Island Connections - Edition 587 by Island Connections Media Group

Controlled by

Ye Ex ars cel of len ce

1984 - 2009

The Canary Island’s biggest fortnightly English newspaper read by thousands of tourists & residents Edition # 587 / 27th March - 10th April 2009 / 1.80€ at Newsagents / www.islandconnections.eu / www.newscanarias.net

Time out in Tenerife

Hour Change

REMEMBER The clocks go forward one hour on Sunday 29th of March So 1.00 am on Sunday morning will become 2.00 am and we lose an hour of sleep. If you’re travelling do conﬁrm check-in and ﬂight times in advance.

A BIT OF EXTRA VROOM STOPS THE TRAFFIC IN SOUTH TENERIFE

Special Report

Easter IN THE ISLANDS

A look at the religious and secular sides to this Spring festival Pages 28-29

Credit: Gerard Zenou

Crisis

e all need a break from the prevailing doom and gloom clouds that seem to be ever-present these days, and the clever people in Lamborghini gave us just that opportunity recently. The scene of this luxurious lapse from most of our realities was the equally di-

vine Gran Melia Palacio de Isora, where the presentation of the latest Lamborghini, the Gallardo LP560-4-Spyder took place between March 18th and 26th. This was the car’s European debut, and along with 22 companions from the maker’s stable, the motors were admired by the many who came to the

hotel grounds to have a look – though to be honest very few were wondering about the asking price (€230,000 approx just in case you are curious). Gallardo Spyder, named like all Lamborghinis after a famous Spanish ﬁghting bull, meets its speed expectations and can whizz from 0 to 100km/h in just four sec-

onds, and both the car and the Tenerife scenery were appreciated by those test driving the new model, as well as the many open mouthed motorists who were passed on the road to Teide, probably thinking they’d stumbled into the shooting of a new movie The Tenerife Connection.

...Always near to you with our offer of Spanish and British products! 2

The Sports Megastore, 8.000m

Motorway Santa Cruz La Laguna, Exit “Las Chumberas”. 38205 La Laguna, Tenerife. Tel: 922 62 79 00, Fax: 922 82 11 07 © IC/542/2007

www.decathlon.com

CC Fañabé Plaza and Compostela Beach Commercial Zone Playa de las Vistas

10-POINT PLAN Regional government announces measures to help those in trouble Page 2

Interview

SOLEDAD The sad and ongoing story of a child and her two mothers... Pages 8-9

Canary Islands

EDITION 587 :: 27/03/2009 - 10/04/2009 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

STATE OF THE NATION

Rivero announces crisis measures Paulino Rivero announces measures to mitigate the effects of the crisis. Canarian president Paulino Rivero used the ﬁrst day of the ‘state of the region’ debate in Parliament to announce a series of measures to mitigate the effects of the economic crisis.

The ten measures unveiled include tax rebates for people who have been unemployed for more than six months and lower national insurance contributions for ﬁrms willing to recruit new staff. He also said the government would offer subsidies (at an overall cost of €5.4 million to help up to 2,000 less well-off families, with monies available to help in payment of water and electricity bills, or they would rent homes for affected families who would only be asked to pay €50 a month in

Confession doubts Forensic tests carried out on the infant allegedly abused by his teenage parents in Fuerteventura have cast serious doubts on the trial-stopping confession by the baby’s uncle. The murder trial in Las Palmas was halted several weeks ago after the uncle of six-month old Yunaisi admitted during his testimony that he probably caused the baby’s death when he dropped her. The confession led the judge to release the parents from the dock while investigations continued. Now, however, experts have decided the fatal injuries suffered by Yunaisi were not caused by a single fall. The public prosecutor believes the uncle may have been persuaded to confess to get the baby’s parents off the hook and has asked the judge to resume the trial.

Train dates

Regional president Paulino Rivero

rent, with the regional government meeting the rest of the cost over a two year period. They will also allocate €150 million to assist small and medium ﬁrms in crisis, and would pay a part of the social security bill for those

opting to become self-employed. Rivero began his 50-page speech by inviting the opposition to pull in the same direction as the government and put party squabbles aside to help the Canaries

out of the crisis, though was not himself averse to throwing a few slings and arrows at the national government whose initial inaction in the face of the crisis, he says, contributed to the current situation in the Canaries.

VOTING RIGHTS

European elections Voting between the 4th and 7th of June this year. Voting will take place all over the European Union between the 4th and 7th of June this year. The EU’s power in, and effect on, the 500 million lives of European citizens increases every year. The EU election selects the people who will be making decisions for the next ﬁve years. The Members of the European Parliament are our voices in Europe, whose choices inﬂuence all our daily lives from the food that gets to the table, the quality of the air we breathe or the safety of the toys we buy for our children. Your vote in the only multinational, multi-language, universal suffrage election in the world

Baby death

helps to select the MEP who will represent you and your family and neighbours. In the majority of the cases, the MEPs have more say in the decision-making process than the member states. Are you? for or against the EU? Do you think it should swing towards more

right or left wing politics? Are you passionate about a particular theme? Do you want to change something? Do you want to see the EU act more quickly? Do you believe they should be investing in a particular area? Choose an MEP who shares your point of view and con-

© ISLAND CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER Is published and printed fortnightly by ISLAND CONNECTIONS S.L. Adverts, texts, photos or other parts of this publication are property of Circulation the publishers. They may not be used or reproduced, stored in a retrieval controlled by: system or transmitted in any other form or means without the prior Distribución Gratuita written permission of the publishers. This newspaper cannot be held responsible for the contents of articles supplied by our contributors or Publisher & Proprietor advertisers claims. The publisher reserves the right to refuse to publish Tina Straub, Joe Schacher adverts, texts or advertising features. Advertisements once contracted Island Connections S.L. cannot be cancelled and have to be paid in full. The publishers can not C.I.F: B-38748315 Printed by Artes Gráﬁcas del Atlántico S.A. be held responsible for variation on colour printed in this newspaper. Advertising conditions are to be obtained in our offices. Dep. Legal: TF-287/93

vert your ideals into reality. That is what democracy is all about, making a difference and making things change. The last day to register depends on where you reside. You do not have to be a national of your country of residence to vote in the European elections there. You can choose where you vote, but can only vote in one country. For Spanish residents April 27th, in the UK it’s April 19th, those in Ireland have to register on or before May 18th and German citizens have until May 17th. Information for all other nationalities, together with contact websites for further information for each country is available on the EU webpage, http:// ec.europa.eu/justice_home/ fsj, in the Citizenship of the European Union page.

Managing Director

Joe Schacher director@ic-news.com Editor

Clio O’Flynn Commercial Director

Henry Cruz henrycruz@ic-news.com Head Ofﬁce Tenerife C/ Francisco Feo Rodríguez,6º Las Chaﬁras 38620. San Miguel de Abona. Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain.

Choo choo news If all goes according to plan, commuters should be using the new train linking Santa Cruz and the south of Tenerife by 2017. At a recently held press conference island councillor Carlos Alonso and head of the Tenerife tram company MTSA, Andrés Muñoz, announced details of the new rail link, work on which should create 1,000 jobs over the next eight years. The project will cost in the region of €1,800 million, though at the moment only €5 million has been guaranteed by the national government, ear marked for basic developmental work this year. Once up and running the train will have an 80 kilometre route, with tunnels along 25 per cent of the run. Functioning at a maximum speed of 200 kilometres per hour, the journey from Santa Cruz to Añaza will take six minutes, to Candelaria 14 minutes, to San Isidro 29 minutes, to the Reina Sofía airport 32 minutes, to Los Cristianos 38 minutes and the run to Las Américas will take 42 minutes. The company also expect to announce details of a branch line to the new port of Fonsalía in Guía de Isora later this year.

Tourism

Hotel ﬁgures According to the National Statistics Institute, the Canaries struggled to achieve hotel occupation levels of 60.6 per cent during Februar y. However, we reached the highest level in Spain, ahead of the Balearics at 46.2 per cent and Madrid at 44.1 per cent. The national average of 40.3 per cent, is a fall of 14 per cent on February 2008.

Island Connections Newspaper http://www.islandconnections.eu

Sales Department: sales@ic-news.com

Daily News Site http://www.newscanarias.net

Design Department: design@ic-news.com

Tenerife Office Tel: 922 750 609 - 609 581 632 Fax: 922 795 810 Editorial Department: editorial@ic-news.com Classifieds Section: classifieds@ic-news.com

General Information: info@ic-news.com Ofﬁce Hours: Monday - Friday 9am -5pm

Gran Canaria Tel: 928 353 279/ Fax: 928 359 744 grancanaria@ic-news.com

ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 587 :: 27/03/2009 - 10/04/2009

A mother and son from Tenerife who conned customers across Spain in an Internet scam have been arrested. The pair face charges of fraud and obtaining money through deceit after they pocketed €20,000 for non-existent products advertised on the web. An estimated 150

customers are believed to have paid in advance for state of the art mobile phones, including Apple iPhones, advertised by the fraudsters but which never materialised. In some cases empty boxes were sent by recorded deliver y as ‘proof’ that the product had been dispatched. Police say the son, who has been remanded to Tenerife II prison, has a previous track record for similar offences.

More recycling urged

that convenience is a crucial factor and unless recycling bins are placed handily no amount of persuasion will make people ‘walk the extra mile’. Town councils have also been urged to improve collection frequencies due to the discouraging spectacle that greets some who do want to sort their rubbish before throwing it

TUI Las Palmas

Cruise base The port of Las Palmas has been chosen as the winter base for the operations of the newlycreated TUI Cruises. The news was confirmed to the Por t Authority earlier this week at the Miami Port Fair in March. The designation as a base

is a major boost for the por t, which will host TUI’s liners, including the new 2,000-passenger Mein Schiff, for its season of cruises taking in the Canaries, Madeira and Morocco. TUI has decided to launch its own cruises for the rapidly-growing German market after r eaching a strategic alliance with Royal Caribbean.

Tragedy avoided

Viewpoint collapse The collapse of a popular viewpoint in La Palma could have had tragic consequences if visitors had been standing on it at the time, say the local authorities. The outcrop overlooking the spot known as

WASTE NOT...

Internet

Fraudsters arrested

CANARY ISLANDS

Charco Azul (Blue Lagoon) gave way and tons of rock and earth fell to the road below. The council in San Andrés y Sauces said that the collapse occurred in the early hours of the morning and no cause has been identified in a preliminary inspection of the site. People have been warned to stay away from the spot in case of further subsidence.

The Canarian authorities have issued a fresh plea to householders and traders to make an extra recycling effort to consolidate the improvement seen last year, when almost 30,000 tons of light packaging was sorted and left in ‘green’ bins across the region. Although the recycling rate is still below the national average, the 24 per cent increase in the amount of cartons, tins, glass and paper placed in recycling bins has been welcomed by the government, even if it feels more can be done to im-

prove the situation. “There is already a marked drop in packaging waste generally this year due to the fall in consumption caused by the crisis but we should not drop our guard” said a spokesperson at the Environment Quality Unit, which has

launched a new campaign to get homes to think twice when dumping all their rubbish in one bin. With messages such as ‘80 soft drink tins can make a wheel rim for a bike’ the Unit hopes more families will join the current effort, although it is aware

out but ﬁnd the bins full. Some councils are also under ﬁre after recent revelations that sorted waste often ends up in the municipal dump along with other rubbish and is even collected up in the same trucks that empty normal bins.

OPENING

OFFERS SERVICE FROM €

+ OIL CHANGE + OIL FILTER + BRAKE CHECK + LEVELS + SECURITY CHECK + COMFORT CHECK

BRAKE PADS

PRICE PER AXLE ON PADS IN STOCK, WARNING SYSTEM NOT INCLUDED OFFER NOT APPLICABLE ON VANSOR 4X4s OFFER VALID UNTIL 30/04/09

€

PROMOTION MAY NOT BE USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH OTHER OFFERS SUPPLEMENT: €20 FOR 4X4S AND €25 FOR VANS OFFER VALID FOR OIL CHANGE MINERAL 15W40 SHELL HELIX SUPER OTHER OILS CONSULT OFFERS AVAILABLE IN THE CENTRE OFFERS VALID UNTIL 30/04/09 Avda

. Barr

anco

de la

s Torr

Au Ayy a. d e

Sur del

is top Avd

CENTRO MIDAS ADEJE Avd Ayyo, Los Olivos Industrial Estate (New Shell station in Los Olivos-Adeje)

Tel: 922 775 354 Open all day Monday - Friday 8AM - 8PM · Saturday 9AM - 2PM

GUBRA MOTOS TENERIFE Ctra. Gral. La Cuesta - Taco, Km 0,6 La Laguna Tel. 922 645 165 www.gubra.com

Make every day count www.harley-davidson.es

Earning your trust

EDITION 587 :: 27/03/2009 - 10/04/2009 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

CANARY ISLANDS

HOTEL GRAN REY

Fuerteventura

How green is my valley

Biosphere designation likely

THE HOTEL GRAN REY, AT THE RECENT BERLIN TOURISM TRADE FAIR. The extremely environmentally friendly hotel, the Hotel Gran Rey, in La Gomera was presented with its new ISO 9001:2008 (quality) certificate, issued by TÜV Rheinland, at the recent Berlin tourism trade fair. The hotel also holds an ISO 14001:2004 (environment) certificate which was renewed at the same event. TÜV Rheinland is an independent group, with headquarters in Germany, which provides independent services related to quality and safety on an international scale in the tourism industry. As a leading service provider for tourism, TÜV Rheinland has certified hotels, tour operators and other companies involved in tourism in 21 countries. In this regard the focus is on international quality and safety standards for various segments of the tourist industry. These include the certification and inspection of three, four and five star hotels, wellness hotels and medical wellness institutes as well as ski resorts, cruisers and vacation apartments. “The advantage of independent certification is twofold for hotels and tourism companies. On the one hand, the company’s own commercial performance is systematically improved while, on the other, the independent mark of TÜV Rheinland makes it clear to partners and customers just how important quality is to the certified compa-

The award was presented at the ITB tourism fair in Berlin

ny”, said Olaf Seiche, one of TÜV Rheinland’s tourism experts. TÜV Rheinland certifies management systems on the basis of internationally recognised standards such as ISO 9000 (quality), ISO 14000 (environmental protection) and ISO 22000 (food safety), as well as specific tourist standards. These include the service quality system, standards for wellness hotels and eco-hotels. Bettina Bankstahl-Sanmartí received the certificate on behalf of the Hotel Gran Rey, already a sym-

bol in the Canary Islands for excellence in environmental protection and quality service. Also present were the Minister of Tourism for the Canary Islands, Rita Martín, the Councillor for Tourism of La Gomera Nieves González Cámpora, TUI Environment and Quality Director, Andreas Koch, and representatives of the German and Spanish TÜV offices. The hotel Gran Rey is the first Hotel in the Canary Islands to be certified by TÜV Rheinland according to the new ISO 9001:2008 standard. The Hotel Gran Rey, un-

der the management of Alberto Sanmartí, is now the holder of a range of internationally recognised awards in the ﬁelds of hotel quality and environmental consciousness and anyone who has stayed at the hotel can vouch for the fact that these awards have not been granted without good reason. For ﬁve years running, the hotel has won the Environmental Champion award of the tour operator TUI, and each and every member of the staff was individually congratulated by the organisation.

FUERTEVENTURA IS ON THE VERGE OF ACHIEVING ITS DREAM OF BECOMING A WORLD BIOSPHERE RESERVE. The distinction, which recognises the importance of local efforts to protect sensitive landscapes and environments, could be awarded as early as May, according to Spain’s ambassador to awarding body UNESCO, who visited the island earlier in March to take part in a conference. María Jesús Sansegundo said she anticipated that the formal Biosphere Reserve declaration will be made at a meeting of the UN’s scientiﬁc and cultural organisation in Korea at the end of May. She revealed that the committee of experts that had studied the island’s application had been highly impressed by the dossier submitted by the Cabildo, which has been working to secure the honour for Fuerteventura since 2006. If designated, the entire island plus a strip of sea of between three and ﬁve miles around it will be granted extra protection to safeguard its natural habitats.

ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 587 :: 27/03/2009 - 10/04/2009

CANARY ISLANDS

CENSURE MOTION

Rivero-Zapatero tension Relations between the Canarian and Spanish governments have been strained further by reports that the region’s President Paulino Rivero is willing to support a motion of censure against José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero. Madrid daily newspaper ABC carried a story recently citing Rivero among those who are prepared to help topple the country’s government if other parties are willing to join forces against the PSOE. Ironically, Zapatero is under increasing pressure due to the results of the recent Basque elections, which opened the door to

a PSOE president for the Basque Country region for the ﬁrst time, following the failure of the nationalist PNV party to secure a majority. The PNV now looks certain to withdraw its backing for Zapatero at the next Budget and if the smaller parties ally themselves with the main opposition (Popular Party), the premier could be in trouble. According to ABC, Rivero said he was dissatisﬁed with Zapatero’s handling of the country and the multiple scandals affecting the PSOE. He is also thought to be angry at what he sees as an orchestrated campaign by

the Zapatero government to damage the Popular Party, Rivero’s coalition partner in the Canaries. The Canarian president has repeatedly expressed his concerns that Zapatero has done nothing to curb the public attacks launched on the regional government by the PSOE’s regional leader Juan Fernando López Aguilar, who he blames personally for causing relations between the government and opposition here to sink to an all-time low. Rivero says he may support a motion of censure against Zapatero

EL HIERRO AIRPORT

Extended hours denied The refusal of the minister for development, Magdalena Álvarez, to extend the hours of El Hierro’s airport is, according to the presidents of Tenerife’s chamber of commerce and the small and medium businesses association of El Hierro, “a hard blow which affects the morale of the islanders who are watching the scant possibilities for the economic development of the island’s

businesses being reduced even more”. The statement was made during the signing of an agreement for collaboration between the two bodies. According to the Apyme president, Herminio Sánchez Pérez, the Spanish government cannot boycott the development of the island and turn its back on one of the oldest business aspirations which is the extension of the opening hours of the airport, from sunrise to sunset,

a demand which has been backed by the Cabildo with the unanimous vote of all the political forces. The president of the chamber of commerce for Tenerife, Ignacio González Martín commented that, “the decision of the minister for development was even worse for its poor timing”, referring to the ongoing problems of air and sea connections between the islands and their costs, and stated that, “this aggravates the effect of the crisis in El Hierro even more, especially in strategic sectors like tourism as well as those as basic as food supplies”.

La Gomera

Ferry trouble route resumes

The resumption of the ferr y link between Tenerife and coastal towns in La Gomera looks set to go ahead despite a last minute objection from one of the companies that bid for the route. The contract between the regional government and Fred Olsen was due to be signed on March 17th but it was reported that a lastminute challenge by rival Armas had put the decision on ice. They claimed that the catamaran impor ted by Olsen from Italy to cover the route was not the one Olsen included in its original bid. However Olsen were quick to clarify the the boat, the Snav Aquila, was indeed the same boat that was presented, and should be in ser vice on the route from now on. The contract was initially awarded to Garajonay Express, who failed to lodge the required bond, forcing the government to offer the public service route to Fred Olsen instead.

EDITION 587 :: 27/03/2009 - 10/04/2009 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

CANARY ISLANDS

CONFUSION AND ANGER

Papagayo Arena hotel reprieve The apparent decision to spare a well-known hotel in Lanzarote from demolition has triggered a furious reaction from ecologists and perplexity in local political quarters. The Spanish government’s Department of Coasts conﬁrmed earlier this month that the Papagayo Arena may not be pulled down after all, even though it has been ruled illegal. It appears that the decision was taken due to the failure to see through the procedure for the demolition in time. “The case has lapsed and no further action has been taken on the ﬁle” said a spokesperson, shortly after the country’s environment minister compared the demolition to “pulling down a city centre hotel in Madrid” and insisted it was no longer a viable option. Critics immediately slammed the double standards applied by Madrid in enforcing its

The hotel is near the ﬁshing village of Playa Blanca

own strict coastal planning regulations. Green group Ecologists in Action said that “dozens of small homes are being knocked down in Tenerife and Gran Canaria for breaching the regulations but amnesties are being granted to hotels and even to shopping centres built even closer to the seafront”. Miguel González, a senior member of the Lanzarote socialist party and also a Spanish MP, expressed his anger at the

news from Madrid and called the hotel a “ﬂagrant breach of the law” which should not be reprieved. Days later the controversy led ofﬁcials at the Department of the Environment to qualify the statement from the minister and stress that the hotel’s building permission had been annulled due to breaches of planning laws and it was up to the competent authorities to enforce the judgement by a Canarian court.

3rd Clásica La Palma

2009 Classic Car Rally

Another year of hard work has begun for the RCB Sport Club where the 3rd edition of the Clásica La Palma Isla Bonita rally is being planned. Despite the fact that this rally is still quite young, it is already recognised for its high standard of organisation

and is considered one of the best within the Clásicas Canarias. At the RCB Sport Club the objective is to make this a rally for everyone, despite the economic difﬁculties we are all experiencing, and to live up to the organisational level for which it is already known.

This rally will count towards the Clásica Islas Canarias 2009 and also the Spanish championship for classic vehicles (FEVA) and will take place on 29, 30 and 31 May. More information is already available on the club’s website at www.rcbsport.com.

ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 587 :: 27/03/2009 - 10/04/2009

CANARY ISLANDS

AGADIR VISIT

Lanzarote links to Morocco

The delegation from Agadir was hosted by the Lanzarote Cabildo

A recent visit by a delegation from Agadir to Lanzarote has been labelled a success and is likely to be followed up by a return trip in May of this year. The 16 member group from the Moroccan city spent four days in Lanzarote as ofﬁcial guests of the Cabildo, meeting with president Manuela Armas and accompanied for most of their stay by vice-president Fabián Martín. They examined various aspects of tourism in the islands, the work of lo

cal centres of arts, culture and tourism, in the latter instance taking note of the relative afﬂuence of visitors, the quality of hotel and apartment accommodation on offer and the existing tourist designed infrastructure Lanzarote offers, as well as visits to the Bodega Stratus de La Geria and Puerto Calero. The delegation also took time to visit the Inala water company plant where technicians were on hand to explain the process of desalination, ﬁltration, distribution and re-use of water for the island, and the

Zonzamas environmental complex where they were given information on the process of classification and recycling of urban waste. The visit also saw the continuation of talks regarding possible cooperation in the areas of fishing and agriculture. Authorities in both regions are looking at the potential creation of joint projects which would allow teams to fish in Moroccan waters and offload the cargo in Arrecife, with similar ideas being examined in agriculture and cattle markets.

PRICES NEVER

SEEN BEFORE!

50% off all d ia mo nd je wellery Also special prices on gold, pearls, watches & figures

Armas

Arrecife ballast problem Ferry company Armas says an incident involving one of its ships in Lanzarote was a minor mishap and did not endanger passengers. The Volcán de Tauce ferry was about to dock in Arrecife when it began to keel over, causing panic among the approximately 90 people on board. Rafael Reyes, one of the passengers, said the boat tilted around 45 degrees,

making it impossible to stand up properly. The ferry eventually docked safely, albeit at an angle, and the passengers and vehicles were disembarked swiftly. A small number of people required treatment on arrival although no injuries were reported. A spokesman for Armas said the problem had been caused by a malfunction in the ballast tanks as the ship

approached Arrecife. The incident is the second to affect the company in recent months. In October 2008, seven passengers were hurt when an Armas ferry collided with the jetty as it docked in Morro Jable in Fuerteventura. Another Armas ship, the Assalama, has still to be reﬂoated after a collision in the Moroccan port of Tarfaya last May caused it to sink.

48,000 articles of diamond jewellery with the lowest price guaranteed

We invite you to compare our rates

Phone bills

MPs’ mobiles expensive MPs in the regional Parliament will cost the taxpayer an average of 7,500 euros each on mobile phone use over the next two years. The calculation is based on the contents of the tender published recently by the Canarian government for the contract to supply

an all-inclusive service for the parliamentarians up to 2011. The telecoms operator that wins the 450,000 euro contract will supply 106 phones to Parliament and cover the cost of calls and messaging. However, despite the leap in costs, the MPs say the money will be well

spent since the state-ofthe-art phones enable them to communicate by e-mail and even submit documents to committees without the need to print them off, thus saving on other overheads and helping protect the environment.

SCORPIO

JEWELLERS SINCE 1989 Scorpio Jewellers, C.C. El Duque. C/ Bruselas, 1 . Tel. 922 719 124 Scorpio Jewellers, C.C. San Eugenio, L. 28, 29, 30. Tel. 922 714 206 Scorpio Jewellers, C.C. San Telmo, Playa Los Cristianos, L. 18/19. Tel. 922 794 565 Diamonds International, C.C. Hotel Esmeralda, 1. Tel. 922 715 701 Diamonds International, C.C. San Eugenio, L. 51. Tel. 922 714 125

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

EDITION 587 :: 27/03/2009 - 10/04/2009 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

By Sheila Collis

ADOPTION

Have mercy The tragic story of a child and her two mothers, the law, and a potentially bleak future for all concerned

ug of love cases are always heartbreaking and sadly, occasionally tragic, such as the case of the child we have come to know as Piedad (Mercy) whose foster mother, Soledad Perera, is now facing a nine month jail sentence. The Piedad case was the subject of a recent debate in the Sala Borondón in La Laguna and Soledad and her lawyer, Eligio Hernández, were kind enough to spare us some time after the talk. Sole has three children, both adopted and birth children. She registered for a further adoption and was offered the chance

to embrace another little girl into her family, Piedad. The three year old toddler (whose real name is withheld for her protection) was already showing symptoms of the trauma caused by lack of personalised attention due to spending all but seven months of her ﬁrst years in two different children’s homes after being taken into care by the authorities. Piedad was fostered in March 2005 pending the paperwork to complete the adoption. According to Sole, “she was sad to leave everyone and everything she had known but proud that her mother and sister had come to collect her and looking forward to having a family”. But for

classic foot-dragging on the part of the local administration the adoption would have gone through and this story would never have happened, but the red tape was not completed in time and Piedad’s birth mother reclaimed her. Between 2006 and 2007 a battle was fought in the civil courts for the child between the birth mother claiming her ‘rights’ and Sole distraught at the possibility of losing a child who she had come to love as another daughter and who was now, “totally integrated” and, “stable and happy” with her new family. Conﬂicting orders were issued by the judicial system, to hand the child over

Her pain has always been ours. That has been our biggest and worst sentence. to the mother on the one hand or to the authorities on the other. At one stage Sole went to the authorities and asked if she should bring Piedad in but was told that they knew nothing about the order and had no room. In addition, under

the contract signed by Sole for the pre-adoption and adoption arrangements, the family was adjoined not to hand over the child to anyone or face criminal charges. Finally, in a scene which would grace a black comedy ﬁlm, on 10 May 2007 the child was removed from Sole’s custody by the Guardia Civil whilst the little one was in hospital following an epilepsy attack. Sole and her family have had no ofﬁcial information about Piedad since and all written requests for information or visits have been ignored. “It’s not that they’ve been denied, they just haven’t even bothered to reply,” Sole told us sadly.

Her family was torn apart and the effects on young Piedad at such an important stage in her development are unknown. Sole later faced a court case for contempt of court for not obeying the order to hand over the child, even though the orders she had received were conﬂicting. Legal advice at the time was to accept the charge, believing it to be the only court case to be held against her, and she was given an eight months suspended sentence. Then later this year she was again on trial for the same offence, this time receiving a nine months jail sentence, for trying, as her Eligio clearly states, “to defend her daughter”. The Spanish Children’s Rights Association, Prodeni, declaim that the court cases were, “strongly inclined in favour of the birth mother and against the rights and interests of the child”. Sole tells us that 99 per cent of the reports of psychologists, childcare specialists etc. were not taken into account and, most importantly, Piedad herself was never asked for an opinion. The child was, once again some time in care, then returned to her birth mother for almost a year until October last year when again she was returned to care, “temporarily” because her birth mother apparently couldn’t cope. She claimed the problem was caused by lack of housing and was allocated somewhere to live in December, she had also been found work. A date was set at the end of January for the child to return to her but the day before she contacted the authorities and said she preferred Piedad to stay in care. Subsequently in interviews with the press, she is quoted as referring to her child as a, “runaway foal” needing to, “be put straight” and “taught manners” and calling the home where

F e w t h i n g s i n l i f e a r e co n s i d e r e d p r e c i o u s , a n d w a k i n g u p to p e a ce, q u i e t a n d a n o v e r a l l s e n s e o f t r a n q u i l i t y i s w o r t h e v e r y p e n ny. Fr e d O ls e n , S . A . h a s c h o s e n L a G o m e r a a s t h e p e r f e c t s p o t f o r t h e d e v e l o p m e n t o f e x c l u s i v e l u x u r y v i l l a s a n d a p a r t m e nt s . O n e o f t h e p r i m a r y r e a s o n s f o r t h i s u n d e r t a k i n g i s t h a t L a G o m e r a i s g u a r a n te e d to k e e p i t s t r a n q u i l i t y, s i n ce o v e r 6 0 % o f t h e i s l a n d h a s b e e n a l l o c a te d to n a t u r e r e s e r v e s .

Good Morning For more information please visit: w w w. p u e b l o d o n t h o m a s . c o m o r c a l l : + (3 4) 92 2 62 83 8 0 + (3 4) 92 2 14 59 39 Pueblo Don Thomas, La Gomera, Canar y Islands, Spain.

ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 587 :: 27/03/2009 - 10/04/2009

she is now a, “boarding school”. Her perceived lack of intention to care for her child has led the authorities to take official charge of Piedad once more and they are again searching for a home for her. For Sole, the news of everything that Piedad is going through is heartbreaking, “her pain has always been ours. That has been our biggest and worst sentence.” She worries about all the changes that the child is going through, changes of accommodation, food, friends and schools. At just seven years old she has been in four children’s homes and lived for two brief episodes with her birth mother. The only stable period in her life was the two and a half years she lived with Sole and her family. Sole finally went public with their story because she felt alone and desperate. For doing that, she has faced criticism of wanting to be a protagonist and starting a media circus, but it was the only avenue she could find where people would listen to her. There is now a large grass roots support group. Similarly mud has been slung at her new lawyer, Eligio Hernández, inferring that he was becoming rich and famous on the back of the case. In fact his total charge for the case which is taking up many hours of his time is 1,000 euros for office costs and travel expenses to and from the courts in Las Palmas. A strong and valiant woman, Sole continues to fight because, “we always put her love and respect for us before ours for her,” and we, “promised her love and stability for life”. In the meantime, some two years ago, the adoption contract signed between the children’s department and Sole and her family was cancelled. They were not informed or given the option or possibility of appeal. Eligio, a seasoned lawyer, ex prosecutor and ex top judge, doesn’t tend to take

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

28 March [ 11 AM ] TWO DEMONSTRATIONS IN SUPPORT OF PIEDAD AND SOLE *LAS PALMAS DE GRAN CANARIA

In front of the Dirección General de Menores ofﬁce *PUERTO DE LA CRUZ

Plaza de los Reyes Católicos

on many criminal cases, but he felt unable to turn Sole away. “It is a tremendous injustice that someone should face prison for defending a child who she considered and considers her daughter.” He calls the court cases brought against Sole, “the biggest accumulation of errors in administration and justice that I have seen out of thousands of cases in my 40 years as prosecutor, lawyer and judge.” More than just ﬁghting for Piedad’s happiness and Sole’s freedom he feels that the errors that

have supposedly been committed threaten the prestige of Canarian and Spanish justice and that it is a case which will probably have knock on effects and involve changes in the law. “It is my challenge and professional obligation to see that Sole is declared completely innocent.” He declared that on entering the court room for the second case against Sole, the judge was already predisposed against his client before hearing the case, calling her, “arrogant and high-handed”. He felt

that sentence had already been declared before the hearing started and went on to enumerate just a few of the reasons that he feels should lead to Sole being absolved, and would then subsequently begin to work to have the child returned to Sole’s family if possible. To start with if there was contempt of court it was committed in La Orotava therefore the court hearing should be in La Orotava not Las Palmas, making all hearings there illegal. Secondly, under Spanish law you cannot condemn someone

twice for the same crime. Thirdly for contempt to have taken place you need a clear order, official notification of that order and an explanation face to face in court of what it would mean if you don’t comply and finally for the individual not to obey. Here there were three orders for Sole to obey and none of the steps were followed through properly, if they had been, he claims that there would never have been any court cases at all. In any case which was she to obey? She was damned if she did and damned if she didn’t. Speaking about the recent court case he was involved in on Sole’s behalf, Eligio was still clearly indignant that he was asked by the judge to hurry things up and finish because she had another case to try – also illegal under Spanish law unless the lawyer is straying from the point. The accused has the right to state his or her case, alone or through his or her counsel. Finally, without the prior notice required by law, the judge held the hearing behind closed doors, thereby violating another human right, that of the right to a public hearing. For the lawyer, those closed doors mean that the hearing was null and void. Throughout, Sole and her lawyer have refrained from criticising the birth mother, but they also ask for respect for, “the mother chosen as apt for this child”. In his possession are several documents, one from the prosecutor who originally asked for Piedad to be taken into care making strong accusations against the birth mother that Eligio refused to read in public. Another from a child welfare officer refers to the child who has been so prejudiced by this entire administrative and legal furore as suffering, “institutional ill treatment”. Sole made a plea for the law and children’s departments to treat these cases in a more competent and humane manner, but her

lawyer went further calling both the administration and justice departments, “incompetents”. “There have been many errors in judgement, the child has gone from being neglected, into a happy home she was taken from and is once more officially registered as neglected”. He wants a parliamentary commission set up to investigate the case and for those responsible to explain their actions in front of the elected people’s representatives. He believes the result will be a change in the law. “This is a very important issue. There are many mothers who have adopted or are waiting to adopt and many children waiting for adoption.” In the end it will be for the High Court to decide Sole’s fate but this is about more than Piedad’s happiness and stability or Sole’s freedom, it is about putting the rights and welfare of the child first. Sole held onto her child as long as she legally could and faces jail for it. She believed the child was better off with her and her family. Time has proven her right, but the courts, unable to admit they made a mistake, still seem to see her actions as wrong. Eligio stated, “it is up to the courts now to investigate all that has gone before and put it right. They cannot be content with closing the door and continuing on as if nothing happened.” If they fail to correct this comedy of errors, then in the words of Dickens Mr. Bumble, “the law is an ass… and the worst I wish the law is that his eye may be opened by experience—by experience”. There are to be two demonstrations in support of Piedad and Sole simultaneously in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria in front of the Dirección General de Menores office and in Puerto de la Cruz in the Plaza de los Reyes Católicos at 11 am, 28 March.

Don’t miss out...

Get your tickets now! Don't miss the concert of the year Guarantee your VIP Rod Stewart tickets by booking through

w w w.islandconnections.eu Click on the the 'Ticket Master-Rod Stewart' banner on our website and book your tickets the easy way. Use the seating plan to ensure you get the best seat for the concert of the year.

EDITION 587 :: 27/03/2009 - 10/04/2009 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

TENERIFE

ADEJE

Comic Relief

Multimedia mayor T

he mayor of Adeje, José Miguel Rodríguez Fraga has opened a web section within the council’s website www.adeje.es with the main objective of reducing the gap between the council and Adeje’s residents who now have a new way in which to communicate directly with their mayor. “I have always considered the proximity of the residents as primordial, and I want to take advantage of new technology to be able to reach as many citizens as possible. I am at their disposition to listen to them first hand, answer their questions and respond to their demands”, explains Adeje’s first citizen in his welcoming text on the web. The main sections in this new space are ‘ask your mayor’, ‘request an appointment’ and the ‘blog’. In the first of these the public can make suggestions or ask ques-

Adeje mayor on line

tions, and the mayor will respond personally. The ‘request an appointment’ section hopes to speed up the personal attention service which the mayor schedules weekly, and will be complemented by telephone or personal attention so that residents can choose which way to request a meeting with

the mayor. The blog is being used as a space for personal reﬂection over various subjects which he believes, are important to the municipality. In the ﬁrst entry he speaks of the family and circumstances which make more and more demands on the institutions regarding children’s educa-

tion. The web space also has a multimedia zone which includes a gallery of videos where the public can see extracts from interviews, press conferences, or take a virtual tour of the mayor’s ofﬁce. The web space also includes an area for articles and discussions, and at the moment the sub-

ject of investiture is being featured. There is a section for news and another for corporate image where the signiﬁcance of Adeje’s coat of arms and ﬂag is explained, and soon there will be news published relating to the naming of Adeje as a historic town. In his welcoming texts, the mayor emphasised the main objectives of this web space, “service, proximity, rapid response and participation. These are the four central themes of the recently reformed Adeje council website. I encourage you to look at all the information and services which it offers. Also, we want to continue advancing on this road enthusiastically, with contributions from everyone, because we built this municipality together and we are all improving it day by day. For this reason, I hope that this method of communication will prove to be an authentic working tool”.

Red nose fairy cakes

Martin and Lillian at the Pink Parrot

A sea-front café at Las Galletas raised money for this year’s Comic Relief by giving red nose fair y cakes to anyone who made a donation. Martin and Lillian Proud, who run the Pink Parrot café, took up the idea from a customer who offered to make the cakes, based on a Jamie Oliver recipe. “We just invited people to make a donation and they could help themselves to one of the cakes”, said Martin. “The customer didn’t want us to give her name, but we are ver y grateful to her for the idea. It was a good way to support Comic Relief. The strawberry topped fairy cakes went quickly”, he added, with over €60 raised. The Pink Parrot is a popular haunt among residents and tourists, and overlooks the beach on Las Galletas seafront.

ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 587 :: 27/03/2009 - 10/04/2009

La Orotava

Pedestrian zones The Orotava council intends to copy other towns like Puerto de la Cruz and Icod by turning a number of streets into pedestrian only zones and to create semi-pedestrian areas in main arteries like Calle Calvario. Although the local council is supported by small business associations and CIT, the Centre for Tourist Initiatives, a brief survey amongst shopkeepers and members of the public suggests that many are sceptical and concerned about the idea. The main worry is that eliminating traffic and parking spaces along these streets will make even more shoppers opt for the giant out of town commercial centres, forcing even more shops to close. The logical first step, according to others, is to build car parks before eliminating traffic and car parking areas. If shoppers can’t park they will go elsewhere. The effect of a similar programme in Puerto de la Cruz and Icod, where main streets were converted into pedestrian only zones without providing adequate car parks, has been devastating for their retail trade. Others, like bankers or those interested in increasing La Orotava’s cultural tourism industry, hold a different view, believing that the town needs a new lease of life. The council, understanding that some people won’t like the idea and that it is going to produce plenty of turmoil, says the initiative is fundamental to stimulate growth and to regenerate the town with progressive tendencies for the benefit of all.

TENERIFE

CHAIN REACTION

Bike lanes for Arona The CCN tourism spokesperson Marco Arosio is backing a call by a growing number of ex-pat residents and swallows in Costa del Silencio for the introduction of bike lanes. Bike lanes are nowadays a common feature in most European cities and towns, and as well as facilitating residents in their choice of a cheaper and more relaxing form of transport, promote a practise, i.e. cycling, that is healthy and good for the environment. It should be a win win situation. However the idea would appear to be relatively new here in Tenerife, but one that Marco hopes the local Arona council will see a good idea and one that could be implemented soon in many areas of the borough. While the idea of cycling in Tenerife might seem like torture (given the heat and the hills) to anyone but a masochist or in training for the next Tour de France, there are in fact some

Bicycle lanes are a common feature in many European cities and towns

nice flat zones where a family day out on two wheels isn’t a crazy idea. “There are a lot of nice circuits where bicycle lanes could be created”, says Marco, “flat areas in Costa del Silencio....and although I am spokesperson for tourism this idea is not just for foreigners but for Spanish residents too, who would like to go out at the weekend with the children on the bike and feel safe on the road”. He also pointed out that areas like Buzanada and Valle San Lorenzo could also benefit from the idea, and other councils could well follow Arona’s lead if they began to introduce lanes, and eventually they would offer a cycling route all along the South West coast of Tenerife. So come on Arona, on your bike. Here’s a good idea that has come from the public, they are just waiting for you to make the next move on their behalf. On an island that is all too reliant on four wheels it would be an excellent way of reducing that dependence as well as encouraging exercise.

EDITION 587 :: 27/03/2009 - 10/04/2009 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

TENERIFE

MARKET TRADITION

The Gran Meliá Palacio boasts the largest private open air pool in Europe

Roadside fruit stalls in trouble Residents and visitors driving along the main north road between Los Realejos and Icod will have noticed and may well have stopped once or twice over the years to buy some fruit at one of the roadside fruit stalls, makeshift shacks where ladies sell local produce, often at a good price. There is now a debate as to whether they, which have become an unofﬁcial tradition, should be permitted to continue trading or whether they should be forced to move into the new agricultural market which has nearly been completed. The mayor of La Guancha, whose municipality this particular stretch of road belongs, believes they should hire space in the market. In fact the suggestion is that the makeshift stalls are illegal, in that they don’t have proper municipal permits and certainly don’t pay municipal taxes. It does

GRAN MELIÁ PALACIO DE ISORA

Guía hotel top with agents Some sellers see the beneﬁt of moving

seem that earning the label of something traditional does not automatically imply an automatic right to set up a stall anywhere. One of those ladies who run most of the stalls says they have permission from higher up, not from the Almighty but from the Cabildo in Santa Cruz. She is María del Carmen, who has sold fruit at the roadside for twenty years and is refusing to

budge. On the other hand Juana and Araceli, who have run a fruit shack for thirty years feel that moving to the agricultural market, just along the road, will beneﬁt them. Whatever they feel, the truth is that these quaint stalls, which add a piece of old charm to a rapidly changing and progressive island, are in trouble and may soon disappear.

The Grupo Preferente umbrella group of travel agents have voted the Gran Meliá Palacio de Isora the best holiday hotel in Spain. In a telephone survey among 400 representatives in the sector, the Guía de Isora ﬁve star hotel received 258 votes as compared to 190 for second choice. This is an excellent achievement for the luxury installation which only opened its door to the public in July of last year.

The Álvaro Sans hotel boasts some impressive architectural features, as well as the largest private open air pool in Europe, just one among the hotel’s water installations which include a private pool for children, part of the Gran Meliá Palacio’s family friendly service. There are also six restaurants and six bars on-site, and all that combined with the excellent climate and attractive surroundings make this an obvious holiday choice.

Disney tickets still available There are still loads of tickets available for the excellent Disney on Ice Princesses show at the Santiago Martín stadium in La Laguna. These are ver y colourful productions and

highly professional, directly from the Disney stable. The show runs over four days, April 17th – 21st, tickets at El Corte Inglés or on line, www.elcorteinglés.es.

Solbank

We£com ! You are welcome! Whether you want to invest in euros or in Sterling, long or short term, at Solbank you will always be welcome if you want to find your way of saving and investing.

Solbank is a registered trademark of Banco de Sabadell, S.A.

Because we adapt to your needs and offer you always a totally customized service: your language, your currency, your way! Find out more about your way of saving at your Solbank branch, by calling 902 34 39 99 or at www.solbank.com.

ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 587 :: 27/03/2009 - 10/04/2009

Playa Paraíso

Polish ‘kidnappers’ held Police in south Tenerife believe that two Poles arrested recently may have been planning to abduct businessmen to earn ransoms. According to the La Opinión newspaper, the pair were stopped in a Mercedes car with false number plates in Playa Paraíso and a search of the vehicle produced an imitation gun, masks, packaging tape and an assortment of materials used to bind hands and legs. Although it is not known if they were behind last month’s kidnap of a La Laguna bottled gas distributor, who was released after his family paid 6,000 euro to his snatchers, police think they could be connected to a number of recent incidents, not all of which have been made public by the victims. It is thought the Poles had been under observation following their detention for a separate reason a few days before the Playa Paraíso arrest.

TENERIFE

EXTENSION CLOSURE

D-day set for Alcampo The illegal extension to the Alcampo Shopping Centre in La Laguna will be closed down by force on 2 April

Policeman held

Norwegian tourist complaint A policeman from Santiago del Teide faces charges of abduction after allegedly forcing himself on a Norwegian tourist. According to the Civil Guard, the officer befriended the 24-year-old woman at a bar in Playa de la Arena while he was in uniform . He offered to drive her to her hotel in his police car but took another route and when she rejected his advances he abandoned her in an isolated spot in Adeje, leaving her to find her own way back. The incident came to light when staff at a filling station where the police car stopped became worried at the violent behaviour of the officer towards the woman in the car. They showed CCTV footage of the incident to the Civil Guard and the policeman was identified and arrested.

The illegal extension will be closed down by April 2nd

The illegal extension to the Alcampo Shopping Centre in La Laguna will be closed down by force on 2 April according to the local council, although there is still a chance that more court action might delay the measure fur-

ther. The shops in the extension, including several top fashion names, ignored the preliminary notice served by the council in February and continued trading. Now the council says it will seal the doors on 2 April at 10am to prevent further activ-

ity in the extension, whose planning permission was voided by the High Court in October 2007. However, the association of small traders fears that the latest deadline will pass without enforcement and has threatened its own le-

gal action against both the council and Alcampo if the ruling is ignored again. “There is provision in the law for the authorities to disconnect electricity and water in such cases and we will be asking for it to be invoked” said the association’s lawyer, who rejected criticism that it was prepared to sacriﬁce a hundred jobs in the shops as part of its campaign against the shopping centre. “Alcampo went ahead and let out the units knowing the outcome of the action would be against them so it is not our fault that the jobs will go. The shops in question can relocate the staff to other branches, something we cannot do if we lose business because of their illegal extension” said one local trader who is solidly behind the closure.

EDITION 587 :: 27/03/2009 - 10/04/2009 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

TENERIFE

UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE

TITSA Route changes

Teide gets its diploma

A number of route changes have come into force, despite some objections from the main union in TITSA, the Tenerife bus company. THE MAIN CHANGES ARE:

Tenerife South Airport The 341 (Santa Cruz â&#x20AC;&#x201C; South Airport) has one less bus covering the route and the journey time is now slightly longer â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 80 minutes. The 488 (South Airport â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Los Cristianos â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Playa de las AmĂŠricas) will increase its frequency.

La Laguna The 105 (Santa Cruz â&#x20AC;&#x201C; La Punta) no longer operates on weekends and passengers will have to transfer in La Laguna to the 50. The 902, which linked the terminal with Los Campitos now continues to Cueva Roja.

La Orotava The 373 and the 374 no longer run to Los Poyos, La Florida or El RincĂłn on weekends.

Buenavista The 366 will no longer operate on on weekends. Passengers will have to use the 355.

Las AmĂŠricas The 472 (Los Cristianos â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Playa ParaĂso/Callao Salvaje) has two extra busses added to the schedule.

XIV CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT

ROTARY CLUB TENERIFE SOUTH st

Friday, May 1 , 2009 "MM QSPDFFET PG UIJT FWFOU HP UP TPDJBM PSHBOJTBUJPOT JO "EFKF "SPOB BOE 4BO .JHVFM UP EBZ DFOUFST GPS ZPVOHTUFST XJUI EFGJDJFODJFT PS TMJHIU IBOEJDBQT 8F JOWJUF BMM SFTJEFOUT UP UBLF QBSU JO UIJT JNQPSUBOU FWFOU BOE IFMQ UIFTF WJUBM DBVTFT JO UIF MPDBM DPNNVOJUZ

The Mount Teide National Park was added to the list of world heritage sites at a ceremony in New Zealand in June 2007. To mark this honour a special event took place at the foot of Teide on March 9th when MarĂa Jesus Sansegundo, the Spanish Ambassador at UNESCO and current president of the World Heritage Committee, ďŹ nally presented regional leaders with the diploma recognising Teide as a world heritage site. During a ceremony adorned by numerous speeches in which the great volcano was described as one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s natural jewels, the mayor of La Orotava, whose municipality has most land inside the park, took the

RUSSIAN DELEGATION

Town hall bends Arona town hall went to great lengths recently to make life easier for a large delegation of two hundred Russian travel agents during their ofďŹ cial visit to Playa de Las AmĂŠricas. Among the events organised for the group, whose presence was deemed vital for promoting the resort on the rising Russian market, was one in a local restaurant on Calle Arenas Blancas on 12 March. Ahead of the event, the corporation published

CLICK " -VODIFPO #VGGFU XJMM CF PGGFSFE GPMMPXJOH UIF UPVSOBNFOU BT XFMM BT UIF QSJ[F HJWJOH $PDLUBJM

'PS SFHJTUSBUJPO QMFBTF DPOUBDU UIF (PMG DPVSTF (PMG $PTUB "EFKF 5FM EJSFDDJPO!DPTUBBEFKFHPMG DPN

opportunity to call for the Regional Government to invest money in improving the parkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s roads. Later in the week, spurred on by Teideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s award, he thought he would also bid for his town, La Orotava, to become a World Heritage Site. However, in order to qualify a site, monument or cultural object needs to have certain requirements which might include traditional, architectural or scientiďŹ c aspects. The old town certainly has its traditions and charms, and many of its traditional Canarian mansions have been maintained but, in comparison to hundreds of other towns and villages throughout the world it probably lacks the necessary worldwide historic and cultural interest.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;If this is what we have to do when we grow up, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m thinking, school probably isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t that bad after all!â&#x20AC;? Pupils from Adeje Casco infantsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; school pay a visit to the local town hall where they are greeted by mayor JosĂŠ MiguĂŠl RodrĂguez Fraga.

formal notices in Tenerife newspapers, but the purpose was not to invite locals to turn out to welcome the precious travel agents. Rather, the notices were details of parking and trafďŹ c restrictions ordered to ensure the Russians would have unhindered access to the venue on the day. The mayor, JosĂŠ Albero ReverĂłn, requested localsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; cooperation with the temporary measures which, he added, would be â&#x20AC;&#x153;to the beneďŹ t of allâ&#x20AC;?.

Teide accident

Snowboarder rescued A nineteen year old received serious injuries after an accident on Mount Teide. He fell from a considerable height whilst attempting to snowboard on slopes at the foot of the volcano. He was airlifted to hospital by helicopter after being treated on the ground for head injuries and broken bones.

Immigrants

Illegal minors Five times more young illegal immigrants have arrived to the Canary Islands than in 2008. Of the 1,100 that have already made the hazardous journey by boat, 130 are under age, and experts are worried that this ďŹ gure will rise as weather conditions improve, with many more boats expected to attempt the crossing in coming months.

Puerto theft

Daylight robbery The police force in Puerto de la Cruz would seem to be facing more robberies and thefts as the economic crisis begins to bite deeper. An example is an investigation under way after two armed men held up a supermarket in the La Paz district in broad daylight early in March. They werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t looking for much, just what was in the till.

Council classroom

ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 587 :: 27/03/2009 - 10/04/2009

PROMOTION

EDITION 587 :: 27/03/2009 - 10/04/2009 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

TENERIFE

News in Brief

DIARY DAIRY

Yoghurt rumour sours event

Cine Victor

Support grows for cinema rescue

A well-known dairy products ﬁrm in Tenerife nearly fell foul of a childish prank that could have damaged its reputation badly. Coinciding with media coverage of the controversy surrounding government plans to distribute food nearing its sell-by date to needy families, the La Orotava company was accused of ofﬂoading out-of-date yoghurts to an event organised by the regional government for schoolchildren. On the day of the event, held in La Laguna’s main square, rumours circulated

that many children were forced to throw the yoghurts in the bin because they were sour and over a month past their sell-by date. The reports reached the local council which moved quickly to verify the veracity of the news. The firm carried out its own checks and within minutes of receiving the first media enquiry said that none of the products given out were unfit for consumption and

all the batches donated for the event were well within their shelf-life. A spokesman said the rumour could have had serious repercussions on its reputation but, thankfully, was nipped in the bud when it emerged later on the day that the ‘news’ had been triggered by a group of children as a prank. The yoghurts were ﬁt for consumption

Interpol probe

ITV

Bahía del Duque raid A raid on a luxury jeweller’s shop in Tenerife’s plushest hotel could be connected to a series of similar raids carried out in Europe and even the Middle East. The La Pagoda jeweller’s in the Bahía del Duque Hotel in Costa Adeje was raided last September and armed gunmen, thought to be from Eastern Europe, made off with a 600,000 euro haul. According to a local Tenerife daily, Interpol now believes the gang behind the raid may be part of the notorious Pink Panthers who have

carried out robberies in jeweller’s shops in Paris, London and Dubai. The methods used in the Adeje robbery coincide with those of several high-proﬁle robberies in recent years and police say the attention to planning and detail points clearly to the Panthers, of which there are several different groups. Interpol believes the raiders plan their robberies in secret locations in the former Yugoslavia and spend no more than ﬁve minutes on the premises of their victims during the actual robbery.

RENT A CAR LAS AMERICAS S.L.

Need a Car?

Call us!

Weekdays 08.00 11.00 14.00 17.00 21.00 24.00 02.00 05.00

Power FM’s Bigger Breakfast with Rick Porter Big Fat Lunch with Val Richardson Afternoon Tea with Dawnie D Drivetime with Fred Dudman Late Night Virtual Power In the midnight hour Early hours Daybreak

Saturdays

Full insurance · All Inclusive No Hidden Extras Short or long term

The Saturday Breakfast Show with Gordon King The Weekend Slam with Alex Macrae Golden Oldies with Katy Kennedy Saturday Night Fever with Pete Quilty LA Connection with Emperor Roscoe (Yes!The real one!) Virtual Power

Sundays The Sunday Breakfast Show with Gordon King The Sunday Roast with Hollie Bourne Golden Oldies with Katy Kennedy Centre Stage with Adam Marks The Ex-Pat Show with Spencer James The Love Show with Bernie Simmons Virtual Power

EXCITING TIMES ARE AHEAD! SEVEN ISLANDS,ONE STATION ©IC/551/2007

autosamericas@web.de

RADIO ADVERTISING WORKS! Power FM covers all seven islands! Call us for a no hassle and friendly quotation any time on 679 402 402 Web: www.powerfmradio.com E-mail: sales@powerfmradio.com Studio: 9055 12345 SMS: 5533 Power

The chaos at the ITV station in Las Chafiras is in the headlines again. Local Spanish and foreign press have highlighted the growing anger at the failure to remedy the recent problems at the station (which per for ms the required road worthiness examinations), which is unable to cope with the demand for tests. In recent months drivers have been queuing in their cars at the MOT station from 1.00am in the hope of getting an appointment for the same day.

what´s your style

Q-Bass Unleashed with Chris Merrick Tuesdays & Thursdays Midday

R&B with Roxy B Saturday 7pm & Wednesday 2pm Smokey Lee´s Smooth Sailing Soul Sessions Sunday 8pm & Saturday Midday Eddie Meyer´s Jazzy Box Saturday & Monday 2pm Ritmos Fascinantes with Mercedes Lago Sunday 7pm & Friday 2pm

Dinner In Ibiza with Tony H Saturday 8pm The Lounge King with Agent 69 Friday 9pm Zoologic Radioshow with Café del Mar’s Valentin Huedo winner of the 2008 Ibiza 2008 resident dj award. Thursday 5pm & Sunday 11am

Soul Unsigned with Phil Driver A weekly selection of the world’s most influential newcomers to the Soul and Jazz scene. Thursday 6pm & Monday 9pm

Brazil Eclético with Anna Paula Reis Bossa Grooves, Brazilian Blues and Eclectic Excellence. Friday 8pm & Sunday 3pm. And not forgetting

The Qfm Sunset Sessions every evening...

www.Qmusica.com

08.00 12.00 15.00 18.00 21.00 24.00 02.00

: : : : : : : : : : Ask for details : : : : : : : : : : Call Stuart on: 922 79 08 25 or 662 566 630 Or send us email:

Autos Am ericas : es tablis hed in Tenerif e f or 25 y ears

Power FM schedule

08.00 12.00 15.00 18.00 21.00 23.00

1 Driver or 2 Drivers, Baby Seats or Booster, Free Airport Service & Hotel Delivery

Rent a Car Las Américas S.L. CIF: B 38.39 39 14 C/ Luciano Bello Alfonso. Polígono Industrial Las Chafiras

Bahía Del Duque Hotel

Queues make the headlines

Support for Santa Cruz’s Cine Victor, which is under threat of permanent closure and even demolition, is growing by the week. The picture house closed its doors back in October after the island’s Cabildo announced it would no longer run it due to the financial losses it was causing. Privatelyowned, the Victor has been in the doldrums for many years due to the competition from newer multi-screen complexes in the city and in La Laguna, but the threat of complete disappearance has mobilised a number of local associations, which are keen to create a Foundation to run it not just as a cinema but a concert hall and theatre also. Over 7,000 people signed up to a recent petition to persuade the authorities to reconsider their position on the Victor, which showed its first film back in 1954. The association leading the drive to save the cinema, UPAC, says it has negotiated a preliminary agreement with the owners to take over but the move would only be viable with financial support from public bodies. A final decision on the take-over proposal is due at the end of March.

Qfm 94.3 ® is guaranteed 100% free from artificial additives, colourants and commercial bullshit.

ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 587 :: 27/03/2009 - 10/04/2009

TENERIFE

Stretch your legs, clear the head, take in the views and enjoy great company along the way

Bunker promise

Mirador opening in June FUN WALK

Stretch your legs! Every Friday morning at 10.30 you can see a group gather outside the Hotel Gran Arona in Los Cristianos. They are about to start the two hour trek over Guaza mountain to the town of Guaza itself, where they will refresh themselves in Oscarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bar.

This event has become established as something of a minor tradition over the past few years. Group supremo, Tony Nolan,

is originally from Dublin but is now based in Los Cristianos. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just a great stretch of the legs,â&#x20AC;? says Tony, â&#x20AC;&#x153;you can blow away the weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cobwebs, meet friends old and new, and have a nice glass of beer and tapas at Oscarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s afterwards.â&#x20AC;? FĂĄilte president, Martina Bowe, goes every week and wonders if maybe others would like to join them. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very good exercise and the views are

fantastic,â&#x20AC;? she says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;and on the way down we pass an old ďŹ nca. The owner gives us lovely fresh produce, and only accepts payment reluctantly.â&#x20AC;? Numbers vary from week to week. Sometimes there are four walkers, others times there are fourteen. â&#x20AC;&#x153;New faces are always welcome,â&#x20AC;? says Martina, and she adds: â&#x20AC;&#x153;bring a stout pair of shoes!â&#x20AC;? For more info call Tony on 628 689 306.

Moving home ? ... Call

Ordinary folk appear not to care whether it opens or not and actually remain quite sceptical about yet another promise - they have too many other things on their minds, however the La Orotava council has announced that the Humboldt cafĂŠ, a building which they commissioned ten years ago and which cost a fortune, is opening in June.

The council has made similar announcements in the past which have come to nothing. The recent decision appears to have been taken by chance during a council meeting and only because opposition groups, who naturally like to tease the ruling group about their cafĂŠmirador disaster, proposed the building should be used as a museum and information centre about Bencomo, one of the Guanche kings who resisted ďŹ ercely against the Spanish conquerors.

Many consider the building ugly

Understandably opposition groups question the need for the cafĂŠ. Many consider the building a hideous piece of architecture which resembles a wartime bunker. At the same time they wonder why it was built. After all, although the famous German explorer and scientist, Alexander von Humboldt,

looked across the Orotava Valley from the same point and marvelled at one of the most beautiful sights he had ever seen in the world, do tourists really wish to explore the view today? What was once a lush and pretty valley is now covered by housing estates, roads and giant shopping centres.

Come and see us me and see

Est. 1988

The specialists in Worldwide Relocation Services Full member of the British Association of Removers

CUSTOMER COMMENTS t'*345 $-"44 4&37*$& */ &7&3: %&1"35.&/5u .S 8IJUF 4BOUB $SV[ t+645 50 4": 5)"/,4 50 &7&3:0/& */70-7&% */ 063 4)*1.&/5 #"$, 50 5)& 6, 063 #09&4 "33*7&% */5"$5 8*5) /0 %"."(& %0/& 1-&"4& 1"44 0/ 063 5)"/,4 50 5)& (6:4 */ 5)& 6, 5)&: 8&3& &953&.&-: )&-1'6- "/% (00% "4 8&3& :063 (6:4 */ 5&/&3*'&u .T /JDPMM 4DPUMBOE t&9$&--&/5 4&37*$& $)&&3'6- 45"''u .S )BMTUFBE -PT 3FBMFKPT t7&3: 7&3: (00%u .S .ST 8IJUFGPPU 1BMN .BS t&9$&--&/5 7&3: 26*$, +0# "/% 0/ 5*.&u .S .ST 5IPNQTPO 1MBZB #MBODB -BO[BSPUF

Puerto de la Cruz

Secure 24hr surveillance storage facilities Fine art / Antique specialists / Pet exportations / Vehicle import & export Weekly shared container service to the UK Whether you are in the Canaries or the UK we will gladly carry out a free, no obligation survey and quotation

5FM Â&#x2DC; 'BY & NBJM JOGP!HPXPSMEXJEFTM DPN FT Â&#x2DC; 8FCTJUF XXX XXX HPXPSMEXJEFTM DPN FT

Markets

Open every Sunday from 9am - 2pm, in Urb La Paz, beside Supermercado 2000

Information 922 713 246

Gran Canaria

EDITION 587 :: 27/03/2009 - 10/04/2009 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

Social theft!

AIR FORCE EXERCISES

Economic beneﬁt welcomed

Internet police sting

The show saw many different air force planes in ﬂight over Canarian skies

The recent exercises conducted by elite pilots from the Spanish and US Air Forces contributed to more than just honing ﬂight skills and tactical performance. According to the head of Gando Air Force base in Gran Canaria, which hosted the two-week training stint, the manoeuvres injected considerable money into the local economy. Countering criticism in some quarters at the military activity in the skies, Colonel Jaime Martorell was at pains to point out that the 450 personnel who took part, including 200 members of US and NATO forces, made

their presence felt in many other ways. “This training session brought hundreds of people to Gran Canaria and they stayed in hotels, dined in restaurants and hired cars during their stay” insisted the senior ofﬁcer. The Canaries were chosen for the exercises because of the good weather and the relatively little air trafﬁc compared to parts of northern Europe. In addition to 40 F-18s and Mirages from the Spanish Air Force, a contingent of 10 USAF F-15s based in England was sent down for the second week and took part in almost 200 sorties.

The offences, including theft and credit card forgery, were committed in Gran Canaria and Lanzarote, in both cases after the man befriended victims on social networking and dating sites. Several of his victims reported losing jewellery and other valuables after meeting him. However, although police had an idea of who they were looking for he proved difficult to track due to the frequency with which he changed jobs. Officers decided to set him a trap by creating a fake identity for a woman on Internet and inviting contacts. The suspect responded and proposed meeting for a drink, only to be arrested as soon as he arrived at the agreed spot. Police recovered valuables worth 15,000 euros, a car and two digital cameras in a search of his digs.

Customs

GERMAN TV SHOW

German TV boosts Gran Canaria Gran Canaria is set to receive positive exposure on German TV in April thanks to the popular magazine show Die Frühlings Show, which is broadcast on Sundays on the ZDF channel and draws audiences of several million each week. Three of the programmes to be shown in the coming weeks were recorded in the Villa del Conde Hotel, where over a hundred members of ZDF staff stayed to do the recordings. The presence of ac-

A Gran Canaria man thought to have committed 14 dif ferent of fences in recent months fell on his own sword when he was caught recently by police using an Internet trap.

tors Eva Maria Grien and Ingo Nommsen drew large crowds of ex-pats and holidaymakers to the location during the several days of ﬁlming. Guest artists whose contributions were recorded included former Smokey lead singer Chris Norman. The presence of ZDF was hailed by Gran Canaria’s tourism chiefs as a major coup for the island’s image as German families look to book their summer holidays.

Make your €€€’s go further...

Three of the programmes were recorded in the Villa del Conde Hotel

Ivory smugglers Customs officers in the port of Las Palmas stumbled on an unusual haul when they stopped a car as it was about to exit the docks. In a random check of vehicles officers discovered 34 pieces of ivory and three heads of African animals, including an impala. The occupants were detained for questioning but could not produce the paperwork required to show the prized items had been imported legally. The find has led to an investigation by the Spanish authorities into the role of Canarians in the smuggling of African wildlife species.

HOMESTYLE DIRECT S.L. QUALITY FURNITURE IMPORTERS

Telephone: 922 736 849 C/ Ten-Bel, manzana 35, Polígono Industrial Las Chafiras. San Miguel, Tenerife South. Open Mon-Fri: 10am - 6pm. Sat: 10am - 3pm

DELIVERY SERVICE AVAILABLE

...With our Clearance Sale! COME AND JOIN OVER 8000 SATISFIED CUSTOMERS! Save £££’s by paying in pounds sterling (At a rate of 1.30 euros to 1 pound sterling)

By Barbara Belt

ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 587 :: 27/03/2009 - 10/04/2009

HUPAL

Street markets

Great stuff

Something new Regional government employment and industr y head, Jorge Rodríguez, has promised the sum of one hundred and eight thousand euros to La Gomera to, “....modernise, enlarge or create street markets.”

The group is going from strength to strength

The idea is to stimulate sales of local produce, handicrafts and goods and is a ground-breaker in La Gomera, where there is no tradition of such markets.

Barbecues

Better safe... Expenditure of over two hundred thousand euros on building barbecue and picnic facilities in Las Hayas and Arure may save proportionally much more this summer.

The release of the new disc, Hupal, provided a musical and social highlight in home territory Valle Gran Rey recently. To an invited audience of music buffs, friends, family and authorities, the elevenpiece Hupal group presented a short audio-visual compilation of their story to date, with a concert featuring songs from the new disc-produced and re-

Announced by mayor Ruymán García and, supposedly, for, “...the seventy families who live in the area,” the facilities will be used by everyone in search of a safe barbecue spot. Lighting fires is strictly prohibited after last year’s devastating, and very expensive, forest fires.

Binter

corded by well-known producer, Carlos Más. “The reference points for our music are the traditional string instruments and folklore of La Gomera and the ‘parrandas’ (impromptu music and singing sessions) of Valle Gran Rey, with their pronounced seafaring ﬂavour. It’s satisfying to research and rework this wonderful old material-it keeps it alive,” said singer and guitarrist Juan José

La Gomera

Jiménez. The group goes from strength to strength and now boasts an eclectic repertoire encompassing a wide range of what is regarded as Canarian music, including folías, isas, malagueñas, puntos cubanos, corridos mejicanos, boleros, guarachas and even a vals (waltz!) The group, ‘formed itself,’ nine years ago and is the epitome of an island group. Making music to attract fame, recognition, or even an audience was never a motivating force. The musicians played to amuse themselves, tucked into corners in small bars, or round kitchen tables at family celebrations, and still do so. Amongst the eleven are local ﬁshermen, the barber and his twelve year old son, a policeman, a teacher, an ironmonger, waiters, pensioners, farmers and a bank clerk. A turning point came when the occasional Saturday night parranda in the Hotel Gran Rey became so popular that it morphed into a ﬁxture. They have continued to pack audiences into the hotel’s rooftop bar ever since.

They are now very good, but still pleasantly modest, appearing slightly surprised by all the applause and fuss. Other than prowling round Valle Gran Rey on the alert for the sound of live music, the only sure way to catch Hupal is to coincide with their fortnightly hotel bash. Telephone the hotel on 922 80 58 59 for information. Guests are welcome, space permitting, but an early arrival is recommended. Watch the sun set into the Atlantic, cocktail in hand, while the group sets up. If you’re really lucky, you may coincide with some-or allof them, playing at any time in the excellent BarTasca El Bajío, next to the Hotel Gran Rey. Always well worth a visit for its gourmet snacks and wines, El Bajío is where you may well ﬁnd them ‘en casa’, playing when the fancy takes them. The new cd is a well-produced gem- a real, wide-appeal treat, but of special interest to local music fans. It can be bought online at Hupal. com, or at the group’s parrandas, should you be fortunate enough to ﬁnd them.

JUAN JOSÉ GUITÉRREZ

New plane baptised

Family’s campaign The body of Juan José Guitérrez Hernandez was found ﬂoating off El Médano, Tenerife, in early March, after he had been missing for a week. His family in Hermigua, La Gomera, had desperately sought news of his whereabouts. They feared the worst, knowing his condition, but were up against ‘apathy’ and

The new seventy-two seater, ATR 72500 plane now ser ving La Gomera was offically welcomed by press, authorities and public at its recent ‘baptism’ ceremony at the Alajeró airport. Binter’s Pedro del Castillo, Casimiro Curbelo and Canarian transport head Rosa Dávila unveiled the new aircraft, called ‘Guarapo’ after the island’s delicious palm drink. Speeches, silbo, local music and dance, with much quaffing and political contortionism ensued.

apparent ‘negligence’ on the part of Santa Cruz’s La Candelaria hospital, to where he had been transferred on medical advice – and from where he disappeared while in the waiting room in casualty According to Francisco, the family spokesman, “the Candelaria hospital report is a blank page, containing one sentence: ‘on being called, the

patient was not found in casualty’. La Candelaria hospital was advised of his imminent arrival. Records there, however, give no information: no details of who received him when he arrived at midday, or even when it was discovered he had disappeared from a waiting room. “Why were we told at eight p.m. he was ‘still waiting to see the doctor

and not contactable’? The following day they admitted nobody had known where he was for over ﬁve hours then. Why didn’t the hospital inform police of his disappearance? They knew he suffered paranoid schizophrenia. “We can’t bring our brother back, but we can establish who’s responsible and ensure this never happens again.”

PHONE THE U.K.! From

UK TELECOM CANARY ISLANDS

No contracts

•

Tel: 922 384 255 •

No standing charges Fax: 922 384 336 •

•

e-mail: service@uk-tele.com •

cts./min.

Everything in English website: www.uk-tele.com

Business NEWS

EDITION 587 :: 27/03/2009 - 10/04/2009 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

TELEFÓNICA

Renewable energy

Cheaper calls

Cleaning up The Canar y Islands are ideally placed to lead the third industrial revolution and show the way in the use of renewable energy sources, according to a leading expert in the subject.

Telefónica have announced discounts of up to 50 per cent Spanish telephone giant, Telefónica, have announced discounts of up to 50 per cent with a ceiling of 20 euros per month for clients who become unemployed. The discounts are to be applied to both the landline and mobile services, so for clients who have contracts for both services the savings are up to 40 euros per month, before tax. The scheme becomes operational from the next due bill and will last until the end of the calendar year. Guillermo Ansaldo, Teléfonica president, called the proposal, “unusual and exceptional” conﬁrming that it is an unrepeatable offer and they hope that the maximum number of contracts affected will not exceed half a million. Only clients with a minimum of six months contract will be considered

Jeremy Rifkin, who heads the prestigious Foundation on Economic Trends think-tank, took part recently in an international conference on renewables in Gran Canaria and said he had never seen a more ideal location to harness the possibilities of solar, wave and wind power to provide electricity and heating. He predicted that the islands could spearhead the world’s drive to increase the share of renewables in the energy mix during the next twenty years, calling the Canaries the “Saudi Arabia of clean energies”.

Agriculture

Illegal fruit Cheaper phone bills for the unemployed

and those with a prepaid Movistar contract will have to switch to a full contract to beneﬁt. Full details are on their website at telefonica. es/teayudamos. This is not the only discount on offer. For residents possibly the most

important offer is the new product, Línea libre, which does away with the ﬁxed monthly charge. For those with Dúo/Trío under contract with Teléfonica and their mobile with Movistar, a new promotion, Dúo + voz móbil, allows you to call

any Movistar client for one cent a minute, the current lowest charge is three cents a minute. Roaming charges have also been cut and a new range of offers are available for small and medium businesses (for information call 900380390).

CAR INSURANCE

No receipt required New regulations for the minimum driver’s insurance liability have supposedly scrapped the need to carry your insurance receipt with you. The FIVA system, insured vehicles information archive, is finally up and running and officers can check on-line whether or not a vehicle has up to date insurance or not. However the Traffic Department are still recommending that you carry the document with you – just in case – especially in areas like the Canaries where the patrol cars have not yet been fitted with the licence

plate registration system linked to FIVA. If a driver hasn’t got the receipt and for some reason the system has no registration of the insurance, he or she will be given five days to present it at the Traffic Office. Failure to do so will result in the vehicle being confiscated. Official coffers will be down. In 2007, 160,000 fines were levied on drivers who didn’t have the required piece of paper for 60 euros each. Driving without insurance carries a fine of 1,000 euros for scooters, 1,250 euros for motorbikes, 1,500 euros for cars and 2,600 euros for industrial vehicles, apart from the loss of four points off the driving licence.

The Canarian Department of Agriculture says around four tons of illegally imported fruit and vegetables have been detected in well-known supermarkets. Despite the strict import controls to prevent the arrival of agricultural pests, the batches have managed to find their way on to shop shelves. It is believed that the find was made after a tip-off which also helped detect bananas from South America sold with Canary Islands labels. The Department has ordered checks to be stepped up at ports and in stores to curb the growing practice which, it says, seriously threatens local agriculture.

British airports

For sale Three British airports are to go on sale following a ruling by the UK Competition Commission. Gatwick is already up for sale and the Commission wants Stansted sold next followed by either Glasgow or Edinburgh. The Commission has insisted that the airports must be bought and run by different owners. BAA, the current owners, also own Heathrow, Southampton and Aberdeen, a common ownership which according to the Commission, “precludes any competition between them”.

TEA conference

Air safety Two hundred people gathered in the TEA conference rooms in Santa Cruz recently for a seminar on air transport and safety. Among the topics covered were security and air transport rights, the latest research and development and their applications in the sector, aircraft design and how to care for air accident victims. Also under discussion were other themes of interest related to this field, which is of such importance to the development of the Canaries.

English Lawyers & Spanish Abogados Our specialised legal team can assist in various aspects of English and Spanish legal services including: Property, land & conveyancing • Criminal, commercial & employment law Wills, probate, tax & estate planning • Family & divorce law Timeshare & seasonal ownership • Civil litigation & personal injury

Book direct for great value flights to and from the UK & Ireland. Fantastic special offers available now. Book early to avoid disappointment and get the best deal. Contact Vicky Freeman & Vikki Singleton on Phone

922 761 202

Email: R_TE_SeatSales@firstchoice.co.uk

Languages spoken: English, Spanish, Dutch, Italian, French & German Contact us now for a Private Consultation: 922 719 520 Tenerife Office: Avenida de Los Pueblos, Parque Residencial Villaflor, Local B-20, San Eugenio, 38660 Costa Adeje

Tel: +34 922 719 520 Fax: +34 922 724 511 tenerife@decottalaw.net www.decottalaw.com

Established 1983 · Celebrating 25 years of expertise Consultation Hours: Monday to Thursdays 09.30 - 17.30 pm, no siesta / 09.30 - 14.30 Fridays

ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 587 :: 27/03/2009 - 10/04/2009

Taxi sharing A pilot scheme in Candelaria may be set to spread to Arona, La Matanza, La Laguna, Güímar and Arafo. Although the taxi-sharing scheme to connect the smaller towns and villages of the borough has been running only a few days, interest has already been shown by other areas. Twelve taxis, seven sevenseaters and five four seaters, run a regular route between Candelaria and Barranco Hondo, Igueste, Araya, Cuevecitas and Malpaís. Passengers are charged the same as the bus, 1.30 euros or 95 cents with a Bono discount card for each journey with the additional benefit that the taxi takes you closer to your home.

ZEC

Development A joint working party has been set up to see how the ZEC (Special Canarian Zone) can be improved to bring more investment and jobs to the Islands. The ZEC scheme already of fers many fiscal advantages and the working party will be studying ways to improve that in the short, medium and long term by reforming and developing the scheme. With almost one in four Canarians unemployed, the need to find alternative income to tourism is now urgent. It’s sometimes erroneously believed that ZEC companies can only operate in certain areas, in fact this only applies to certain types of industries and one of the changes proposed is to lift that restriction.

Crisis management

Salary freeze Workers at three Seat plants in Barcelona have accepted a pay freeze. The first year there will be no increases and the second they will only receive half of the increase registered in the consumer price index. The move was supported by 65.5 per cent of the voters in a high turnout which saw over 4,800 workers register their choice. In 2011 all workers will receive an additional payment of 200 euros. By accepting the proposal, workers and unions hope that the Volkswagen Group, who now own Seat, will bring production of the new Audi Q3 to the area, thus protecting the majority of the jobs.

CATERING COMPANY

School dinners under threat The owner of Vanyera 3 has blamed the banks for the collapse of his catering company. The owner of Vanyera 3 which provides most of the food for the public schools and many of the hospitals and social centres in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria has blamed the banks for the collapse of his catering company. Ángel Marrero, founder and administrator of the company claimed that lack of cooperation from the banks and late payments from the public administrations has forced him to apply for voluntary liquidation. The company’s ﬁnancial forecast shows that they would be back into proﬁt by 2010, but the banks turned them down for a loan of six million euros to tide them over the next 18 months. Seventy per cent of the meals Vanyera 3 provides go to public administrations for school dining rooms, re-

The Canarian Government has guaranteed that school meals will continue

tirement homes, immigrant centres and the hospital canteens. Five hundred jobs are directly on the line. Marrero has also pointed out that 99 per cent of their 700 credi-

tors were small businesses and individuals who provided the prime materials for their catering business, and the knock on effect to them could also be drastic. The Canarian

Government, “regretted” the loss of jobs, but guaranteed that all services apart from the hospital canteens would be covered in the event of Vanyera 3 closing down.

TRANSPORT

Full grants available? Up to 100 per cent of the cost of transporting industrial goods into the Canaries may be grant aided. The move to grant aid to sea and air transport to the Islands has been approved at EU level and is in addition to the agricultural grants ﬁxed a month ago at between 50 and 100 per cent of the total cost of transport. The grants, according to the Finance Ministry will favourably affect the price of the average shopping basket as well as contributing to

Thomas Cook

All inclusive holidays UK trading has been described as “robust” by a Thomas Cook spokesperson. Although winter bookings are down on last year by five percent, average selling price is up by seven per cent using year on year figures. They are seeing particularly strong demand for all inclusive holidays which account for 40 per cent of their summer bookings and have increased nine per cent over the last year and 40 per cent over the last month.

(Credit:Elias Minasi)

Public transport

BUSINESS

Transporting goods by sea and air may be grant aided

regional development. The Canarian Government has pointed out that although the EU has authorised up to 100 per cent grants, the national government will probably limit it to 50 per cent, however they believe that inter-island trafﬁc could be grant aided up to 100 per cent. The new grant system is of a retroactive character from January 1st 2007 and will last to the end of December 2013, with a total expected cost of 346 million euros.

EDITION 587 :: 27/03/2009 - 10/04/2009 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

BUSINESS

Power struggle

Promotion: Tenerife Property Shop

Electricity bills to be re-invoiced

International Property Award Success!

enerife Property Shop has received two International Property Awards at the recent ceremony in London. But what does that really mean to people who want to buy or sell a property? The prestigious International Property Awards gala was held on the 27th September, in London. This glittering event took place at the Park Lane Hotel, and Tenerife Property Shop scooped two awards: a proud moment!

Tenerife Property Shop has been recognised as the best Estate Agency in the Canary Islands, and has also won the award for best real estate agent marketing. The awards follow previous successes that the company has had, but winning this year is the result of the continual effort to improve the service offered to clients. “We are continually building on our success, and ensuring that we remain several steps ahead of the rest of the market. Last year, we ensured that every member of staff was covered by Professional Indemnity Insurance, protecting clients, their money and their homes to a greater level than any other agent in Tenerife. This year we have built on that by offering all new purchasers a Title Insurance. This unique insurance protects a purchaser to such a high degree, and for a period of twenty years. We are the only company on the island to offer this to our clients”, said Mary Spencer, Director of the award winning estate agency. At a time when many companies are cutting back on marketing their clients’ properties,

Tenerife Property Shop are as active as ever. “In the last two decades, we have seen the property market go through its cycle more than once,” commented Bruce Grindley, a director of Tenerife Property Shop. “But its no good simply cutting back, or else you are not performing the service you have promised to the many vendors who have trusted you with the sale of their property. This award for Best Estate Agency Marketing should show all vendors that we are really committed to finding buyers for their properties.” But what do these awards really mean to you, if you are interested in buying or selling property? A recommendation is only as good as the person who made it and buying and selling property are probably the biggest transactions you will make in your life. So a recommendation should always be from someone who understands the profession and who you trust. The impartial panel of judges involved in selecting the winners of the International Property Awards could hardly be more qualified: Eric Pickles, British Shadow Secretary of State; Peter Bolton King, chief executive of the National Association of Estate Agents; Phil Spencer, property expert and presenter of Channel 4’s Location and Relocation TV shows; Imtiaz Farookhi, chief executive of the National House Building Council… it would be difficult to assemble a more experienced and competent group of judges. So when you next need to buy or sell a home in Tenerife, make sure you do it the safe way and give the award winning Tenerife Property Shop a call.

Electricity companies have been ordered by the regional government to re-invoice households that were overcharged at the beginning of the year as a result of the switch to monthly billing. The ﬂood of complaints received since January prompted the Canarian Department of Industry to open an investigation into allegations that the companies had taken advantage of confusion in new billing legislation to apply 2009 tariffs to electricity actually used in 2008. As reported in Island Connections, thousands of customers complained that they had been deliberately undercharged in December and the ‘missing’ units were then added to the January bill at the higher rate. The companies have been ordered to recalculate the consumption using real ﬁgures and to indicate clearly the method of calculation on bills as of now.

Bills are to

be reissued

Housing Ministry

Urban land prices According to figures recently published by the ministr y of housing, the Canar y Islands have registered the biggest increase in the price of urban land in all of Spain. The archipelago is at the top of the list of only five independent communities where land prices have increased. The average price per square metre of urban land in the Canaries during the fourth quarter of 2008 was 429.4 euros, an increase of 5.9 per cent on the same period of 2007 when the price was 405.4 euros. On the contrary, at national level urban land

prices have fallen by 10.5 per cent, with an average value per square metre during the fourth quarter of last year of 248 euros, which is a fall of 3.5 per cent when compared with the previous quarter’s price of 257 euros. In the Canaries,

the highest urban land price was in the province of Las Palmas at 467.8 euros per square metre (an interannual rise of 4.7 per cent), with Tenerife at 373.2 euros per square metre (an interannual rise of 6.9 per cent).

Sidrería-Tasca La Teja

Free meals A restaurant in Adeje is offering free meals to the unemployed. Sidrería Tasca la Teja in Adeje old town near the Repsol petrol station is, like some restaurants in the peninsula, making a gesture of solidarity with the unemployed. On the third Monday of every month people who present themselves at the restaurant with their identity documents

and their unemployment card are being treated to a free lunch. On presentation of proof of parenthood, unemployed mothers can also take along their children for a free nosh up. However, although praised by many as a generous gesture in times of crisis, the decision has irked some local restaurants who feel it not only deprives them of

potential custom (the offer is for 120 meals each day) but also creates pressure on others to ‘join the fashion’. Repor ts from mainland Spain indicate that the free meals have already caused friction in the restaurant sector and, in some cases, open confrontation between restaurants.

ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 587 :: 27/03/2009 - 10/04/2009

Grow your own

By Bill Blevins

Cheap fruit and veg

Financial

Investor conﬁdence in bonds on the increase

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is offering an aid to the family budget with 12 urban allotments. The contracts on the sites in Siete Palmas are for two years and those families chosen for the allotments were first given a short but thorough course on how to look after their plots. It would seem an ideal solution to abandoned land and crisis cash management and has proved so popular that there is now a waiting list.

Foreign accounts

Swiss funds

THERE HAS BEEN A NOTABLE INCREASE IN INVESTOR CONFIDENCE IN BONDS OVER THE LAST YEAR.

There doesn’t seem to be a lot of cash around to lend, but the Swiss Banks association (ABSB) confirmed that they were holding 1,400 million euros in accounts for foreign customers. The amount held is more than double the quantity previously confirmed by the Swiss National Bank and foreign clients hold 42 per cent of the total funds administered in Switzerland.

Santa Cruz

Marine park closed Twenty two workers are about to lose their jobs because, they claim, the local council is dragging its feet on permits. The marine park in Santa Cruz makes most of its money on organising parties and events and their license to do so has not yet been renewed. Without the income from such events, the administrators of the park have been unable to pay their staff for over a month, so the workers are on strike and the park is closed. A spokesperson for the staff claimed that the park is on the point of bankruptcy because of red tape.

On-line help

Free loans Zero interest government loans are available to companies and individuals who wish to renew computer equipment and join the ADSL network. The Spanish Government’s Credit Institute is under writing the interest on the loans, which are available through local banks, with the aim of increasing the use of information and communication technology in our homes and businesses. For more information on packages available visit the website at www.planavanza.es.

Many bond issues are currently trading at half their original value

Despite the global credit crisis, independent financial advisers (IFAs) are convinced of the longterm benefits of investing in bonds. At the Joint Investment Forum 2009, 83 per cent of 1,430 IFAs said that they would be recommending corporate bonds to their clients this year. The Virgin Money Investor Intension Index, which measures IFA confidence in various sectors, also reveals that bonds have seen a 15 per cent rise – to 83 per cent - in confidence since the index was launched last June.

Bonds are arguably now even more attractive following the latest Bank of England (BoE) interest rate and quantitative easing announcements. With bank interest rates now so negligible, more people will move their cash into securities like bonds which provide higher returns. The BoE will now also start to spend £150 billion on asset purchases - £75 billion over three months to buy corporate and government bonds. This will increase the ﬂow of credit available to businesses, helping them cope with the downturn.

With share prices still volatile and the credit crunch making it harder to obtain bank loans, companies may need to rely more on issuing bonds to raise money - and in the current climate have to offer higher interest rates to attract investors. When you buy a corporate bond you lend money to a company for a set term. The issuer pays you a ﬁxed rate of interest each year and on maturity repays the original capital back in full (unless it defaults). Since bonds are traded on the open market their value can fall and rise. If you sell

The Leaders within Accessibility and Disability for 20 years The Full Service Package You will ﬁnd us in the South of Tenerife: Avda. Amsterdam, 8, Edf. Mar y Sol Los Cristianos · Tel. 922 750 289 You will ﬁnd us in the North of Tenerife: Avda. Familia de Betancourt y Molina, 34, Edf. Martina, Puerto de la Cruz · Tel. 922 373 301

www.lero.net

• Rental and Outright Sales • Consulting and advice • Repair Service • Nursing Care • Assisted Living • Airport Transfers incl. luggage assistance • Excursions especially for people with limited mobility • Need assistance at home to make your life more accessible? Please call our professional Team for further information or visit our website

Our New Products now in stock! Come and see us for your free consultation and our expert’s advice

a bond before maturity and its price has fallen you may receive back less than your original investment. If the price has gone up you could make a profit. In the meantime you’ll receive steady interest payments either way. Investors normally access bonds though professionally managed bond funds, rather than buying and selling individual securities which takes experience and needs insight into the issuing companies. Bond fund managers actively buy and sell bonds before they mature where they see opportunities to make gains by doing so, rather than purely holding to maturity. A fund also allows you to invest in a wide range of bonds to increase the potential for good returns. Bonds, particularly high yield bonds, are currently priced at what many commentators are calling “once in a lifetime” levels. Distressed sellers have pushed prices down – and yields up – to record levels. The market has also priced in a very high level of defaults, but managers agree that defaults won’t rise to the extent that’s been priced in. Many bond issues are currently trading at half their original value, but once they reach maturity the original issue value will be repaid in full. These low prices are also reflected in prices of bond funds, so by investing now you will generate a very attractive income. You should always discuss investment opportunities with a financial adviser to ensure they suit your objectives and circumstances and work well with your other assets. To keep in touch with the latest developments in the offshore world, check out the latest news on our website www. blevinsfranksinternational.com

ock! t S m update o Sale frour equipment! We renew and

W Wheelchairs Electric Wheelchairs and El Scooters starting from € 200 Bargain Items

Hoists, Scooters, Walking Frames, Aluminium-Ramps, Care Beds, Raised Toilet Seats and all your consumable needs

PROMOTION

EDITION 587 :: 27/03/2009 - 10/04/2009 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

Agenda

Pets corner

ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 587 :: 27/03/2009 - 10/04/2009

nimals are extremely intelligent, they communicate amongst themselves telepathically and can read your mind. We humans, however, lost that sixth sense that we were born with sometime during our childhood when society taught us that it wasn’t ‘the done thing’. So our ‘imaginary’ friends and wonderful conversations with animals ceased to exist. Luckily, we can learn this skill again. In the meantime, what can your animal do when you fail to receive his telepathic messages? How can he let you know if he has a problem or feels ill? A cat or dog does not urinate in unacceptable places for the hell of it. This is the animal’s last resort, his last hope of communicating to you that there is a problem, because by now he has probably been in pain or at least utter discomfort for some time. Most often, this means that there is a waterworks problem – possibly crystals in his urine or some type of urinary tract infection. Most of us know how uncomfortable it is to

PETS PROBLEMS

Do you understand your pet? What do you do if your cat or dog starts to urinate where they shouldn’t? Do you scold them? have cystitis for example, so take your animal to the vet, and sooner rather than later. He or she will probably be prescribed with a special diet to break up the crystals and restore pH balance, and possibly antibiotics as well if an infection is suspected. Scolding animals is a waste of time, because they do not ‘hear’ the word ‘don’t’ or ‘stop’. If your cat claws at your sofa, and you shout, ‘don’t claw my sofa!’ only the words ‘claw my sofa’ will register, so he thinks that you want him to do it again. This is because he is tuned into you telepathically and sees the pictures going through your

I really want to talk to you

mind of him clawing the sofa again. Imagine how confused he is when you shout at him once more. He reaches the conclusion that humans are irrational and not to be trusted. Instead, be positive, look your animal in the eyes and with lots of love, tell him what you do want him to do, for example, ‘claw your scratching post’, and picture that in your mind at the same time. Animals do hear you, and they do understand. Unfortunately the same does not always apply in reverse. And, believe it or not, your pets hate to do anything that upsets or hurts you, their human.

PET’S PILGRIMAGE The dogs and walkers get ready to set off

Best paw forward As you read this 15 dogs and walkers are somewhere between Estepona and Santiago de Compostela, in Spain, making a 1,200 kilometre trek or pilgrimage to raise awareness (and funds) for abandoned dogs. Organised by ADANA, (Asociación para los Derechos de los Animales Abandonados), the walk leader is Johanna Mayrhofer, orginally from Austria, who has been involved with ADANA for six years. ADANA has been in existence for 20 years working to care for and re-house thousands of abandoned animals. By making a pilgrimage the

length of Spain, volunteers accompanied by dogs from their refuge in Estepona are setting out to raise awareness of animal cruelty, encourage care and compassion towards animals and raise funds for community based care and educational programmes. We caught up with Johanna on day two of the walk, and she told us, “we are hoping to educate people in the care and compassion needed to improve the quality of life of suffering animals. Animals have played an integral role in our lives since the beginning of time. Both as companions and workers, they have been at our side,

Pets Portrait

n Bunny town

Zampón

faithfully fulﬁlling their role”, now with this walk they hope to remind people of that. Johanna added that they were also working to remind the state of their obligations towards animals and their rights under law. “It’s not just owners who are responsible, the authorities also have a duty to protect animals under the law, and we are working to get councils to look at programmes of castration, education and the provision of refuges for abandoned animals”, she continued. The walkers and their dogs should take seven weeks to reach their ﬁnal destination, and are hoping to average 24.5 kilometres a day. Their target arrival date is May 2nd, and along the way they will also visit schools and meet up with other animal organistions, all to raise awareness. Aid and assistance for both doggie and human pilgrims is on hand at all times, with vets accompanying the march to make sure the dogs don’t

Digs 4 Dogs Professional dog care at our purpose built

KENNELS 6 mins from San Isidro Only 10 € per day • Collection and return Service • Quarantine & UK return Service For rates and availability phone Allen or Lesley on 680 278 254 or 922 772051

suffer at all during the walk and are ﬁt to continue. And yes, Johanna conﬁrmed that some people think they’re crazy, but in general the response has been positive. They have also been joined by walkers from all over the

world, including the United States of America, Australia, and closer to home the UK, Germany and Austria as well as many Spanish born/based walkers, with at least one German ex-pat now based in Tenerife also part of the

team. If you would like to follow their progress visit the webpage, http://adana. es/elcamino/ where you can meet the dogs, the walkers, and also ﬁnd out how to sponsor them along the way.

Where can you get everything for your dog under one Kennel?

At Don Perro where else? • Dog grooming is not just for show! • Prevent knots, disease and annoying pests! • Come to Don-Perro now for professional + caring grooming. Your dog will thank you!

DON PERRO

For all your dog’s needs Call us now 922 73 58 24 We are 2 minutes from the TF-1 at Las Chaﬁras, Carretera San Miguel

www.don-perro.eu and woof for yourself!

Living & lifestyle

EDITION 587 :: 27/03/2009 - 10/04/2009 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

Beauty:

Acne ACNE IS THE MOST COMMON OF ALL SKIN PROBLEMS, IT IS CHARACTERISED BY REDDENED, INFLAMED PIMPLES. By Nicola Roberts

t is mainly found on the face but can also be found on the back, shoulders and chest. Acne is more common in young men because androgens (male sex hormones) such as testosterone stimulate the cells to enlarge and produce more sebum (a mixture of oil and bodily waxes) which in turn blocks the skin pores – creating more often than not spots. Teenagers are more inclined to spots and acne because during puberty there is an increase in androgens in both boys and girls.

exposed to certain cosmetic ingredients – affects up to 30 million women in the United States That is approximately one in every three women who visit a beauty salon. It is called by a variety of names: comedogenicity, cosmetic acne, acne cosmetica – the condition is all the same. Skin pores are blocked with plugs of hardened oils and skin cells brought on by the use of cosmetics. The technical name for those plugs is comedones and they are the visual signs that the skin might be reacting to certain make-up or skin care ingredients. They appear as raised blackheads, whiteheads and small blemishes where make-up is most frequently worn – the cheeks, chin, jawline, forehead and sometimes around the eye area.

Pre-menstrual women also often experience spats of acne. The exact cause of acne is not known but excessive stimulation of the skin by hormones is often a factor as well as hereditary factors, oily skin, stress and sometimes over stimulation of the skin caused by the use of over-abrasive skin care products. Many people believe that poor diet plays an important role in acne breakouts but there is not any real evidence to support this. Obviously if and when certain foods are consumed and a reaction is visible then avoidance of these food groups is the best policy.

Cosmetic acne If your skin takes a turn for the worse it is worth looking at your skincare and makeup products to see if they are actually the cause of a break out of acne or sensitivity. Comedogenicity – the tendency of the skin’s pores to clog when

Suzane Decor

The good news is that once identiﬁed, the clogged pores are quickly and easily ﬁxed – if the individual is prepared to make a few changes in her daily beauty routine and follows up with regular salon facials.

oily- even if the oiliness is mild. *The comedones of each can look similar to the untrained eye. *Cosmetic acne is most frequently found in people who are prone to acne reactions. *Cosmetic acne is rarely found in ladies outside the 15-45 age group. Cosmetic acne does appear differently to ‘teenage acne’ in that the comedones appear quite raised on the skin’s surface whereas the other is often embedded quite deeply in the skin. The area will also be clear of redness and irritation – which usually goes together with acne.

D&C Red Colourants – commonly found in cream rouges, powdered blushes and lipsticks. Look for make-up without D&C red colours and do not use red-toned eye shadows since these dyes are illegal in products which are to be applied to the eye area. Lanolin – simple forms of lanolin can be mildly comedogenic, but chemically processed lanolins can be a big problem – they can cause anything from mild to severe irritation and of course comedones. Isopropyl Myristate (IPM) – this ingredient receives the most bad press of all the comedogens.

The only permanent solution to clogged pores is usually ‘routine’ and ‘avoidance’. Routine: use products which you can identify as suitable for your skin type, that is without any comedogenic properties, and take regular facials which involve some form of deep cleansing but at the same time don’t dry or damage the skin. Avoidance: get used to reading product labels and identify which ingredients are clogging up the pores and promoting oiliness and comedones. Therefore ladies with oily skin must always be faithful to their cleansing and home care routines and use noncomedogenic products if they wish to keep clear, clean complexions.

If you are suffering from cosmetic acne, labelling will actually give you an idea if that particular product is for you. Manufacturers are required by law to provide a detailed list of all ingredients in their products. The following makeup ingredients are most likely to cause problems in ladies with oily skin:

Cosmetic acne is not a true form of acne since it is an externally caused condition brought on by using incorrect products and procedures. As mentioned, true acne is the skin’s response to hormonal imbalances. Comedones do appear in both forms of acne regardless of the cause. Even though it is externally caused, cosmetic acne is often linked to true acne; *Both occur in skin that is over

We now have a large range of the Quality Ivory Furniture - at very special prices made from Silver Birchwood - perfect for Dining, Bedrooms and Salons. Packages for new Apartments including Beds and Curtains

DENTAL CLINIC FAÑABÉ PLAZA

We are in the Avenida de Emigrantes on the corner of Calle Altamar (next to Encuentro), Playa San Juan • Tel. 922 86 65 21 • Mobile 619 281 655

Sedation with gas: all treatments are pain free · White Fillings & implants · Whitening with Laser, only one appointment · First visit to Orthodontist, Dentist and Maxillofacial Surgeon FREE · In-house laboratory

Emergency Phone Line (for Bank Holidays & Weekends) : 687 744 225 C.C. Fañabé Plaza, Avda. Bruselas 2nd floor (in front of Hotel Jacaranda) Playa Fañabé , Costa Adeje, Tenerife Sur Tel: 922 714 225 • Fax: 922 724 130 • www.clinicadentalfanabeplaza.com

For more information please ﬁnd us at www.island-connections.eu in the Yellow Pages section

©IC/583/09

Interior design

ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 587 :: 27/03/2009 - 10/04/2009

LIVING & LIFESTYLE

Fashion:

Spring & Summer at P

unt Roma offers high quality fashion for women of all ages and tastes in a great variety of styles, plus accessories, always at competitive prices. Sizes range from 40 to 54 so no matter whether you are big or small, you can always look good and feel good.

Currently, Punt Roma has 167 shops in Spain and more than 20 abroad, and can be found in most shopping centres throughout the Canary Islands. Pop in to your nearest store where you can see these items and more from the new season’s collection.

Laser Hair Removal Laser Vein Removal (Plus free consultation) Microdermabrasion (sundamaged skin - acne scarring) full range of products and treatments full range of products and treatments

50% DISCOUNT ON ALL LASER TREATMENTS

Gift vouchers available

Zenzi

©IC/585/09

Laser Clinic, Beauty Treatments & Massages C.C. El Camisón, Local 53 · 38360 Playa de las Américas. Tenerife · Tel 922 79 85 87

Everything your home

to make a house ANTONIA CAFÉ

DECORACION

Garbo

TH E FURN

OP ITURE SH

Garbo

TH E F URN

CORREOS

OP ITURE SH

FOOTBALL STADIUM

ADEJE

TF-1 JUNCTION 79 ADEJE

LAS AMÉRICAS

LOS GIGANTES

A SPECIAL DISCOUNT WITH THIS

ADVERT

C/Manuel Bello Ramos, 54 · Adeje Tlf. 922 78 16 78 www.garbothefurnitureshop.com e-mail: info@garbothefurnitureshop.com Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9:30-18:00 Saturdays : 10:00- 13:00

In Tenerife, La Laguna holds the most formal celebrations

EDITION 587 :: 27/03/2009 - 10/04/2009 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

6th-12th April

Semana

EASTER WEEK IN THE CANARIES

Semana Santa, or Easter week, is the most sacred celebration in the Catholic calendar, and is most certainly the most important religious event in the Canary Islands.

ll over the world Catholic communities have special ways of celebrating this anniversary of the Resurrection of Christ, and those which take place here in the Canaries are guaranteed to ﬁll you with a host of different emotions. As with almost all religious ceremonies in Spain, Easter is ripe with rituals. There are street processions and marches with participation part and parcel of the week leading up to Easter Sunday. From small villages to larger towns and cities, no-one is left in any doubt as to what time of year it is. In Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Teror and Ingenio are the places to visit, with the most elaborate processions

taking place in Las Palmas. In the north of Tenerife, La Laguna is the focus of the most formal of religious celebrations on the island. Throughout Easter week visitors and residents take part in the processions or view some of the rich and varied heritage of this beautiful city. During the week (April 5th to Easter Sunday on April 12th) there will be colourful processions, tableaux whose origins date back centuries, with brotherhoods passing along some of the most symbolic streets of La Laguna, carrying symbols of holy week aloft. Some of the statues and tiers you will see have been in evolution over ﬁve centuries, as are the forms and dress of many of the

participants. On Maundy or Easter Thursday and Good Friday the ceremonies are of special significance. On the former, the churches and chapel are opened to the public to view the Eucharistic figures, crafted over the years on the islands. Also of great significance is the Magna Procession which takes place at 5pm on Good Friday leaving the Iglesia de la Concepción and going all around the city. Later that evening from 9pm you can watch the

Silent Procession. In recent years, Adeje has become very much the religious focus for the south of the island. Not only does the town have its own formal processions but also creates its own representation of the Passion of Christ. With over 300 amateur actors and usually at least one professional actor taking part, this extremely professional production supported by music, takes place on stage sets along the Calle Grande from midday on Good Friday and lasts for around two hours. Be there early to get a parking place and a good vantage point. Semana Santa is a wonderful opportunity to witness how the Canarian people can combine their respect for their religion with colourful expression of their very special nature.

ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 587 :: 27/03/2009 - 10/04/2009

EASTER TRADITIONS

Santa

The Easter Bunny The Easter bunny has its origin in pre-Christian fertility lore. The hare and the

Iceland

Eggspert at Easter Practising Christians who still observe Lent, or those of us who remember doing so as kids, will still look forward to Easter Sunday in an eggstra special way.

any of us gave up sweets for the 40 days of Lent, making that sacriﬁce for the betterment of our soul, but all we could think about for those 40 days was the end of the fast and the start of the feast, the chocolate feast that Easter Sunday would signify. Today, even if we tend to ignore Lent, Easter Sunday continues to be a day for treats. If you are looking for the most exquisite selection of Easter Eggs look no further than Iceland, in South Tenerife. For tiny tots there are some delightful choccy chicks and Milky Bar moo cows, and Winnie the Pooh treats. The somewhat older and therefore sophisticated sweet toothed junior family members will enjoy the more traditional selections Mars, Smarties, Maltesers, KitKat,Yorkie, Quality Street and Rolo, and for the adult chocoholics there are some real treats, with Lindt Bunnies and giant eggs making a special appearance, or the divine Green & Blacks organic eggs in the milk and dark variety. Prices are more than reasonable, and you are always guaranteed the friendly Iceland service to help your make your consumate choccy choice. Iceland is open Monday to Saturday, including Good Friday. Happy Eggs.

rabbit were the most fertile creatures known and they served as symbols of the new life during the Spring season. The Easter bunny as a symbol appears to have it’s origins in Germany, where first mention of it was made in German writings in the 1500s. The first pastry and sugar Easter bunnies were made in Germany during the early 1800s. The Easter bunny then crossed the Atlantic and was

introduced into American folklore by the German settlers who arrived into Pennsylvania during the 1700s. The arrival of the Oschter Haws (Easter hare) was considered “childhood’s gr eatest pleasure” accompanied with a visit from Christ-Kindel on Christmas Eve. Indeed, children firmly believed that with their good behaviour the furry friend would lay a nest of coloured eggs. In preparation for this, children would construct their nest in a quiet place in the home, or garden. Boys would use their hats and girls their bonnets to make the nests. Elaborate Easter baskets would come later as the tradition of the Easter bunny spread throughout the country.

Painted Eggs Painting eggs is a centuries-old art form linked to the Christian religion, but also has its roots even before Christianity and in many countries around the world specific meanings in the predates adoption of Christian faith, but later, the Christian faith. the designs have included The traditional ones feature designs that have

more contemporary themes or are simply colour ful and fun.

Hot Cross Buns The origins of hot cross buns are mixed with pagan traditions. The ancient Aztecs and Incas considered the buns to be the sacred foods of gods while the Egyptians and Saxons offered them as a sacrifice to their goddesses. The Christian church adopted hot cross buns during their early missionary efforts to convert pagans to Christianity, and decorated each of the buns with the mark of the cross to remind the people of Jesus’s sacrifice to the world. Magical powers were often attributed

to these buns and they have been used as good luck tokens as well as for medical purposes. Hot cross buns are usually eaten on Good Friday and in times past they were the only thing eaten on this day. Some of the symbols of the Easter period. Check out Iceland in Las Chafiras and local bakeries like Croquant in Los Cristianos for freshly baked buns.

EDITION 587 :: 27/03/2009 - 10/04/2009 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

LIVING & LIFESTYLE

5 ELEMENTS NUTRItION EASTER MENU

Clínica Estética Dental

Feel the spring coming…

High standard dentistry in a comfortable environment with the most advanced technology

• General Dentistry • Specialist in Implantology since 1980 • One of the founder members of German Society of Implantology (DGI) • Dental laser technology

A professional multiling ual teuam awaits yo

Tel / Fax 922 71 53 07

Urb. Miraverde, HLS - Center, 1ª Plan Planta Derecha, Costa Adeje

Spoil body, mind and soul with healthy food over the Easter holidays

B E L L I S S I M A

Hair · Beauty · Nails · Osteopathy · Acupuncture · Reiki · Reflexology · Chiropody & Holistic Massage · Aromatherapy · Indian Head Massage · Sports Injury · Electrolysis Sports Centre Los Gigantes Tel / Fax 922 867 343 San Eugenio Alto (next to Roy’s Pizzas) Tel / Fax 922 719 355 m Mon - Sat 10am - 6pm

Health Advice midwifery, TUE & FRI nursing care

pring deﬁnitely is the season that makes you long for sun and outside activities. Finally we don‘t have to endure more grey skies, the cold, the damp, nature is reawakening. But if we look at the mirror, we are far from our shape of last summer: pale and grey skin, rusty joints and a lot of extra kilos from too much slouching around.

When spring comes, we can feel the strength of the wood element in nature, which among other things stands for a new beginning, quick growth and development and childhood. Liver and gall bladder as well as the eyes belong to the wood element according to Chinese medicine. Sour and refreshing dishes and drinks provide excellent assistance to cleanse liver and gall bladder and to make a fresh start. The Chinese are convinced that we have to pay special attention in spring to prevent our body from drying up. This is why they recommend food from the wood element, such as green vegetables, fresh herbs and small amounts of ferment-

M A RY COHR PARIS © IC/574/08

Shiatsu

with Michael Clark

Michael is recognised as one of the top Shiatsu practitioners in the Western World. He was Japanese trained and has been practising for over 25 years. During this time, Michael has unbelievably taken over 400 people out of wheelchairs. If you suffer from poor circulation, causing pain, aches or cramps – you have these problems unnecessarily. One treatment of four and a half hours with Michael is specially designed to help with these problems and will last for years. 'Life is for living – not for getting a stroke or thrombosis'. Michael is based in Ocean View Apts., San Eugenio Alto

Give Michael a call anytime on his mob: 636 239 940 www.me-reliefnews.com

DOCTOR De La Flor

FAMILY MEDICINE / G.P. 10 years of experience in the USA

Best prices, honesty & €30 / €50 professionalism GUARANTEED

Here is an example of a tasty and healthy easter menu from the 5 elements kitchen, which can balance our wood element:

SPRING SPECIAL

New collection now in stock

ZEReS BLA utiqu

Mon -Sat 10.30am - 1.30pm & 5.00pm - 8.30pm Juan XXIII, nº 10. Los Cristianos.Tel. 922 79 31 94

Everything depends on the harmony of the 5 elements cycle. An imbalance in the wood element can have many causes and often shows physically with illnesses which mainly appear in the spring i.e. hay fever, ocular inﬂammations or headaches caused by too much wind. But a blocked or disturbed wood element can also show through emotions by uncontrolled emotional outbursts, fast

Dry Cleaning - Laundry HIPER TREBOL ADEJE

00 34 697 888 666 for Doctor 00 34 637 245 270 for diet advice

unique &

changes of mood or abrupt rage. Nearly all these symptoms can be repaired by food that relaxes the liver. But we must be aware that we only feel good mentally and physically, if all the ﬁve elements are brought in harmony.

TINTORERÍAS DE CALIDAD

Tinerfe El Grande, 9. ADEJE (next to Postal Oﬃce)

BStyolishancdhicsexy,

ed dairy products, which help to preserve the juices of the body and strengthen our substance. Also grains like spelt or wheat in combination with white meat like chicken or rabbit and sprouts are particularly good for our body in springtime.

HIGIEN EC

HOME / HOTEL VISITS

NEW SPRING COLLECTION NOW IN STOCK

• 2 tablespoons of walnut oil • 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, • Pepper, salt

Starter: LAMB‘S LETTUCE WITH WALNUTS • 200 g of lambs lettuce • 50 g of walnuts • 2 tablespoons raspberry vinegar • 2 tablespoons of warm water

• Duvets • Management Companies • Restaurants – Bars • Repairs and Alterations • Open All Day – 10AM - 8 PM

20% off all curtains + take down and put up service

Preparation: Clean lettuce, dry on a towel and put it into a salad bowl. Roast the walnuts in a frying pan without fat. Dust with the sugar and mix well until the sugar is melting. Set aside to cool off. In the meantime, mix raspberry vinegar, warm water, oil, pepper and salt to make the salad dressing. Sprinkle the dressing on top of the lettuce and serve with the caramelized walnuts.

Main course: VEGGIE LASAGNA • 500 g of lasagna sheets • 500 g of carrots, • 2 medium-sized onions, • ½ celeriac, • 2 red paprikas, • 1 aubergine, 2 garlic cloves, • 1 small tin of tomato purée, • 2 medium tins of strained tomatoes, • 3 stalks fresh thyme and oregano • 80 g pecorino or strong parmesan cheese, • pepper, salt, • 200 g of herbal cream cheese

Preparation: Boil the lasagna sheets for 3-5 minutes. Dice the vegetables for the ﬁlling and steam carrots and celery for 5 minutes with 1 tablespoon of oil. Then add aubergine, onion and garlic and roast

Unisex hair & nail salon

Specialist shop for your orthopaedic needs

C. C. San Blas, local 64, Golf del Sur

Carretera Gral. Orotava-Icod, 41 bajo. La Mancha (38430) Icod de Los Vinos

Tel. 922 737 569

Tel. 922 812 807 / 121 804 Fax: 922 812 911

We speak English

ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 587 :: 27/03/2009 - 10/04/2009

5 ELEMENTS continued for another 3-5 minutes. Season with pepper and salt. Now add the tomato purée and tomatoes and mix well. Pull thyme and oregano leaves off the stalks and add. Allow the ﬁlling to simmer, until the vegetables are soft. Now add the paprika and season once again with pepper and salt. Pour a little bit of the tomato liquid in a baking form and cover with a lasagna sheet. Put 1/3 of the vegetable ﬁlling on top and tap with another layer of lasagna. Now spread 1/3 of the cream cheese on the lasagna and cover again with

• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, • 1 small jar of biology apple compote without sugar, • 50 g of sliced almonds, • 1 cinnamon stick, • 1 tsp cocoa powder, • ½ package of wholemeal sponge biscuits, • some strawberries or other berries to decorate

Preparation: Mix the agar agar with a little cold water. Put soy cream with cinnamon in a pot and stir in the agar agar mixture. Heat up until it has completely disolved. Allow to cool a little bit,

House Calls with Dr. De La Flor react to a pet, spend some time with a friend’s dog or cat. That way, you can determine how big an issue pet allergies might be.

I think my son might be allergic to our dog. Is there something we can do to manage this without getting rid of our pet?

• Consider a less cuddly pet. Fish can be an attractive alternative for many people who want a pet without as much fuss as furry friends.

Dear Valerie, Not even Barack Obama’s family is immune to such issues. Eldest daughter Malia has pet allergies. So when they launched their search for a new ﬁrst pet for the White House, they set out to ﬁnd a ‘hypoallergenic dog’.

another sheet. Go on like this, layer for layer. Spread the rest of the sauce on the top layer and sprinkle with parmesan or pecorino cheese. Bake in the oven at 200 ° for at least 30 minutes. The lasagna is ready, when it is soft and the cheese has melted.

Dessert: APPLE ALMOND TIRAMISU • ¼ tsp agar-agar, • 80 ml soy cream, • 130 g of cottage cheese, • 125 g of soy vanilla ﬂan, • 1 small cup of strong espresso, • 1 tablespoon of apple juice, • 2 tablespoons of calvados, • 1 tablespoon of water,

then add cottage cheese, a pinch of cocoa powder and vanilla ﬂan. Put the sponge biscuits in a cake tin. Mix apple juice, calvados, water, lemon juice and espresso and pour over the biscuits. Roast the almonds in a frying pan without fat. Put the apple compote on top of the soaked biscuits and sprinkle with the roasted almonds. Now cover with the cream. Leave the tiramisu in the fridge over night, so that the agar agar can bind. Dust with cocoa powder and with strawberries before serving. * Find more tasty and healthy recipes on www.5-elementos.com

healthytenerife@gmail.com

Dear Doctor de la Flor

Valerie

Most allergists will tell you that there is no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog or cat. But by following certain precautions you can avoid allergy triggers. As you have probably heard the hair is the carrier of the allergen. Allergens are produced in saliva, skin glands, and urine. Your beloved pet sheds flakes of dead skin called dander. It’s in these flakes, not the fur, that certain proteins activate the immune system in an inadequate manner. It’s possible someone could be allergic to even a bald cat. It is the dander that triggers the most significant allergic reactions. But there’s more. Your dog or cat’s saliva gets on its fur when it cleans itself. It also clings to your skin after those loving, but slobbery kisses. Coming in touch with the saliva triggers the pet allergy -- the sniffling, sneezing, and watery itchy eyes that someone with an allergic reaction experiences. Here’s how you can have a pet and manage allergies too: • Borrow before you buy: If you are not sure how a family member will

LIVING & LIFESTYLE

• Make Fido an outdoor pet. Keeping your dog or cat outside can obviously reduce the amount of allergens in the home. • Invest in a HEPA filter. Highefficiency particulate-arresting (HEPA) filters can remove almost all of the animal dander that’s in the air. • Give Fluffy a bath once a week. • Bedrooms should be a pet-free zone. • Remove carpets, upholstered furniture, and heavy drapes. Most of these home furnishings can’t be washed. As a result, they can become a repository of pet allergens. • Try to use allergy meds as little as possible: Medications will treat the symptoms of your pet allergy, but symptoms will come back if you don’t treat the cause of the allergy.

Dear Doctor de la Flor I’m 41 and I’ve never had a mammogram. Should I start having a yearly mammogram done? Debra

Dear Debra, For my patients, I don’t recommend

a standard annual mammogram. You need to determine your personal risk factors with your physician to establish what your specific needs are. In general however, most protocols recommend a mammogram every one or two years for women aged 40 and over.It’s essential that your GP knows you and your family history, because you might need it every two years or perhaps even less often depending on your personal medical history. After all, even doctors sometimes seem to forget that every time you do a mammogram, you are exposing your body to x-rays…. And that’s serious stuff. The primary factor that changes the protocol is if there is a history of breast cancer in your family. In those cases women should get their first mammogram 10 years before their relatives were diagnosed. In addition, women in their 20s and 30s should have a clinical breast exam performed by a doctor every three years to feel for suspicious lumps and bumps. After age 40, a doctor’s breast exam should be done every year. Although there are no definitive studies showing the benefit of breast self-exams, the American Cancer Society says breast self-exams may be a useful option for women starting in their 20s. Dr. De La Flor, G.P. is licensed in medicine & general surgery. He holds certificates in nutrition, medical exercise and human performance from the University of Berkeley in California, the American Council on Exercise and the U.S. National Strength & Conditioning Association. He is a strong believer in work/life balance and spends much of his time outside of his surgery on the tennis court or chasing his four kids around the neighborhood.

Keep smiling, fforget the crisis! EXCLUSIVE LADIES’ FA SHION

for sizes up to 52 Open Monday to Thursday 10am – 1pm and 4.30pm – 7.30pm Friday and Saturday 10am – 1pm Calle Peatonal Roma 7+9, Los Cristianos, Tel./Fax 922 79 08 23 Situated between Avenida Suecia and Juan XXIII (on the small steps)

Each ﬁlling from

30.Euro

Offer valid until 31.03.2009

Call C Ca a & save 922 767 166 German Dental Clinic Buzanada

EDITION 587 :: 27/03/2009 - 10/04/2009 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Scales that remember

Making the most of seasonal food

Easter potage

what you ate. www. lowcarbdiabetic.co.uk

Once a food item imposed during the Lenten period, salted cod has become one of the indisputable protagonists of the Spanish gastronomy.

Compact and colourful mix and measure kit. www.kitchencritic.co.uk

Easter week potage Ingredients

Food Ideas

Preparation

od together with salmon, fresh or cured, are two of the most universally eaten fish. Vikings dried cod for their journeys and it was the veteran Basque country whale hunters who showed the rest of us how to fish, cure and prepare it. Whilst fresh cod is classified as a white fish, salted cod, due to the concentration of its fats during the curing process is classified as an oily fish.

Choose only pure white pieces with no orange or red tinge and it is important that it is translucent. Hold the piece of fish up to the light and put your hand behind it, you should be able to see the shadow of your hand. It should also be flexible. The part of the fish that you choose to buy depends on what you are going to prepare. The stomach is finer and has more gelatine so is better for salsa verde (green sauce) or pil pil sauce (garlic and oil),

whereas the back is juicier and has more fish meat so is better for laminating or slicing into chunks. Desalting depends on the thickness of the piece and takes up to 48 hours, but a standard piece can normally be desalted in 24 hours. First run the fish under the tap to remove the salt crust then cover with abundant water (at least double the amount of fish). Keep in the fridge and change the water every eight hours.

Asiaticoo Asiatic Buffet Libre As

Japanese, Thai and Chinese Cuisine Choose your sauce and our chef’s will prepare your Wok, Grill & BBQ in front of you.

A variety of Asian snacks, fresh meat & seafood

EAT WHATEVER AND HOWEVER MUCH YOU LIKE We invite you to eat whatever and however much you like from our wide variety of cold and hot dishes, desserts and ice-creams of all kinds.

All day buffet

7,99€ ONLY

Tel. 922 797 168 • Fax 922 795 618 Lunchtime 1 pm – 4.30 pm Evenings 6.30 pm – 11.30 pm B Blvd. Chajofe 10 • Los Cristianos (Formerly Mercedes-Benz)

sushi

Desalt the cod and break into small pieces Soak the beans and chick peas separately overnight. Rinse thoroughly. Bring a litre of water to boil and add the chick peas. Half an hour later add the beans slowly so that the pot never stops boiling. When the pulses are almost cooked add the spinach leaves and the ﬁsh. In a separate frying pan gently cook the onion and tomato in a little olive oil with a half teaspoon of paprika and the bay leaves until the vegetables are soft. Once the pulses are cooked add the fried vegetables and herbs and the egg.

Transparent toaster so

in 1/60th of the time. www.drinkstuff.com

chopped • Olive oil, salt, sweet paprika and two bay leaves

you’re never browned off. www.kitchencontraptions.com

• 200gr chick peas • 200 gr haricot beans • 250 gr chopped spinach leaves • 100 gr salted cod • 1 tomato • 1 onion • 1 hard boiled egg roughly

Breathes for your wine

FOR FOUR PEOPLE

Bottoms up for nonoxidated port. www. winebase. co.uk

Restaurante

La Romántica International cuisine, flambées a speciality Superb food, stylish service, a touch of class in Callao Salvaje

Tel. 922 741 518 Open daily 12 midday - 11pm

El Ancla, nº 21. C/ El Jable Callao Salvaje, Adeje

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 587 :: 27/03/2009 - 10/04/2009

Angus Steak House

More than just meat Good food, excellent presentation and of course courteous and efﬁcient service, then do try the Angus Steak House on Golf del Sur. By Our Galloping Gourmet

If you like good food, excellent presentation and of course courteous and efﬁcient service, then do try the Angus Steak House on Golf del Sur.

The restaurant has a spacious open terrace which is light and airy, but at the same time secluded from the road by plenty of tall potted plants. The interior is also spaciously laid out and pleasantly furnished. The background music is audible, but totally unobtrusive. On taking a look through the

menu, we found that there was so much to choose from – fresh ﬁsh, paellas, pasta, pizzas, steaks, a vegetarian menu and even a good selection for children. Some of the specialities include suckling pig, T-bone steak and mixed meat barbecue. There is also a great range of wines and cocktails. I chose Fillet Steak Roberto and my companion opted for Pork à la Oscar. We crunched our way through some garlic bread having followed the good advice of our waiter and drizzled it with virgin

olive oil which contained whole chillies. Our main courses were both served with fresh vegetables – carrots, spinach, cauliﬂower and creamed potatoes which were slightly spiced. Our main courses were served on big square, white plates, with ﬁrst class presentation. It is often said that you eat with your eyes. My pieces of steak in a sauce rich with garlic, were juicy and mouthwatering, while my companion’s tender sliced pork was served with a bearnaise sauce. The pork was perfectly cooked, and

the sauce piquant, complementing the meat perfectly without hiding the ﬂavour. Our vegetables were cooked just enough. We both thoroughly enjoyed our meal, and are sorry to say that we did not leave enough room for one of the delicious desserts on offer. But maybe next time..... The thoroughly recommendable Angus Steak House is open every day for food between 9am and 11.30pm serving breakfasts, lunches, Sunday roasts, dinner and snacks. There is live music every

evening and a Flamenco show every Tuesday. You can ﬁnd this excellent restaurant in front of the Ocean Golf apartments, just past the turn-off for Santa Barbara, with easy parking nearby.

Angus Steak Breakfast, lunch, dinner & snacks Golf del Sur Open for food 9am-11:30pm Live Music: Every Evening Flamenco Show: Tuesday

...how a real restaurant should be! Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks • Fresh fish, paellas, vegetarian menu, pasta, pizzas • Specials: Suckling pig, T-bone steak, mixed meat barbecue • Great range of wines. Cocktails

Open 7 days a week from 9am to 11.30pm. Kitchen open all day Golf del Sur. Avda. Galván Bello s/n. 200 metres before the right hand turn to CC San Blas

©IC/577/08

Live music every evening • Flamenco show every Tuesday

EDITION 587 :: 27/03/2009 - 10/04/2009 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Taking a look at Spanish cheeses

Cooking with cheese A SERIES OF RECIPES CREATED BY THE BEST OF TODAY’S SPANISH CHEFS

Poached pullet’s eggs with a small Tournedo of goats’ cheese and summer trufﬂe

By Salvador and Salvador Gallego El Cenador de Salvador, www.elcenadordesalvador.com Peel the summer trufﬂe, cut into thin slices and arrange in a fan.

Ingredients:

Blend vinegar and honey and pour onto the bottom of the plate.

• 1 pullet’s egg • ½ reineta apple • 1 summer trufﬂe • 1 tblsp béchamel sauce • 1.75 oz goats’ cheese • 1 thin bacon rasher • water • vinegar • 1 tblsp Modena vinegar • 1 tsp honey • 1 tblsp sugar

Presentation: Place the cheese Tournedo and the poached egg on top of the sauce on one side of the plate. Place the sliced apple and béchamel on the other side and arrange the trufﬂe fan in the middle. Brush the plate with a drop of Modena vinegar.

Preparation: Poach the egg in half a litre of water and six teaspoons of vinegar. Remove penicilium from cheese; fold it over bacon and roll up to form a cylinder. Peel the half apple and cut it into slices. Sprinkle with a tablespoon of sugar and bake in the oven at 180ºC until soft. Grill the cheese and bacon under the grill until it browns and bubbles.

CROQUANT British Bakery & Coffee Shop

HOTEL JARDÍN TECINA

sauc

Gastronomic days

Pizza - Pasta - Brasa

Sandwiches, sausage rolls, pasties, etc.

Fresh homemade Pasta Pizzas - Fresh Fish Meat Eat in or take away

Homemade desserts Great Range of Spanish and Italian wines

Wed - Mon 1pm - 4pm / 7pm - 11pm

Hot cross buns

Calle la Gaviota. Playa de la Arena, Puerto Santiago On the main road between Hotel ‘Barceló Varadero’ and Mercadona

The Apolo Centre - Los Cristianos Avda. Gral. Franco - Los Cristianos Mon - Sun 8am - 5.30pm Tel: 922 798 133

©IC/587/09

Information and images from España y sus quesos (in Spanish, English and French) by José Manuel Escorial, ISBN 84-611-2686-6 (around 60 euros). With the kind permission of the national federation of milk industries, FeNIL and the Spanish Institute for External Commerce, ICEX.

Tel. 922 860 744

FOUR OF THE BEST CHEFS IN THE CANARIES ARE PREPARING TWO EVENING MEALS IN THE CLUB LAUREL, HOTEL JARDÍN TECINA’S EXQUISITE POOL AND SEASIDE RESTAURANT, ON MARCH 26 AND 27. The four magicians offer 10 un-

forgettable dishes over the two evenings, matched with wines from Bodegas Frontos and Tajinaste. Reservations are recommended 902222140 or tecina@fredolsen.es

ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 587 :: 27/03/2009 - 10/04/2009

TASTED WINES

1. Tacoronte de Acentejo

WineGUIDE

By Gerald Ruben

One island ﬁve wine regions An excellent place to try before you buy is the Wine Museum La Baranda in El Sauzal.

2. Valle de la Orotava

3. Ycoden Daute Isora

4. Abona

uring the expansion of the Spanish colonies, wherever they landed they were duty obliged to convert the locals to Catholicism, which necessarily meant the planting of vines by someone to provide Communion Wine. Five centuries later in Tenerife, the results of that religious fer vour are five wine regions producing a denominación de origin (guaranteed quality wine) and vineyards covering a total of 8,177 hectares. A wise man once said, when in Rome do as the Romans do, so when in Tenerife why don’t you try one of the excellent local brews. An excellent place to try before you buy is the Wine Museum La Baranda in El Sauzal. Every two weeks they offer a choice of ten to twelve wines at special prices in their wine tasting rooms. Opening hours, Wednesday to Saturday, 10 am to 9.30 pm, Sunday 11 am to 6 pm, Bank Holidays, 11.30 am to 5.30 pm and Tuesdays up to the end of March 10.30 am to 6.30 pm and from April 1st, 11.30 am to 7.30 pm.

Tacoronte – Acentejo

5.Valle deGüímar

They were the first region to obtain D.O. status and this is perhaps the most well known of the D.O.s and the largest and densest in the Canaries with 2,422 hectares under cultivation. The vines are grown between 50 and 850 metres above the sea level in the borough of Tegueste, Tacoronte, El Sauzal, La Victoria, la Matanza, Santa Úrsula and the Guamasa, Tejina and Valle

A popular wine tasting session at Frontos

Guerra areas. Website: www. tacovin.com

75 and 925 metres above sea level. Website: www.ycoden.com

Valle de La Orotava

Abona

The Orotava Valley region has 926 hectares under cultivation between 275 and 675 metres above sea level and spread between the boroughs of La Orotava and Los Realejos. Website: www. devalleorotava.com

Ycoden – Daute – Isora This wide ranging region spreads from San Juan de la Rambla, through La Guancha, Icod de los Vinos, Garachico, Los Silos, Buenavista del Norte, El Tanque and over the Abeje ridge into Santiago del Teide and Guía de Isora. They have a total of 1,003 hectares under cultivation between

This wine region contains the highest D.O. vineyards on the island, cultivating 1,995 hectares between 210 and 1,780 metres above sea level in the boroughs of Fasnia, Arico, San Miguel, Granadilla de Abona, Adeje, Arona and Vilaflor. Many of the bodegas have their own tasting rooms and some, such as Frontos, also have superb restaurants. For anyone staying in the south, well worth a visit, but perhaps better to go by bus or share a taxi. For more information: crdoabona@ worldonline.es

Valle de Güímar This region’s 1,468 hectares are spread between Arafo, Candelaria

and Güímar and cultivated between 175 and 1,400 metres above sea level. Website: www. vinosvalleguimar.com It’s well worth keeping an eye on the various websites or signing up for newsletters as all of the regions organise tastings, tutored tastings and gastronomic days at some point in the year which are great fun and available at a very reasonable price. The D.O. label is normally the reverse label on each bottle, look for the names above or the logos on the left and make your own comparisons between regions, or between wines of the same region. Get together with friends and organise your own blind tasting sessions. Most of all enjoy the wonderful heritage of the Catholic King and Queen of Spain in Tenerife.

WHAT’S ON

EDITION 587 :: 27/03/2009 - 10/04/2009 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

What’s On Tenerife

MUSEUMS & CULTURAL EVENTS [ Tenerife ]

Auditorium Tenerife www.auditoriodetenerife. com

Av. Constitución, 1 38003 Santa Cruz phone 902 31 73 27

Guimerá Theatre www.teatroguimera.es

Plaza Isla de la Madera, 2- 38001 Santa Cruz phone 902 36 46 03

CajaCanarias Cultural Centre

FIESTAS Easter week Easter week, the most important religious festival of the year and known as Semana Santa, is from Palm Sunday on April 5th to Easter Sunday on the 12th with bank holidays on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. In Tenerife the most notable celebrations are in La Laguna (the most formal), Adeje, Güímar, Garachico, Los Realejos, La Orotava, Puerto de la Cruz, Candelaria and Granadilla where you can see religious and cultural acts and processions. Some towns have also developed a tradition of staging Passion plays in the street, and in the south of Tenerife, Adeje is worthy of a visit. The event takes place from midday on Good Friday. For more information see page 28.

www.canarynet.com

Pl. el Patriotismo, 1 38002 Santa Cruz phone 922 471 000

Museum of Science & Space (MCC) www.museosdetenerife. org

C/ Vía Láctea, s/n 38200 San Cristóbal de La Laguna phone 922 315 265

CONCERTS March 29, 6 pm, Classical concert, compositions by Johann Sebastian Bach, John Bennett, Lambert Chaumont and Georg Friedrich Händel for soprano, ﬂute and organ performed by Barbara Hebborn and Hans Peter Reiners. San Fernando Rey Church, Santiago del Teide. Entrance free.

MUSIC

www.museosdetenerife. org

March 27, Traditional Canarian

C/ Fuente Morales, s/n 38003 Santa Cruz phone 922 535 128

music with singer Fabiola Socas and guests. Teatro Leal, La Laguna

Tenerife History Museum (MHAT)

Carlton Trio. 18 euros. Auditorio de Tenerife, Santa Cruz

C/ San Agustín, 20/22 38201 San Cristóbal de La Laguna phone 922 825 949/43

Tenerife Anthropology Museum www.museosdetenerife. org

C/ Vino, 44 38270 Valle de Guerra (La Laguna) phone 922 546 300

April 2, 9 pm, jazz with the Larry

April 3, 8.30 pm, classical music with the Orquesta Sinfónica de Tenerife. 15 to 25 euros. Auditorio de Tenerife, Santa Cruz

April 4, 9 pm, Los Sabandeños. 20 euros. Auditorium de Tenerife, Santa Cruz

4th Canarian Alternative Music Festival

arona.org

Group, Arona Casino

Astronomy Year, paintings by May San Alberto Giraldos, sculpture by Julio Nieto and photographs by Luis Rouco. Public Library, Comodoro Rolín 1, Santa Cruz

All year round

Until May 24, Mirar de Reojo,

Barranco del Inﬁerno

April 4, 8 pm, chamber music, Cultural Centre, Los Cristianos

April 4, 7.30 pm, 4th Arona Blues Festival, Rambla de Las Galletas

April 5, 8 pm, piano and saxophone duo Fan Mon Chen and Roberto Machado, Cultural Centre, Los Cristianos

April 17 to 21, Friday at 6 pm, Saturday and Sunday at 12 noon, 4 pm and 7.30 pm, Monday and Tuesday at 8.30 pm. Disney On Ice, Princesas. The seven most famous Disney princesses on stage together. Pabellon Santiago Martín, La Laguna. Tickets in advance from El Corte Inglés stores, www.elcorteingles.es or 902 400222, from 18 to 40 euros

CULTURE March 29, 11.30 am, Storytelling in English for all the family with Surjit Kaur: Three Little Pigs (Los tres cerditos), Public Library, Comodoro Rolín 1, Santa Cruz.

April 2, St Fusión, Cultural Space Castillo de San Felipe, Puerto de la Cruz

April 3, Henna Hito Trio / DJ Groovalia, Café Quilombo, La Orotava

[ Gran Canaria ]

April 3, Kerekitetap, Cultural

Cuyás Theatre

Space Castillo de San Felipe, Puerto de la Cruz

www.teatrocuyas.com

April 4, Charli Baute / Manes, Café Quilombo, La Orotava

Pérez Galdós Theatre www.teatroperezgaldos.es

Until April 30, International

SCENIC ARTS

Museum of Nature & Archaeology (MNH)

www.museosdetenerife. org

La Bella y la Bestia

April 3, 8 pm, Arona Choral

Arona, Música en Primavera 2009

EXHIBITIONS March 27 to 29, MUECA, art exhibition in the streets of Puerto de la Cruz

Until March 29, TF ‘89-’09, paintings by Antonello Ravazzi. Sala de Arte CajaCanarias, El Sauzal Until April 4, Paintings by Ayoze Jiménez: Product of a subproduct, Sala Fleming 4, Puerto de la Cruz

Roland Penrose and surrealism. Sala C, Photography Centre, Tenerife Espacio de las Artes, Santa Cruz.

From April until the end of May, at Tenerife Pearl, Armeñime, the works of famous Polish artist Eugeniusz Ochonko. This is the ﬁrst in a series of exhibitions under the title Tenerife Pearl Art Expo.

OTHER EVENTS

Guided walks for groups through the most emblematic buildings of the lovely northern town of Los Silos. Contact Oscar on 922 841 086. Adeje: Mondays to Sundays from 8.30 am till 5.30 pm. No access allowed after 4 pm. Price: 3 euros. Max. 200 people a day. Free entrance on Sundays. More info and reservation on 922 782 885.

Guided trails For the general public. The National Park’s interpretation service offers guided tours free of charge. You need to book in advance with the National Park Ofﬁce Tel. 922 290 129 / 922 290 183.

April 12, 9 am to 2 pm, Tenerife Sur Lions will be holding an Easter Fayre in La Rambla, next to the beach in Las Galletas with a bouncy castle for the kids, prizes for Easter bonnet competition, special tombola and teddy bear tombola, bar and barbecue. Car boot stalls invited. Enquiries to Jim Hunter 669 444 617 or Ken Sadler 670 647 765

Alcalá market has reverted to Sunday following public demand complete with food stands.

SPORT & NATURE

La Baranda WINE MUSEUM

Kayak Tours by kayak for all abilities: Last Saturday of every month. The activity may be combined with snorkelling, hiking, climbing or potholing. More info on 922 127 938.

Hiking: Discover Arona. More information about trekking routes: 922 725 180 or www.

MISCELLANEOUS

The Wednesday market at Playa San Juan has been extended to include two popular sections, car boot and fruit.

A renovated 17th century Canary Island hacienda used by the Island Cabildo to promote local quality wines. Autopista Gral. del Norte. Km 21, (El Sauzal exit), 38360 El Sauzal, Tel.: 922 572 535 Tuesday to Saturday from 11 am to 8 pm. Wine tasting and shop until 10 pm, Sunday and Bank Holidays from 11 am to 6 pm, closed Monday.

Castles Tours: Tenerife

ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 587 :: 27/03/2009 - 10/04/2009 History Museum offers guided tours around the island’s castles for schools and groups. More information on 922 825 949

Masonic Meetings South of Tenerife. Visitors always welcome. Tenerife Craft, Chapter, Mark. For more information phone 922 794 502 or 922 732 386.

Pannulo Dance Theatre, Teatro Cuyás, Las Palmas

Gran Canaria FIESTAS

April 8, 9 and 11, Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk directed by Valery Gergiev. Teatro Pérez Galdós, Las Palmas

April 10 and 11, 8.30 pm, April 12, 7 pm, Noviembre by David Mamet. A satirical comedy set in the Oval ofﬁce of the White House. Teatro Cuyás, Las Palmas

Easter week Ciudadanos Europeos (European Citizens Group) meets monthly September to April at the Cultural Centre (Casa Cultural), Los Cristianos. Full programme of interesting speakers, advice, and social activities. For more information contact the Secretary, Chris Stanyer on 922 751507 or the President, Harry Davies, on 922 781905. e-mail: ceten@fsmail. net

K9 Pleasure Island in Playa de las Américas, just behind Lineker’s bar in Starco, now hosts the K9 and San Francisco charities for animals car boot sale. All proceeds go to the charities. Stallholders are very welcome but booking is advised, enquiries and reservations can be made by calling Pat the Cat on 608 121 081. Open from 8am to midday, great for bargain hunters and those who love a good rummage.

English Library Calle Irlanda, Parque Taoro, Puerto de la Cruz: Monday 3pm to 5.30pm, Wednesday 10am to 12 noon, Friday from 4pm to 6pm and Saturday 11am to 1pm. Information: Julia Gaskell 922 37 2 579.

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Meetings in the South: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday at 5.45pm, Friday at 11.45am. 1st Floor Apolo Centre, Los Cristianos (next to bus terminal). Information: 630 478 448 (24 hrs).

Easter week, the most important religious festival of the year and known as Semana Santa, is from Palm Sunday on April 5th to Easter Sunday on the 12th with bank holidays on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. In Gran Canaria the most notable and formal celebrations and processions are in Las Palmas.

CULTURE April 3, 8 am, Spring Festival 09, guided tour of the Catedral de Santa Ana, leaving from La Fuente, Firgas April 10 and 11, Materia Viva Culturfest: III Sociocultural Festival of Art, Sports and Urban Music, Maspalomas, San Bartolomé de Tirajana. More information, www.materiaviva. es.

MUSIC March 27, 8.30 pm, Flamencoencaja Festival 2009, Vargas Blues Band, CICCA, Las Palmas. 15 euros

CINEMA March 31, 7 pm, Cosmos: on the shores of a cosmic ocean (1997) by Robert Zemeckis. Sala de Actos Manuel Padorno, Public Library, Las Palmas

March 31, 8.30 pm, Audiovisual: Archaeological ﬁnds in Gran Canaria by the San Borondón photographic group. CICCA, Las Palmas

Until March 28, La Entidad y su Patrimonio, paintings by Julio Romero de Torres, Francis Bacon, Christo, George Segal, Miró Mainou, Juan Ismael, César Manrique, Pepe Dámaso, Manolo Millares, Juan de Miranda, Giraldo, Plácido Fleitas and Felo Monzón. CICCA, Las Palmas

Until March 28, 7 pm to 10 pm, Women’s art and creation group, an exhibition for International Women’s Day, Teatro Victor Jara, Vecindario

March 28, 8.30 pm, Opera

anatomy by Ángeles Agrela. Galeria Manuel Ojeda, Buenos Aires 3, Las Palmas

April 4, classical music with El Cuarteto de Tokyo. Teatro Pérez Galdós, Las Palmas

April 4, 8 pm, Spring Festival 09, chamber music, Firgas cultural centre

MUSEUMS

Guided visits to the principal digs in the island: Bentayga (Tejeda), Cenobio de Valerón (Guía) etc. For more information 928 219 229.

MARKETS Every day: San Bartolomé de Tirajana, 7.30 pm to 11.30 pm, craft fair in the Parque Europeo

Mondays:

EXHIBITIONS

Until March 29, Suturá by

March 31, 8.30 pm, classical music with Trio de Jerusalén, Teatro Pérez Galdós, Las Palmas

the island organise guided treks and other open-air activities. For more information, call UPNature, Guanarteme 928 270084 or 928 473265, Arucas 928 621754, Maspalomas 928 764201, Tablero 928 140640, Mogán 928 158805, Aldea de San Nicolás de Tolentino 928.891.252 or www. alberguelaaldea.com, or Valleseco 928 618740.

Archaeology

March 28, 8.30 pm, Ángeles presents her new CD, Medio Corazón at CICCA, Las Palmas. 6 euros Festival 2009: Roberto Devereux, Teatro Pérez Galdós, Las Palmas

WHAT’S ON

Ángel Luis Aldai, Casa África, Las Palmas

Until April 24, A lesson in

Until June 9, Temáticas Atlánticas by Antonio Sánchez, Hotel Neptuno, San Bartolomé de Tirajana, 10 am to 10 pm. Until June 2009, sculpture by Agoney Santana, Saulo Torón square, Las Canteras, Las Palmas

Until June 2009, Un mar de Vergüenzas, Saulo Torón Square in Las Canteras

Santa Lucía de Tirajana, 8 am to 2 pm. Farmers’ market in the neighbourhood fair ground

Tuesdays: Mogán, 8 am to 2 pm. C/ Paco González

Wednesdays: Santa Lucía de Tirajana, 8 am to 2 pm. San Bartolomé de Tirajana, 8 am to 2 pm. San Fernando

Thursdays: San Bartolomé, 10 am to 5 pm. Craft fair in the Maspalomas parking terrace next to the Global bus station, Agüimes, 8 am to 1 pm. In front of the borough swimming pool. Gáldar, 8am to 2pm. Plaza de Santiago

Fridays: Mogán, 8 am to 2 pm. Marina

Saturdays: Telde, 8 am to 2pm. Plaza de San Gregorio Arucas, 8 am to 2 pm. C/ León y Castillo, Santa Brígida, 8 am to 8 pm. Near the Borough Park. San Mateo, 8 am to 8 pm. Town centre

Church Services: Living Spring Pentecostal Church Guaza Calle Almorejo 2, beside the Guaza sports complex. Rev. and Pastor (Mrs) Nelson Olajide Tel: 609 505 915. livingspring75@hotmail.com The Anglican Parish of All Saints Puerto de la Cruz Sunday services 9.30am and 11am 29 Carretera Taoro. Parish Priest: David Jenkins. Tel: 922 384 038 www.allsaintstenerife.com Saint Francis Anglican Chaplaincy Tenerife South Chaplain Fr. Keith Gordon, phone 679660277 or 922742045 Christian Fellowship Los Cristianos 1st ﬂoor of Apolo Shopping Centre Pastor Adrian McBride. Tel: 922 790 007. Costa del Silencio Coral Mar. Sunday Services 11am-6pm. Mothers & Toddlers group Tue.10.30 to 12 noon. Counselling and info: Pastor Bill Jeffrey Tel: 617291751. www. silenciochurch.com Calvary Assembly International Church Buzanada Sunday 11.00am, Wednesday 7.30pm Nursery is provided during the Sunday morning service as well as Sunday School for children under 12. For more information, for counselling, or for information about the International Bible Institute, call: Missionary / Pastor Mark G. Baumgartner 628 107 316. Catholic Mass Puerto de la Cruz International service Sundays (almost always in English) in the Nuestra Señora de la Peña de Francia parish church Los Gigantes Daily mass in English in the Espíritu Santo church St. Sebastian’s Inclusive Church Mogán, Gran Canaria Sundays 7pm at Cordial Mogán Playa Chapel

Sundays:

Casa Lercaro

THEATRE March 27, 8.30 pm, The art of

C/ San Agustín, 20-22 38201 San Cristóbal de La Laguna. Phone 922 82 59 49

magic with Jorge Blass, Auditorio de Teror

Casa de Carta

March 30, Gala for the presentation of the Max scenic arts 2009 prizes, Teatro Cuyás, Las Palmas

Tacoronte main road, Valle de Guerra, s/n. 38270 Valle de Guerra (La Laguna) Phone 922 546 300

April 3 to 5, Dance: Desordances 3 with the Danni

SPORT AND NATURE April 3, Trekking: Cruz del Carpio to La Culeta de Tejeda, Teror. 6km, duration 2 hours, easy. More information, 928 630 906 Local councils in various areas of

Telde 8 am to 2pm. Ramblas de Jinámar, Santa Brígida, 8 am to 2 pm. Near the Borough Park San Mateo, 8 am to 3 pm. Town centre; Valsequillo, 8 am to 2 pm. C/ Isla de la Gomera; Teror, 8 am to 2 pm. Near the Basílica of Nuestra Señora del Pino Moya, 8 am to 2 pm. Bus station; Valleseco, 8 am to 2 pm. Town centre San Bartolomé de Tirajana, 8 am to 2 pm. San Fernando & La Vegueta, Las Palmas, 11 am to 3 pm. Flowers, children’s area, art and crafts, with popular Canarian dancing, music and food

Canarian C-Days www.diasc.com/diasc/ Travel between the islands to cultural events is 50 per cent cheaper on certain days and for selected events with Fred Olsen, Islas Airways and Binter.

Discounts on hotels and car hire are also available.

You will need to book by telephone 902 292 999, Monday to Friday from 9am to 2pm or via the web

Make sure you know the full price of the ticket (including Canarian residents’ reduction) to ensure you receive the full discount.

EDITION 587 :: 27/03/2009 - 10/04/2009 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

THE SPIN

The director:

SpainTours

FilmReview Cine Gransur // www.cinegransur.com

Watchmen Almodovar LOS ABRAZOS ROTOS Almodovar’s latest ﬁlm, Los Abrazos Rotos a thriller shot in the 1950s. Some of Abrazos Rotos was shot in Lanzarote.

The Event:

Harley Davidson GUBRA SHOWROOM 25& 26 APRIL Open house Come and try out the 2009 range

Tickets:

Distributor: Paramount Pictures Director: Zack Snyder Duration: 163 minutes Genre: Action/Fantasy/Sci Fi Screenplay: Alex Tse, David Hayter Written by: Alan Moore, Dave Gibbons Cinematographer: Larry Fong Cast: Jackie Earle Hayley, Malin Akerman, Billy Crudup, Matthew Goode, Jeffrey Dean Morgan and more Rating: R. Parents advised to view content

This movie, a complete mixture of mystery and adventure, is set in a hypothetical United States of 1985 in which the disguised superheroes are part of society’s structure. The Nuclear Holocaust Clock which measures the tension between the US and the Soviet Union, always says

U2 tour

ﬁve minutes to midnight. When one of their old companions is assassinated, the unsuccessful but nevertheless determined vigilante Rorschach proposes uncovering a conspiracy to kill and damage the reputation of the past and present superheroes. When he meets his old legion of enemies of crime (a group of retired superheroes

of whom only one has real powers), Rorschach perceives a large scale agitated conspiracy linked to their shared past and with catastrophic consequences for the future. His mission is to care for humanity, but ..... who will care for the Watchmen? For more information, go to http:// watchmenmovie.com/

Estrellas:

From screen to stage Rod Stewart GOLF COSTA ADEJE 16TH MAY To get your tickets go to www.islandconnections. eu, click on the banner and follow the instructions.

The Gig:

Arona Blues Festival LAS GALLETAS, 7.30 4TH APRIL Don’t miss this live festival, in the Rambla.

If you want to catch a glimpse of some of Tenerife’s most talented kids, book your tickets for the Estrellas Theatre Academy show, From Screen To Stage at Exit Palace on Sunday March 29th. Estrellas takes children from ages four to 18 from all over the island of Tenerife and offers them training in song, dance and theatre, and every year hosts showcases for the children. This year the show, From Screen to Stage, features sections from hit musicals that started their life as ﬁlms before transferring to the stages of the West End and Broadway. This exciting variety show will include Saturday Night Fever, Fame, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Bugsy Malone, Beauty and the Beast, Singin´ In the Rain, Legally Blonde: The Musical - and more! The show stars the students of Estrellas South, and tickets can be purchased on the door, at Mathew´s Cafe (Las Américas), Los Gigantes Properties SL, or at

www.

Some of the Estrella starlets in last year’s show

Estrellas. Ticket price is €10 - including a free cocktail or soft drink. Don´t miss the chance to see these multi-talented kids singing, acting and dancing their way from the silver screen to the Exit Palace stage! For any children out there who feel they may like to get involved in all Estrellas have to offer, a week long Musical Theatre Workshop is

planned for the Easter break (Mon 6th to Fri 10th April) at Wingate School. Any child over the age of seven is welcome to participate in a fun-packed week which will include a fully costumed musical production on the Friday. For further information, prices etc... please call Estrellas Theatre Academy on 610 764 564 or 610 764 552.

Irish band U2 are to begin their 360º Tour in Spain at the end of June. According to the band’s official website, the first date on this tour is at Camp Nou, Barcelona on 30th June 2009. The U2 360º Tour (presented by BlackBerry) to support their latest album No line on the horizon, their first new album since 2004 and will visit 14 cities across Europe including Milan, Gothenburg, Amsterdam, Paris, Nice, Dublin, Chorzow, Berlin, London, Sheffield and Glasgow before it finishes at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on August 22nd. The European tour is to be followed by dates in North America, starting in Chicago on September 12th. Long-time U2 show director Willie Williams has again joined architect Mark Fisher (of ZooTV, PopMart, Elevation and Vertigo) to create an innovative 360º design which ensures that the audience have an unobstructed view. The U2 360º Tour will be the first time a band has toured in stadiums with such a unique and original structure.

Bacharach in Málaga If you think Rod Stewart is too young for you, maybe a trip to Málaga in July would suit. Burt Bacharach, the 80 year old songwriter is still going strong, and will play the Cervantes Theatre on July 26th as part of his European tour. The crooner and writer of such classics as I Say a Little Prayer, Walk on By, Wishin’ and Hopin’, Magic Moments and Raindrops Keep Falling on my Head, is still going strong at the age of 80, and to date has over 50 Top 40 hits under his belt. He actually plays two dates in Spain, Málaga and the Conde Duque Theatre in Madrid on July 29th He has worked with too many top singing stars to name, but is very much a star too in his own right. For crooners everywhere, these concerts are a must.

ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 587 :: 27/03/2009 - 10/04/2009

Letters

Wage cuts Dear Editor We read that people all over the place are accepting wage cuts, a move applauded by the politicians and civil ser vants, but how many of them are accepting or proposing wage cuts for themselves? Apar t fr om the local and island councillors and regional ministers wages as a local taxpayer, I find it totally unacceptable that the ex Presidents of the Regional Government are paid a salary as if they were still ser ving heads of the Canaries, that they have chauffeured cars, secretaries and of fices. Personally I found it disgusting when it was first proposed and voted through during the last dreary days of Adán Martín’s government, but these days with so many Canarians unemployed, desperate for work to keep their families, it is immoral. Heads of State of major European countries do not get a wage, secretar y, car

LEASURE & CULTURE

Chinese Horoscope

editorial@ic-news.com

and chauffeur for life. Why should these parasites be any different? Disgusted Tax-payer, Adeje (Name and address with Editor)

Strike, what strike? Dear Editor As a parent with a child in local public school for the first time I was more than a bit upset to find an official note in my child’s schoolbag on the afternoon of March 16th that there was a teacher’s strike the following day. That was more or less all the information I was told, and when I phoned the school in question they weren’t really a lot more help. Yes, they said, there was a strike, and yes, that was the kind of notice I was being given. Panic, both parents working, what do we do. Luckily through that most important of informal organisations,

The Mothers Who Meet as we leave our Kids at School group, a veteran told me not to worr y, that the school would be open, and I could bring my young charge along as normal. I did so, though with some trepidation, as I didn’t on principal want to cross a picket line or be seen to be a scab parent. But there were loads of kids turning up as normal and loads of teachers. Another parent told me that in fact only one of the many unions represented in the school were on strike. Forgive me for asking, but do the unions here know how to organise themselves? Not that I am advocating loads of strike days, but in this case they have a point – their conditions of work and pay need improvement. But it would be worthwhile getting the parents on their side, and to do this they need to explain themselves, and give proper advance notice of intentions, and maybe even ask parents to help offer alternative pooled childminding on the days in question. After all, if the teachers are happier our kids will be, I assume, receiving a better all round education, so its to all our benefit.

Buck passing

(Name and address with editor)

Dawn Hill

Dear Editor Two years after the death of those youngsters in the water gallery in Los Silos it is frightening to read in the local press that some 300 galleries still need urgent security measures. No-one seems to want to take the responsibility for the closing of the galleries so they remain open. For their closeness to population centres or public use areas, lack of proper closure and levels of CO2 inside, 18 are considered as ver y high risk. Does anyone care? Are they at least posting notices on those which are most dangerous? The politicians and bureaucrats pass the buck from one to the other, whilst the people remain in danger. Will somebody please do something before we have another tragedy making international news and breaking more families hearts?

By Daniela Herzberg & Roger Keller daniela@5-elementos.com / Tel. +34 650 830 506 / www.5-elementos.com

Daniela Herzberg & Roger Keller are based in the southwest of Tenerife. They both are certified Feng Shui and Chinese Astrology consultants and Cosmic Healers and work and teach in Tenerife and Germany. Their comprehensive knowledge about Feng Shui, Chinese Astrology and the five elements is a result of their work with Derek Walters, one of the most respected Feng Shui masters in the world. They have published several books about Chinese Astrology and how to increase your health and vitality with the five elements, with recipes from all over the world.

Rat (1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008) Although many things that occur to you now seem noteworthy, few of them will affect you in the long term. If you want to achieve something in the year of the ox, you must work for it. Friends and business partners will not call for you but await your action.

Ox (1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009) You should throw off the shackles of convention and adopt a more positive attitude. Use your intuition to make decisions. You can only move on if you change some of your old habits and are open to a fresh approach.

Tiger (1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998) In your personal life, current events will help you adjust your values and perceptions of people. Business will go smoothly if you use your creativity. You may have to take risks to get what you want, it will be worth it.

Rabbit (1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999) Don’t put your priorities back in favour of perceived obligations to others. Decide what your prime objectives are and aim for them. This could be a good period for personal relationships and family life, so cherish it.

Dragon (1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000) Los Silos

Click

Not a good time for dragons who like to take risks. You should be very cautious, especially in business matters. Keep on course and save resources for more favourable opportunities later. Personal relationships are exciting.

Snake (1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001)

Pastimes

In the midst of the rabbit month, the snake should expect nothing but happiness. Ambitions may be realised and true love found. Use the persistence of the reigning ox to ﬁnd what brings you satisfaction or ﬁnancial reward.

Horse (1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002) This is the wrong time to try to better yourself! Nothing substantial will be gained right now and you might feel that the time could have been better spent elsewhere. With patience you can enjoy what the time brings.

Sheep (1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003)

[ For Crossword and Sudoku solution see classiﬁeds section ]

Amazing Tajinastes at el Teide Across 1 - young aquatic bird (8) 6 - chop ﬁnely (4) 8 - common bird (6) 9 - arthropod (6) 10 - signal booster (3) 11 - children (4) 12 - keeps (6) 13 - song words (6) 15 - outcome (6) 17 - view of the world (6) 20 - cement (4) 21 - note down (3) 22 - deep blue (6) 23 - spiny tree (6) 24 - bowed stringed instrument (4) 25 - explode (8)

Changes can lead to interesting social developments which will improve business contacts and career prospects. But while you are casting off the old and taking on the new, you may ﬁnd that other links break off too.

Monkey (1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004) You will need all your skills to deal with the constant comings and goings of people in your every day life. Family additions will require ingenuity, while home life could be complicated. The key word is circumspection.

Rooster (1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005) These could be some of the happiest weeks of the year so far. However, many factors conspire to bring this idyllic existence to an end. Concentrate on the positive sides. Business is mixed with pleasure.

Dog (1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006) Down 2 - service (7) 3 - hinge joints (5) 4 - internal organs (7) 5 - clutches (5) 6 - dictators (7) 7 - storage space (5) 14 - ﬁrst (7) 15 - unpleasant person (7) 16 - eye specialist (7) 18 - dissatisfaction (5) 19 - inlet (5) 20 - small particle (5)

Usual everyday problems in your home and family life are enough to cope with, and it may be unwise to embark on anything that encroaches on what little time is left. Attend to small matters and don’t plan too far ahead.

Pig (1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007) The Pig has every reason to be happy now. Home life seems more comfortable and assured. At work there is harmony between staff at all levels and prosperity. Consider furthering your career and improving your home.

BUSINESS PROMOTION

EDITION 587 :: 27/03/2009 - 10/04/2009 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

LeRo

Taking care of people The unique complete care service company LeRo was founded in Los Cristianos as an out-patient care station in 1988 by Agnes and Roland Leykauf.

heir goal has been and always will be, to help people with reduced mobility, the organisation of their vacations and provide professional nursing services. This combination has provided a service over the past 21 years that enables a pleasant and trouble free vacation for clients and families. In those 21 years the scope of their activities has expanded to include the rental and sale of devices for people with reduced mobility, their own workshop, a transfer service for travellers and excursions using specially adapted buses and other vehicles equipped with ramps which are operated by subsidiary company Orobus SL. The excursions for limited mobility clients are organised by the travel agency Viajes Reisen Travel

Global Services S.L., another subsidiary company. In 2007 LeRo won a Gánigo Award, a prize which recognised the company‘s services to the general public and the visitors to the island. They were very proud to have been chosen as a winner and to have been recognised for their pioneering work in the development of specialist travel for the disabled. Today LeRo’s full service package includes sales and rentals, consulting and advice, repair services, professional nursing care, home assistance, airport transfers (including luggage assistance), specialised excursions for people with limited mobility and the redesigning of homes or living areas to enable the best possible accesses without barriers.

Their multilingual (English, Spanish, German to name a few) staff also attends to the needs of disabled travellers by supplying mobility aids, bathroom aids, offering consultations for travel and excursions as well as all nursing needs around the island of Tenerife. In the future LeRo will be using their vast experience to further provide their clients with the best possible services, as well as constantly seeking to improve their quality and standards on the Island.

The LeRo team – (L-R)

MARCO, JANIN , FELIPE , AIKA J., CARLOS, TRACY LEE

Pueblo Don Thomas

Canny investment Some houses are worthwhile investing in whatever the economic climate, they hold their value because they are unique, special and unrepeatable. Pueblo Don Thomas in La Gomera is one such development. A promise of tranquility Nothing interrupts the natural rhythm of the island of La Gomera’s peaceful heritage. It offers a serene way of life combined with an overall sense of peace and quiet. While life in the other islands may reﬂect the fast lane many sought to escape, in La Gomera the opposite is true. Here the promise of true tranquility is a reality.

Golf with a difference Situated next to Pueblo Don Thomas’ top class residential development, Tecina Golf boasts a number of features that make it stand out above other golf courses. Located on the island of La Gomera in the Canary Islands, Tecina Golf enjoys an amazing climate all year round, the perfect prerequisite for golfers and their

Breathtaking views

families. Also, this outstanding course created by world renowned designer Donald Steel plays downhill from the 1st to the 18th hole, leading the golfer through vibrant gardens planted with local flora. And most importantly, because of its location on the magnificent La Lomada de Tecina, the course, which has been selected as one of Spain’s top ten golfing facilities, possesses breathtaking views of the Atlantic from every hole.

With the Atlantic Ocean as a backdrop merging with cloudless skies, you cannot help but relax as you contemplate the many beautiful shades of blue. There is no question that the villas and apartments at Pueblo Don Thomas are exceptional value for money, for their quality, size and their location on the peaceful island of La Gomera, a treasure waiting to be discovered. Prices of the villas are from 850,000 euros and the apartments start at 416,955 euros.

A commitment to excellence Pueblo Don Thomas itself is an exclusive luxury property development project undertaken by Fred Olsen SA. It is set on a plot of 225,000 m2 with ample space to enjoy a walk, visit the gardens and take in the magniﬁcent views. Only the best architects and design teams were brought in to ensure that all

of the buildings and furnishings are of the highest quality and new luxury two or three-bedroom apartments and three bedroom villas are now available. The groundﬂoor options have a garden

while the ﬁrst-ﬂoor options have a large terrace. The villas are each on plots of 600 m2 to 1,250 m2 and they all have a private swimming pool, a terrace and a beautiful garden area. A range of

decoration choices and extras are also available to make this your ideal holiday or residential home and owners enjoy special privileges at the golf course and the nearby four star Hotel Jardín Tecina.

Contact them to arrange a specially priced “Get to know Pueblo Don Thomas” tailored package. For more information, call +34 922 62 83 83 / +34 922 14 59 39 or visit www. pueblodonthomas.com

ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 587 :: 27/03/2009 - 10/04/2009

Palm-Mar Special

LOS MUELLES DE GÉNOVA

Palm-Mar takes off at last! Palm-Mar, a quiet and exclusive residential area situated between Guaza mountain, the protected natural space of Malpais de Rasca and the Atlantic Ocean, is ﬁnally to beneﬁt from a new commercial centre and eight luxury chalets. The local residents are extremely excited at the thought of no longer having to leave Palm-Mar in order to obtain essential services because amongst others this, the only commercial centre in Palm-Mar, will house restaurants, shops, a chemist, dentist and veterinar y clinic. The

promoters are also searching for craftspeople, patisserie and ice cr eam parlour professionals to occupy places on the magnificent terrace of Los Muelles de Génova as soon as possible. To encourage people to bring quality businesses to the centre, there are exceptional of fers available on the

chalets which form part of the development. They all have two bedrooms, three bathrooms, fully equipped Italian designer kitchen, double garage linked to the house and a jacuzzi in the garden. All the chalets are finished to a high quality, ver y close to the sea and

enjoy magnificent views. Los Muelles de Génova, has been created with a maritime air to resemble the old port of Genova in the year 1400, with wooden slatted walkways, curved staircases and even wooden ceilings in the shop units. It is a commercial centre linked to a luxur y residential development which is sure to form the heart and central meeting point of Palm-Mar. The big launch day for Los Muelles de Génova commercial centre is on Easter Saturday, April 11th, when it will be well worth a

visit, not only to try out the shops and restaurants, but also to visit the exceptional value for money chalets located behind the centre.

For more information, contact Mar nik SL at Los Muelles de Génova, call 922 748 485 or the mobile 619 920 085.

Luxury

townhouses in the 5 star area of the South

Palm-Mar

discount

150m2, private jacuzzi, swimming pool, garden, private garage and much more

Special promotion until 30th June 2009 PROMOCIONES E INVERSIONES

MARNIK, S.L.

Avda. Palm-Mar. C.C. Los Muelles de Génova, Local 23. Tenerife Tel. / Fax (+34) 922 74 84 85 · Mob. 619 920 085 · marniksl@gmail.com

BUSINESS PROMOTION

EDITION 587 :: 27/03/2009 - 10/04/2009 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

Tenerife Property Shop

Web foils property buyers It has become harder than ever for property buyers to ﬁnd real information about properties for sale in Tenerife.

s increasing numbers of estate agents close their doors or reduce to skeleton staff, it has become harder than ever for property buyers to ﬁnd real information about properties for sale in Tenerife. Upwards of 80 per cent of buyers now use the internet to search for a home, but they are discovering that the web is riddled with websites of companies that are no longer trading or sites that are rarely updated due to staff shortages. The few remaining companies that continue to maintain updated sites are seeing an increase in users. “The internet is becoming a hindrance, rather than a help,” complained one buyer who had wasted many hours in front of his screen. “You think you have found the right property at the right price, only to discover

that it was sold a year ago. And that’s if you are lucky! Most times you email and get no answer, and then call to find that the number is not available or diverts to some chancer on the end of a mobile phone.” With so many sites to weed through, searching on the internet for current and accurate information has deterred many buyers, however statistics from the web reveal that once they do find a site with reliable information, buyers are hooked. www.TenerifePropertyShop. com, probably the busiest Tenerife Estate agent site has registered a 30 per cent rise in the average time people spend on the website. Because it is one of the few sites with reliable information, increasing numbers of other websites have been directing their traffic to Tenerife Property Shop’s site

in favour of others, resulting in a massive user growth of 83.9 per cent in referrals from other websites. Properties on www. TenerifePropertyShop.com are connected to the company’s databases, ensuring that the property details are constantly updated and it has become one of the very few resources of accurate information for Tenerife’s property buyers.

The Tenerife Property Shop site IS ONE OF THE FEW WITH RELIABLE PROPERTY INFORMATION

5 Continentes Supermarket

A cook’s paradise All the ingredients that you need at 5 Continentes Supermarket in Playa de las Américas.

hether you cook for a restaurant or just enjoy creating meals, cakes or desserts at home, you are sure to ﬁnd all the specialist ingredients that you need at 5 Continentes Supermarket in Playa de las Américas. Established since 1994 the supermarket is located beneath the Los Agaves apartments in Avenida Venezuela where parking couldn’t be easier. Chandru who runs the supermarket, moved to larger premises in the same building 22 months ago. 5 Continentes is described as an oriental food specialist but also stocks extremely useful items from brands such as Colmans, Tate & Lyle and a wonderful range of teas including PG Tips (loose tea as well as tea bags), wines, spirits, soft drinks and ice creams, not to mention an enormous range of ﬂours available in large or small quantities, giant bags

of sultanas and raisins, and favourites like Ovaltine and Horlicks. The shelves of this cooks’ treasure trove are stacked full of items from India, China, the Philippines, the UK, Singapore, Australia, Africa and Japan. You can buy authentic ingredients in small quantities or in bulk, such as spaghettis, noodles and specialist rices including basmati. There is an excellent range of Chinese sauces, cooking mixes, tinned fruits and desserts and in the freezer cabinet you will ﬁnd Peking duck pancakes, chapatis, stuffed or plain parathas, and bags of vegetables like okra. Moving around the shop, the section dedicated to herbs, spices and spice mixes is mind blowing for those who love piquant food. Large and small bags of Rajah Indian spices, sesame seeds, cardamoms,

CHANDRU dessicated coconut, bay leaves, herbs and peppers are laid out with easy to read price labels. You will be amazed by the sheer diversity of Pataks products in stock, 5 Continentes has, without doubt, the widest range of Pataks pastes and sauces in the south. Close by are many different types of naan breads, crunchy plain and spicy poppadoms,

ghees and oils. There are also soups, culinary ﬂavourings and Indian snack mixes, more sauces, chutneys, pickles and desserts. So you see, if you are going to cook an oriental meal, you can really go to town, and serve it in an authentic

atmosphere enhanced by one from their magniﬁcent range of incense sticks. Have we made your mouth water yet? The prices are excellent at 5 Continentes whether you are buying in bulk for your restaurant or just cooking

at home, and Chandru will be pleased to assist you. 5 Continentes is open Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 1pm and 4 to 7pm, and Saturdays 9.30am to 3pm. For more information, call 922 791810.

ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 587 :: 27/03/2009 - 10/04/2009

Island Connections Media Group Karen Swift Classifieds Manager

OPENING HOURS: MONDAY TO FRIDAY 9AM – 5PM

01.

Situations Vacant

CLASSIFIEDS / SITUATIONS VACANT

CLASSIFIED’S DEADLINE The deadline for edition 587, which is published on 2nd April, is Thursday 10th April at 5pm. No classiﬁed’s will be taken after this date.

Collection Points

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Las Chaﬁras

In Tenerife

Calle Francisco Feo Rodríguez 6º- first floor. Pol. Industrial Las Chafiras 38620 San Miguel de Abona. Tel. 922 750 609 Fax: 922 795 810 To Cho - Guargacho - Las

ISLAND CONNECTIONS LAS CHAFIRAS

Sol Meliá Vacation Club, the fastest growing branded vacation club in the world, has great career opportunities in the Gran Meliá Palacio de Isora, Tenerife. We are looking for:

SALES EXECUTIVES

TF-1 to Los Cristianos Las Américas

Sales staff wanted FIRE STATION

Galletas

ITV

To Golf MERCADONA del Sur

to work within our hotel network

To San Miguel

We are looking for individuals who: · Are ideally of British / Irish nationality. · Are enthusiastic. · Of smart appearance. · Have excellent inter-personal skills · 30+ years of age. · Have successful Direct Sales experience. · Knowledge of Spanish is valued.

TF-1 To Airport Santa Cruz

To Los Abrigos High pay structure

Royal Palm

World’s Los Cristianos. leading Calle El Rodeo. timeshare Apt. Royal Palm Reception. company Tel. 922 750 609 Los Alisios start Immediate Castle Harbour · · ·Paradise Park

Acomodation CC Passarella Oasis Beverly Available Hill

Cristian Sur

Steve Reverón 600 372 514 Victoria ROYAL

Atlántida

Court

Mar

PALM

y after Jardines Sol4pm SUNDAY MARKET

Tenerife Pearl / Perla Canaria is looking for models for its campaigns

We offer: Excellent Income Potential; Career Advancement Continuous Training & Development

If you are between 18 and 30 years old, female, and you have all it takes to convert yourself into one of our models and do NOT possess a contract with any model agency, please e-mail us with the following information:

To apply confidentially, please submit your C.V. directly to:

rrhhcanarias@es.solmeliavc.com Visit our website: www.smvc.com & www.granmeliapalaciodeisora.com

Canarios

Rates Lineage classiﬁeds: From 15.75 € Boxed Ads: Black& White 57.75€ Coloured 68.25€ Long Term: Ask for our special rates

• 3 photos (face, profile, body) • Personal info (full name, date and place of birth, phone nº, city, e-mail) • Measurements (height, breast, waist, hip, weight, eye and hair colour) to marketing@tenerifepearl.net

Island Connections Newspaper http://www.ic-news.com Daily News Site http://www.newscanarias.net Tenerife Office Tel: 922 750 609 Mob: 609 581 632 Fax: 922 795 810 Classifieds Section: classifieds@ic-news.com Sales Department: sales@ic-news.com Gran Canaria Office Tel: 928 353 279/ Fax: 928 359 744 grancanaria@ic-news.com

Class. Info For personal and professional help in placing your classified in Island Connections all you need to do is pop along to our new offices in Las Chafiras and speak to Karen. Not only is Island Connections here to ensure that your advertisement reaches it’s target market, we will also advise on sizing requirements for maximum exposure, with prices to suit your pocket.

Circulation controlled by: Distribución Gratuita

Publisher & Proprietor Tina Straub, Joe Schacher

Island Connections S.L. C.I.F: B-38748315 Printed by Artes Gráﬁcas del Atlántico S.A. Dep. Legal: TF-287/93

Promotions company with more than 10 years experience is selling attractive, high quality products in Tenerife at markets, 5* hotels and superstores, is looking for open minded full/parttime promoters, which like to present and sell in a

live promotion. No selling experience is required! Contract + Social Security + Fixed Salary + Commission is guaranteed. Feel free to contact us for further information. Office: 922 78 91 98 Fax: 922 789198 Mobile: 629 493799.

Telephone sales staff required - English speaking -

Tel. 629 613 119

Succeed At The Highest Level Advertising Consultants (Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera)

Even in the current economic climate we need extra help in order to fulﬁl our customers needs... We require the best in the marketplace. Have you got what it takes? Our media group has traditionally led the ﬁeld and will continue to do so by hiring the best and remunerating them accordingly. Do you possess:

Night Owl (Sales person) (Tenerife)

Positive attitude and strong character. Self discipline and sales experience. Spanish or German language to negotiation level. Self motivation and team skills. Teachability and 100% integrity. Trustworthiness and references. If so then you could be what we are looking for. Media experience would be an advantage, but not essential as training will be given. If you would like to apply for any of the above positions, send your CV, two references, an up-to-date photo and covering letter to director@ic-news.com • henrycruz@ic-news.com • Fax: 922 79 58 10

EDITION 587 :: 27/03/2009 - 10/04/2009 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

CLASSIFIEDS / GENERAL SERVICES

Automotive Technicians UK trained technicians

02.

Diagnostics and automatic gearbox specialists Full service reports supplied Guaranteed agreed price servicing Services carried out at your work, home or at our workshop We carry out Pre-ITV checks and take your car for the ITC

Motoring For the best car hire around ring

Niza Cars

Lowest labour rates in the south

on 922 792 919 or Fax 922 793868

Tel: 600 858 080 / 600 328 561

CARS TO RENT LONG TERM 250â&#x201A;Ź - 300â&#x201A;Ź PER MONTH INCL. INSURANCE Phone Terry on 661 264 080 Email: terrybury@gmail.com

Mercedes Benz, SEL 600 V12 400cv, 5p, 1993, 180,000 km, black, automatic, ABS, four airbags, traction control, ESP, speed limiter. Leather grey inner with walnut wood, air-con, heating system, adjustable setas with electronic memory. Central locking, double crystal lamps, sun roof, electronic rear view mirrors, nearly new wheels. Just passed ITC, fully equipped, ver y good condition, 16,000 euros, tel 629 244958 Suzuki Jimny 1.5D, 2004, 52,000 kms, air con, alarm, fender, hardtop, 8.800 euros, tel 609 130551

Smart Musso Engine: 3Litres kms: 69000 kms Year: 2002 Diesel Doors: 4 Price: 10000â&#x201A;Ź Tel: 600568333 Vo l k s w a g e n Pa s s a t Engine: 1.8Litres kms: Year: 1998 Petrol Doors: 4 Tel: 922724257 Mercedes-Benz C 32 AMG Engine: 3Litres kms: 65000 kms Year: 2001 Petrol Sun roof Doors: 4 Price: 24000â&#x201A;Ź Tel: 687451431 F o rd F o c u s E n g i n e : 1.6Litres kms: Year: 2006 Petrol Doors: 2 Price: 12250â&#x201A;Ź Tel: 615294522

Toyota Celica Engine: 1.8 Litres kms: 90000 kms Year: 1997 Petrol Price: 11500â&#x201A;Ź Tel: 649911000

BMW compact Engine: 1.8Litres kms: 136000 kms Year: 1995 Petr ol Doors: 2 Price: 5700â&#x201A;Ź Tel: 675825148

Audi A3 - 1.8T Engine: 1.8Litres kms: 182000 kms Year: 2000 Petr ol Doors: 2 Price: 8200â&#x201A;Ź Tel: 606552281

Volkswagen Golf GT Engine: 2Litres kms: 30000 kms Year: 2006 Diesel Sun roof Doors: 2 Price: 22000â&#x201A;Ź Tel: 650355052

Opel Astra G Caravan Engine: 1.7Litres kms: 169000 kms Year: 2000 Diesel Doors: 2 Price: 4300â&#x201A;Ź Tel: 617878616

Volkswagen Eos Engine: 2Litres Kms: 25000 kms Year: 2006 Petrol Convertible Doors: 2 Price: 21000â&#x201A;Ź Tel: 619631397

Toyota Land Cruiser Engine: 2.5Litres kms: 200000 kms Year: 1993 Diesel Convertible Doors: 2 Price: 9500â&#x201A;Ź Tel: 922263181

Citroen C2 Engine: 1.4Litres Kms: 46000 kms Year: 2004 Petrol Doors: 2 Price: 6500â&#x201A;Ź Tel: 670308105

Nissan Vanette Engine: 2Litres kms: 100000 kms Year: 1992 Diesel Doors: 4 Price: 2000â&#x201A;Ź Tel: 635498764

Daewoo Korando Engine: 2.9Litr es Kms: 138000 kms Year: 2000 Diesel Doors: 2 Price: 5000â&#x201A;Ź Tel: 619471733

Volkswagen GTI Engine: 2Litres kms: 52000 kms Year: 2005 Petrol Doors: 2 Price: 18500â&#x201A;Ź Tel: 679412358

BMW 523i Engine: 0Litres Kms: 132000 kms Year: 1998 Petrol Doors: 4 Price: 8500â&#x201A;Ź Tel: 679398108

Rent a Car

BR ITISH RUN

â&#x20AC;˘ Unlimited mileage â&#x20AC;˘ Latest models

/0 )*%%&/ &953"4

Family company 27 years on Tenerife

FREE: â&#x20AC;˘ Baby seats â&#x20AC;˘ Roof racks â&#x20AC;˘ Booster seats â&#x20AC;˘ Airport service (South Airport only - Min. 4 day hire)

DANISH RENT-A-CAR

-PDBM OÂ? $ $ &M #FSJM $PTUB "EFKF 5FM 'BY &NBJM FMCFSJM!TBOBTUZ DPN

web : w w w. s a n asty.co m

ÂŠ/571/08

We guarantee:

-PDBM OÂ? $SJTUJBO 4VS -PT $SJTUJBOPT 5FM p 'BY &NBJM TBMFT!TBOBTUZ DPN

Audi Allroad A6 Engine: 2.5Litres Kms: 97000kms Year: 2003 Diesel Doors: 4 Price: 21000â&#x201A;Ź Tel: 627225015 BMW 318-I Cabrio Engine: 1.8Litres Kms: 188000kms Year: 1999 Petrol Convertible Doors: 2 Price: 6500â&#x201A;Ź Tel: 922336154 Mercedes-Benz Viano Fun Engine: 2.2Litres Kms: 70000kms Year: 2005 Diesel Doors: 4 Price: 29000â&#x201A;Ź Tel: 670885315 Fiat Punto Engine: 2.5Litres Kms: 140000kms Year: 1994 Petrol Doors: 2 Price: 15000â&#x201A;Ź Tel: 615158647 Mercedes-Benz C220cdi Engine: 2.2Litres Kms: 96000kms Year: 2002 Diesel Sun roof Doors: 4 Price: 18200â&#x201A;Ź Tel: 687968232

03.

Los Cristianos, near the church square, Julia, discreet apartment .Nice and pretty girls. Open and visiting 24 H, tel: 666 773 761. For one hour or more, elegant room with jaccuzi for rent â&#x20AC;&#x153;room serviceâ&#x20AC;? too, Playa Las Americas. easy parking. tel 659 767 875

OUR RATES ARE INCLUSIVE OF:

8F OPX IBWF B GJWF TUBUJPO JOUFSOFU CVSFBV XJUIJO PVS PGGJDF FVSP GPS NJOVUFT

Volvo S60 D5 Engine: 2.5Litres Kms: 20000kms Year: 2007 Diesel Doors: 4 Price: 29000â&#x201A;Ź Tel: 610738730

Sur - 24 hours. Beauties, young, super sexy, sweet, playful, massages, vibrators, all services, 686 826 734

The family friendly car hire company

NEW Internet CafĂŠ

Land Rover DISCO TDV6 SE Engine: 2.7Litres Kms: 27800kms Year: 2007 Diesel Doors: 4 Price: 30900â&#x201A;Ź Tel: 639136697

Contacts

Sanasty S.L.

â&#x20AC;˘ Full insurance cover â&#x20AC;˘ Government taxes at 13%

Honda Prelude Engine: 2Litres Kms: 159000kms Year: 1994 Petrol Sun roof Doors: 2 Price: 5500â&#x201A;Ź Tel: 616249814

Âˇ A reliable and friendly service Âˇ Fully comprehensive insurance, no extras Âˇ Free child seats, GPS (3 Euros a day) Special offer: Âˇ Special long term rates Citroen Saxo 7 days only â&#x201A;Ź139, Âˇ VIP hire car service all included Hotel drop off and collection Airport service, street maps, tour information Voucher for free entrance into theme parks

Poul's Auto â&#x20AC;&#x201C; your car-hire company in South West Tenerife Mon-Fri, 8.30am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 12 midday, 5pm â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 7pm / Sat 8.30am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 12 midday / Sun 10am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 12 midday

Tel: +34 922.740.742 Âˇ www.poulsauto.com

Las Americas. professional massage (without clothes) artistic, relaxing, stress relief, sport massage, erotic and more... harmonise your body, heart and mind. natural and clean. magic hands 627 114 090 English gentleman seeks passive woman 30-60 for mild BDSM friendship. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve lived in Tenerife 10 years, own a restaurant in Las Americas, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m genuine, affectionate and caring. Interested? Email me gentlemanjim2you@yahoo. co.uk We offer a unsurpassed range of luxur y girls, transsexual, escor ts and courtesans for gentlemen who are in search of something exclusive, www. companymundial.com, 628 825034 / 676 118108

A trans blonde Brazilian with 1.90 of height, beautiful body, nice breasts good curves, 25x8, well endowed, active and passive, I expect you..608 865 192 Cristianos in front of Agua Mar, sweet and friends, all services, 24 ours, hotel and home visits, tel 664 513700 or 686 111493. hothotgirlstenerife.com South, three friends, beauties, young, hot, complete French, from 30 euros, 627 828915 Transexual, new, fair, red head, super feminine, well endowed, big boobs, volcanic, black kiss, natural French, Â˝ hour 50 euros, Cristianos in front of Hotel Gran Arona, Urb. Cristimar, 672 146814 Tenerife north, professional massage, 38 years, of fers complete corporal massage, tantric massage, erotic massage, final party, call for appointment, serious, discrete, only visits, 662 233592 Tenerife south, a ver y beautiful girl from Czech Republic, 19 years old, blonde, sweet, very hot, spectacular legs, body to body service, just hotels, call me 647 272045 European lady, Ari (25 years), precious body, slim, fair skin, large breasts, nice bottom, complete French, enjoy, Cristianos, 24 hours, hotel visits, companion Latina, 671 206425 Sasha, Los Cristianos, sexy loving lady for hot time, discreet, open 0900-2300, 648 054056 Las Americas, two friends, Rio Janeiro, Brazil, beautiful bodies, black hair, 687 035281. Claudia, Argentinian, big breasts, slim, 671 294626. Complete ser vices, couples, trios, striptease, private apartment, hotel visits, invitation for a drink C r i s t i a n o s, E u ro p e, Northwest, sweet beautiful, sexy lady, big breasts, nice body, have a good time, erotic massage and ...discreet apartment, home and hotel visits, 662 545691 / 600 835437 New, South, Lidia M, 18 years, Canarian, student model body, real photo, private apartment, serious, hotel, visa, jacuzzi, www. serviciosx.com//lidiat, 637 080868 Attention, new, South, Carmen, attractive, mature, 40 years, professional massage, lesbian, toys etc. private apartment, visa, hotel, jacuzzi, www.serviciosx.com/ carmen, 637 080868 English showgirl, professional striptease, photo model, stag/hen par ties, quality ser vice, luxur y, visits 24 hours, any distance, reasonable rates, domination, info on web, mistress, role playing, bondage, trampling, whipping, corset, erotic, call 663 295751, chat line 803 520060

ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 587 :: 27/03/2009 - 10/04/2009

CLASSIFIEDS / GENERAL SERVICES

P.J ELECTRICAL SERVICES

General Services

grigg1@hotmail.com pjelectrical.vpweb.co.uk

CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE

CARPENTRY - SUNBLINDS - CONSTRUCTION

UPVC & ALUMINIUM

Windows, Doors & Conservatories

:: Free no obligation quotations :: Now available 0% interest free credit on all products Visit our factory showroom in Nave 1, Barranco de las Torres, Adeje Tel: 922 782 683 / 649 559 866 info@meridianwindows.net Âˇ website: www.meridianwindows.net

ÂŠIC/534/2007

Adultsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Ballroom, Latin American, Tap or Freestyle Childrensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ( 2 1/2 - 7yrs). Introduction to Dance. Many other classes in ballet, hip hop, modern, musical theatre for all ages. At Vamos a Bailar - Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dance. CC Perla Blanca, Callao Salvaje Âˇ Ring 636 817 265 or 646 067 471 SOLAR FANTĂ STICO

Skilled Builder Robert McAlees

As seen in â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dream Home DIYâ&#x20AC;? Tenerife Lifestyle magazine

CONSERVATORIES Your dream place to live

www.elbes-conservatories.com

I listen to what you want and make sure you get the best. I can replace that faulty tap or renovate your home. Over 30 yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s experience. UK qualiďŹ ed to advanced skills status. Call any time 922 814 073 / 605 469 352 rmcplumb@yahoo.co.uk

Your individual project from concept to completion. See for yourself the superior quality of our tailor made conservatories at the homes of many satisfied customers. COMPUTER SALES AND SERVICE

-BQUPQT GSPN Ĺ&#x17D; p #BTJD TZTUFNT GSPN Ĺ&#x17D; 3FQBJST BMM DPOTVNBCMFT GPS ZPVS 1$ *OTUBMMBUJPOT p ZFBST FYQFSJFODF

Aluminium outside

Charm & Beauty

Durability & Minimal Care

Reformas FULL RENOVATION WORK Would you like to change your house or apartment into a beautiful & cosy home? Or maybe all you need is a small renovation job? All with top quality ďŹ nishing?

tel: 677 799 475

4QBOJTI 7JTUB MBQUPQT VQHSBEFE UP &OHMJTI 1 0 " 4VFĂ&#x2019;P "[VM MPDBM $BMMBP 4BMWBKF "EFKF 1IPOF p .PCJMF & NBJM JOGP!FB[ZQD UFOFSJGF DPN

Do you need help with paperwork??? Electric, water contracts, I.B.I, basura, wills, power of attorney, n.i.e.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, residencia etc.... give me a call on 615028707 or 666200451

Pro-Tile

4)& &6301& JT B DPOGJEFOUJBM IFMQMJOF GPS XPNFO PG BMM BHFT XIP OFFE B GSJFOE UP IFMQ UIFN JO UJNFT PG EJTUSFTT XIFO FWFSZEBZ MJGF TFFNT PWFSXIFMNJOH 8IFO UIF DBMM JT SFDFJWFE TIF XJMM CF HJWFO QSBDUJDBM BEWJDF SFMFWBOU UFMFQIPOF OVNCFST PG QSPGFTTJPOBMT BCMF UP IFMQ BOE UIF GSJFOEMZ TVQQPSU PG $ISJTUJBO XPNFO GSPN UIF &OHMJTI TQFBLJOH DIVSDIFT PO UIF JTMBOE 0VS XFC QBHF JT XXX TIF FV DPN BOE UIF IFMQMJOF OVNCFS JT

A professional all inclusive tiling service. â&#x20AC;˘ No obligation design consultation. â&#x20AC;˘ Comprehensive quotation, separating tradesman, labourer and materials. â&#x20AC;˘ Ceramic, porcelanico, marble, granite, or natural stone. â&#x20AC;˘ All associated works such as terrace bases, drainage, bathroom fitting, plumbling and kitchen fitting carried out.

All work fully guaranteed and insured.

Tel: 600 328 561

ÂŠIC/576/08

Wood inside

Canaries & British Aluminium Systems S.L. A British owned company - Established in Tenerife 1992 VISIT OUR COMPREHENSIVE SHOWROOM "See the best display in Tenerife" We manufacture, supply and fit: All types of doors and window systems, insect screens, mirrored wardrobes, balcony screens and partitions. All types and sizes of gates, electric, manual and telephone entry etc. Garage doors, louvered shutters, fixed or adjustable louvers, pergolas, balustrades, cupboards, roofing, mobile roofs (manual or electric),extensions, conservatories, shower screens and cubicles, tiling, building. All types of glass mirrors. Security shutters, high security locks and glass. Take advantage of our free security survey.

NEW - GLASS CURTAINS 'Why spoil the view" *Frameless folding glass doors and windows* Ideal for balcony/terrace enclosures and for existing patio areas See all the above in our showroom and watch the manufacturing process. WE ONLY SELL WHAT WE MAKE - WE ARE NOT MIDDLE MEN. Directions: With Iceland on your right, take the second turn left after the ITV station and we are on your left behind Autos Tenerife.

BEGINNERSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; DANCE CLASSES

922 127 679 or cv to MarcelCluny@gmail.com Tel. 922 69 63 02 â&#x20AC;˘ 670 436 932 info@elbes-conservatories.com

Email: info@canariesbritish.com Âˇ web: www.cbas.eu

Tel. 922 782 683 - 618 776 167 Âˇ lyden@venli.com Nave 1, Barranco de las Torres, Adeje 38670

Window Company SL Manufacturers and Installers of Quality

Drawn to the world of beauty? are recruiting; Beauty consultants Free training

PolĂgono Industrial Las Chafiras III, C. Caracas Nave 4 - 38639 S. Miguel de Abona Âˇ Tenerife Tel: +34 922 736738 Fax: +34 922 735 123

Kitchens, pergolas, ďŹ tted wardrobes, decking, staircases, windows and doors and much moreâ&#x20AC;Ś For a free, no obligation quote contact us onâ&#x20AC;Ś

Meridian

Buy Direct from the Importers, save â&#x201A;Ź100â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, sofas, bedding, mirrors, kitchenware, houseware. Home Style Direct, Las ChaďŹ ras, 922 736849

FREE, no obligation survey & quotation

The Timber Specialists

ÂŠIC/583/09

04.

ALL ELECTRICAL WORK CARRIED OUT BARS RESTAURANTS APARTMENTS DOMESTIC COMMERCIAL FAULT FINDING 24 HOUR SERVICE 7 DAYS A WEEK ALL AREAS COVERED BULLETIN AND 647 039 656 ADEJE

EDITION 587 :: 27/03/2009 - 10/04/2009 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

CLASSIFIEDS / GENERAL SERVICES

CLIMATE CONTROL

04.

CHOOSE FROM AIR CONDITIONING, FAN HEATING OR DEHUMIDIFYING TO BE COMFORTABLE WHATEVER THE WEATHER !

General Services

from

â&#x201A;Ź585

*Illustration purposes only

Items For Sale:

FITTED

SPECIAL OFFER!!!

Real Bargain!!

SPECIAL DISCOUNTS ON PURCHASES OF 2 OR MORE MACHINES

Computer for sale Compaq Presario PENTIUM 4 (2007) with Printer/Scanner HP Photosmart C6180

POOL HEATING Make the most of your pool ALL YEAR ROUND Affordable Pool Heating 10 Year from less than 1 euro / day Guarantee! from â&#x201A;Ź4,499 fitted

500â&#x201A;Ź Tel. 677 799 475

Masonic Meetings:

Invest in the Best, with AC Direct - Established Professionals YOU CAN TRUST!

MASONIC MEETINGS

Domestic, Commercial & Industrial, with good after sales service.

A C DIRECT 902 789 189 www.acdairconditioning.com

LODGE AVE FENIX MEET REGULARLY

Tony the Welder â&#x20AC;˘ Security Grilles â&#x20AC;˘ Gates â&#x20AC;˘ Railings â&#x20AC;˘ Steel Fabrication â&#x20AC;˘ On-site Welding Fully Qualified Legal Craftsman 27 years experience, 14 years Tenerife

Tel: 659 489 690 Property Secured, Quality Assured

AIRES L Solar systems Sanitation systems

Swimming pools Air conditioning

Thomas Dolz has a German engineering diploma and is an expert on sanitation, heating and air conditioning systems

www.airesol.net

Refurbishment

of Houses and Apartments Âˇ Painting and Decoration Âˇ Âˇ Tiling Âˇ Âˇ Plumbing Âˇ Âˇ Electric installations Âˇ Âˇ Complete bathrooms Âˇ Fully QualiďŹ ed Legal Craftsman with more than 15 years experience. Located in the South of Tenerife.

AIRESOL CANARIAS, S.L. Plaza de Venezuela, 1. 38670 Adeje (Behind the bus stop - between the Post Office and the Health Centre) Tel.: 922 79 28 39 - 922 79 44 93. Fax: 922 75 06 02. Mob: 630 410 011

Tel.

637 293 176

ON TUESDAY EVENINGS IN THEIR OWN NEW TEMPLE AT LOS CRISTIANOS ................ Please contact the Secretary John Donaldson on Tel. 922 17 91 74 e-mail: donaldsonjh@yahoo.co.uk

ALL WELCOME

LODGE TEIDE meets in Puerto de la Cruz on Wednesday evenings contact John Hughes on 922 38 22 29 email taffy007naeve@ yahoo.com

Horse sharing! I am offering horse sharing for my 5 year old gelding. He is a very quiet horse and enjoys rides. Interested? Please call 609 929 278

ROTARY CLUB

SKIP HIRE & BUILDING MATERIALS DELIVERY (&/&3"- 53"/41035"5*0/ 0' "-- #6*-%*/( ."5&3*"-4 4BOE p #BMMBTU p $FNFOU p #SJDLT p #MPDLT

$BMM

TENERIFE SOUTH INVITES VISITORS

Weekly meetings on Mondays at 8.30 pm At Hotel Gran Tinerfe (next to Pueblo Canario)

ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 587 :: 27/03/2009 - 10/04/2009

Property Wanted : Desperate to sell your property ? We will buy your house or apar tment for Cash, and complete within 28 Days. We are not Agents. Call (0034) 922 720222 or visit www. tenerifehomebuyers.com

Business Opps : For lease restaurant, working with good client base, Beautiful local with a family feel, ample parking, tel 637 560 700

Rent : One bedroom apartments for rent, just refurbished, 400 euros per month, tel 666 808182 or 647 927767 Studios, 1 and 2 bed apartments from 400€ for rent to mature-minded people in quiet residential complex with all UK TV channels in Torviscas Alto. For details phone Nadine, 922 715 162 Available to rent – local with large terrace in prime position in Los Cristianos. Ideal for Hairdressers, office or similar. Tel 629 911338 Golf del Sur – Attractive villa, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms in exceptional position surrounded by lakes, golf course, garden and sea views. Heated pool. Parking by front door. No pets, 850 euors per month. 627 219 001 Golf del Sur, pretty cottage style house in quiet position and overlooking golf course; front door parking, garden back and front (community maintained). Heated pool. No pets. 650 euors per month. 627 219 001 Los Cristianos, by the sea, beautiful one bedroom apartment, living room, kitchen etc. TV, washing machine, sun terrace, sea views, from 550 per month, 922 752759 / 608 425426

Sale : El Médano, dir ectly from the owner!!! New, precious detached house, 3 bedrooms, 2 moder n bathrooms, indep. kitchen, 3 terraces,bbq, luxury complex with 2 swimming pools, 42m2 closed garage, ver y exclusive furnished. Quiet zone, Price: 330.000 euros, Tel: 650 792 742

For sale, 5 bed villa, in quiet are of Costa del Silencio, 160m2, terrace with sea views, Ajardinadas area, 2 separate bedrooms for guests, 370.000 euors, tel 629 244958 Urb. Arco Iris Playa Second line from the sea in Callao Salvaje. Duplex, totally furnished, 75m2, separate ktichen, totally equipped, toilet, dining room, complete bathroom, 2 bedrooms, SATTV, solarium 30m2 with views to Gomera and Teide, garage space, community areas with 2 pools, automatic gates, community fees 54/month, 145,000 euros. Tel 629 244958 Detached villa in Callao Salvaje Situated in a quiet cul de sac and sought after position in exclusive residential area. Excellent views of both sea and mountains. Five minutes from local shops and restaurants. 25 minutes from South airport. Fully legal, this property is built on two levels and consists of: Upper level – Main bedroom, en suite bathroom and fully fitted dressing room. 2nd bedroom and bathroom. Lounge, dining room and fully fitted kitchen. Good sized terrace and access to roof terrace. Car port. Lower level – 3 bedrooms with 3 bathrooms en suite. Large study/extra bedroom/ Lounge-diner. Utility or possible kitchen. Heated swimming pool. 2 store rooms. Courtyard. Pool equipment & Storage room. Access to garden and Bodega. Plot 400 sqm. Garden approx 100 sqm: House 210 sqm. 650,000 euros. Telephone 607310854. U rg e n t s a l e i n L o s Cristianos by the sea. One bedroom apartment, living room, bathroom and kitchen, big balcony, pool, panoramic view etc. 90,000 euros (no agents), 922 752729 / 608 425426 Reduced for quick sale!!! Townhouse - Los Menores, large furnished 3 bed, 2 bath townhouse, double private garage, 3 terraces, roof terrace with fantastic sea views, ideal family home. High bank valuation. €185,000, tel: 666200451 Apartment Playa San Juan Location: central 80.00m 2 2 rooms 349000€ Phone: 922866559

www. tenertodo. com we have everything in the Canaries

GPI

Irish Estate Agent Property Consultant We have a huge selection of residential both from plans and resale (i.e. Los Geranios). Everything negotiable.

EXCHANGE BUREAU & PROPERTY

Tijoco Bajo AP-3088 New. Just finished. First class apartments. Luxuriously equipped. 1, 2 and 3 bedrooms in two storey blocks. Underground parking. Delightful views. From 130,000€

OPTIMIST Heart of Las Américas only 2 minutes to the beach. South facing one bedroom apartments. Fully furnished with a years garanteed rent at bargan prices

Orlando AP-43 Recently refurbished 2 bed-roomed apart. Views over pool to ocean & mountains. Gated community. Ideal as home/income. 145,000€

WINSOR PARK Large one bedroom apartment with pool and sea views. Well run complex with 2 pools mimimarket ect. Ideal for holiday lets at bargain price of 99,000€

Villamar AP-3057 Spectacular one bed-roomed apartment with 80m2 including wrap around terrace of 30m2 overhanging ocean. 230,000€

LOS ALTOS DEL ROQUE Great value 2 bedroom town house with double garage Fully furnished almost new, great views only 160,000€

AP-171. 3 bed-roomed penthouse near ‘Humbolt’ in Fañabé. Parking. Magnificent views. Very small, modern, complex. Community pool. Special. 299,500€

ARE YOU LOOKING for luxury Superb 4 bed 4 bath Vila in Torviscas. Large private pool with Jacuzzi, beautiful gardens. Large independant kitchen garage for 4 cars. This property must be seen to be appricated. P.O.A

La Escalona Ref. La-Mar. 4356m2 of level land. Large road frontage. 750m2 urban. Rest under review. Great investment opportunity. 378,000€

HOLIDAY VALLE SAN EUGENIO Luxury one bedroom bungalow with private garden, superb sea views in quite well run complex. 195,000€

Chayofa Modern end townhouse 195 m2 built. 3 beds. 3 baths. Large garage. Pool. Outstanding views. Immaculate. Ref: CA-3058. 420,000€ O.N.O.

PARQUE DE LA REINA Large Family residence. This property is over has over 360 sqmts living area. 4 bedrooms 4 bathrooms large independent kitchen. Garage for 4 cars, garden etc must be seen 255,000€

Fañabé Ref: AP 3079 Luxury three bedrooms, 2 bath penthouse 110m2. Terraces 60m2. Magnificent ocean views. A/C. Satellite dish. Garage. 580,000€

LAGOS DE FAÑABÉ Superb sea front complex Penthouse one bedroom apartment with superb sea views, furnished. 220,000€

Buzanada CA-3076 Ultra special, detached, villa 260m2 on about 10000m2.6 beds, 4 baths, garage, pool, BBQ workshop etc. Unique family home. 820,000€

LONG TERM RENTALS

Roque del Conde 2 bed 2 bath 150 m2 apartment 800€ Callao Salvaje Residencial Mariben 2 bed town house 750€ Los Cristianos sea front studio 450€

NO FINDERS FEES RESIDENCIAL MARIBEN CALLAO SALVAJE Large 2 bed 3 bath town house, independant kitchen. Fully furnished with superb sea views Large garages private garden 250,000€

©IC/587/09

05.

Torviscas Alto/ Resid. Casablanca, directly from the owner!!! Very beautiful apartment (53m2) in the most exclusive zone of Tenerife, 1 bedroom and an small officeroom, ver y big bathroom, 35m2 terrace with precious views, luxury complex with swimming pool and gardens. Garage and store-room. Only 6 months old!!! Price: 183.000 euros, Tel: 650.792.742

CLASSIFIEDS / PROPERTY

Chayofa CA-3083 Dream detached home, exquisitely maintained and furnished 3 beds, 3 baths, pool, large garage and much, more. 890,000€

No. 22 C.C. City Centre, Playa de Las Américas Tel 922 751 693 / 630 994 991

Long established bars/restaurants in high profile locations. Great opportunities. Leasehold and Freehold. P O A

www.mk-property.com info@mk-property.com

GPI (API/FIABCI) Playa de Las Américas Tel: (0034) 616 429 946 Gerrygalvin1@gmail.com

CLASSIFIEDS / PROMOTION

EDITION 587 :: 27/03/2009 - 10/04/2009 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 587 :: 27/03/2009 - 10/04/2009 Apartment Playa San Juan Location: central 35.00m 2 1 room 89250€ Phone: 922866559

Villa Tagoro San Eugenio Alto

PROMOTION

Excellent opportunity

For sale town house in San Isidro

Apartment Playa San Juan Location: central 59.00m 2 1 room 179000€ Phone: 922866559 Apartment San Eugenio Alto Location: central 91.00m2 2 rooms 295000€ Phone: 922866559 Apartment Playa San Juan Location: central 4960.00m2 1 room 126000€ Phone: 922866559 Apartment Playa San Juan Location: central 35.00m 2 1 room 89250€ Phone: 922866559 Apartment Playa San Juan Location: central 46.00m 2 1 room 120000€ Phone: 922866559 Apartment Playa San Juan Location: central 60.00m 2 1 room 138500€ Phone: 922866559

New 3 bedroom luxury villa 750,000€ Tel. (0034) 655 914 691 (0034) 922 71 33 56

Apartment Playa San Juan Location: central 82.00m 2 2 rooms 359000€ Phone: 922866559

Playa Fañabé

3 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom, front and back garden, comunity pool. €425,000

Apartment San Eugenio Alto Location: central 85.00m2 2 rooms 295000€ Phone: 922866559

Tel. 629 244 958

Terraced house Masca Location: countr yside 70.00m 2 2 rooms 120000€ Phone: 659038027

Flourishing freehold business established 6 years in the up and coming area of Alcalá with high reputation throughout the south west coast and beyond. Sales of quality second hand furniture, household goods, removals and hire service of cots, car seats, fold up beds and high chairs, Room for expansion in all areas. FREEHOLD shop area of 70m2. With height for an upper level, Toyota truck regularly serviced, all stock kept to a high level between 6,000 to 8,000€ at no extra cost. REDUCED 190.000€ O.N.O or LEASEHOLD 70.000€. Storage premises available with contract near to shop. 450€ per month if required. Tel: 607 435 267 / 677 509 764 Email: maryelainet@hotmail.com

Terraced house Tamaimo Location: central Views: sea 180.00m 2 150000€ Phone: 610703429 Urban Land 36.00m 2 140000€ Phone: 630050870 Apartment Cabo Blanco Location: central 62.00m 2 2 rooms 118000€ Phone: 609969203 Terraced house Guamasa Location: outskirts Views: mountain 90.00m2 3 r ooms 222000€ Phone: 616398928 Apartment Los Cristianos Location: central 77.00m 2 3 rooms 165000€ Phone: 635476415 Apartment Sta Cruz de Tenerife Location: outskirts Views: mountain 118.00m2 3 rooms 240€ Phone: 696471932 Apartment Valle San Lorenzo Location: central Views: sea 42.00m2 1 room 125600€ Phone: 629594872 ApartmentLas Palmas de Gran C Views:mountain 159.00m2 4 rooms 450000€ Phone: 638173382 Apartment Gran Canaria, Firgas 101.00m2 181506€ Phone: 638173382

Tel. 619 866 849 / 609 101 401

Residencial

La Duquesa

Apartment Playa San Juan Location: central 66.00m 2 2 rooms 162000€ Phone: 922866559 Apartment Playa San Juan Location: central 71.00m 2 2 rooms 159000€ Phone: 922866559

4 bedrooms, lounge, dining room, 2 bathrooms, kitchen, w.c. downstairs, garage for 6 cars. With commercial use, fully furnished, all this for €220,000. No time wasters please.

FOR SALE

Urb. Oasis Dakota, Playa Fañabé 3 bed semi detached, toilet, complete bathroom, separate kitchen, totally equipped, furnished, 35m2 terrace, secure access to pool, infant park, good views, beside commerical centres, 800m from Playa Fañabe, community feees 30/month, 185,000 € Tel 629 244958

Frontline studio apartment for sale, partly furnished in a superb position with views of La Gomera. Recently refurbished. Superb holiday or residential home; quiet zone, near to shops and restaurants. Contact C. O’Flynn, 686 586 519

Urb. Arco Iris Playa Second line from the sea in Callao Salvaje. Duplex, totally furnished, 75m2, separate ktichen, totally equipped, toilet, dining room, complete bathroom, 2 bedrooms, SAT-TV, solarium 30m2 with views to Gomera and Teide, garage space, community areas with 2 pools, automatic gates, community fees 54/month, 145,000 euros

Tel 629 244 958

Valle San Lorenzo Wonderful Villa with four seperate Living areas seaview, the second free plot is with building licence, 965m2, special offer, 550,000 euros for more information 667 387 459 / 922 765 446

3 bed, 2 bathroom duplex apartment for sale in Los Girasoles, El Madroñal Independent kitchen, downstairs toilet, ofﬁce, living/dining room, 2 terraces approx 20m2 each. For more information email ventasol@terra.es

Motoring

EDITION 587 :: 27/03/2009 - 10/04/2009 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

The new Mercedes-Benz E-Class

THE MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS HAS ALWAYS BEEN A BASTION OF LUXURY, SAFETY AND IMAGE.

nd now with more than 23 new or fur ther technical developments this saloon fur ther consolidates the leading position of Mercedes-Benz in the luxur y car market. With all-round safety and outstanding comfort, the new E-Class consumes up to 23 per cent less fuel than before and benefits from intelligent body shell technology with up to 30 per cent greater rigidity which can withstand high impact forces as well as improved seats and a newly developed adaptive suspension system with which the driver is able to select either comfort or sport mode at the touch of a button. There are three newly

designed diesel engines and five petrol engines, all direct injection units with an average consumption by the four cylinder diesel engine of 53.3mpg and contamination level of 139 grammes of CO2 per kilometre. The fuel saving of 3mpg has been achieved with a new shape, reduced weight, improved functioning and efficient fuel management. The new E-Class has a low drag coefficient of only 0.25 and is the world’s most aerodynamically ef ficient luxury saloon. With BlueEfficiency, the car has newly developed tyres, need-related control of the alternator, fuel pump, air conditioning compressor and power steering, and the

ECO star t/stop function (available from late summer) which switches the engine off (on the E200 CGI) when idling. Economical and environmentally conscious driving is encouraged by informative displays in the speedometer relating to fuel consumption and when to

change gear. New technologies make the E-Class an ‘intelligent partner’ which can see, feel and react reflexively in critical situations and if necessary act independently to prevent accidents or mitigate their consequences. These include Blind Spot Assist, Lane

Keeping Assist which keeps you from unintentionally drifting out of your lane, Night View Assist which is a pedestrian detection function, drowsiness detection based on more than 70 different parameters and radar based automatic emergency braking if a collision is imminent.

Adding to passenger safety are nine airbags, belt tensioners, belt force limiters, crash responsive head restraints, Isofix child seat fixings and the occupant protection system Pre-Safe, and for pedestrian protection the new E-Class also has the active bonnet feature as standard. I n s i d e t h e c a r, n e w quality has been added to the established padded seat piping concept, a system used only by Mercedes-Benz. The optional multi contour seat package includes newly developed seats with comfort head restraints and a twostage massage function in the backrest for both driver and passenger which has already proved successful in the S-Class. Comfort is completed with a versatile climate control system. The E-Class is available in Elegance and Avantgarde trim levels and retails from around 42,000 euros. Coming soon – the stunning coupé version. For more information, contact Victoria S.L., Llano de Camello s/n, Las Chafiras (on the San Miguel side of the motorway), telephone 922 735656, or Rahn Star S.A., Calle Mercedes 9, Los Majuelos, La Laguna, telephone 922 703955.

Sport

ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 587 :: 27/03/2009 - 10/04/2009

ADEJE

ATHLETICS

Skaters meet

European competition This year’s European Cup Winter Throwing championship was held in Los Realejos. Credit: www.inselteneriffa.com

More than 100 roller skaters met recently at the Adeje sports pavilion for their second get together to demonstrate their prowess. The event organised by Club Skate Factory and Adeje council’s sports department led by Marcos Barrera González brought together several groups – Magma (Adeje), Tenerife Guanches (Las Galletas) Tenerife Patina (Santa Cruz) as well as some free skaters. A pair of skaters from Las Palmas Patina (Gran Canaria) and Lanzarote Patina also attended. Individual and group games and demonstrations by the youngsters clearly delighted the audience, and this was followed by a presentation of prizes courtesy of the sports department, for all the young skaters.

Fun on wheels

The second part of the event was a competition for the adults, of which the winners were given a month’s free training at the Fitness Evolution gymnasium. The event continued with a game of hockey which was won by a team made up of local skaters, and ﬁnally the skaters from Lanzarote and Gran Canaria gave a

freestyle demonstration which put the icing on the cake of a great day. Sports councillor Marcos Barrera González commented, “it really is necessary to keep supporting sports and players, because as well as strengthening an ample and diverse sporting offer, we are improving people’s quality of life.”

Eden Francis took gold

Among the 390 sportsmen and women from all over Europe taking part were 11 from the UK and three from Ireland. Only one got to the highest point on the podium, the British athlete Eden Francis who took gold in the under 23 discus

MARICHAL

Posthumous tribute

Quico relaxing at Buenavista golf

The late chairman of Tenerife ladies’ volleyball side Tubillete.com Marichal received much-merited recognition on the anniversary of the team’s European Champions League win in 2004. On 21 March, exactly ﬁve years after the historic continental success, the club organised a moving tribute to Quico Cabrera, coinciding with the regional derby against Las Palmas side Caja de Canarias. The tribute to the man who almost single-handedly made the club one of the most feared in Europe and virtually unbeatable in Spain for a decade included a video of his achievements as chairman. Recorded messages from a host of players who served under him were also broadcast during the event, which was attended by top volleyball names at local and national level. Cabrera died just before Christmas at the age of 57 after a long illness.

FORMULA 1

with a 54.19 metre throw. She declared herself delighted and hoped to repeat her success in the WM 09 at Berlin in August, but her pincushion ﬂower bouquet left her somewhat bemused and she was unable to make up her mind if she liked it or not.

OLTRA

Betis offer CD Tenerife manager’s style of management and his recent success have brought him to the attention of the Betis chairman and, it is believed that discreet enquiries have been made concerning Oltra’s wages at Tenerife.

The speculation has been played down by the manager, however many will remember the last time the club won promotion they lost their manager, one Rafa Benítez, who went on to lead Valencia to the Liga title the following year.

902123 738

Alonso optimistic

Fernando Alonso is cautiously conﬁdent

Spain’s two-time Formula 1 world champion Fernando Alonso gives himself a 70 per cent chance of lifting a third crown this year. As work to improve Renault’s R29 car was completed in the Jérez circuit in the run-up to the opening race, Alonso forecast that the championship could be very different to last year’s due to the changes in the rules. “Last year we did well at the end of the season but started badly. This time I am confident that the car will perform from the beginning and we hope to improve it for every race. I am looking forward to the season getting under way so I can see exactly how far we have come in terms of improvement. The changes introduced this season will make the championship very exciting and I see myself as having a seven in 10 chance of winning the title,” Alonso said in his first major interview for La Sexta, the Spanish TV channel which shows F1 for the first time ever this year. The championship kicks off in Australia on 29 March, with the first European race the Spanish Grand Prix on 10 May.

CHOOSE BETWEEN OUR 23 TYPES OF COVER AND PAY ONLY FOR WHAT YOU INSURE

902 123 738 * Subject to the underwriting regulations of the company

Your Direct Line to Cheaper Home Insurance

SPORT

EDITION 587 :: 27/03/2009 - 10/04/2009 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

Megabowl

TENERIFE

Compiled by Doreen Lemm

10 pin bowling league results

Tenerife 8 Ball RED LEAGUE TEAM 1. The Cygnets 2. The Palms Bar 3. Target Bar A 4. Toscales Old Boys 5. Ten Hammers A 6. Trap Door B 7. North & South A 8. Atlantis Bar 9. Phoenix Potters 10. The Terrace Bar 11. Barracuda

YELLOW LEAGUE PL W D L P 13 13 14 14 13 14 14 14 14 14 13

9 9 9 8 7 7 6 5 3 0 0

3 1 30 2 2 29 2 3 29 2 4 26 2 4 23 1 6 22 1 7 19 4 5 19 3 8 12 3 11 3 1 12 1

TEAM

PL W D L P

1. The Swan 2. Delicias La Cana 3. The Brum Pub 4. Trap Door A 5. Bar Nauta A 6. Rat Pack 7. Legends 8. Ten Hammers B 9. Lupain Properties 10. Bar Nauta B 11. Target Bar B

14 13 13 14 13 13 13 14 14 13 14

9 9 9 7 6 5 4 4 4 1 1

5 0 32 2 2 29 2 2 29 1 6 22 1 6 19 3 5 18 5 4 17 5 5 17 3 7 15 2 10 5 1 12 4

Tenerife Rural

The dream recedes

Tenerife Royale Estate Agents S.L. Tuesday Singles League

played in the Tuesday League and put in a 202. Jacquie had a ﬁne 3, 10, 8, 7 split for Troubleshooters.

Week 18

International Saturday League Canal Ocio Dayu

Margaret Conner (6) No Player (0) Forfeit Kevin Capper (6) Jacquie Gibb (2) Avril Taylor (2) Jeff Lemm (6) Barry Smith (0) Duncan Wallace (8) Adam Davis (8) Ron Howling (0) Charlie Connor (6) Chris Rose (2) No Player (0) Steve Carter (8) Forfeit Dave Dixon (2) Sue Long (6) A ﬁne 207 for Sue, 202 for Kevin and 201 for Adam. Margaret had the difﬁcult 2-10 split.

Week 19 Jacquie Gibb (8) Chris Rose (0) Jeff Lemm (0) Duncan Wallace (8) No Player (0) Ron Howling (6) Forfeit Adam Davis (2) Dave Dixon (6) No player (0) Charlie Conner (6) Forfeit Allan Billing (4) Dave Simpson (4) Sue Long (0) Margaret Connor (8) An excellent 229 for Duncan, 214 and 212 for Jacquie and 211 for Allan. Ron now heads the league, but second placed Adam has a game in hand. Dave Dixon is in third place. Loss of their star player has affected Tenerife Rural’s chances

Tenerife Rural have only themselves to blame for not booking the only direct promotion berth to the ACB league. Runaway leaders Alicante stumbled significantly in Febr uar y and March, including in their visits to Tenerife’s neighbours Socas Canarias and to La Palma, and they no longer look invincible. However, Rafa Sanz’s side, which once looked to be Alicante’s only rivals for the prized top spot, managed to

lose four out of five fixtures (two of them at home) and can now realistically only hope for a play-off spot to compete for the other promotion berth. The loss of star player Lamont Hamilton to an ankle injury affected the team more than Sanz would care to admit, par ticularly against lowly Vic, whose forwards had a field day against Tenerife in the American’s absence. Meanwhile low-budget Socas Canarias confounded the critics again with an

impressive four wins in a very tough six-game fixture spell against all the top sides. The wins against Alicante, Melilla, Tenerife and Burgos mean that Alejandro Martínez’s side have virtually ensured safety from relegation, barring a major collapse between now and May, and could even make the play-offs. Americans Jason Detrick and Jakim Donaldson continue to impress and it is unlikely that the La Laguna outfit will be able to hold on to the pair next season.

Saturday Doubles league Week 14 Megabowlers (8) Double Whiskies (0) The Arg’ylls (6) Monkey Foreheads (2) A good 211 for Megabowler, Ron and 201 for Steve (Monkey Foreheads).

Week 15 Happy Days (6) Troubleshooters (2) Megabowlers (8) You’ll never bowl alone (0) Megabowler Ron was in ﬁne form, bowling a 224 and 220. Duncan (Happy Days) continued the standard

Week 6 Megabowl Poppets (2) Delﬁn Computer Guargacho (6) Canal Ocio Dayu (2) Golf Costa Adeje (6) Tasquita Damián (4) Tasca de Tranvia (4)

Week 7 Tasca de Tranvia (4) Golf Costa Adeje (4) Canal Ocio Dayu (6) Delﬁn Computer Guargacho (2) Megabowl Poppets (2) Tasquita Damián (6)

Ruby Supper Bar, Torviscas Sunday Doubles League Week 14 M + S (8) No Team (0) Forfeit Racketeers (6) U Bin Framed (2) Pinseekers (6) Nothing But Trouble (2) An excellent 227 for Racketeer, Sue and a ﬁne 203 for opponent, Eliot (U Bin Framed). 203 also for Jacquie (Nothing But Trouble) and 200 for Ron (Pinseekers).

Monday Pub League Doubles Scratch League Week 1 F.C.U.K’Em (3) Cherry Bakewells (5) Tenerife Royale (3) Café Royale (5) The Buccaneers (8) Maurelly (0) Bad Boys (3) The Fisherman’s (5) A new format to the league, players in each team playing singles today, as a doubles team next time and playing opposite opponent in a singles on the third week. Simple!!

By George Reed

ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 587 :: 27/03/2009 - 10/04/2009

Boxing

Punch ups on St Patrick’s Day “Barry McGuigan has the lot. Nice looking, a wife, a child, and a dad who can sing Danny Boy in tune”: Muhammad Ali’s doctor Ferdie Pacheco (1985)

he boxing world has to be the most fascinating sportsland of all, for no other sport can quite match it for its drama, uncertainty and unusual happenings. Some say that boxing is the most thrilling of all sports, and some say that professional boxing is an ugly and brutal business. Nevertheless prize fighting has enriched sports literature with many of the strangest stories ever told. True tales far stranger than fiction. Many stories of happenings in the olden days never made the headlines and never show up in the musty record books. St Patrick’s Day, a couple of weeks ago, reminded me of one such story about one of Ireland’s greatest fighters, Mike McTigue, who was born on a farm in the village of Kilnamona on the west coast of Ireland. He migrated to America where he soon made a name for himself in the prize ring. The American fight fans took a real liking to the Irish boxer who was as fancy a Dan as ever stepped into a roped arena, and they nicknamed him Bold Michael. Throughout his career McTigue never ducked a fight, taking on many of the world’s best fighters from the middleweight division through to the heavyweights, opponents such as Harry Greb, who many boxing historians class as the greatest middleweight ever. The 1920s was an era of truly great fighters and the popular Irishman more than held his own. However, he still had one dream – to win the light-heavyweight cham-

pionship of the world, a title held by the pride of France, Georges Carpentier, who the year before had fought the great Jack Dempsey for the world heavyweight crown. But McTigue thought that his time had past, for he was 32 years old, a veteran ring-wise in those days, who many thought was due for retirement after so many hard battles. Probably that’s the reason why, from ‘out of the blue’, came an offer for McTigue to fight Carpentier in England for the world title, the Frenchman’s camp considering the Irishman to be over the hill. Mike McTigue quickly packed and left the States. At last his big chance had come. He had his opportunity to fulfill his dream of becoming the world lightheavyweight champion, and to make sure there would be no slip ups, he began to train as soon as the boat set sail. The boat was a few days at sea when the captain came to McTigue with a cable in his hand and said, “Sorry McTigue, its bad news I have for you. You can forget about your training....the Senegalese fighter Battling Siki knocked Carpentier out in the sixth round. I’ve just got the news by wireless, so there’s no title fight for you my lad.” McTigue was devasted, thinking that his last shot at a world title had gone, but fate plays funny hands and when the boat made a port of call at Queenstown (now Dun Laoghaire) in Ireland, McTigue, being a good Irishman, decided to get off to tread the auld sod once again. However he found

Mike McTigue, a real boxing hero

more than he was looking for because the Black and Tans were at their unpopular peak and travel was difﬁcult. Nevertheless he managed to motor down to Limerick only to ﬁnd the Shannon river between him and his native County Clare. Eventually he found a man who would get him across for ten shillings, but when McTigue got to the river he found that all he had was a little rowing boat. Halfway across a storm arose, the wind howled, the waves lashed and all but sank the small boat, but McTigue made it to the other side of the river – worn out, weary and drenched to the skin. A few days later he was approached by a Dr George

Devine, an Irish sportsman, who asked him if he would like to fight Siki for the world title, stating that he was going to Paris and may be able to arrange a context with the champion who was based in the French capital. McTigue was over the moon at the thought of another chance and told him to fix it. The next day he went out in the country to do some roadwork. But no sooner had he started to runt that a bullet whizzed past his ear. McTigue stopped, terrified. No one was in sight, so he started to run again, and a second bullet whistled past heis head. By this time he was plainly frightened to death! Suddenly

he saw a British soldier appear from behind a tree with his rifle cocked for action. “What are you shooting at me for”, screamed McTigue. “I’m only doing a little roadwork”. The soldier looked at McTigue and barked, “I’ve got orders to shoot anyone who runs”; so that was the end of McTigue’s roadwork. A couple of weeks later McTigue heard from Dr Devine who told him to renew training as he had arranged the fight with Siki. But McTigue refused to start road work in Dublin for he had no desire to be mistaken for a clay pigeon by triggernervous British tommies. Since the champion Battling Siki wasn’t allowed to enter England, it was decided to stage the fight on St Patrick’s Day and of all places in Dublin. No one could understand why Siki’s manager had accepted a bout for his fighter against an Irishman on such a day, the only explanation being that the manager was blissfully unaware of what it entailed. The meeting between the two took place in 1923. The arena was jammed to the rafters with a wild shouting frenzied crowd of Irish men. British soldiers patrolled the rooftops covering the crowd with their guns and a bomb went off somewhere outside just as the contest began, which probably intimidated Siki a wee bit for he was subdued throughout the fight. McTigue damaged his right hand in the fourth round but continued to gain points with his left jab. In a token effort to get their fighter going Siki’s corner men plied him with gin and then emp-

tied a bucket of cold water over him. But with the wild crowd roaring at McTigue, “come on McTigue, nobody can lick an Irishman on St Patrick’s Day”, it goes without saying that McTigue won the decision over 20 rounds an the world lightheavyweight title. Another little story dealing with a ﬁght fought on St Patrick’s Day took place in American way back in the early part of the last century. Stanley Ketchel, the world middleweight champion, and a legend in boxing history, was in Cleveland on St Patrick’s Day and decided to put on a show for the entertainment of the local Irish. The feared Michigan Assasain, as he was nicknamed, offered $100 to anyone brave enough to go three rounds with him. The story goes that an unknown lad, a musician named Ernest Ball, who was desperately in need of the train farer to New York, agreed to ﬁght the great Ketchel. It was no surprise that the young Cleveland born man took a severe beating from the champion, but he lasted the three rounds and won the hundred dollars, which got him to New York, where he eventually won fame and fortune as a song writer. Ernest Ball wrote many American standards and some of the most popular Irish ballads of all time, many of which are sung to this day the world over, especially on St Patrick’s Day, for the man who took on the great Stanley Ketchel in the ring to earn the money to start his career wrote When Irish Eyes are Smiling.

We guarantee a friendly service and vehicles in top condition

Rent

a Car

Mertens

The ﬁrst foreign Rent a Car in Tenerife!

Cars from 99 Euro/week Alex Kopeinig will personally see to all your needs C/ Richard Yeoward 9, 38400 Puerto de la Cruz Tel. (0034) 922 38 30 69 or 696 101 062 · Fax (0034) 922 37 60 12 E-mail alex@rentacarmertens.com · www.rentacarmertens.com

EDITION 587 :: 27/03/2009 - 10/04/2009 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

SPORT

Soccer Experience Sponsored by : Island Connections Media Group & www.windowsplus.co.uk

Season underway Hole in the Wall, still to ﬁnd the form that they showed during the Masters International

Are you

ready for the Spring?

©IC/581/08

Masters league

10% off 10% off 10% off 10% off 2x1 spa *

Massages and Body Toning

Beauty treatments

game to them from the whistle taking on early 3-0 lead at half time. The second half saw the Spanish on the end of some difﬁcult referee decisions and with that lost control of the game eventually going down 4-3, a great comeback from Exiles. Next up saw Hole in the Wall vs. Taylor’s Lounge. Taylor’s open champions, controlled the game from the start and won the game comfortably, 10-3 . The game of the week saw Windowsplus take on an ever improving Exiles bar, a game that went back and forth again and again. With no giving up from both sides, Exiles stole a win at the death. Eclipse Cafe also bounced back and found form to beat Cyrils 10-4.

take on the pace setters Tenerife Warriors with great attacking football from both sides. Warriors took the lead ﬁrst and held that one goal advantage throughout the game, but with seconds left Warriors scored one of the goals of the season so far to take the game 6-5.

Rachael’s Motors took on Morﬁtts in their second game and with Morﬁtts still under strength Rachael’s always had control of the game going out winners 8-6. The ever improving Harley’s took on new side Britannia. Harley’s have had a great start this season but were made to work with Britannia’s keeper Dave pulling off some great saves, It was not enough though and Harley’s won the game 8-3. The next game was Boys Dreamers vs Cold Flow, a very cagey game, but a last minute winner saw Cold Flow take the game 6-5. The match of the week saw Taylor’s Lounge

Open league New side Windowplus. co.uk took on Eclipse Café in what was a great game. Windowplus have brought some new players to the open league who are hungry for wins and they deservedly got one with a 5-3 victory. Pace setters The Spanish played Exiles and The Spanish took the

Manicures and pedicures

Hairdressing

Buy one get one free

OPEN AGE LEAGUE TABLE: Teams 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

UA CLUB TERMAL BALNEARIO-SPA

Torviscas Alto. COSTA ADEJE

Coupons must be presented in reception. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer.

Tel. 922 71 65 55

C/ Galicia s/n. Torviscas Alto, Costa Adeje comercial@aquaclubtermal.com www.aquaclubtermal.com

3 3 3 3 2 3 2 3

W 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 0

D 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

L 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 3

GF GA 24 18 15 25 13 19 14 15

Points

12 13 20 13 11 26 18 25

6 6 6 6 3 3 3 0

MASTERS LEAGUE TABLE: Teams

Played

Taylors Lounge The Spanish Exiles bar Eclipse Cafe W0indowsplus.co.uk Hole in the wall Morfﬁtt properties Cyrils Creations

Played

1. Tenerife warriors 2. Harleys American diner 3. Taylors Lounge 4. Rachael’s Motors 5. Cold Flow 6. Hoops Bar 7. Morﬁtt Properties 8. Planet Football 9. Dreamers Bar 10. Brittannia FC

4 4 3 2 2 3 3 3 3 3

W 4 3 2 2 1 1 1 1 0 0

D 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

L 0 1 1 0 1 2 2 2 3 3

GF GA 35 23 23 16 11 17 13 18 13 12

Points

17 16 12 11 13 22 18 24 23 28

12 9 6 6 3 3 3 3 0 0

CD Tenerife

ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 587 :: 27/03/2009 - 10/04/2009

Home and away! By Spike Jones

CD Tenerife’s run of six home victories on the bounce came to an end with this vigorously fought encounter with mid-table battlers Albacete. Close to 20,000 came to the Heliodoro, and despite losing the lead, and ultimately the win, courtesy of a highly contentious ‘soft’ penalty, most fans trudged out of the stadium reasonably happily, wearing a ‘you can’t win ‘em all’ shrug of the shoulders. And they were right. This Albacete was much better than the one CD had played in October. On that occasion Tenerife came away with a 0:1 win after dominating the home side for much of the match, with goalie Luis García called into serious action only once. Here, the struggling number two choice, who was given a wonderful confidence boosting round of applause by the fans, and his outfield colleagues, had to work much harder to keep Albacete at bay. Borrowing from Tenerife’s box of tricks, Albacete hit the ground running from the start. Moving down the flanks they made several penetrating attacks before Tenerife could get any kind of meaningful possession. Tenerife’s backs mopped-up this early pressure well, and with all hands on deck responding to the threat, CD belatedly began to play some football themselves. Albacete keeper, Cabrera, and his defenders were made to concentrate hard as the home side started to come at them with their free-flowing style. Ayoze and Alfaro both had fierce shots that went wide, and then on 12 minutes Ricardo’s blast from 20 metres hit the woodwork. Albacete seemed unimpressed and returned to the offensive. Luis García was made to save from Merino as the visitors’ big forwards gave due warning that Tenerife could get a nasty shock if they pushed up too far. Duly warned, Tenerife introduced some

Credit: Gary Hill

Albacete keeper, Cabrera, and his defenders were made to concentrate hard

15/03/2009 CD Tenerife 1:1 Albacete

circumspection into their build-up play. With left-winger Dani Kome out through injury, it was from the right wing, patrolled by Juanlu Hens, that most of the promising moves seemed to originate. He may not be adorned with tattoos and he may not have a Spice Girl to keep his cocoa warm (as far as I know) but he shares with David Beckham a killer right-foot cross. Of Tenerife’s half century of goals scored this season, I would guess at least a dozen have come from one of Juanlu’s wing balls. He did it again here. On 27 minutes, Marc Bertrán played him through into space and his cross was a gimme for Alejandro Alfaro, whose header left Cabrero no chance. The rapture in the Heliodoro was snuffed out like a light almost immediately after the restart. Even before Tenerife could contemplate their usual jittery response to being in the lead (the “shall we carry on attacking or shut up shop” dilemma) the problem was solved for them by the referee, who awarded Albacete a penalty. Ricardo was deemed to have tripped Toché. To everyone else it looked like Toché had merely tripped on the ball after Ricardo’s legitimate intervention. Even Albacete’s players had the good grace to be surprised by the award. If Luis García had only gone right instead of left he might have saved Toché’s effort (now that would have been a story!) but Toché scored the spot kick to cancelout Tenerife’s briefest of

leads. It must be said however that the referee, Señor Obras, played an otherwise positive part in creating an open, fast flowing affair, letting some stiff challenges go and resisting the temptation to blow every time a player hit the deck. Other refs should follow his example. The jury is still out on that penalty though. Albacete responded better than Tenerife to the dramas, and for the rest of the half gave Luis García a thorough testing. Tarantino gave Tenerife a real fright with several close range efforts, but García was brave and quick, and passed this severe examination with honours. He kept the blanquiazules in this game, no doubt about it. Frustration and fatigue crept into Tenerife’s game in the second half. Nino’s ‘winner’, after he was played through by Alfaro and outflanked Cabrera, was adjudged offside. Manager Luis Oltra, normally an astute substituter, failed to find a scoring combination, and it wasn’t for the want of trying. He brought on Ángel for Ayoze on the hour, then Cristo for Richi on 73 minutes, and then as the final minutes drained away, he had Iriome replace Sicilia. As he urged his men to push on the system resembled not so much 4-4-2 as 2-2-6, with all the forwards getting in each other’s way and intercepting the fine shooting chances of their own team mates! I always wondered what would happen if you packed the front line. Well, it’s not lots of goals, just plenty of chaos.

21/03/2009 UD Salamanca 1:2 CD Tenerife Back in October Salamanca, the then league leaders, came to the Heliodoro and went away 2-3 winners. They beneﬁted from a ﬂuky goal and some outrageous refereeing. No one was overly impressed by Salamanca that day and the Tenerife boys were given a mighty round of applause after the game by fans who appreciate that sometimes the better team gets the short straw. Unsurprisingly, Salamanca’s little sojourn at the top is over. But they are still hovering with intent in upper mid-table, so CD Tenerife’s successful attempt to redress the grievances still smarting from the October meeting was anything other than pre-ordained. In the 8,400 crowd in Salamanca’s Helmántico Stadium were several hundred blanquiazul fans who had made the trip. What a fantastic sight! The match itself was one of those you want to bottle up and uncork for soccer cynics to have a sample sniff. This was a fabulous advert for the beautiful game, and notwithstanding the doubleyellow card sending off of Bustos on 76th minute, it was a fairly fought contest between two evenly matched sides who both desperately wanted to win. The action packed opening exchanges sparkled with intensity as both sets of players demonstrated their skills and resolve, but it took ten minutes before

rent a car Hermanns Franz Hermanns S.A. Avda. General Franco, 20. E - 38650 Los Cristianos, Tenerife, Spain Tel.: +34 922 79 11 10 · Fax: +34 922 79 10 18 info@hermanns-cars.com · www.hermanns-cars.com

Los Cristianos · Phone 922 79 11 10

NEWS

Second Division 16/03/2009 CLUB

PLD W

1. Xerez 2. Tenerife 3. Hercules 4. Rayo Vallecano 5. Zaragoza 6. Real Sociedad 7. Salamanca 8. Castellon 9. Huesca 10. Levante 11. Gimnastic 12. Murcia 13. Girona 14. Elche 15. Albacete 16. Celta Vigo 17. Cordoba 18. Las Palmas 19. Alaves 20. Eibar 21. Alicante 22. Sevilla Atletico

29 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 29

15 15 13 12 13 11 12 11 11 12 9 11 8 8 9 8 8 7 8 7 5 1

either side was offered a chance at goal – when Nino came close. However it was Salamanca who scored ﬁrst on 14 minutes when Miku tucked it away from very close range. It would be harsh to criticise goalie Luis García, who at least attempted a save, but his defenders seemed rooted like date palms on a wind-free day as Miku found plenty of time to turn with the ball and place his shot. Tenerife shrugged off the disappointment and continued to prod for an opening. Luna came close to heading in a Juanlu Hens corner before, on 33 minutes, Nino was bundled over in Salamanca’s box as he was about to shoot. Tenerife were awarded a rare penalty (only their second of the season, I believe) which Nino himself converted. Salamanca refused to drop their heads and nearly scored just before the break when Cohen just failed to get on the end of Botelho’s dangerous cross. Salamanca had two good chances early in the second half when Miku shot just wide and Salva Sevilla hit the post during a period of serious pressure on Tenerife’s goal. These misses seemed to trigger a turn of fortune’s wheel in Tenerife’s favour. Salamanca’s passing became erratic and the blanquiazules began to win more possession and do more with it. On 67th minute Alfaro raced for a long ball that seemed sure to cross Salamanca’s goal line. He just reached it in time to cross the ball into the path of Nino sprinting full tilt into the box, whose oblique header

9 7 11 13 9 12 8 11 10 7 11 5 14 12 9 11 9 11 7 7 9 8

5 7 5 4 7 6 9 7 8 10 9 13 7 9 11 10 12 11 14 15 15 20

52 52 49 36 52 31 45 39 38 42 44 31 31 38 32 32 30 36 31 22 26 17

A 32 38 31 27 33 23 33 31 33 42 40 38 33 36 38 36 35 37 48 40 48 54

PTS 54 52 50 49 48 45 44 44 43 43 38 38 38 36 36 35 33 32 31 28 24 11

under intense pressure found the gap between goalie and post. It was a wonder goal, the product of determination, teamwork and skill. Cristian Bustos’s 76th minute sending off gave Tenerife more time to operate and they twice had the chance to kill off the game after breaking through the defence. Nino should have had his hat-trick when one-onone with goalie Alberto. He elected to shoot direct rather than lob the keeper, a chink in this great striker’s armour, which has cost him a number of possibles recently. This time it didn’t matter as the final whistle blew to confirm Tenerife’s fifth away win of the season and the scalp of a side who the lads must have been itching to get back at. This weekend marked the end of the second division’s ‘phoney war’ of recent weeks, where all the top sides seemed to be drawing their matches. Tenerife’s win came close to putting them joint top, but Xérez overcame a two-goal deficit away to Las Palmas to win 2-3 to re-establish a clear two-point advantage. Anyone who suggests that the Canarian cousins took a ‘fall’ to spite Tenerife should look at the table – Las Palmas are a point from the abyss. Hercules are making a comeback in third, two points behind Tenerife. The biggest upset of the weekend was Albacete’s shock home defeat to Mighty Minnows Huesca – the same Albacete who gave Tenerife such a thorough examination as reported above! Well… that’s football for you.

We’ve been renting cars for 30 years - so we can offer experience with mobility.

8 436012 301118

00587

EDITION 587 :: 27/03/2009 - 10/04/2009 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

PROMOTION

brought to you by

STORE OPENINGS: MON - SAT 9am - 8pm No 26, Av Tenbel, Las Chafiras Industrial Estate San Miguel de Abona 38639 Telephone 922 735 160 â&#x20AC;˘ Fax 922 735 404

Also at: The Costamar Complex, Los Cristianos Next to Arona Gran Hotel