tenerife in 2015. Additionally, Latonius has formed the LIIMW Tour Choir through workshops he has offered throughout Europe and especially in Germany. The Latonius Inspirational International Music Workshop (LIIMW) started in response to demand in Europe not only for gospel music but also for the spirit, emotion and freedom beyond music as a whole. Latonius believes, and has experienced, that through his workshops people have been moved, changed, inspired, healed and animated, regardless of their religion. LIIMW will continue this tradition and standard because Latonius believes that music should and could heal the world. In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, many people realise they are looking for something they cannot define, and lots of these find what they are seeking through inspirational music which brings a message of hope and love. Hopeless situations can become less hopeless, and the light at the end of the tunnel can often be seen. Experience is not necessary to join this workshop, but if you would like to join the LIIMW choir, you’ll need to be prepared to take part in concerts and much more around Europe. This is an incredible not to be missed experience, during which Latonius will teach you everything you need to know, providing audios and lyrics, as well as future dates in advance. The next workshop, which is open to all nationalities and ages, takes place at the Cultural Centre in Adeje from March 22 to 24. The classes will be held on March 22 from 6pm to 10pm, March 23 from 2pm to 5pm (optional) and 7pm to 10pm, and on March 24 from 10am to 2pm with a concert that evening at 8.30pm in the Cultural Centre Auditorium. For more information and registration, go to www.liimw.com/tenerife or email info@liimw.com. n
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Gran Canaria
Young activist visit “We must all fight for humanity” is the motto of Laura Zúñiga, daughter of environmental activist Berta Cáceres, who was murdered in Honduras in 2016. Cáceres fought for the natives against the deforestation and multinational logging industry that threatened their land. Amongst other achievements, she succeeded in preventing the construction of the Agua Zarca dam and was awarded the Goldam environmental prize in 2015, before her untimely death just one year later. Her daughters and organisation have continued to fight for conservation issues in Honduras since Cáceres’ assasination, with one of the latest moves being Laura’s recent visit to Gran Canaria to publicise her mother's cause. The alleged perpetrators of the killing may now have been arrested, but many, including influential environmentalists, also want to call the intellectual mind behind the murder to
Laura Zúñiga at the reception hosted by Island President Antonio Morales, and the Councillor for International Solidarity, Carmelo Ramírez
account. Laura explained militantly, "There are thousands of people like my mother in Central America, protecting forests, rivers and mountains. They're fighting for humanity and our planet. We all have to be aware of and support this need for justice, so there will never be another murder like my mother's." She thanked the
Gran Canaria Island Council for being part of the international support that is so important to the Honduras. Her lectures aim to draw people's attention to the situation in her country and to increase international pressure on the Honduran government. Laura affirmed, "This is the only way to stop criminal organisations
that exploit the country and to actually punish perpetrators such as my mother's murderers. It is precisely in view of a new wave of violence that broke out in November of last year that the seriousness of the situation becomes clear. As people who believe in life and humanity, we must not n allow this to happen."
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CANARY ISLANDS
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 082
PROMOTION: Hotel Lilly
Where pets love to holiday Pet Hotel Lilly Angelica Duprée La Caleta de Interian Garachico Mobile 697 826 738 www.tierhotel-lilly.com Comfortable accommodation for dogs and cats and daily cuddles from Angelika The Agility wellness area for sports enthusiasts
What pet owner doesn't have a guilty conscience when they want to go away for Easter or summer holidays and don't know what to do about their beloved four-legged friend? If you leave your pet at the Tierhotel Lilly, you won't have this problem anymore, because with animal lover Angelika Duprée in charge, everyone is in the best of hands. This pet hotel in La Caleta near Garachico offers spaces for dogs of all sizes and even has a cat house with an outdoor enclosure and climbing tree. What more could a feline want? Even older animals or those who have to take medication regularly are cared for lovingly. If necessary, there is a veterinarian on hand who will also visit the animal hotel if needed. Angelika says "I've had dogs all my life and know how it feels when you leave them behind, especially if the ani-
Avocado thieves
Forbidden fruit As part of the rather whimsically named operation Guacamole, Guardia Civil officers based in La Palma have arrested two men from Los Llanos de Aridane for stealing avocados. The two 29-year-olds are said to have committed at least seven thefts from various farms in the borough during 2017 and early 2018. Another man is under investigation for attempted robbery. Stealing avocados sounds like a petty crime at first. But it’s quite serious when you take the volume of fruit stolen, as it quickly becomes clear that the legitimate owners are suffering considerable losses. The thieves sold their stolen avocados to fruit and vegetable traders by pretending to be the owners of the plantations. One of the men sold 2,100 kilos of avocados with a market value of €5,620. The second delivered 500 kilos to dealers for around €1,200. Of course, they could not provide proof of origin, which is why the ‘businessmen’ who bought the illegal goods will also be fined. The investigating officers discovered that the avocado vendors, who had sold at several locations in Los Llanos de Aridane, did not have any agricultural land and therefore concentrated their investigations on the two until there was sufficient evidence to charge them. The questioning of possible witnesses also helped to convict the suspects. In the course of the wave of thefts the officers intensified their surveillance of cultivated ‘fincas’. They discovered a third, 21-yearold, thief who had already prepared several bags of avocados for removal. When the police arrived he fled, but he has now been identified and is being processed Avocado theft sounds harmfor a possible charge of less, but the quantity makes the n difference attempted robbery.
The Drago and Land of the Rising Sun Cats love their accommodation A cheerful bunch of dogs enjoying their holidays
mals are already old and sick. I like to keep in touch with the owners, especially when I have new protégés. The regular clients don't need that, they leave calmly, because they know their pet is safe with me. And every animal guest, or rather his owner or mistress, gets a souvenir photo when it's time to say farewell."
The cosy wooden cottages offer four-legged guests a holiday home in which they feel comfortable. Each one has a clean bowl and a comfortable bed. The owners bring their own food so the animals don't have to get used to anything different. Dogs that get along well with others are allowed to let off steam together in
the large, fenced-in dog playground. Cats have their own separate enclosure with a wonderful climbing tree, which is equipped with small platforms where cats can feel safe, snooze in the sun and keep a feline eye on everything from above. If you have a dog and a cat and don't want to separate them during your holidays, they can even stay in a common room together. Angelika has been running the small but fine animal hotel for nine years and has made life easier for many owners. She also takes in animals by the hour, if an invitation requires a longer absence from home, over the weekend or during a short trip. In the meantime she has a regular clientele, who book the animal hotel early for their next vacations. If you are looking for a good place for your pet during the forthcoming holidays at Easter, Whitsun or in the summer, you should reserve your place in n good time.
Japanese documentary filmed in Icod
Purportedly one of the world’s oldest, Icod’s legendary dragon tree, known as the ‘Drago’, is currently starring in a travel documentary recently recorded by a Japanese film crew in Icod de los Vinos. The story of the almost mythological ‘tree of life’, whose sap was valued by the indigenous people as an ointment for wounds, will thus be transported to distant Japan. The report is expected to be broadcast in two months’ time on one of the country’s most popular channels, managed by the Japan News Network (JNN), which includes 28 television and 34 radio outlets. The documentary will reach millions of Japanese households and will certainly be a useful, not to mention free, advertising campaign for the town. Jannet Pérez, Councillor for Tourism, along with Icodtesa (the company that manages the Drago Park) said that, “This is a useful promotion and a great opportunity for us, especially as Icod de los Vinos is presented as a holiday destination”. n
The Japanese film team presents the mystical dragon tree to its viewers
22.2.2018 – 7.3.2018
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 815
PROMOTION
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CANARY ISLANDS
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 082
Union sounds alarm
Not enough cops!
Ana Belén murder
An agonising death Andrés Hermes Oval is to be charged with first degree murder after the brutal killing of his partner Ana Belén in August of last year. The 39-year-old is said to have savagely attacked Belén, two years his junior, administering a series of kicks, punches, bites and blows with a blunt object that left her with severe injuries. As well as several teeth being knocked out, there were wounds to her face, neck, chest, arms, skull and liver, as well as multiple fractures to the lumbar vertebrae, a tear in the liver with subsequent haemorrhage, a fracture of the thyroid gland cartilage, and damage to the upper respiratory tract through strangulation, amongst others. Belén died on August 4 in a squat in the Barranco Grande district of Santa Cruz, into which the couple had moved just one week before the deadly incident. They had only been together since May of the same year. The defendant had previously been convicted for domestic violence in 2016. The autopsy report proved that Ana Belén suffered a torturous ordeal before her death, as well as the fact that both she and Hermes had consumed a considerable amount of alcohol and drugs. The public prosecutor is requesting a 23-year prison sentence for Hermes, a term apparently balancing the severity of the act with the mitigating circumstances of being under the influence of narcotics. The trial is expected to begin later this year. The murder of Ana Belén was one of four cases of fatal domestic violence incidents in the Canary Islands last year. n
Fuerteventura water plan
Combating drought On the positive side, in Lanzarote the ratio of Local Police officers to inhabitants is almost ideal
The CCOO union recently warned of a current deficiency of 1,171 Local Police officers in the Canary Islands, needed to keep police stations in the majority of the boroughs open all year round. Presently, almost 60 per cent of the 86 police stations do not offer an overnight service. In the Eastern Province, the figure is better with the lesser figure of 38.2 per cent of its 34 police stations closed overnight, while the Western Province of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is in the worst position with 69 per cent of its 52 stations unmanned at that time. While just under half (48 per cent) of the stations in Tenerife are
on duty at night, the percentage in the small islands of La Gomera and El Hierro is so low that the union decided not to publish the exact figures for security reasons. Decree 75/2003 of May 12, 2003 set the minimum ratio of police officers to number of inhabitants in a borough at 1.8 per 1,000 inhabitants. If other factors such as tourism or high traffic density are added, as is the case here in the Canary Islands, there should be two police officers per thousand. The population of the Canary Islands has been growing since 2009, while at the same time the number of police officers has decreased by 308, despite
the additional tourism boom. In 2009, approximately 2.1 million people lived in the archipelago and 3,347 police officers took care of their security. In the last eight years, the number of inhabitants has officially increased by 4,129 people, but the number of police officers dropped to 3,039, over 300 fewer than in 2009. The ratio of 1.6 officers per one thousand inhabitants in 2009 decreased to a less than ideal average of 1.3 per thousand by the end of 2017. The worst ratio is to be found in La Gomera, where there are only 0.76 police officers per one thousand inhabitants. There are 1.03 officers per thousand
in El Hierro and 1.33 in La Palma. The situation in Lanzarote is the best and almost in line with the regulations, with a quota of 1.75. This is followed by Fuerteventura (1.53), Tenerife (1.52) and Gran Canaria (1.35). These considerations affect not only whether the Canary Islands population is adequately protected, but also the working conditions of the officers employed at understaffed police stations. Their tasks not only include dealing with criminal offences, but also with traffic accidents, storm protection and the organisation and monitoring of local festivals, n amongst others.
Fuerteventura Island Council has now completed work in the Barranco de Guisguey area, where a €500,000 project will collect rainwater and prevent it from flowing into the sea, taking precious topsoil with it. Part of a hydro-plan project to be augmented until 2020, the construction will slow the flow of water, giving it time to seep into underground aquifers, as well as prevent valuable earth and plant material from being washed away into the ocean. The walls of the Guisguey valley were fortified across a 4,350-metre-long stretch, and eight transverse hydro-elements and three sand traps installed. In order to achieve the target of twelve hectometres of rainwater entering the groundwater instead of flowing into the sea by 2020, similar water retention measures are planned for Jaifa’s barrancos as well as sand traps in Pozo Negro. The project was named Vertido Island President Marcial Morales and Cero, to mean that no drop of water nor Water Councillor Andrés Díaz Matoso valuable soil be lost inspecting the sand trap in the Barranco to the sea. n Guisguey
PROMOTION Carretera TF-65, 13 (in the roundabout) Los Abrigos
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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
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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
© GoogleMaps
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.
AMERICAN KITCHEN STEAKHOUSE
ot istr a
fettuccinabistrot.com
Bistrot Fettuccina
ITALIAN CUISINE RESTAURANT
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© GoogleMaps
CANARIAN KITCHEN RESTAURANT
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 815
d bodegonlasvistas
22.2.2018 – 7.3.2018
FOOD
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FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 082
Northern coastal super-view
By John Here is a really out of the way cafe that sports probably the best northern coastal view of Tenerife, looking over lush banana plantations of El Rincon towards Puerto de La Cruz, then onwards to Icod and far beyond, with the towering magnificence of El Teide brooding along the skyline off to one side. Reached down a long slip road off J31 of the TF5, passing through an enclave of mostly German uber-exclusive mansions, there is plenty of parking nearby, though turning in the narrow road is not for the faint hearted. But it is still worth it when one steps on to the stunning terrace, now protected by new awnings for sunny days. The food is no better than average, unless you go for their afternoon signature dish, which is an Austrian style deep apple cake
(served warm or cold, as you prefer) complete with a large dollop of cream and a scoop of good ice
cream, and hang the calories. €4.70 is not too much to pay for such a rich and filling delight.
Fresh fruit smoothies, redolent of the taste of all that fruit, are another good bet. I tried the
straight Mango one, and also the Berry Passion (Raspberry, Blueberry and Banana), both priced at a modest €3.50 each for a large bowl full. There is a good range of fruit cakes, sandwiches and salads, as well as a few hot dishes such as escalope of chicken and ham omelette. My German sausage salad (what a tough Teutonic skin!) with mixed leaves and bread managed to do what it said on the tin for €6.00, but content and presentation were never going to set the taste buds alight. But as I said, you don’t go there especially for the food; you go for the setting and the view,
anytime between 12 noon and sunset. You can even walk the marked trail out from Puerto. Those fitter than I can do it, I am informed, within 90 minutes, as witness the number of exhausted-looking couples sporting those strange poles which look eminently more suitable for cross-country skiing. Well worth the effort. n
Café Vista Paraiso Calle Vista Paraíso, 21, La Puntilla, Santa Cruz de Tenerife 922 30 06 12 Open: 11 am to 9 pm. Closed Mondays
22.2.2018 – 7.3.2018
MOTORING
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 815
Living the high life
Which is your dream car? Many of us have fantasies about driving or owning a different car. For some their desires will be simple - a better runner, more seats as the family grows, or maybe an upgrade to a newer, but still practical, model. Others, however, have their sights set high. After all, in our daydreams we can have whatever we like, so why set limits? In the latest review by TrackDays, a company which offers driving experiences, it was revealed that, for Brits at least, the Lamborghini Gallardo, favoured by celebrities such as David Beckham and Pierce Brosnan, is top of the wish list when it comes to supercars. Indeed, like the awesome power of the car itself, bookings for the Gallardo are off the scale compared to other popular models such as the Nissan GTR, Ferrari 360 and Aston Martin DB9, accounting for a fifth of all requests. Dan Jones, operations manager at TrackDays, said that the results were, “no surprise” and, commenting on the Gallardo, he added, “With as few as 14,000 models ever built, and with some models still costing more than €100,000, taking one for a blast around a race track is the closest that most of us will get to enjoy its awesome looks, performance and handling.” Fancy it? For more information visit www.trackdays.co.uk. n
TrackDays offer supercar experiences
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Hooray for Honda
Kick-starting the year in style Honda has just showcased its four eagerly anticipated new models at the Carole Nash MCN London Motorcycle Show, the first major international bike show of the year. Offering something for all tastes, the new long-distance, expedition-focused Africa Twin Adventure Sports heads the Honda pack, alongside the Neo Sports Café-styled CB1000R, its smaller sibling, the CB125R and, at the luxury, touring end of the scale, Honda’s all-new Gold Wing. Both the Africa Twin Adventure Sports and Gold Wing are fresh from global press launches, where MCN described the former, with its increased capacity fuel tank, throttle by wire, longer travel suspension and expanded torque control system, as a “mile-munching grand tourer” and “one of the most confidence-inspiring adventure bikes.” Meanwhile, the all-new, sharper, more compact, techloaded Gold Wing had praise heaped on it by Carole Nash, “Honda has raised the bar for luxury touring and discovery
Honda’s new Gold Wing is ‘king of the open road’ again
and it puts the Gold Wing fairly back on the mantle as king of the open road.” The CB1000R is sure to excite as well, delivering a 20 per cent power to weight ratio improve-
ment on its predecessor, alongside a package including multiple riding modes with different combinations of power and engine braking, Honda Selectable Torque Control and a state-
of-the-art throttle by wire engine management system. The CB1000R will sit alongside the CB125R, a bike for new riders that echoes the Neo Sports Café styling of the CB1000R. n
Certainly SEAT
Heading the table Seat, the only company that designs, develops, produces and markets cars in Spain, was recently awarded the title of ‘Most Improved Fleet’ in this year’s Fleet World Honours. Alex Grant, Editor of Fleet World, said, “Seat’s transformation of late is nothing short of incredible. It’s found its identity, launching desirable products in popular sectors and making the fleet a core part of the business.” The company has introduced several new models in the last 18 months, including the award-winning Arona, named after the south Tenerife municipality, as well as the Ateca SUVs and the New Ibiza hatchback. A member of the Volkswagen Group, Seat has its headquarters in Martorell, Barcelona, exporting 81 per cent of its vehicles, and is present in over 80 countries through a network of 1,700 dealerships.
The SEAT Arona, launched last year, is one of the company’s popular new models
The Seat Group employs more than 14,500 professionals at
its three production centres n around Spain.
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BUSINESS
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 082
Goya Lawyers
Frequent problems in community garages
Photo: Nick Cowie, Freeimages.com
Using the parking place as a storage area:
Community parking can be a source of conflict
Although normally the best way of avoiding rows in community garages is to apply common sense and use our parking place as we wish, without crossing the lines, bothering or affecting other users, frequently some questions come up over permitted behaviour and here are some of the most common.
Parking several vehicles in a single space: The Horizontal Property Law doesn’t cover this, so we have to look at the Community Statutes to see if it’s prohibited. If it isn’t expressly banned, there is nothing to stop it. Providing the parking place is sufficiently large
enough, you can park various vehicles in it, whether it’s two cars or a car and a motorbike, so long as none of them go over the limits of their parking place and don’t cause an obstruction for any of the other neighbours. You could also check the municipal licence of your borough to see if they have given permission for a specific number of vehicles or parking places. If the licence is for the number of parking places, there’s nothing you can do, however, if they mention the number of vehicles, there could be problems with the insurance and, for example, you won’t be covered in case of fire if someone is exceeding the licensed quota.
Using common areas to park:
On occasion, there are owners who use their parking spaces for storage (to put tins of paint, spare parts, furniture or whatever). The Horizontal Property Law doesn’t forbid this, although it isn’t the use for which the space was designated, so again you have to have recourse to your Community’s Statutes. If there is no explicit prohibition in place and they are not going outside the limits of their parking area, there is nothing to do against the owner, unless the products are inflammable, harmful or dangerous, in which case the Community can take legal action.
Install bicycle brackets or supports in the parking Another frequent problem is space: for individuals to use the common areas between the parking places to park small vehicles such as motorcycles or bikes, which isn’t allowed. What can you do? As it’s a private property, the borough tow-truck can’t take the vehicles away. You have to get agreement from the Community Owners’ Committee (Junta de Propietarios) that when someone parks in a common area, the Administration President (Presidente Administrador) is authorised to call a private tow truck (at the cost of the offending owner) to take the vehicle away to leave it correctly parked in the street.
Once again the Horizontal Property Law has nothing to say on this matter and the majority of the sentences in Spanish case law allow it, providing it doesn’t affect the security of the building, isn’t against the Community Statutes, doesn’t go outside the parking space limits and isn’t prejudicial to others. If in doubt, do not hesitate to get in touch with us and we will help you to the best of our ability. You can contact us via email at despacho@goyaabogados.com, or by calling 922 n 797 500.
Gran Canaria: a digital destination
Good connections and great cuisine In the age of the Internet, more and more people are working from home, or from a variety of locations as they pack up their portable offices and take advantage of not being tied to a particular desk. Many of these workers choose to spend at least some of their time abroad, with proximity to the sea an attractive magnet when picking a destination. Gran Canaria’s capital Las Palmas is already popular with this mobile group of employees and entrepreneurs, and recently received a boost to its ratings when it was described by Luis Roca Arencibia, in the Repsol Guide 2018, as the perfect holiday destination for these so-called ‘digital nomads’. As well as fast connection speeds and wide cover, the city offers a low cost of living, fantastic weather, stunning scenery, and a wide range of entertainments. The Guide highlights several aspects of Las Palmas, including the array of leisure activities and nightlife, high tolerance for sexual orientation, good level of safety, proximity to Europe, its enchanting Playa de Las Canteras beach with its many water sports options, and the ample range of opportunities for co-working - rented office spaces with Internet access, where freelancers can meet and be inspired by colleagues of all nationalities. Las Palmas is also recommended for those who like to travel slowly. It is one of 40 destinations in Spain which travellers who are in no hurry are recommended to visit. The report also highlights the Old Town of Vegueta, the International Cinema Festival, and the Festival de Jazz de Canarias as special enrichments. The restaurants Fuji and Qué Leche were menThis is how young people tioned as culinary tips. n live and work today
22.2.2018 – 7.3.2018
BUSINESS
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 815
23
Blevins Franks
UK inheritance tax to be simplified? By Paul Montague, Partner, Blevins Franks
If you struggle to navigate the UK’s Inheritance Tax (IHT) regime you are not alone Chancellor Philip Hammond has acknowledged that the rules are, “particularly complex” and asked for a review. UK IHT follows expatriates around the world, since it’s based on domicile rather than residence. While long-term expatriates can adopt a ‘domicile of choice’ outside the UK, this takes time and is a complex area, so specialist advice and careful planning are essential. If you do shed your UK domicile, only assets situated in the UK are liable to IHT. IHT is charged at 40 per cent on your total worldwide estate in excess of the current threshold of £325,000 (potentially £650,000 for a couple). A new Residential Nil Rate Band (RNRB) came into effect in April 2017: estates may be entitled to an ‘addi-
tional threshold’ before any IHT becomes due. Starting at £100,000 this tax year, it will increase by £25,000 each year until reaching £175,000 in 2020/21 (and then rise with inflation). It only applies to qualifying residential property left to direct descendants. Estates over £2 million receive a smaller allowance or nothing at all, depending on the value. Whilst a higher threshold is of course welcome, this new ‘family home allowance’ has added extra complications. It has also been criticised for discriminating against those who do not have children or property. The rules for lifetime gifts can be even more complex, with the annual exemption frozen at £3,000 since 1981. Now, Chancellor Philip Hammond has written to the Treasury’s Office of Tax Simplification (OTS): “Inheritance tax, and the system within which it operates, is particularly complex and I would like to request that the OTS carry out a review. I would be most interested to hear any proposals you
Too many families pay IHT that could have been mitigated with specialist knowledge and careful planning may have for simplification, to ensure that the system is fit for purpose and makes the experience of those who interact with it as smooth as possible.” For many tax practitioners and wealth management advisers, this review is long overdue.
Besides the taxation of gifts and the new RNRB, the IHT regime for trusts can be a minefield. It’s still early days, so we now have to wait and see, and hope, that the system will be improved. However, we need
to be realistic and not expect this review to result in much lower IHT bills. IHT is a good earner for the government – HM Treasury expects to raise £5.3 billion in 2017/18 and £6.5 billion by 2022/23.
All this illustrates the importance of taking professional advice for your estate planning. Make sure you are up to date on the rules, are navigating them correctly, and shielding your family from paying any more tax than necessary. Too many families pay IHT that could have been mitigated with specialist knowledge and careful planning. Don’t let this happen to your family. The tax rates, scope and reliefs may change. Any statements concerning taxation are based upon our understanding of current taxation laws and practices which are subject to change. Tax information has been summarised; an individual is advised to seek personalised advice. Blevins Franks provides 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
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FEBRUARY / MARCH
GRAN CANARIA DIARY DATES February 22 8.30pm: Chris Kase, Trumpet player from USA, Teatro Guiniguada, LPGC, €10. www.entrees.es February 23
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 082
free entry, Thursdays 11am – 2pm & 5pm – 7.15pm, other times by appointment. www. fcdp.es
8.30pm: Una vez más (Once more), contemporary dance, Teatro Victoria, Santa Cruz, from €8. www.tomaticket.es
Until May 27
March 1
Iluminando la ausencia (Illuminating absence), Paraguayan artist Claudia Casarino, 12 mixed media works with women as the theme, CAAM, LPGC, Tuesday to Saturday 10am – 9pm, Sundays 10am – 2pm, free entry. www.caam.net
9pm: Guiu Cortés, El Niño de La Hipoteca (The Mortgage Child), Spanish indie, Búho Club, La Laguna, €10 up front, €14 on the day. www. tomaticket.es March 1- 12
FEBRUARY / MARCH
8pm: Arie di Bravura, opera, Maspalomas Cultural Centre, Maspalomas, €10. www.entrees.es 8.30pm: City Dock Band with Kenneth Shearman, soul, funk, disco, CICCA, LPGC, €15. www.generaltickets.com
March 10 11am: Taller de jugos verdes, Green smoothie workshop and healthy cuisine tips, Finca La Alegría de la Huerta, La Alegría, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, €15. www.tomaticket.es 7.30pm: The Original Wailers featuring Al Anderson, reggae, tribute to Bob Marley and the Wailers, warm-up and post-concert party with Javadub and DJ Shera, The Ocean Club, Santa Cruz, €15 in advance or €18 on the day. www.tomaticket.es 9pm: Fred Wesley Trio, USA Jazz and funk trombonist, Teatro Leal, La Laguna, from €15. www.entrees.es
TENERIFE
10pm: Viva Suecia, Spanish indie/progressive rock, Aguere Espacio Cultural, La Laguna, €12 in advance or €15 on the day. www.tomaticket. es
DIARY DATES
February 25
Until the end of February
7.30pm: Todo Sobre Almodóvar (Everything about Almodóvar), compositions from films by renowned director Pedro Almodóvar, Teatro Guiniguada, LPGC, €1. www.entrees.es
Arona Son Atlántico, environmental marine festival, talks, exhibitions, diving sessions, workshops, music and more. www.sonatlanticofestival.com
7.30pm: Dayna Kurtz, USA singer, jazz, folk, pop and blues, Teatro Leal, La Laguna, from €8. www.entrees.es
March 2 - 11
February 22
Until further notice
4pm - 10pm: Food and crafts market, over 30 stalls, Plaza de La Pescadora, Los Cristianos, free event. www.arona.org
Open air cinema at the Magma Centre, Adeje, from €4 for residents, many films in the original language. www.openaircinematenerife.es
8pm: Maresía Trío, classical music, Beethoven, Brahms and Shostakovich, Paraninfo, La Laguna University, from €8. www.tomaticket.es 8.30pm: Canarian folk music, Plaza de La Pescadora, Los Cristianos, free event. www. arona.org February 22 - March 4
March 11
Los Cristianos Carnival, theme is pirates. www. arona.org March 2 9pm: Ruts & La Isla Music, reggae band and diffusion project, headed by female singer Ruts, Teatro Leal, La Laguna, from €8. www. entrees.es
Los Gigantes Carnival, theme is Fantasy. www. santiagodelteide.es
March 3 7.30pm: Flamenco show, Nuevo Teatro Viejo, Arucas, €10. www.tomaticket.es 9pm: Guiu Cortés, El Niño de La Hipoteca (The Mortgage Child), Spanish indie, The Paper Club, LPGC, from €10. www.tomaticket.es March 3 & 4 Gastronomy fair, tastings, games, music, various streets around the town’s old quarter, Vega de San Mateo. www.vegadesanmateo.es March 9 8.30pm: Dayna Kurtz, USA singer, jazz, folk and blues, CICCA, LPGC, €20. www.generaltickets.com 9pm: Fred Wesley Trio, USA Jazz and funk trombonist, Teatro Juan Ramón Jiménez, Telde, from €15. www.entrees.es
EXHIBITIONS Until March 1 Personas (People), contemporary art, Fundación Canaria Para el Desarrollo de la Pintura, LPGC,
Events for specific groups, families, seniors, women, etc. Activate Sports Club. www.tenerifeactivate.com
EXHIBITIONS Until May 6
8pm: Mayte Martín, Spanish pop, Espacio Cultural Cajacanarias, Santa Cruz, €12. www. entrees.es
Contra la piel (Against skin), multimedia, artists Cristóbal Tabares, Valle Galera, Rubén H. Bermúdez and Gabriela Bettini explore how conflict shapes us as people, TEA Tenerife Espacio de las Artes, Santa Cruz, free entry, Tuesdays to Sundays, 10am - 8pm. www.teatenerife.es
8.30pm: Syntagma in concert, Spanish pop, Búho Club, La Laguna, €3. www.tomaticket.es
Until May 13
February 23
Maspalomas carnival, theme is medieval times. www.maspalomas.com
Every Saturday morning
8.30pm: De la Atlántida a Canarias (From Atlantis to the Canaries), audiovisual show by pianist Diego Expósito, photographer Sergio Hanquet 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 24 8.30pm: Una vez más (Once more), contemporary dance, Teatro Victoria, Santa Cruz, from €8. www.tomaticket.es 8.30pm: Muriel Sarda, acoustic guitar, Búho Club, La Laguna, €6. www.tomaticket.es. 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 February 25 5.30pm: Sunday Soul Carvery with entertainment from Willy Ray ‘Prince of Soul’, Restaurant El Corazon, Chayofa, Carvery 5.30pm - 9.30pm, entertainment 9pm onwards, bookings on 922 729 093
9pm: Guiu Cortés, El Niño de La Hipoteca (The Mortgage Child), Spanish indie, Búho Club, La Laguna, €10 up front, €14 on the day. www. tomaticket.es
La ciudad sumergida (The sunken city) by Aube Elléouët-Breton, French artist, daughter of André Breton, ‘the founder of Surrealism’ and artist Jaqueline Lamba, more than 500 works, TEA Tenerife Espacio de las Artes, Santa Cruz, free entry, Tuesdays to Sundays, 10am - 8pm. www.teatenerife.es
11pm: Holy Bouncer, heavy rock, Lone Star, Santa Cruz, €5. www.entradium.com
Until further notice
11pm: OnoFreeFadar, Spanish indie, Café Quilombo, La Orotava, €6. www.cafequilombo. com March 4 10am – 2pm: Mercado ArteSano, crafts, culture and local agricultural produce, San Juan de la Rambla. www.sanjuandelarambla.es 7.30pm: Cuarteto Capriccio, chamber music, Ábaco Mansión Canaria, Puerto de La Cruz, €10. 922 370 107 / 922 374 811 March 9 8.30pm: Marta Solís, Canarian pop/rock singer, Espacio Cultural La Pirámide, El Sauzal, €9. www.tomaticket.es 8.30pm: Katia Guerreiro, Fado Festival, Portuguese music, Teatro Leal, La Laguna, tickets on sale soon. www.teatroleal.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 Until further notice Disponibilidad Limitada (Limited availability), collection of conceptual paintings by David Ferrer, TEA Tenerife Espacio de las Artes, Santa Cruz, free entry, Tuesdays to Sundays, 10am - 8pm. www.teatenerife.es
For regular church, charity and recreational events, please see:
22.2.2018 – 7.3.2018
SPIN NEWS
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 815
Rockin’ to roots
Reggae girl power Reggae fans are in for a treat on March 2 when Ruts & La Isla Music take to the stage in La Laguna. Headed by female singer Ruts, the diffusion project and group of musicians have been showing that women can make it in the reggae field for well over 15 years. Energetic and expressive, Ruts has taken her mesmerising musical mix to top European festivals such as Womad, Mumes, Rototom and Sunsplash, as well as touring around the Islands and Spain on a regular basis. In addition, Ruts and her band have played with the likes of Brinsley Forde, previously from the band Aswad, Junior Marvin (guitarist for Bob Marley) and Earl Sixteen, as well as supporting the UK’s very own UB40 during their last visit to Tenerife. Their exciting repertoire includes influences from rocksteady, ska, dub, soul and world music, woven round a traditional reggae base to create a modern and potent sound. Overseen by Toby Nambur, renowned German reggae musician and producer, Ruts’ brand new album, called Flor de Invierno (Winter’s flower), is a vibrant and soul cheering offering. Hear it at the Teatro Leal starting 9pm. Tickets n start at €8 and can be bought via www.entrees.es.
25
Oscar-winning musician
Drexler does it again Multi-talented musician and composer Jorge Drexler will return to Tenerife on March 15. Drexler’s combination of traditional music from his Uruguayan roots fused with bossa nova, jazz and electronic beats created a Latin pop sound which is unique to the performer, but his accomplishments also include being an actor and, surprisingly, a medical doctor with a speciality in otolaryngology (the study of ear, nose and throat conditions). With a precocious musical talent from early on, the young Drexler began learning piano at five years old, moving on to guitar and composition classes shortly afterwards. In early adulthood, he pursued a career in medicine at the same time as continuing his interest in music, releasing two albums, La luz que sabe robar (The light that knows how to steal, 1992) and Radar, 1994. During the same decade, Drexler became acquainted with
renowned Spanish musician Joaquín Sabina and was invited to Madrid, where he recorded his third studio album, Vaivén. He eventually made Spain his home, since when he has continued to release regular collections, including one of his most successful discs to date, Amar la Trama (Love the weave, 2010), which peaked at number five in the Spanish album chart and received four
Grammy Nominations, not to mention top marks in Rolling Stone magazine. Amongst further achievements, Drexler scored the soundtrack for the 2007 American drama film The City of Your Final Destination and in 2005 penned the song Al Otro lado del Río for The Motorcycle Diaries, which won an Academy Award for Best Original Song, the first Spanish composition to be
named as such and only the second foreign language song. Following on from his continued success with his 2014 album Bailar en la Cueva (Dance in the cave), which pocketed him a couple of Latin Grammy Awards, his latest release, Salvavidas de Hielo (Ice Lifejacket) is rammed full of his usual insightful lyrics and moving melodies, with a wonderful percussive thread through the titles, generated by an array of instruments and unexpected accessories. A fabulous opportunity to see one of the greats in action, the concert begins at 9pm and will take place at the Infanta Leonor Auditorium, Los Cristianos. Tickets start at €20 and are available from the town’s cultural centre Monday to Friday 9am to 2pm, from the auditorium ticket office two hours prior to the show (up to 15 minutes before the show starts), or by visiting www.arona.org. n
which includes jazz classics, world fusion, and many of their own compositions. The concert is scheduled to begin at 9pm at the Teatro Leal. Tickets start at €15 and can be bought from the theatre ticket box, Monday to
Saturday, 11am to 1pm and 6pm to 8pm or by visiting www. teatroleal.com. The trio will also play the Teatro Juan Ramón Jiménez, in Telde, Gran Canaria, on March 9 starting 9pm. See www.entrees.es n for tickets.
Jazz greats
Trombone triumph
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American jazz and funk trombonist Fred Wesley will be playing La Laguna on March 10. During the 1960s and 70s Wesley was a key member of James Brown’s bands, providing the cheeky trumpet on many of Brown’s hits, such as Say it Loud - I’m Black and I’m Proud, as well as co-writing several tunes and directing the J.B.’s until he left in 1975. After several years with George Clinton’s various Parliament-Funkadelic projects, Wesley was finally noticed as the great musician he is when he joined the Count Basie Orchestra in 1978. Many hit albums, coalitions with stars such Ray Charles,
Randy Crawford and Van Morrison, as well as successful tours and solo projects later, in 1996 he formed his own band, presently known as Fred Wesley and the New JBs. His current project and tour, called Generations, sees Wesley play in an exciting trio. The oldest, at 71 years of age, Wesley is supported by 44-year-old French drummer Tony Match and 23-year-old Italian Leonardo Corradi, currently considered the best Hammond B3 instrumentalist in the world. Joined together via their love of jazz, the three generations of musicians are presently touring with their latest repertoire,
26
FASHION & BEAUTY
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 082
A new look for spring It's hard to believe the cold winter in the Canary Islands this year - with snow, wind and ice included! But now we’re looking forward to the warmer season even more and thus to the new spring fashions. The most feminine of all fashionable pieces, the dress, is right in the limelight. The new range of summer dresses extends from elegant and extravagant to casual, and the choice of colours is at least as great as the variety of cuts: bright lime green, vivacious red and delicate pastels - whatever pleases and suits the wearer is allowed. This spring, you don't have to limit yourself to one dress. After all, why should you? n
1 2 3 4
1. Casual and feminine: the simple dress with short sleeves. From Betty Barclay 2. It’s trendy and great for cooler days: the dress worn with jeans. From H! By Henry Holland 3. Elegant linen look, spaghetti straps and delicate natural colours - the ideal dress for casual moments. From Primark 4. Dress with matching tunic in a trendy lime tone. From Colmers Hill Fashion 5. It looks like a sleeveless blazer - but it’s a dress. Star by Julian Macdonald at Debenhams 6. A delicate blue print conveys a touch of girlish romance. From George at Asda 7. A classic is back again: the shirt dress, this time in a casual line and a clear green tone. From Vera Mont 8. Large-format flowers on a cream-coloured background adorn this classic wrap dress 9. Two in one: This sleeveless model gives the impression of an under- and over dress. From Marks & Spencer
5 6
22.2.2018 – 7.3.2018
FASHION & BEAUTY
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 815
7 8
9
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HEALTH
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FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 082
Still always weighing?
Don’t believe the scales By Debbie Gilbey
Weighing yourself can be deceiving, but the measuring tape will tell you the truth
coupled with copious amounts of wine, champagne and cake is not a usual occurrence. Yet over the course of the weekend I was set to indulge. On returning to ‘reality’ I switched back to my regular
life of eating five to six balanced meals a day, with the odd cheat food or glass of wine when the mood hit me. Within three days I was completely back to normal, without embarking on any food or
calorie restrictions nor doing additional exercise to my normal routine. When most people return from a celebration or holiday they will find that their weight has also crept up radically. Yet
without the girth measurements, it is quite difficult to determine if this is ‘real’ weight gain or just a result of excess fluid retention. Generally, you know this weight gain will be a very temporary thing,
Pedro Alegre Alonso Pilates trainer ä Physiotherapist ä
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Tel. 699 521 649
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©2014 FLN
Towards the end of last year I wrote about the issues of constantly weighing yourself versus measurement tracking as a manner of assessing progress. I took this one step further around my birthday weekend to prove a point. Before I went away for the weekend, knowing I was going to indulge in all the food and drink, my weight was 54.5kg. Just 48 hours later, the scales told me that I was 57.4kg. Meanwhile my waist measurement increased from 66.5cm to 67cm, which is fairly negligible amount as this measurement can fluctuate during the day depending on food / water / time of month / random bloating etc. But a whopping gain of three kilos in a very short amount of time. Had I really gained that much? No! This was ‘water weight’. In my normal daily life, two and three courses per meal,
but it is extremely important to remember not to suddenly starve yourself or begin a dramatic diet. By switching back to your normal eating habits, the excess will disappear fairly rapidly. When dining out (far more often than usual), please remember that the food will probably contain a lot more salt than your body is used to. A high sodium intake causes your body to retain more liquid than usual and contributes towards bloating. Coupled with the extra salt, remembering to drink a lot of water seems to slip people’s minds. As contradictory as it may sound, the number one way to combat water retention is by increasing how much water you consume. This helps restore equilibrium within the body. For more information about health and fitness, please contact Debbie via www.fitness n withdebbie.com
22.2.2018 – 7.3.2018
HEALTH
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 815
29
Health
Winter skincare the outside of our bodies. The skin is the largest organ in the human body. It is a perfectly designed membrane that is made up of several layers which protect the organism and look
which are exposed, the hands and face and in particular the lips and cheeks. Some of the most habitual symptoms are dryness, scaly patches, signs of premature aging, redness and even
In the general population the brusque changes going from a warm interior to a cold exterior and vice versa make the warmth dilate the capillaries and the cold contract them.
Photo: Benjamin Earwicker, Freeimages.com
For those who hadn’t noticed, meteorologists tell us that January in the Canaries has been a chilly month, registering the coldest minimum temperatures since 1969 in Fuerteventura.
Your skin needs moisturising in winter too!
• Make sure your body is properly hydrated with enough daily liquid intake, even though you don’t tend to feel as thirsty as you do in the summer. Eat fruit rich in vitamin C and antioxidants which help regeneration of the skin.
colder months a sun-protection factor is recommended in the creams you use. • Wrap up well but not too tightly and with natural materials like cotton and wool, which breathe but still keep the body heat in. Don’t
• When washing or showering, avoid using very hot water and use gels and soaps that respect the chemical structure of your skin. • Pay extra attention to the bits of you that are most exposed: your hands, face and lips, using specific products made for the purpose and adapted to each type of skin – that means you too gentlemen! And even in the
whack up the heat at home to above 22 degrees, and if you use central heating, electric or gas fires etc, use humidifiers. A simple dish of water placed somewhere safe above the heat source will suffice. With a little extra care over the winter, your skin will be radiant and glowing with health, to face the more uncovered and n warmer months ahead.
after it in the cold: it goes further than mere aesthetics. Of course, not everyone has the same type of skin and therefore the cold weather will affect each person differently. In general, the parts of the body that are affected most are those
small superficial lesions. On the face, the ruddiness can be in the form of patches or the red, socalled spider veins.
Why does the cold affect your skin?
DENTAL IMPLANT SPECIALISTS GOLF DEL SUR Fairway Village 1st VISIT FREE
www.clinica-dental-tenerifesur.com
Photo: Julia Freeman-Wolper, Freeimages.com
One thing that never ceases to amuse our visitors is how they wander around in shorts, flip flops and t-shirts, whilst the locals don sweaters, warm trousers and boots. After all, for anyone from northern Europe for example, our winter temperatures are quite mild. As in everything though, it all depends on what you’re used to, and just because it isn’t as cold here doesn’t mean we can ignore important aspects of winter health care such as looking after our skin. This is particularly true for people with diabetes and especially those with circulation problems. The cold weather doesn’t only bring on colds and coughs, but the temperature, and the sometimes biting wind which often comes with it, will also affect
Photo: Shadman Ahmed, Freeimages.com
Wrap up warm in natural fibres
Your hands need extra protection Chapped lips are unattractive and can be painful
During this process the supply to the skin of oxygen and nutrients is interrupted throughout the various layers and the cold inhibits secretions from the sebaceous glands which help keep the skin properly hydrated. For those with diabetes, when the sugar levels are high the body loses liquid, making the skin drier and making superficial lesions more probable, which increases the likelihood of infection.
What to do? Your skin protects you, the least you can do is protect it!
IF YOU HAVE A FEAR OF THE DENTIST, we want you to know that YOU ARE NOT ALONE – and that THERE’S HELP. Please don’t hesitate to CONTACT US at info@clinica-dental-tenerifesur.com or at +34 922.737.838 if you want to make the NEXT STEP towards a NEW-ANDIMPROVED SMILE.
Our Team is extremely experienced in all DENTAL TREAMENTS offering you several personalized options. Our goal is to provide you a welcoming environment that is free of ANXIETY and PAIN.
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PETS
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 082
ADOPT, DON’T BUY
ADOPTION
Animal charities’ round up Cats Welfare Cats can make people feel good, stay well, and improve health. It only takes a few minutes with a cat to feel calmer and less stressed. Your body actually goes through physical changes that alter mood during that time. For instance, levels of the stress hormone cortisol lower, and the ‘feel-good’ chemical serotonin is boosted. There may even be benefits for the heart. In a 20-year study, people who never owned a cat were 40 per cent more likely to die of a heart attack than those who had. Overall, cat owners are less likely to die of any cardiac disease, including heart failure. No one loves you more unconditionally than your pet. Your cat will listen to you talk for as long as you want to and can even help with depression, possibly partly due to the effects having a cat around can have on a person’s circulation. But researchers think that cats may have a more calming effect on their owners than other animals do. Yet, pet allergies are one of the most common triggers of asthma, but researchers have studied the effects of having cats in the homes of babies at risk for asthma. They found that those children were actually less likely to develop asthma as they got older. Adoptions Please consider adopting from us. All of our cats go on a week’s trial in your home so you can be sure you’ve made the right decision. 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 at www.cats-welfare-tenerife.com or ring/whatsapp 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 Our shop is our main source of income and incredibly important for us for raising funds, so we always need good quality/condition items donated, as well as happy customers in the shop! Find it on San Blas in Golf del Sur (behind Hiperdino), open seven days a week, 10am until 6pm. If you don’t have transport or have large bulky items to donate you can ring Mark on 636 590 557 to arrange collection. Or maybe you would you like to help in the shop? It’s a great way to meet new friends and support the local community at the same time.
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.
Acción del Sol
K9
We are always grateful to our resident vets for their hard work and dedication to the dogs at the refuge. Many dogs arrive in extremely bad conditions and some with serious injuries that need immediate treatment like this poor dog pictured here that arrived with a broken leg. He is on the mend but we would like to find him a foster home where he will be looked after until he is fit and well enough to be adopted. We provide his food and medical expenses. If you think you could help then please do call us on the number below. 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 and is fully inoculated, micro chipped, castrated and has a passport. There are no adoption fees but donations are welcomed towards the upkeep and running of the refuge. 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
By July the lovely Auto will have been at the K9 refuge for 10 years, since he was cruelly abandoned on the TF1 motorway as a puppy. Heidi has been here for six years this summer. Of the several hundred guys brought into the refuge over many years, 11 have been at the kennels prior to January 2016. We very much hope that this, our 25th Anniversary year, will also be a very special year for these 11 guys in particular, so good luck to Auto, Heidi, Enzo, Julie, Cuthbert, Cho, Luna, RJ, Hans, Charley and Linda. In 2016 a total of 157 dogs and puppies were admitted into the kennels. It’s a fantastic achievement by Hazel and her brilliant team of loyal, hardworking helpers, both here in Tenerife and overseas, that of those 157, 148 of them have left the refuge for better lives elsewhere. During 2017, 186 dogs and puppies arrived at the refuge. We very much hope that 2018 is a fruitful year for all the volunteer animal charities in Tenerife. The committee of K9 would like to thank every one of our volunteers and supporters for their continued concern. In whatever capacity you help, we are very grateful. A very big “thank you” from all the fourlegged guys at the K9 refuge.
Please pick Peka
This chap arrived at the Acción del Sol refuge with a broken leg and is looking for a foster home to recuperate in. Food and medical expenses are provided
Shop till you drop Visit our shop at Alcalá Plaza, every day from 10am to 2pm. Donations of quality household goods, clothes, books, shoes or other items 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. There are always lots of bargains to be had and our volunteers will make you n very welcome.
Peka is one of Cats Welfare’s adult cats that has been waiting a very long time to be chosen for adoption. She has a lovable personality and gentle nature and is playful and full of fun but also happy to catnap while you go to work etc. Peka would be able to travel with her passport to her new home in the UK if necessary so there are plenty of options for Peka to find her forever home. Contact Cats Welfare on 662 524 006 to arrange to meet Peka and for details. n
22.2.2018 – 7.3.2018
PROMOTION
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 815
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DIRECT TELECOM POOL LEAGUE
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 082
Scotland win again! That could have been the fanfare for a home collapse, but the Tenerife lads found some spirit. They took four of the next five frames and at the end of the first round of singles matches it was all square. The finale saw the captains pick their ten best players and it was here that Scotland showed their class. Needing six frames to lift the new trophy, they again started well. With the first three frames in the bag they had a swag-
Scores Division One
Scotland Winners
The 11th annual Direct Telecom Pool League challenge with the Scotland raiding party was another monster success. Tenerife has only tasted victory once, and they are still trying to work out how they didn’t make that twice last week. They were always in control in the opening night’s action at Palms Bar in San Eugenio Alto. This format of pool lends itself to a degree of caution and the hosts showed control throughout. They avoided the
‘Holywood Hits’ and were value for their three point lead. This calm confidence was replicated on night two again at Palms Bar. Even a rare section of Scottish Doubles didn’t faze the Tenerife lads as they again won by three points. If it weren’t for a couple of moments of bad luck that margin could, and maybe should have been bigger. So with a healthy six-point lead going into the final afternoon at the Terrace Bar in Amarilla Golf,
Tenerife were strong favourites. However, not for the first time in these encounters, Scotland came roaring back. They took the first four frames to give the hosts the jitters. Suddenly easy pots were being missed and instead of seizing frames, the Tenerife team seemed to try not to lose rather than win. It was a fatal mindset. Scotland continued their fine start to take eight of the first nine frames and steal the lead for the first time in the contest.
Dreamers 7 5 Palms Elite Gaffers A 9 3 Terrace Originals James Hammers C 8 4 Phoenix Potters Gaffers A 10 - 2 Dreamers James Hammers C 9 3 Terrace Subs Phoenix Potters 5 7 Exiles A Pool Centre 7 5 Palms Elite Terrace Originals 3 9 Blue Water Bar Treehouse A 6 6 Gaffers B
Scores Division Two Bluebell B 12 0 Treehouse B Hoppys 5 - 7 Yates Bar Palms Rebels 9 3 Picasso’s B Picasso’s A 7 5 Bluebell A
ger and even though Tenerife grabbed a few back the visitors had plenty left in the tank. It was a bitter pill for the Tenerife team to swallow. On the domestic front the Divisional Cup finals saw two one-sided affairs. The Division One Final looked close on paper however, that’s not how it panned out. Tenerife Hammers A have had a poor season by their standards, but they swept Pool Centre away
in some style. Meanwhile the Yate’s Bar boys are probably still celebrating after defeating Picassos B 7:1. In the league there is still all to play for in both divisions. There are still four teams chasing 2nd and 3rd in Division One while the race to avoid the wooden spoon looks like going to the wire. In Division Two Palms Rebels will hope to wrap up the title before the n next edition is out!
Division 1 POS 1 Gaffers A 2 Pool Centre 3 Blue Water Bar 4 Palms Elite 5 Dreamers 6 Treehouse A 7 Tenerife Hammers A 8 Gaffers B 9 James Hammers C 10 Exiles A 11 Phoenix Potters 12 Terrace Originals 13 Terrace Subs
P W D L F A +- PTS 21 19 1 1 181 71 110 58 22 11 6 5 136 128 8 39 23 9 11 3 150 126 24 38 21 10 5 6 142 110 32 35 20 10 4 6 131 109 22 34 22 8 8 6 136 128 8 32 21 9 4 8 128 124 4 31 21 9 4 8 126 126 0 31 22 9 3 10 128 136 -8 30 20 8 4 8 116 124 -8 28 21 3 2 16 93 159 -66 11 22 1 7 14 108 156 -48 10 22 1 5 16 93 171 -78 8
Division 2 POS 1 Palms Rebels 2 Yates Bar 3 Bluebell A 4 Bluebell B 5 Hoppys 6 Picasso’s B 7 Exiles B 8 Treehouse B 9 Picasso’s A
P W D L F A +- PTS 21 13 3 5 142 110 32 42 21 11 4 6 145 107 38 37 21 11 3 7 133 119 14 36 20 10 3 7 133 107 26 33 22 9 6 7 141 123 18 33 21 9 3 9 132 120 12 30 22 6 3 13 120 144 -24 21 21 6 2 13 95 157 -62 20 21 4 5 12 99 153 -54 17
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22.2.2018 – 7.3.2018
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 815
PROMOTION
33
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SPORTS
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 082
Guayre Extreme
Dirty sport in Gran Canaria The women gave it everything as well
That’s what happy winners look like after a tough competition
With a new record of 676 athletes, the 5th annual Energy Drink Guayre Extreme obstacle race surpassed the previous year's attendance by about 300 athletes. Most of the runners, namely 544 of them, chose the 9km Bentayga distance or the shorter runs through the town and Finca de Osoria. But 132 athletes also faced the 13.5km challenge to the Roque Nublo with 33 hurdles and obstacles. In addition to the sporting tasks, a few meteorological inconveniences were added this year, as it was raining and cold and the ground very slippery. Nevertheless, most of the athletes happily made it to the finish line, and were cheered on and applauded heartily by
Competitors face various challenges
the spectators. If you look at the pictures, you can clearly
see that this competition was n a 'really dirty story'!
Gran Canaria judo
National success for local judokas The Telde councillor for sports, Diego Ojeda congratulated the two clubs Las Nieves Akari and CD Lila for the great successes achieved by the local heroes on the second weekend of February in Seville at the Copa de España. The two clubs brought a total of ten medals home to Gran Canaria. These medals are of immense importance because they qualify the holders to enter the Spanish Championships which will be held on May 18 and 19 in Gran Canaria. The members of Las Nieves-Akari club came home with three medals. Cadet Zuleima Falcón won the gold medal, competing in four contests with maximum points and at the same time qualifying for the elite junior national team. She will form part of the national team at the European Cup in Fuengirola. Carolina Rivero, who cur-
rently leads the Spanish ranking list, qualified directly for the Elite Junior Championship. Two bronze medals were awarded to Lian Gutiérrez and Álvaro Fernández and they have now also qualified for the Spanish championships. Competitors Lian Gutiérrez, Zuleima Falcón, Abraham Ramos, Aday Torres and Álvaro Fernández are certain to make it into the final of the Spanish Cup, which will be held in Madrid in March, after their successful matches against opponents from Andalusia, Extremadura, Castilla la Mancha and Ceuta y Melilla. The adult competitors from Telde will also play a leading role throughout Spain. They returned with seven medals from the Spanish Seniors’ Cup. As expected, a gold medal was won by the famous Alfonso Cabral, four silver medals went to Ángel, Alex, Fran and Pepe
Three bright, up-and-coming youngsters from the Telde Judo School
as well as two bronze medals to Víctor and Chano. With these triumphs they proved that they belong to the Spanish elite. Councillor Ojeda praised them saying, "That makes us very proud. Above all, because we know how many others these successes affect and that's why we congratulate them doubly: For their great sporting and social achievement, and also for the example they set to all those who have just begun or are already training hard to foln low in their footsteps."
Fuerteventura water sports
20th Kayak Island Tour
Anyone who has always wanted to try kayaking alone, or with friends around the island of Fuerteventura, now has the opportunity to do so. The Island Council sports department is offering twelve participants the opportunity to join a course to prepare themselves for this adventure. The course will be held at the Puerto del Rosario Nautical Club on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 4pm to 6pm. Newcomers to this sport can learn everything about technique, manoeuvring, orientation, crossing, safety and above all respect for the ocean. Interested parties can register via the website www.cabildofuer.es. The 20th Kayak Island Tour will take place from August 18 to 25, 2018. The one-week circumnavigation is organised in daily stages with overnight stays at different spots along the coast of the island, and participants will also be able to see some of the island’s attractions from the sea. This tour does not have a competitive character, but is primarily about the sporting challenge, the spirit of companionship and the close-up nature experience. n
22.2.2018 – 7.3.2018
FOOTBALL
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 815
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CD Tenerife
Five Star Blanquiazules run riot 11/02/2018 CD Tenerife 5:1 Córdoba With the Santa Cruz Carnival in full swing the spirit on the streets spread into the stadium with hundreds of fans in fancy dress, including a Córdoba CF side who came loosely disguised as footballers. Having said that, nothing should be taken away from this five star performance by Tenerife on manager Joseba Etxeberría’s debut. The team look better balanced with the new winter signings Luis Milla and Álex Mula enjoying excellent games. A prematch Carnival fanzone was attended by bands, murgas (Carnaval Choirs), with one group of supporters dressed as mop heads. Needless to say they ‘cleaned-up’ all the awards for originality! Tenerife came flying out of the traps and they were soon in the lead, a sweet half volley by Juan Villar. It is great to see him back after a stopstart season due to injury. Córdoba are fighting for their 2nd division survival, another ex-La Liga side not too long ago, having spent badly on their desire to return to top flight football. On twenty minutes the visitors were level, a neat finish by Sergi Guardiola. A deserved equaliser as the blanquiazules had taken their foot off the pedal after their blistering start. Córdoba smelt blood and thankfully Dani in goal was in fine form with two key saves. Just before the break however Serbian Malbasic restored the lead for Tenerife and little did we know how good the second half was going to be. Even the introduction of ex-Arsenal man
José Reyes and popular ex-Tenerife player Alfaro by Córdoba could not stop a rampant Tenerife side. On 57 minutes Tenerife were awarded a penalty, now this is normally a positive event for most sides but Tenerife have only scored three out of seven awarded to them this season! Juan Villar looked confident, he grabbed the ball but his shot was saved. This time however Casadesús was first to the rebound and smashed the ball home to make it 3-1. As the visitors went for broke it left plenty of space at the back and this suited Tenerife’s style of play. Juan Villar made up for his penalty miss by scoring the fourth goal on 67 minutes before Casadesús made it 5-1 on 82 minutes and the rout was complete. A great start for Etxeberría but he knows that a lot of tougher games lie ahead for Tenerife in the coming weeks. 17/02/2018 Alcorcón 1:1 CD Tenerife The spirits of this cold grey Madrid suburb were lifted briefly with the arrival of visiting Tenerife fans, many of them in Carnival wigs and costumes. Despite the distances involved in travelling to any away match to the mainland with flights and hotels to pay for (and the fact that the Spanish League do not confirm matchdays or times until just a few weeks before) it’s good to see at least some fans at every single away game. The club appreciate this and whenever possible they will provide free match tickets to any travelling fan. There are currently two official fan clubs based in the main-
Juan Villar makes a welcome return from injury
land, one in Barcelona and the other in Madrid, mainly made up of Canarian exiles and students. Also fairly often supporters travel from the UK to follow the team. If you go to the players hotel before the game they are welcoming and if you are wearing colours they come up to you to chat. Players like Suso and Raúl Cámara are a credit to the club in this sense, they enquire if you have match tickets sorted as well as your plans. The only players that speak good English are Italian Samuele Longo and Serbian Malbasic. Suso is also bi-lingual after his spell in Edinburgh with Hearts. Back to
the match and the start could have not have been much better for Tenerife. Samuele Longo returning after six weeks out through injury scored from the penalty spot after just three minutes. Yes, we actually scored a penalty. Alcorcón at home are no pushovers and they came fighting back. On the half an hour mark they won the softest penalty you will ever see. They duly converted to equalise. The remainder of the game was scrappy with few chances created. Alcorcón dominated but their chances were well dealt with by Dani in the Tenerife goal.
New manager Etxeberría realises that he has plenty of work to do with the CD Tenerife away performances. This was a good point gained at a difficult venue but if we are to make a late bid for the play-offs we will need to start winning away. Next up for Tenerife is another tricky game against Lugo February 25 in Santa Cruz at 7pm. With a win, Lugo will return to the play-off zone, they have enjoyed a superb season for their standards. However it is quite simple for Tenerife, only a win will be enough to cut the gap with the top six so it should n make for a good game.
The mopheads cleaned their own seats before the game
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HOROSCOPES | CLASSIFIEDS
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 082
Horoscope for period: February 22 to March 7 Aries 21.03 - 20.04 Romance is at a high. The 2nd through 5th of March could be an emotional time, especially if you insist on dredging up a touchy issue from the past, but there’s really no reason to dwell on things you cannot change. Taurus 21.04 - 20.05 If you are married, your partner will be making demands on you that force you to look deeply at yourself and your motivations. Your enthusiasm for a certain sport or person might make you seem a bit fanatical on the 3rd and 4th. Gemini 21.05 - 21.06 A regular issue at the moment is feeling trapped whilst friends disagree, as you can often see both sides to an argument (which is the actual Gemini trait, not being two-faced). Try to stay on the sidelines and avoid getting involved. Cancer 22.06 - 22.07 You wouldn’t dream of kissing-and-telling, and you expect a certain amount of confidentiality in return. Your easygoing nature makes you tons of fun, which is why most singles are so attracted to you. Your popularity is assured. Leo 23.07 - 23.08 Unrequited love is difficult to deal with at the beginning of March, but this too shall pass. Leos are devoted and faithful partners, and expect their companions to treat their relationship with the same degree of respect that they do. Virgo 24.08 - 23.09 You want complete control of your relationship right now and you’re not thrilled when your date or partner changes plans at the last minute. Use what you are best at – patience, taking a deep breath and smiling at their frivolity. Libra 24.09 - 23.10 Your logic skills are at their peak at the moment, but what’s happened to your love life? Buy some flowers or slip into that slinky dress and bring a shine back into your relationships, you’re the one that needs to laugh again. Scorpio 24.10 - 22.11 You’re usually very straightforward with your dealings and honesty is your forte, as brutal as it may seem to some of your co-workers. Remember to smooth the edges with your wonderful charm when the fur has stopped flying. Sagittarius 23.11 - 21.12 Your personality takes on a gregarious air with the coming spring, which should allow you to mix and mingle with VIPs without feeling the least bit self-conscious. Self confidence is the key to dealing with any situation. Capricorn 22.12 - 20.01 Your mind is on more interesting things going on at home and you may blow a chance to show what you’re made of during these coming days. It isn’t likely that you’ll get another opportunity to make a good impression. Aquarius 21.01 - 20.02 As admirable as your high professional standards are, you may have to lower them just a bit in order to make contact with the right people. A little flattery, even if it’s not 100 percent true, will take you far right now. Pisces 21.02 - 20.03 This is a busy month with all the personal upheavals that are going on, but as you thrive on challenges and solutions, you will enjoy being at the helm of the ship. However, tread carefully and think before you act.
Contacts
breasts, great body. French natural, kisses, positions, sado, golden rain, fetishism, vibrators. Private apartment in the centre of Los Cristianos, or I can do outcalls. Tel: 603 375 934.
Massages, Tantric Lingam Nura and all types of proAre you looking for erotic fessional massages. Outrelaxation of a special kind? calls to homes and hotels www.lynn-tantra.com. in the southern area. Call for more information. Tel: You’ll love the details. Lux- 665 354 976. ury erotic massages. Beautiful masseuse from the East. Los Cristianos, two friends, We are in Playa Paraiso, Adriana, blonde, young and near the Hard Rock Hotel, slim, and Lina, dark haired in the Costa Adeje area. Tel: and mature, busty, hot, (+34) 662 960 065. www. expert in erotic massages. edentenerife.com. All services, Greek, natural French, 69, toys. Maximum Erotic private massages, discretion. Opposite the bus parties, threesomes, bond- stop. Tel: 605 215 513. age, escort, in a beautiful location or at your home/ Los Cristianos, black luxhotel, with German couple ury, Julia, pretty Brazilor alone with me, a nice ian, 120cm breasts, green little lady with piercings in eyes, sweet, affectionate, all the best places, enjoying sexy. Relaxing, erotic, senFrench and realising your sual and body massages, secret wishes. Tel: (+34) 69, French, I will attend 648 245 425. to you alone. Super sexy! Clean and private apartTranssexual, beautiful, ment. Tel: 604 282 603. tall, fat, dark haired, long big penis, 140cm breasts, Los Cristianos, new, Yuyu, active/passive. €60 for half Asian, young, beautiful, hour and €100 for one hour. all services with no limits, Apartments Royal, in front available at my apartment of the bus station, Los Cris- in the centre of Los Cristianos. WhatsApp for info. tianos. Tel: 604 115 052. Tel: (+34) 602 626 848. Only for generous ladies: Los Cristianos, Alejandra, Excursions, escorts, masVenezuelan, beautiful, large sages and more. Marc (Ger-
man) 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. 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. 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. 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
22.2.2018 – 7.3.2018
Island connections media group s.l. www.islandconnections.eu
Island Connections Online: www.islandconnections.eu
Classifieds Deadline Next Edition The deadline for edition 816, which is published on 8th March, is 6th March. 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 815
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
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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
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General Services
CLASSIFIEDS
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 082
Missing cat!
by Simone’s hands. Economic price. Tel: 611 277 578. www. simonehands.de.
The best friend of an ill girl! Reward €200! Callao Salvaje area. Siamese, brown-beige colours, frosty left eye.
Tel: 666 324 291
BK
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
You are invited to
LOCKSMITH
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
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
English/Spanish word to word translator Resident for 15 years. Reasonable price, South & North. Transport available if required. Contact: 662 539 209 carlabannister@outlook.com
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
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 Frank from Germany invites you on private, individual car excursions, max. 4 persons (also handicapped), hiking tours (also Pico del Teide), Night Life tours, live music, snorkelling, photo shoots, (also underwater). Other islands, cruise ships. Tel: +34 664 085 154. 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. Garage to rent, double width. Victoria Court 1, Los Cristianos. Close to Sunday market. Very secure lock-up. Tel: 679 919 623 TO RENT long term, luxury ONE BEDROOM APARTMENT in Playa de Las Américas, 2 minutes’ walk from Torviscas Beach, Sat/TV, WiFi, fabulous terrace and views, security, swimming pools and gardens. €850 monthly, plus bills. Tel: 670 558 208. No agents.
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 rooms, price €180,000, mob. 686 798 367, email e optene rife @ gmail.c o m
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Vehicles
(For Crossword and Sudoku solution see pag 36)
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To advertise please call 922 75 06 09
Car needed for long-term rental 676 378 618
www.teneriffa-fincas.net
Across
1 - duplicate copy (3) 3 - increase (3) 5 - mitre (anag) (5) 8 - role plays (4) 9 - communicator (8) 11 - lovingness (10) 13 - decline (6) 14 - wear off (6) 17 - they cut pencils (10) 21 - provoking (8) 22 - volcanic rock (4) 23 - dangers (5) 24 - diffident (3) 25 - slippery fish (3)
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 Country house in south Tenerife. To be sold (reason: owner‘s age), 12,000m2 plot, with a 400m2 country house, living space (pool and sauna), separate studio 50m2 plus, around 150m2 subsidiary building, logistical good position (close to airport, port, motorway and golf course. Price negotiable. Tel: 632 030 764.
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
Down
Volkswagen Golf VI R Convertible Black, 269 hp, 2013, 38,000 km, 1st hand, automatic, navigation system, full equipment, petrol, Spanish registration, price negotiable. Tel. 604 384 044
Volkswagen Golf I GTi Convertible
In very good condition in the south of Tenerife. VB €5000. If interested Tel. +49 151 10101006
1 - distributed (5) 2 - life scientist (8) 4 - colouring (6) 5 - protective coverings (5) 6 - floor covers (4) 7 - dish (7) 10 - colloids (4) 12 - called the same (8) 13 - stretching device (7) 15 - cattle; meat (4) 16 - lifting devices (6) 18 - dislikes intensely (5) 19 - tiny; modest (5) 20 - seabirds (4)
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Go with gardening
Simple shade plants shade, do well in a variety of conditions and need little to thrive, so are always worth a consideration. In addition, they provide a lovely range of foliage shapes, colours and textures when they are not in bloom, and the flowers, which come in colours ranging from orange through pink, white and yellow, give a glorious display. Tuberous varieties have bigger blooms and greater strength than seed-grown types, which are often smaller and more fragile looking. Most are low growing, but some develop into tall, slender canes which are great for narrow balconies. Anthuriums’ glossy green, heartshaped leaves and waxy flowers are simply exotic Clivia’s striking blooms
These wondrous plants have a well-deserved reputation for being almost impossible to kill, so are not only good for a shady area but are a great one for the beginner gardener. Clivia certainly have striking looks. Bold strap-shaped, deep-green leaves look fabulous all year round, and
Photo: Charlene Sprong / FreeImages.com
Beautiful begonias
when the trumpet-shaped flowers, which come in yellow, orange, red or cream,
burst out they’re an incredible sight. Plant several for a stunning arrangement.
Begonias
Bromeliads
It’s easy to take the beautiful begonia for granted as they’ve been such a prominent feature of the home garden for so long. However, that’s because they are excellent performers in the
Bromeliad plants introduce a striking accent to any home. There are around 3475 known species of Bromeliaceae, most of which originate from the tropical Americas, though one
©2015 FLN
Clivias
Anthuriums
Photo: Alfred Borchard / FreeImages.com
Though blessed with almost year-round sunshine, there are many people living on the Islands who have a shady garden or balcony spot that would benefit from a suitable plant. There are many specimens that will thrive in shade, you just have to choose carefully. Here are a few ideas for adding a touch of colour and interest to those more sheltered areas.
is also native to tropical West Africa, the Pitcairnia feliciana. Hence, there is an incredible range to choose from, all of them sporting attractive, thick foliage. Their wide leaves are sword or scoop-shaped and grow around a central area which creates a ‘cup’ for collecting water naturally. The showy flowers, from orange to red and purple through yellow and sparkling white, last for a long time and come in an array of shapes, often with a pleasing ‘spiky’ appearance. Bromeliad plants are frequently epiphytic, meaning they cling to trees or other structures, though not in a parasitic relationship, they simply use them as perches. They need minimal soil, little fertiliser and aren’t water hungry, so are very simple to care for.
Anthuriums are also epiphytic, and are absolutely wonderful shade plants. Their glossy green, heart-shaped leaves and waxy flowers in red, pink, purple or white are incredibly striking, and the epitome of exoticness. They also tend to flower throughout the year. They are a little more work than the others above, but should be well within the range of all gardeners. However, they are susceptible to root rot though need regular watering, so the soil will have to be checked to ensure the top two or three centimetres are dry before irrigating. Also, they need a good, rich growing medium with plenty of nutrients to ensure they give off the best n foliage and blooms.
22.2.2018 – 7.3.2018
PROPERTY PROPERTy guide
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Homes and properties for sale in the Canaries
Tenerife South Real Estate Association A new association against unqualified practice, illegal occupation and real estate scams. The Tenerife brand is in continuous international expansion and thus manages to improve the occupancy figures annually, growing in tourism and demand year after year. However, internally and with growing speed, there is an increasing problem that worries professionals in the real estate sector in the south of the island: those who are working in the sector without qualifications and the proliferation of illegal activities. Bringing together the main real estate agencies, the new Tenerife South Real Estate Association aims to curb these growing phenomena that are giving a bad image to this Canary Islands paradise. The illegal occupation of houses joins scams in which investors, mainly foreign investors, "have problems after naively trusting unqualified people which cause them endless and sometimes irreparable damage because they end up with properties that have charges outstanding on them, or are simply not registered properly. And then there are those intermediaries who disappear with their money.” Rubén Darío Rodríguez, presi-
Rubén Darío Rodríguez, President of the Tenerife South Real Estate Association, and Domenico D’ Eliso, Vice President of the Tenerife South Real Estate Association, want to raise awareness of the current situation in the real estate sector
dent of the Tenerife South Real Estate Association explained to us that he considers that, “It’s fundamental to regulate the market, legislating and creating a professional association, as in other professions, and with some legal requirements to be part of that sector, with the aim that our vocation will provide a mark of confidence, a guarantee and security. We can't let people go back to their home countries and complain that we defraud them here," he adds. Among the requirements the Association considers necessary is that all agencies must
STUDIO 4 D E C O R C/ La Marina, 29. Los Abrigos Tel. 922 749 793 · 626 955 725 Opening hours Monday to Friday 9.30am to 1.30pm and 3pm to 6pm Website: www.studio4decor.net Email: info@studio4decor.net
The collective bands together the most important agencies of the sector in the region, with 32 offices in the south of Tenerife
have an exemplary career record, with a minimum seniority of eight years. Likewise, it will be essential to follow a mandatory Code of Ethics, which respects the customer and prioritises honour and integrity over economic interests. Having a real office open to the public is also a key point, since "carrying out this type of activity in an illegal manner can be done without a physical establishment, without the necessary opening or economic activity licenses," Rodriguez said. The closing compendium of fundamental requirements in the search to
For a mini face lift including made to measure curtains and bedspreads to a complete make over with the personal touch, call into our showroom in Los Abrigos for a free design consultation. Leave your keys with us and come back to a new home with the “Wow” factor without any of the stress. Complete upholstery service with hundreds of fabrics to choose from, all machine washable.
solve an external image problem, includes that the companies should be free of fraud complaints against them and have a civil liability insurance to cover any incident. As the only association in Tenerife that can offer the aforementioned guarantees, the goal of Tenerife South Real Estate Association is not to create alarm. Domenico D' Eliso, vicepresident of the Association, who together with Rodríguez is, "at the disposal of other associations and collectives, and of course, of all the public administrations to design new lines of action, such as the award of a
plaque denoting quality service, among others," without forgetting that, "we need their support and confidence to continue our most important project," explains D' Eliso, “the setting up of a professional association to regulate this situation". The public administrations themselves are directly affected by unqualified practice, fraud and lack of legislation, since the losses from these practices due to non-payment of taxes and non-compliance with the mandatory minimum requirements for carrying out this activity are millions of euros. Pending a meeting with the
mayors and town planning councillors of the different municipalities, and other concerned organisations, the question is clear for Rodríguez, "There are three steps to take to achieve our first objective. No matter how long it takes, we have made a start along the road.” Tenerife South Real Estate Association currently has 32 offices open to the public in the south of Tenerife, with almost 150 direct workers or freelancers who deal daily with foreigner clients of more than 10 different nationalities, serving over 5,000 clients a year and selling between 1,400 and 1,800 properties annually, positioning the real estate sector as the third most economically active in the south of Tenerife, after the hotel and n catering industry.
Look for this sign for guaranteed professionalism
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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 n three months to €950,000.
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
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
Exclusive interview: Paul Ruane Part SIX
Past and present
The name Paul Ruane has been synonymous with the southwest Tenerife property market for the last 38 years. Island Connections had the privilege of speaking with him in an exclusive interview, which we shall continue publishing over the coming editions. Originating from the UK, Paul first came to Tenerife to take up a temporary position. Offered a post with a prominent local developer, he spent 15 years gaining insight into the fields of construction and property before opening his own estate agency in 1994, the first in Los Gigantes. It’s 25 years since you started Los Gigantes Properties. What changes have you seen during that time? Back in the 70s and early 80s the area was only just being developed. Many properties were sold off-plan, and taking prospective buyers around usually meant visiting a bare hillside, checking the plans carefully and throwing a stone to show where the edges of their plot would be! Nowadays, however, there is a wide selection of properties to choose from, from apartments to luxurious villas, and Los Gigantes is a thriving town with plenty of activities. There are a couple of beaches in the area, a full range of restaurants and bars, boat trips, diving, coastal walks, art galleries etc. It’s a fantastic place to live. You actually owned several restaurants did you not? Yes, over the years I have had three: Moonlight and Clowns in Los Gigantes and Azafran on the San Francisco development. They were great times, but right now I am concentrating on the property business fully. See our back page for a glimpse of Los Gigantes past… n
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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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D L O S
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
22.2.2018 – 7.3.2018
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More than 200 real estates for sale. Videopresentation, fincas, villas, apartments... We speak:
(+34) 617 825 331 agatastenerife@gmail.com www.agatatenerife.com
Av. Marques Villanueva del Prado 15 | Local 30 | Puerto de la Cruz
Urb. Oasis Dakota, Playa Fañabé 3 Bed Semi Detached Toilet, complete bathroom, separate kitchen, totally equipped, furnished, 2 35m terrace, secure access to pool, infant park, good views, beside commercial centres, 800m from Playa Fañabé, community fees 30€/month
€ 155,000
Tel 629 244 958
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
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
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PROMOTION
Changes in Los Gigantes Over 40 years ago you would not have been able to find a property for sale in Los Gigantes on the westerly tip of Tenerife, but since then it has been developed from an area of barren land to a bustling holiday resort and is now a firm favourite amongst many visitors to the island. Today, properties for sale come in all shapes, sizes and prices, but all are in keeping with the village ambience, many being low-level so as not to ruin the look and feel of the resort, which is based in the borough of Santiago del Teide. With the average temperature of 21.5°C, this part of Tenerife has the best climate in the Canary Islands. Additionally, as a result of proximity to the tropic of cancer, the position of the sun means there is an average of 10.5 hours sunlight in December and up to 14 hours during the summer. These facts together with a low humidity level make the Los Gigantes area probably the most idyllic spot in Europe. Los Gigantes was declared a place of National Touristic Importance in the mid 1960s and since then has been developed in a tasteful and charming
In a region that is already well established as one of the most popular areas of the island to live in or visit, Los Gigantes is to be completed with 5-star developments and will soon boast two brand new luxury complexes. The 5-star Cristal and Aqua Suites developments will perfectly complement existing accommodation options, adding a touch of 5-star comfort to this corner of paradise. The first of these excellent developments will be wholly residential, whilst the second will have touristic licences. They offer fantastic investment opportunities for those who are considering rentals as well as others seeking the residential option.
FUTURE
The future of Los Gigantes
PRESENT
PAST
The beautiful southwest Tenerife resort as it is today Los Gigantes around 40 years ago
way. Just walking through the resort and taking in the fantastic array of trees and tropical flowers makes a stay there so much more colourful and pleasant. Los Gigantes and Tenerife can offer you everything that you would want as your holiday home destination. Locally, there is a varied selection of restaurants, bars and shopping venues, and only 30 minutes away is the still growing resort of Playa de Las Américas. Los Gigantes is home to one of the few Michelin-starred restaurants on the island, namely, El Rincón de Juan Carlos.
Aqua suites Aqua suites is a development of 20 units, consisting of 10 two-bedroom duplexes and 10 two-bedroom triplexes. Due to start construction in
July/August of this year, they will provide modern living in elegant, superior quality homes, which benefit from the same fabulous views as Cristal. Each house has a ground floor which is made up of a large living area, dining room-kitchen, toilet, laundry and an internal staircase leading to the upper storey. Two en suite bedrooms, each boasting a sleeping area, dressing room and bathroom with bath and shower, are located on the top floor of each house. Private infinity swimming pools occupy the entire front of the terraces. These are elevated so the water level seems to melt into the ocean,
Acantilado de Los Gigantes Pje Jacaranda 2, Santiago del Teide Tel. 922 86 80 40
Calle Geranio 16 Acantilados de los Gigantes Tel. 922 86 28 02
enhancing the bathing experience and beauty of the vistas. Triplexes also benefit from a partly covered roof terrace, with installations in place for a kitchen and jacuzzi or hot-tub. Prices start at €550,000.
door living, creating a home environment that offers the very best quality of life possible. A unique project in the area, construction is due to begin imminently. Prices start at €675,000 and a 50 per cent mortgage will be available.
Cristal
Going far with 5-star
When looking at the plans for the Cristal development it can be hard to imagine the sheer scale of each property, until you realise that only 19 units will occupy the same land space as the adjacent construction of 60 apartments. Even the smallest property in Cristal will have a frontage of over 16 metres: All the better to enjoy the incredible 180° views of the Atlantic Ocean, island of La Gomera, majestic Los Gigantes cliffs and endless coastline. Luxurious and well appointed, each one will be completely furnished to the smallest detail. The fixtures, fittings and general quality will be of the highest standards, with a contemporary, open-plan design that emphasises the use of glass, allowing natural light to flood all interiors. In addition, each will have its own swimming pool and garage and there is a 24-hour reception on site. This development presents a harmonious balance between indoor and out-
Mark Akkerman, Director of the Royal Sun Resort, is enthusiastic about the latest additions to the area. “We at the Royal Sun Resort welcome all new high quality projects that are happening in 2018 in Los Gigantes, and I do believe the area will benefit from new, fresh and modern thinking that will make it even more attractive for residents and tourists. “Around one year ago we opened our Aqua restaurant, run by famous Canarian chef Lucas Maes. I had a good feeling about this project from the beginning, as there is certainly a market for something a little different in Los Gigantes, restaurants with only the best service, views and, of course, menu. Aqua is one of the best in town, maintaining this position with the same high level of reviews and feedback from customers as at the beginning. It is a clear example that there’s a place for 5-star quality and service in Los Gigantes.”
Calle Geranio 16 Acantilados de los Gigantes Tel. 922 86 28 02
For more information on the exciting projects outlined above, contact Los Gigantes Properties by calling 922 861 313, 607 371 666 or 647 943 721. Alternatively, see their website at www.tenerifepropertysales.com, or call into the office at: Calle Flor de n Pascua, Los Gigantes.
www.tenerifepropertysales.com PaulRuane losgigantesproperties s.l.
&
Calle Flor de Pascua 43 | Los Gigantes | Teneriffa | info@tenerifepropertysales.com +34 922 861 313 | +34 607 371 666 | +34 647 943 721 Wer verkauft Ihre Immobilie?