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Down a Brexit barrel THE UK parliament has passed the Brexit bill, paving the way for Article 50 to be triggered by the end of March. Amendments passed down to the House of Commons by the House of Lords over the rights of EU nationals to remain in the UK and on parliament having a vote on the final Brexit deal were overturned by MPs. Prime Minister Theresa May is expected to trigger the process of Britain leaving the EU now the EU Withdrawal Bill has become law. Britain will then have two years to negotiate its withdrawal from the single bloc. Speaking in the Commons yesterday, Brexit secretary David Davis said: “We are now on the threshold of the most important negotiation for our country in a generation."
Worrying
After MPs voted on the bill, it was passed back to the upper house last night, where peers accepted that decision. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn described the decision by MPs to overturn the peers’ amendments as ‘deeply disappointing’. “We will continue to demand that the stress they, and British citizens living in the EU, are being put under is ended, and they are given the right to remain,” he said. Dave Spokes, speaking for campaign group Expat Citizen Rights in EU, expressed his anger. “It is worrying that our government chooses to ignore the concerns of its own citizens and the evidence put to its select committees that citizens’ rights should be confirmed immediately,” he said. “The government’s own white paper said it had engaged with citizens’ groups in Europe, but we have yet to find one group that has been approached by the Department for Exiting the EU. “We do wonder what the outcome might have been had they actually done so.”
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What do these Gibraltar women have in common, See Page 6
Nursing a grievance Parties clash over Intensive Care Unit claims
BALLS TO BREXIT A Place in the Sun presenter Jasmine Harman wades in on ‘terrible’ Brexit in an exclusive interview with the Olive Press.
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MINISTER for Health Neil Costa has hit back at ‘malicious rumours’ about nursing changes at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Costa insists claims that nurses on fixed-term contracts are to be replaced by newly-qualified locals are ‘unsubstantiated’. It came after the opposition GSD party claimed doctors and nurses were concerned that planned changes would badly impact patient care.
DISPUTE: ICU
It is understood some experienced non-Gibraltarian nurses could be in danger of being nudged out in place of less qualified locals. The GSD also stated night-time staffing levels at the ICU also fall short of the minimum required for such a unit. “For the ICU to continue to deliver that service (it) requires experienced and trained nurses,” a spokesperson said. “These skills cannot be acquired without significant training and experience in large ICU units outside Gibraltar. “That is the reason why many of the nurses are not local. “It is important to employ local people in all areas but care has to be taken it is not at the expense of the
quality of care provided in important front line services. “Replacing very experienced nurses at the ICU with inexperienced ones (even if local) is not the answer.” The Minister for Health however hit back, insisting the claims were merely ‘malicious rumours’. He said: “The GSD continue to listen to unsubstantiated or malicious rumours and have now taken to firing illinformed, incorrect and possibly malicious statements.” A statement continued: “Where is there a scrap of evidence that the GHA is planning to replace experienced ICU nurses with newly-qualified staff? There is none.” The government also insisted it was ‘absolute nonsense’ that standards at the GHA are falling, highlighting a 22% increase in nursing levels since 2010. In total, there are 20 ICU nurses on permanent contracts, and 10 on fixedterm. Opinion Page 6
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NEWS IN BRIEF
Access all areas DISABILITY awareness workshops hope to make Gibraltar more accessible for all. The recent sessions focused on how to better access to buildings.
Party starter A FUN day will be held as part of May Day celebrations. A dance display, a rock concert and arts and crafts sessions will be held in Casemates Square from 11am.
All smiles MEMBERS of all four youth clubs were treated to a recent funded day trip to Spain. They visited a trampoline park before visiting a shopping centre and enjoying a group lunch.
Going global THE University of Gibraltar has joined the prestigious Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP), giving its PhD programme global recognition and acknowlGen02.pdf 1 16/10/2012 08:39:43 edgement.
March 15th - March 28th 2017
Cocaine carrier locked up A 32-YEAR-OLD local man has been sentenced to three years in prison for importing 17.89g of cocaine internally. Matthew Ullger was stopped driving across the border by Customs officers, who searched the car for drugs. After Ullger refused a medical search, he
Officers seize £6.3 million of cannabis resin DRUGS worth more than £6 million found in the sea have been recovered by customs and police officers. Some 40 bales of cannabis resin were picked up on the east side of the Rock by officers, who were alerted by the crew of a local fishing vessel. The searching Royal Gibraltar Police (RGP) crew was later joined by customs officers, who recovered two more bales. In total, the bales weighed 1.26 tonnes, with an estimated street value of £6.3 million. A police spokesman said it was believed the Guardia Civil had picked up another 12 bales opposite the La Atunara beach. It comes just a week after officers seized cannabis resin worth more than £11 million from the sea. So far this year, over four tonnes of cannabis resin with a street value of more than £22 million has been seized by local law enforcement agents.
was taken into custody for 96 hours before eventually excreting the drugs. Ullger claimed he bought the drugs in Algeciras and intended to sell them to friends at a school reunion. He pleaded guilty to one count of importing a class A drug and one count of pos-
session of drugs. Chief Justice Anthony Dudley Ullger, who had previous drug convictions in Gibraltar and Spain, was a re-offending risk. Dudley sentenced him to four years and six months, but reduced the sentence to three years following Ullger’s guilty plea.
All at sea
MAMMOTH HAUL: Millions worth of cannabis found
Boy banged up A 13-YEAR-OLD boy has been imprisoned after breaching his bail conditions. The teenager, who is facing burglary charges, was taken to Windmill Hill Prison following a Magistrates Court hearing. A police spokesperson told the Olive Press the teenager would be kept in seclusion away from other inmates. A 2015 Council Of Europe (COE) report said Windmill Hill was not fit to house juveniles. “Windmill Hill Prison is not a suitable place to accommodate juveniles,” it states. “We recommend a strategy for addressing the specific needs of juveniles deprived of their liberty, which might include establishing a small unit with a few secure places.” The report, by the COE’s Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT), recommended that ‘Gibraltarian authorities draw up specific regulations for the discipline and security of juveniles in prison’.
‘Druglord’ kids’ clothes binned
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A CHILDREN’S clothing company has pulled a range of kids outfits after claims it glorified Colombian drug baron Pablo Escobar. Trends axed the tots’ jumpers, one of which appears to feature Escobar’s face with his nickname El Patron, after outraged locals took to social media to voice their disgust. Escobar was the most infamous drug supplier in the world prior to his assassination in 1993, exporting 80% of the USA’s cocaine
and thought to be responsible for hundreds of murders. A Trends spokesperson said: “The management team have taken the decision to remove all stock in the collection which is derogatory and/or endorses any form of criminal activity. “As a company we value our customer feedback. We would like to apologise for any issues caused.” The recent hit show Narcos has earned Escobar a newfound infamy.
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BANNED: T-shirts which people argued glorified Escobar
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IT’S not every day the leader of the free world and a superhero drop into Gibraltar. But ‘Batman’ and ‘Donald Trump’ took time off from their schedules to take a stroll round the Rock over the weekend. Batman - aka Marlene Hassan Nahon - met ‘the Donald’ during the traditional Jewish festival of Purim. “Bumped into Donald Trump. He says you should all vote for me #makeGibraltargreatagain,” said the independent MP on Facebook. Purim sees children and adults don costumes to celebrate one of the most fun dates in the Hebrew calendar.
JAZZ and flamenco have collided in a new project headed by a Gibraltarian musician. Composer, singer and guitarist Elie Massias (right) is behind Cadiz Blue, who have just released a music video. Massias, now based in New York, flew to Trafalgar Studios in Vejer de la Frontera to film Verde y Azul with singer María Lamónika, Algecireno and flamenco guitarist Antonio Martin. The group now plans to release a record when Massias returns to Gibraltar. “Once I heard the sound I knew the possibilities were enormous because there is so much talent,” said Massias. “We wanted to write a song that gave the freedom to improvise.”
OVER & OUT
Balls to Brexit
JASMINE Harman showed retired couple Steve and Janis Pidgeon, 66, how to handle their balls, during a game of ‘petanca’ on Casares beach. The former sports instructor threw her balls with precision during a morning tournament with British locals from the area. The couple are ‘100% sure to be moving’ to the Costa del Sol this Spring. “We are homeless in the UK as of March 27 having sold our home and we are never going back,” said Spurs fan Steve, from Milton Keynes. “It’s been fantastic here from Day 1. All the expats here are so friendly and it’s a great community. We are looking forward to moving over.”
BALLS OUT: Jasmine demonstrates on camera how to throw a petanca ball and (above) with the Pidgeons EXCLUSIVE
A BRITISH TV celeb insists Brexit won’t put a stop to Brits buying and moving to Spain. A Place in the Sun presenter Jasmine Harman told the Olive Press she believes demand will continue despite the invoking of Article 50 expected this month. “If anything we are seeing people moving a bit quicker to get things sorted out as they see the timescale changing,” she said while filming a show on the Costa del Sol this week. “The conditions haven’t changed and it is still great value here,” she
Place in the Sun star Jasmine insists Brexit won’t stop Brits love of Spain added. “I love it out here.” Harman, 42, who has been with the show since 2004, was showing retired couple Steve and Janis Pidgeon, both 66, around the Manilva/ Casares area. A former expat herself, she is a huge critic of Brexit, insisting that it makes ‘no sense’ at all to the UK. The qualified fitness instructor who lived on the Algarve for four years, working in a health resort continued: “I literally don’t know
anybody who voted to leave. Oh, apart from my father-in-law. “It is a terrible decision, one of the worst the UK has ever made.” She continued: “I really hope it doesn’t have an impact on young British people living and working in Europe. “I had the excellent opportunity of living and working in Portugal for four years and I would hate to see my own kids not having the same chance.”
Show time! A MAJOR new exhibition celebrating fashion design has been announced. The event, planned by Gibraltar Cultural Services, will feature several pieces by the late Eduardo Viotto, regarded as the Rock’s pioneering fashion designer, back in the 80s and 90s. The exhibition, expected to take place this spring, will catalogue the history and development of local fashion design. Last month, Gibraltarian designers Gail Howard and Gabriella Sardena showcased their range of clothes at the prestigious London Fashion Week.
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Fusing talent
Batman and Donald
THE DON: With MP Marlene
March 15th - March 28th 2017
READY: Garcia and Robba
Rock on! LOCAL musicians will join forces this week for Gibraltar’s first World Rocks Against Dementia concert on Saturday. The charity-fundraiser at Rock on the Rock will draw together some of the Rock’s top talent for a night to remember. The gig gets going at 9pm, with JoJo followed by Danny Vaughan at 21.40 and Sista Dee at 22.10. Other acts playing include Chloe Enriles, Giles Keith Ramirez & Stephen McLaren, Layla Bugeja, Gabriella Richardson, Ace of Slades, Nigel Palme and Crimson Clover.
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THEY come from the worlds of finance and sales. Two new contestants bidding to win the 2017 Miss Gibraltar pageant include Jodie Garcia, a finance administrator, and Janella Robba, a sales assistant. Garcia, 24, revealed she had been inspired by her friends, previous contestants, to take part. She said: “I saw first-hand how they changed and how their confidence grew, and I am hoping this experience will do the same for me.” Robba, 19, a keen show jumper, added: “I am very self conscious, by entering Miss Gibraltar I hope to build my confidence whilst meeting different people.” They join first contestant, 21-year-old Emma Buttigieg who, along with the first nine others to sign up, will receive £400 and the chance to represent Gibraltar at this year’s Miss World pageant on July 8.
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March 15th - March 28th 2017
Ban Iran, says equality group THE Equality Rights Group (ERG) has demanded Iran's players are banned from the Tradewise Gibraltar Chess Festival. It comes after Dorsa Derakhshani was axed by the Iranian Chess Federation for playing in the competition without a hijab this year. The 18-year-old grandmaster's 15-year-old brother,
Line in the sand THE Northern Ireland border with the Republic of Ireland is ‘not comparable’ with the Gibraltar and Spain frontier, insists Alfonso Dastis. Spain’s Foreign Secretary wants to keep the two cases completely separate. It comes after the Irish government confirmed it was keen to keep freedom of movement and goods once the UK leaves the EU. A hard border could have ramifications for the peace process with Irish MP Enda Kenny warning of ‘very negative consequences’. “The two cases are not comparable,” said Dastis. “I don’t think one can serve as an example to the other. I don’t know what the Republic will ask for in negotiations.” When asked what his red lines were with regards to Gibraltar, Dastis said ‘we will see what they put on the table’.
THREE senior military figures arrested on suspicion of hindering an investigation into a child sex case will face no criminal charges. The trio, understood to include wing-commander Liz Hutchinson, were grilled following a standoff last month between the RGP and the RAF on the runway at Gibraltar airport. During the incident police refused to let a Hercules plane take off as they wanted to question a serviceman onboard who allegedly had child pornography on a laptop. But following an RGP investigation, no further action will be taken against the trio after they expressed ‘regret’, saying the incident was due to ‘a misconception about ju-
Borna, was also banned for playing an Israeli in the competition. The ERG hit out at the Iranian authorities in the week of International Women's Day. An ERG spokesperson said: "ERG strongly condemns Iran for its disrespectful violation of women’s right to decide freely on matters concerning their own lives.”
In the clear Flat wrong EXCLUSIVE
Charges against RAF trio accused of hindering sexcase probe dropped risdiction’. “The three officers have written apologising for their actions and expressing their regrets, including
Mind the equality gap MINISTER for Equality Samantha Sacramento is setting up a focus group to look at the Gibraltar gender pay gap. Sacramento made the announcement on International Women's Day, which this year has the theme of 'Be Bold for Change'. "For many women, balancing a career and family life is not easy however well organised and well-intended,” she said. "This can in turn lead to the question as to whether women can earn the same and progress in the same way as
their male counterparts. "I am aware of these concerns and (we) are working to identifying ways in which we may encourage progress towards true gender equality.” The minister has also backed educational programmes to teach students how to make a 'positive difference' to gender equality. "We simply cannot afford to wait for things to happen," she said. "We need to make them happen and it needs to be a collective approach by both women, men, young and old."
for the disruption caused to the public on the day,” said an RGP spokesman. The stand-off caused huge tailbacks around Gibraltar, made international press, and left hundreds of people waiting at the border before the RAF plane finally took off. An MOD spokesperson said: "We welcome that no charges will be brought following the conclusion of the investigation, with which we have co-operated throughout. “We can’t comment on individual names.” The MOD has still refused to release details of the individual arrested or where he or she is currently being held.
A DISABLED Gibraltarian mum who has endured a four-year ‘housing hell’ has finally been offered a new flat. But Grace Stevens, 36, (above) told the Olive Press she is concerned the new ground-floor apartment is ‘inadequate’ for someone in a wheelchair. Stevens suffers from fibromyalgia, a debilitating pain condition which makes movement difficult. Currently marooned on a second-floor flat at Laguna Estate with no lift, Stevens is left stranded unless husband Andy, or her 18-year-old daughter Victoria are able to help. But, she insists the new flat is also inappropriate and she will still be a ‘prisoner’. “I do not know how I am going to get into the flat,” she told the Olive Press. “It is simply not designed for a disabled person, unlike the homes in Varyl Begg.” She toured the flat this week, but turned it down as has also criticised the general disabled access around Gibraltar as ‘absolutely shocking’. Equality Rights Group chairman Felix Alvarez slammed the delay in allocating her a new home. “No-one in our society today should be at the bottom of any pile,” he said.
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NEWS
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Paedo jailed A PAEDOPHILE has been jailed for 90 years after information was passed to US authorities by the Royal Gibraltar Police (RGP). The RGP has been thanked for its ‘expertise and diligence’ after Michael Pierce was banged up in America for pleading guilty to having over 100 sexually explicit photos and nearly 30 videos of children.
Slashed! EXCLUSIVE: Gibraltarian drivers targeted in Spain by heartless vandals
A GIBRALTARIAN has hit back after his tyre was slashed on a shopping trip to Spain. Tito Garro, 42, is ‘angry’ after he and and another Gibraltarian motorist had their tyres slashed while visiting Palmones last week. Garro, a plumber told the Olive Press he had helped the other stranded driver, who was with an elderly relative. Ignoring his car he helped them change their tyre, after a shopping trip to Leroy Merlin. “I was so angry,” said Garro, whose Honda was also attacked. “I was only inside for 20 minutes and it happened in broad daylight. “You hear about people from Gibraltar going to Spain and having their cars damaged all the time. It’s been happening for years.” He added: “You can’t say everyone is bad, but there are some people who seem to hate us.” Garro also said his sister-in-law had her car, which had Gibraltarian number plates, deliberately scratched in Spain recently. To add insult to injury, Garro is now almost £400 out of pocket after having to replace both front tyres following the incident. Garro says he didn’t report the incident to the police, but will now think twice about visiting the shop in the future. He added: “I do not want other people to suffer the same problem. I want people to be aware.”
Evil
Pierce admitted to recording the videos while abusing the children, telling investigators he is ‘is not going to get better’. During an investigation into local man Colin Fisher, who was convicted in 2015 for voyeurism, and possession of indecent photographs of children, the RGP established that Fisher and Pierce had communicated via Skype. Police in the US subsequently searched Pierce’s house and arrested him. “There is no greater harm, or cancer-like evil inflicted on a child than this type of crime,” said a US police spokesman.
March 15th - March 28th 2017
Tax hike on the Rock SOCIAL insurance contributions will rise by 10% after a review on April 1, the government has announced. Maximum payments will be hiked for employers from £32.97 to £36.50, and for employees from £25.16 to £27.50.
Minimum payments will also rise from £15.00 to £16.50 for employers and from £5.00 to £5.50 for employees. The rise, the first since 2010, is to ‘increase efficiency, manage expenditure and deliver better value for money’.
Knowing you, knowing me! A MAJOR new think-tank exploring the cultural and social roots of Gibraltar has been launched. Understanding Gibraltar’s opening night heard speeches from many local figures, including Deputy Chief Minister Dr Joseph Garcia, Ian Watts and Jeremy Gomez. Other speakers at the event at the Sunborn Hotel included founder Joshua Lhote and Levi Attias, who gave a speech about cultural harmony. Garcia said: “The people of Gibraltar are still able to reconcile their multiple identities under a simple banner.
“Today’s Gibraltarian is a descendant of people who suffered through the centuries. But our identity is dynamic. “Gibraltar’s vibrant cosmopolitanism has made it an attractive location to settle in, to do business in and to raise a family.” He continued: “The unique strength of the Gibraltarian identity is both its diversity and inclusivity.” The think tank aims to explore the many strands of identity, with Gibraltar having thriving Jewish, Catholic and Muslim communities. Curiously the Treaty of Utrecht sought to deny residence to members of the Jewish and Muslim community.
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Don’t forget your brolly! THE Spanish royals are to make a high profile trip to the UK this summer. There is speculation as to whether King Felipe VI will raise the issue of Gibraltar during the June trip after his controversial address to the UN last year. It would be the first visit by a Spanish monarch to the UK in more than three decades. King Felipe will be joined by Queen Letizia on the trip that was first set in motion after an invite by Queen Elizabeth in December 2015. The trip was postponed following Spain's political deadlock last year that saw the country unable to form a government. The visit is hoped to gain Spanish support for the UK which is about to formally launch Brexit negotiations. The king is unlikely to repeat what he said at the UN last year, when he urged the UK to end the ‘colonial anachronism of Gibraltar’.
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A campaigning, community newspaper, the Gibraltar Olive Press represents the local and expatriate communities working or living on the Rock with 10,000 copies distributed fortnightly.
OPINION
March 15th - March 28th 2017
After International Women’s Day, we take a look at some of Gibraltar’s most famous women
Hall of Fame Surianne Dalmedo
Feeling queasy THE GSD says it is ‘not the answer’. The government claims it is ‘ill-informed and incorrect’. But the claim that nurses on fixed-term contracts could be replaced by newly-qualified, less experienced staff has certainly sparked debate. The opposition has said doctors and nurses have expressed their concern over the issue. If that is the case, then it does suggest there could be something behind the GSD’s statement. Good, experienced staff - regardless of where they come from - are clearly key to the effective working of an Intensive Care Unit. And the priority here is the health of Gibraltarians. That should always be the paramount concern when taking any decisions for the GHA.
The fight continues A DISABLED mum’s continuing campaign for an accessible home highlights a sad state of affairs. Grace Stevens’ concerns that a new offered abode may still not be suitable hints at how much may still have to be done to make Gibraltar the disabled friendly place it should be. While the government is vowing to work with businesses to improve disabled access, one cannot help but wish this was an issue confined to the 20th century and not our current one. Let us hope that Stevens’ concerns are adequately addressed so that her story can finally have a happy ending.
Georgina Cassar GIBRALTAR’S first - and only to date Olympian, Georgina shot to fame after starring for Team GB in the London 2012 Olympic Games. She appeared on August 10, with the team finishing 12th. Georgina was the first recipient of the Gibraltar Kusuma Excellence Sports Scholarship. Gymnast Georgina studied ballet from the age of three before representing Gibraltar at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, finishing 16th overall.
Get a life
IT’S shocking to hear of Gibraltarians being targeted on trips into Spain You can think what you like about the Rock and its sovereignty, but to punish its citizens just because you have a chip on your shoulder is barbaric. Innocent Garro has had to replace both tyres and found himself £400 out of pocket. If you have a political grievance you want to rectify, get into politics. Don’t take your anger out on innocent people just trying to live their lives. Publisher/ Editor
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THE Gibraltar songstress’s Latin/flamenco style has seen her described as la nina del sur. She has performed at London’s Trade Union Congress in aid of International Women’s Day, The Prince’s Trust Business Awards, The Gibraltar Jazz Festival, The London International Music Show, The Beverley Folk Festival and O2 Carling Academy. In 2012, she performed in front of 100,000 people at Hyde Park’s A Future That Works rally. Back on home turf, she opened for Suzanne Vega at St Michael’s Cave. She has also founded the The Busy Bee Club and Laude Academy of Performing Arts, working as a creative mentor to young children in Spain and Gibraltar.
Dr. Eva Carneiro THE former Chelsea doctor found herself in the media spotlight following a high-profile clash with Jose Mourinho, then manager of the Blues. Carneiro rushed onto the pitch to tend to Belgian winger Eden Hazard, a response which drew public criticism from Mourinho. Relieved of her duties, Carneiro sued the Stamford Bridge giants for constructive dismissal. Carneiro reached a settlement with Chelsea and a discrimination settlement with Mourinho, with Chelsea apologizing to her. Following her spell at Chelsea, Carneiro returned to the Rock to work briefly at the Gibraltar Specialist Medical Clinic. She is due to speak at the University of Gibraltar on March 30 .
Professor Daniella Tilbury THE first female Gibraltarian to hold the title of professor, Tilbury returned to the Rock in 2015 after a 25-year career in the UK to take the role of vice chancellor at the newly opened University of Gibraltar. The winner of several research awards, including the Macquarie Innovation Award for Research and Marie Curie International Research Fellowship, Tilbury has overseen the establishment of research units at the university. She has worked for projects funded by the European Union, United Nations and World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF), among others. She recently gave evidence to The House Of Lords European Union Committee, expressing concern about the effect of Brexit on the university.
Marlene Hassan Nahon GIBRALTAR’S only independent MP struck out on her own after leaving the GSD in April, 2016. A former alumnus of the University of Manchester, Hassan Nahon opted against a career in law, later taking a postgraduate course at the London School Of Journalism. Hassan Nahon - the daughter of Sir Joshua Hassan - entered the political fray in 2013, following the death of Charles Bruzon. In October last year, she revealed to the Olive Press she was planning to form a new party. She has won a name as a strong parliamentarian, raising concerns around the GHA, university tuition fees and the legalisation of cannabis-based medicine.
Kaiane Aldorino THE jewel in Gibraltar’s crown won the Miss World title in Johannesburg in 2009. The win sparked wild celebrations back on the Rock, with Kaianne saying afterwards “I will try to do the best that I can now that I have opportunity and advantage”. A former dancer trained in hip hop and contemporary styles with the Urban Dance Group, Kaiane had previously represented the Gibraltar National Dance Team. Since 2014, she has been the Deputy Mayor of Gibraltar.
Dr. Jennifer Ballantine Perera BASED at the Garrison Library, Perera is one of the brains behind Bordering on Britishness, a huge oral history of and by Gibraltarians. Working alongside The University of Essex’s Professor Andrew Canessa, Perera and a team of handpicked researchers have interviewed up to 400 Gibraltarians, recording and documenting their life experiences, which often span some of the Rock’s most historic events. She is the founder director of Calpe Press, an independent publishing house which focuses on Gibraltar writings. She is the current director of the Garrison Library, hosting the acclaimed Literary Festival each year.
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UK government is inflicting ‘ghastly limbo’ on Brits living in EU post-Brexit, writes expat Giles Tremlett
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HERESA May cares about me and a million more people like me – British citizens who, before Brexit, chose to make their lives in Europe. There are, however, only two reasons why I know this. One is that the prime minister has repeatedly said so. The other is that three million Europeans who live in the United Kingdom are being held to ransom on my behalf, forced to endure the stress and chronic uncertainty inflicted on those ‘displaced’ by the new wall being erected in Europe. Aside from these two things, evidence is glaringly absent. The Government shows no sign that it understands who we really are. Nor has it displayed much interest in finding out. And it still has not stated how it proposes to fix the ghastly limbo into which one million UK citizens were plunged the day after the referendum. Instead, it hides behind the excuse that it can do, and say, nothing until negotiations start. Yet this is not true. Important matters that have nothing to do with other EU states can be fixed immediately. 200,000 fearful retirees, some of them poor and vulnerable, can attest to that. They want to know whether their pensions will be frozen for ever and gradually eaten away by inflation – as currently happens to UK pensioners who retire to most non-EU countries. The government has had seven months to calm their fears. It has chosen not to. That is, at best, lazy. At worst, it is cynical and callous.
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Held to ransom
Three government departments have been unable to tell me why this has not been settled already. The obvious suspicion is that the real plan is to use Brexit to claw back pension payments, effectively punishing those who moved to the EU in the secure belief that this would never happen to them. Kelly Hall, from Birmingham University, who is following Brexit on the ground in southern Spain, says that for the many people scraping by on small state pensions, the worry is contributing to ill health, depression and anxiety. “This is the one thing they can resolve now,” one pensioner told me recently in Malaga. He is right. May’s pledge of ‘care’ looks shallow, or simply false, without it. Pensions are just the most easily fixed problem. In fact, despite the stereotype of wealthy, gin-swigging retirees sunning themselves beside their pools, the vast majority of UK citizens living in the European Union do not draw one. Some 80% of us are under 65, mostly pursuing careers and bringing up families in the free way permitted by UK membership of the union – with the thousand rules, large and small, that make this university in the UK without risking the loss possible. We are also the grafters who deof acquired rights associated with long-term liver British trade and culture EU residence. As the Lords – the things meant to put the EU committee has pointed ‘great’ back into post-Brexit out, EU citizenship rights are We need to hear Britain – to our biggest tradso intertwined as to make ing partner. that the plan is to them indivisible. A “right to For many of us, the impact remain” is only a small part of of Brexit is already devastat- maintain all of the it. We need to hear from the ing. Imagine being unable to rights we acquired UK government (and the EU) make, with any security, bathat its plan is to maintain all sic decisions about whether, when we moved the rights we acquired when, for example, one can return in good faith, we moved to to the UK temporarily to look Europe as fully paid-up EU after an elderly parent, take employment in citizens. That will require creating new catanother EU country or even send children to egories of residents in both the EU and UK
ON MESSAGE: Giles Tremlett (left) in La Cala de Mijas with Olive Press editor Jon Clarke, while (below) a typical expat scene found in every Costa town
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Gangsters’ paradise: A look at
- Gibraltar: International commercial the key figures past and present of finance and transportation hub, writes the Costa del Crime - 3872 views Charles Gomez
Torremolinos to open Anda- New think tank Understanding Gibraltar launched at La Sala and leisure lucia’s biggest shopping
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-Gibraltar snooker players prepare to take on elite at World Snooker jojobet. Gibraltar schoolgirl reaches semi com Gibraltar Open -final of Spanish TV talent show 3065 views Statistics for: February 27 - March 13
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– “those in place before Brexit” – but, given the other complexities involved, this seems relatively simple. Until recently, I agreed that reciprocity was the best way to achieve this. It may still prove effective, but the evidence so far suggests it is mostly being used as a smoke-screen. It was shocking to read in the Brexit white paper, for example, the government’s claim that it had engaged a range of stakeholders, including expatriate groups. In fact, the largest groups working to help UK citizens in Europe, despite their best efforts, have been unable to talk to the Brexit ministry. I know that, mostly in the weeks since that claim was made, the consular service has reached out. I joined a focus group it ran in the southern Spanish town of Mijas recently. The two Brexit ministry representatives who had been invited failed to turn up. They had been kept in London to help quash the rebellious Lords, some of whom were putting forward amendments to the EU withdrawal bill in order to safeguard the rights of the same people they might have been listening to. It is not surprising that the government does not understand us. Unlike other countries, Britain has long ignored its diaspora. This is curious, because we are the EU’s biggest exporter of migrants, with about five million Britons, or 8% of UK citizens, living abroad. Many of those of us who live in the EU were prevented from voting in the referendum that turned our lives upside down, can no longer vote in general elections and have no MP. May says she will correct this but, again, has not lifted a finger to do so. With no voice or impact in parliament, we remain completely in her power. This article first appeared in The Guardian
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NEWS IN BRIEF
Smoke inhalation A WOMAN in La Línea de la Concepción suffered smoke inhalation from a fire recorded in the early hours of Saturday March 11. She was taken to the town’s hospital for treatment.
Lent Concert SIX bands from the Campo de Gibraltar will take part in a Lent concert on March 19 in the Plaza de la Iglesia.
Float protest DOZENS of fishing vessels will take to the seas off the coast of Campo de Gibraltar in a floating protest against the creation of an artificial reef.
Action plan THE PORT Authority of the Bay of Algeciras has collaborated with the working Group on Field Fortifications in Gibraltar to outline an action plan for the 6 bunkers in the area.
A SEARCH for a missing passenger who fell from a ferry in the Bay of Gibraltar has been called off. Teams from the Port Authority, RGP, GDP, HM Customs, Royal Navy, Gibraltar Squadron and Environment Agency joined Spain's Salvamento Maritimo scouring waters following last week’s tragic incident. The passenger is believed to have fallen from a ferry leaving Algeciras for Tangier.
C A M P O D E G I BR ALTA R
March 15th - March 28th 2017
Ferry tragedy
Passenger lost at sea after falling into Bay of Gibraltar
Tragic
Crews searched an area 2.2 nautical miles westsouthwest of Europa Point, with Gibraltar vessels continuing the hunt until 11pm on Monday. CEO and Captain of the Port, Commodore Bob Sanguinetti, said: "Gibraltar's multiple agencies came together to work on an extensive and coordinated search. "It is unfortunate that on this occasion the lost ferry passenger was not found." The circumstances in which the person fell into the sea are unknown.
Cocaine kids A LA Linea couple who allegedly used their young sons to sell cocaine around the border town have been arrested. The pair are accused of making the 13 and 15year olds peddle the drugs around the border. The teenagers allegedly drove on scooters around La Linea without a driving licence to deliver the drugs. The man has been jailed following his arrest, with his Brazilian girlfriend set to be deported for not being in Spain illegally.
Put it out
Unemployment rises Unemployment rose in the Campo de Gibraltar in February in contrast to the rest of the Cadiz province. Some 34,500 people are currently out of work in the area, which means the rate of employ-
ment fell by just under 1% - that’s 333 people. Algeciras and La Linea suffered the worst hits, and the rate of unemployment increased in all municipalities apart from Tarifa and Jimena.
A MULTI-MILLION scheme hopes to stop forest fires. A total of £1.8m has been dedicated by the junta to the Campo de Gibraltar to better safeguard 651,75 hectares of open space and the people who live there. The Los Barrios has received the biggest investment of £748,000 with Tarifa, San Roque, Castellar and Jimena also to benefit. Most of the money will be spent on workers, who will create and improve firebreaks and clear trees from certain areas.
DRUGS: Found in car
Dockers down tools A DOCKERS strike has hit Algeciras port. The nine-day national walkout saw Spanish stevedores down tools around Spanish ports. The dockers have gone on strike after it was announced non-unionized workers could be hired at Spanish ports, with the fear that it could cause massive lay-offs. Maersk Line, the world’s largest shipping company, has introduced emergency measures to handle cargo intended for the crucial Campo de Gibraltar hub. “These actions will cause a serious impact on cargo flows in and out of Spain and more widely to our global network, especially due to the strategic importance of the port of Algeciras as a major port for cargo moving to and out of Europe, Africa and many other destinations,” Maersk Line said. The Danish giant, which handles one third of goods into Spanish ports, will use alternative ports around the Mediterranean. The nine-day strike, which started on March 6, will see dockers walk out on the 15, 17, 20, 22 and 24.
Suspects found in car flee POLICE in Los Barrios have seized 552 kilos of hash after a high-speed car chase in Los Barrios. Cops in a patrol car near La Linea became suspicious when they saw the vehicle on the other side of the road heavily weighed down. The suspects sped off, putting lives in danger, the police said as it made ‘dangerous manoeuvres’ driving along the A-381 towards Algeciras. The suspects car was later found abandoned near Los Barrios.
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la cultura March 15th - March 28th 2017
olivepressnews +TheolivepressEs Dear UN SCHOOLCHILDREN have been asked to pretend they BE ‘APPY! are an advisor to the United Nations in this year’s letter-writing competition. The Royal Gibraltar Post Office and the Department of Education are inviting local children aged 9 to 15 to take Download part in the contest. our app now and The theme is ‘Imagine begin enjoying the bestyou Spanish are an advisor to the new news on the go. UN Secretary General; which world issue would you help him tackle first and how would you advise him to solve it?” The winner will scoop £300 and a trophy, with a second prize of £200 and third prize of £100. The victorious child Press will The Olive also represent Gibraltar at the United Nations UniverTOP for news in Spain! sal Postal Union main competition later in the year. Entries must be submitted via the schools by midday on Friday March 31.
CLEAN Bandit, Craig David and Steve Aoki have been named as the first headliners at MTV Presents Gibraltar Calling. The stars will perform on the Main Stage at the festival, which takes place at Victoria Stadium on September 2 and 3. Bananarama, Midge Ure and Village People will also play on the Classic Stage. The Minister of Culture, Steven Linares, said: “I’m really pleased to see how our Partnership with MTV is developing. “The Gibraltar Calling festival
Feeling book-ish LOCAL author Sonia Golt wowed young readers at Governor’s Meadow School on World Book Day. Golt read to pupils wearing fantastic book-themed costumes at a special school assembly. The writer also spoke to pupils about writing their own stories and developing their ideas.
will continue the success it has had over the past 5 years and will now be exposed to the whole world. “I’m sure that the people of Gibraltar will support this venture and will enjoy this world class event.” Tickets are available on www. gibraltarcalling.com and from the Gibraltar Ministry of Culture. Children under the age of 12 are eligible for a free ticket as long as they are accompanied by a ticket-holding adult. These must be obtained in advance from City Hall.
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what’s on
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ORLD Rocks A g a i n s t Dementia, March 18 FROM 9pm till
late ENJOY a showcase of alternative music presented by Gibraltar Live Music Society at Rock on The Rock club. Entry is free but donations to the Gibraltar Alzheimers & Dementia Society are welcome.
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IBRALTAR International Dance Festival, March
20-25 A £1,000 prize will
be awarded to the winner of this competitive festival, with additional awards including Best Actor and Best Play. Inces Hall Theatre, 8-11pm.
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NE-OFF West End-style musical performance and dinner, March 25 AN EVENING
Youngster scoops top prize in Gibraltar National Dance Festival
festival. “Whether it’s via their own schools or with their own choreographies we need more locals, as this is a platform for them to be able to develop their artistic abilities and participate in what is such an educational experience.” Best female dancer was won by Janis Jackson from Gibraltar’s Stylos Dance Studio with best male dancer awarded to Nathan Villalba from Art in Movement. Faye Gomez from Stylos Dance Studio won the M.O. Productions Sussex Award with Lilian and Lauren Montero from Stylos Dance Studio winning best choreography.
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MTV acts announced
Italian job
A teenage boy bagged the top prize at this year’s Gibraltar National Dance Festival, featuring contestants from across Europe. Italian Marek Pisanu, 13, was victorious in the contest, which saw 217 dancers from England, Gibraltar, Italy and Spain take part. Local dancers Julia Francis, Emma Rocca and Faye Gomez were selected along with 91 soloists to perform in the grand final. Seamus Byrne, director of organisers M.O. Productions, said: “We are pleased with the high standards and quality of dance achieved and maintained throughout the
Do you have a what’s on?
March 15th - March 28th 2017
DANCE STAR: Marek Pisanu
of show songs from famous musicals performed by Mike Sterling from The Phantom of the Opera, Jo Gibb from Cats and Michael Conway from The Jersey Boys. Tickets with three-course dinner £49.90.
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LETTERS
www.gibraltarolivepress.com
Chess mess IF Iran bans everything from Israel (Tradewise Gibraltar Chess Festival head wants leniency, online) it should stop using PCs and mobile smartphones (Intel Inside), not eat cherry tomatoes grown in Israel, not use USB pendrives and much more. Let’s see them surviving without Israel. Ben Smith, UK
BREXIT READY?
Brexit beckons
I THINK Brexit is a great thing for the EU (Business readiness interesting times, Issue 39). Britain on the other hand is losing a market where 48% of their exports go. Replacing that market could take, let me see, five or six decades. When you compare the production and econoBREXIT BULLE TIN my of a tiny little isBale out land like the UK with Brexit the economy of the big guys (EU, US, China, BRIEF Russia, etc), you will BUSINESS READINESS IN TIMES G ESTIN INTER understand that, in C economic terms, the UK is insignificant for the rest of the world. Anyway, the UK will lose hundreds of thousands of job positions due to Brexit. Clearly your useless politicians didn’t take in to account that, without the EU, the UK is totally unviable. Sponsored by
March 1st - March 14th
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Border brothers
chief DEPUTY minister Dr Joseph Garcia has met with secretary of state for Northern Ireland James Brokenshire. In talks described as ‘useful and informative’ the pair discussed the ramifications for the UK’s post-Brexit borders. There is concern in Northern Ireland as to what the future transit to and from the Irish Republic will look like.
Rocks! CRAIIIG Daveeed! I love the guy (BREAKING NEWS, Craig David, Clean Bandit and Steve Aoki, online). So looking forward to seeing him play at this year’s MTV Presents Gibraltar Calling Festival. He’s a top act, and good to see a big name the first of many - landing on the Rock’s Main Stage. What with Clean Bandit, Bananarama, Steve Aoki and - of course The Village People it’s shaping up to be a good weekend. I look forward to hearing more announcements soon. Rob Nicholls, La Linea
March 15th - March 28th 2017
2017
EXCLUSIVE: Real Madrid star urged to join fight for expat nationality
Real Madrid GARETH Bale’s future at once the UK could be put in jeopardy pulls out of the EU. being urged The Welsh wizard is now expats in to support a battle to give the Spanish Spain joint nationality by meeting with Spanish congovernment. classified a Tremlett is creIf not, he would become Madrid al- stitutional lawyers this week to non-EU player and Real allowed in ate a draft law for his joint-nationalto Spain’s ready has the three players ity plan, which he will take regional parliaments. that category. sold, or Real central and the He would either have to be of the trio “Bale’s situation is just another of resiwould need to unload one or Danilo. messes imposed on UK citizens Brexit,” he told the James Rodriguez, Casemiro Giles dent in Spain byweek. this To avoid this, British journalist - who re- Olive Press, government could fix Tremlett is calling on Bale - to join his “The Spanish by offercently visited Gibraltar nationality. this with an act of generosity to Brexit here prior battle to give expats joint writer is ing Brits installed The Madrid-based Guardian nationality. dual given be to be proudly lobbying for Brits in Spain “Gareth could continue to Spanish nationality.
BY
and, Welsh as a Madrid player, proudly Spanish too.” A petition by Tremlett and fellow journalist William Chislett calling for Brits living in Spain to get dual nationality has gained nearly 20,000 signatures. Spaniards living in the UK
can apply for joint nationality after five years, whereas apply British expats can only relinfor Spanish nationality, quishing their British nationality, after ten. In the last few years Spain has granted dual nationality the to surviving members of Brigades, International as well as descendants of Sephardic Jews expelled from Spain. “It’s therefore possible for Spain to allow a specific group of people to ask for joint nationality,” said Tremlett. He added: “These are excepdon’t tional circumstances. I we are think it’s too much to say citibeing expelled from our EU zenship.” most Galactico Bale, the world’s expensive player after signing from Spurs for £100 million, Interwas snapped at Gibraltar national Airport last June.
Out of sight and out of mind
Charles Gomez
“No-one realises your imporAN expat campaigner believes tance more than us,” he told are Brits in Spain are ‘out of sight, in the Olive Press. “There in out of mind’ to British MPs 11,000 official British expats Brexit negotiations. Mijas alone and we really value Brexpats In Spain co-founder them.” Anne Hernandez has been lob- Health was understandably bying Spanish politicians along a major topic at the meeting, the coast as she fights to pre- with Hernandez revealing that serve the rights of Brits living insurance could cost as much is renowned". in Spain. port in as €157 a month for people over do set up shop. Gibraltar is the busiest bunkering postThe university lecturer, who has omplaining is what Gibraltariansis a It is not all about gaming though. Leaders the Mediterranean. Further, in 2016 the 30 65 if free healthcare ends also lived in Spain for more than visibusiness 350,000 internet of in our spare time, and politics Brexit. areas welcomed in other Port of Gibraltar Richard years, insists most politicians pastime. On week days, however, have headquarters and operations here. tors on 227 cruise ships to add to the numto Madrid-based expats ‘want us to remain and want we are in business. and Jean Appleyard, both 70, Financial Services Commisland and air. not appreciate The Gibraltar regulates no less than 412 bers that come by do everything to support us’. have lived in Spain for more International airport The visitor in a hurry may 30 commer- sion currently sized Arrivals at Gibraltar increase. Most of our “But sadly, we are getting more than international medium an from is city ranging our that show a year on year hub. Of organisations support years. leaders. refurbishments or cial, finance and transportation the bustling city to world industry dropped here because of hotels have undergone from “We are major course, everyone notices the I have not name are in the process of undertaking Spanish worried are under conof operators but you can centre. the between the sheer number in the FSC's and Gaming improvements. New hotels than about the Shop rents in Main Street average struction. per annum check for yourself British,” she national St. Michael's £50 and £60 per square footthe northern Commissioner's web sites. The Nature Reserve (apes,attract tourists told the Olhealth and depending on location, with or ‘Piazza’ to cave, the views) continue to bars and resive Press. our right half from the main square sought after. by the million, new and bettertime... Sophisticated Speaking to stay. It all the Casemates Square being morenew entrants that what attracts taurants are opening of this article, "comafter a key is a thing top Moreover, to get a foothold,potentially run- As a lawyer, I like to think is our sophisticated, As I said at the meeting of big conmay have to pay premiums thousands of this kind of business of corporate vehi- plaining is what Gibraltarians do in our in La Cala, cern it is a early on a cutting edge provision ning into the hundreds of and size. structure spare time" and as I write this legislative alongside life-changa in location finish on to systems Anne me and cles and pounds depending rainy Sunday morning allow law tradition. business circle the mayor PANEL: Tremlett ing thing success with a few Getting into Gibraltar's tight Vision and te- within the English common Mijas built to accom- this tale of triumph and of that could happen,” said RichOffice space continues to be businesses. is not for the faint-hearted. words of caution. and Guardian journalist Giles ard, who has a season ticket at legal admodate new and expanding nacity are required. Aside from its geographic and firm's property This month, property specialist Fairhomes Tremlett, she said: “Our first Real Madrid. business and An overseas client of my 253,600 vantages, the machinery of himinstinct was talking to the Span- “We are integrated here, we inaugurated Gibraltar's own like everywhere else, section has slowly been establishing now has three square foot World Trade Center, the invest- industry in Gibraltar, ish. that is fully active, speak Spanish, all our friends self here since 2010 and in the city ment totalling in excess of £100,000,000, depends on a workforce “We have been up and down are Spanish. The idea that with the work highly successful retail outlets by its inau- properly trained and imbued the coast and everyone is sup- someone could be using us as with 95% of office space pre-let centre. ethic. and went for porting us. We have also had pawns in a game is very worhas He studied what was on offer services that guration on February 16. are in the pipeAt the moment, private enterprise some very promising replies rying.” resources with the Several other office blocks innovation - product lines and covered. There line; a testament to continuing confidence to compete for human from the House of Lords, most- Barry and Phyllis Lissner, both is funded by were not already properly public sector which, of course, with new about ly from Lib Dems.” in uncertain times. to 71, are also concerned side of is always room here for people which income from business. She insisted she didn’t want needs to continue healthcare. “The medical On Gibraltar's coast, the dockyard ideas. doubt that Gi- boasts three of the largest dry docks in the In any event, Gibraltar investors, business go back to the dark days before things here is second to none,” At another level, there is no normally at full to be open to overseas we joined the common market.I said Barry. “In July 2013, I had braltar is technology ready. its genesis in Mediterranean works 24/7, Spain to workers. came and first I “When of Gibrala heart attack and an ambuI refer to e-commerce. Since tells us: "Gi- Resources such as the UniversityEducation has made capacity. had to go to the police station lance came. They put a stent in As the Port Authority website of Further or about 1998, internet gaming “When base. Current- braltar's ship repair and conversion facili- tar and the Collegebe at the heart of Gievery three months and prove for and they followed it up. Gibraltar its principal global extensive in the must continue to I had enough money to stay a I collect my medication I have to maintain business ly there are 35 licensees. ‘exclusive’ but ties are among the most another three months and get It is therefore hardly sur- braltarian ambitions resilience and about seven different tablets. I do not like the expression and repair readiness, create economic to iGam- Mediterranean. stamp allowing me to stay. And It’s about eight euros which prising that Gibraltar's shipyard it is accurate here; when it comes reputable com- companies are always busy, and where the attract new players. I was not permitted to work.” lasts for months, which is very ing, only the best and most Authorand expertise Mijas mayor Juan Carlos Mal- reasonable. “I am worried this level of quality workmanship panies which meet the Licensing fight to to promised also are allowed donado could all come to an end.” ity's exacting requirements for expats on the coast. this or any other
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Juan Foster, La Linea
BRITS that voted to leave don’t seem to be that concerned (Business readiness interesting times, Issue 39). You should concern yourself with things that are of more concern for the EU than Britain leaving the crumbling bloc. You tend not to mention other countries that are waiting to sign up with Britain and make no mention of other EU countries that are poised to leave. Don’t worry yourself, concentrate more on your own poor homeland. Carl Jones, UK
In the post YOU should send a copy of this article to Fabian Picardo who has become chief doom-and-scare monger (Business readiness interesting times, Issue 39). Anonymous
line here THIS Gareth Bale story is just rubbish (Brexit Bale Out issue 39). So, if true, what the hell is going on with all the South Americans, Africans etc playing in the EU? Where the hell do you come up this stuff? No idea. You need to stop smoking whatever you are smoking. Robert Alba, Costa del Sol
Brexit Bale Out! THE Bale story is not scaremongering (Brexit Bale Out issue 39). Those rules regarding three non-EU players are there and they will affect British clubs as well. It’s just another unintended consequence of Brexit. Peter Johnson, Zujar
Head-
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cinema, wine cellar and games room. The Russian tyc o o n has reportedly splurged £ 2 5 0 million on four l a n d m a r k London properties.
-final of Spanish TV talent show 3065 views
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Booming July predicted following ‘pause’ in run-up to EU referendum
Where is Gillian buying?
Special report by Iona Napier
BOSSES: Cox and Wells
IN COME THE BIG BUCKS!
A HUGE US property fund is splashing €45 million on three new Costa del Sol developments. The American bosses behind Real Capital Solutions have snapped up sizeable plots in Estepona, Mijas and Benahavis
and continue to look at further opportunities along the coast. The company, based in Marbella since 2013, already has five other developments, including The Retreat, in Elviria.
“We have spent around €86 million here so far and have a fund of €100 million to spend,” explained Managing Partner Peter Wells, based in Colorado. “We are one of the largest developers on the Costa del Sol and our emphasis is on distressed properties.” He added: “Also we do things transparently and always try and deliver on price and quality.” The company - which made hundreds of millions buying and selling distressed properties in the US - has 16 staff working out of its office at Centro Plaza. Local boss Taylor Cox, added: “The coast is really starting to come alive and it’s a pleasure to live in such a beautiful part of the world.”
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ESTATE agents in Spain and Gibraltar are lining themselves up for the busiest July on record. It comes as some British buyers put purchases on hold due to the forthcoming EU referendum on June 23. Most agents the Olive Press spoke to confirmed they had various sales currently ‘paused’ awaiting the result, despite the British market remaining strong. The majority believe that the expected result - to stay in Europe - will lead to the pound strengthening with a red hot summer of sales to follow. Ben Bateman, at Holmes Sotogrande, described the referendum lead up as a ‘pause for thought for British buyers’ due to concerns over the weak pound. “After a remain vote however, we expect to see a strong finish to the year - and a sudden wave of bids from British buyers,” he told the Olive Press. One agent in Gibraltar has gone one step further actually employing extra staff for July. Savills director Sammy Cruz-Armstrong said: “Everything is on hold due to Brexit, but I am convinced we will stay in Europe and am taking on extra staff in July to deal with the expected deluge of business.” Benahavis agent Scott Marshall of Proper-
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tieSpain, meanwhile, described the pause as ‘very psychological’. He said: “It’s a combination of the uncertainty of the vote and the exchange rate right now.” While many agents have a couple of sales currently on hold, some have seen more. “We have up to ten sales currently on hold until after the referendum,” said Victor Witkowski, boss of Castles, in Manilva. “Buyers are not necessarily pulling out, but they are biding their time to see what hap-
Where are the coolest Airbnbs?
PAGE 24
pens.” Fellow Manilva agent, Shani Hamilton, also confirmed a slowdown, but added: “We are predicting a huge influx of business as soon as a decision is made.”
Deals
Spanish property sales by nationality and quarter
www.spanishpropertyinsight.com Source: Registradores
Q1 2013 Q2 2013 Q3 2013 Q4 2013 Q1 2014 Q2 2014 Q3 2014 Q4 2014 Q1 2015 Q2 2015 Q3 2015 Q4 2015 Q1 2016
Either way, official statistics out this month confirm the British market remains strong and tens of thousands continue to look for their dream home. Respected analyst Mark Stucklin insists that foreign demand for Spanish property was up 16% in the first quarter with Brits the biggest group of foreign buyers at 22% of the market share. “The British still dominate the foreign market for property and there is no evidence of a noticeable decline in demand as yet,” he said. And certainly not everyone is suffering. One agent, Graham Govier of Inland Andalucia has seen ‘no negative impact’ at all during the referendum lead-up. “In fact it is the opposite. Prices are extremely cheap right now and we are selling two times as many properties as we were last year,” he said. He added: “My salesman Paul - already a bit of a local celebrity - has just completed his seventh consecutive sale and people are buying because they can see that the incredible deals won’t wait around for them forever,” he added. Paul made headlines in the Olive Press last year when he sold an impressive nine properties in a row.
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A GIBRALTAR estate agent has received Village before Christmas. before taking on a directorial role at the performance and Newly-appointed director Luisandro company. customer service. Moreno hopes to continue along the same He said he is building a new team with THE GSD has urged the Century 21 was one of only three firms to path this year. trusted staff members. government to address ‘unbe nominated for the UK award, the two He said: “I knew we were doing well, so it The award recognises the estate agent’s explained delays’ in senior others being based in Liverpool and Not- wasn’t a big surprise, but it’s always nice to ability to pass sales targets and provide excitizens moving into new reting Hill, London. win the award.” cellent customer service. tirement homes. It comes at an exciting time for the compa- Moreno was Century 21’s lead Century 21 has offices in 76 countries Housing spokesman Edwin ny, which worldwide. Reyes said a group of seDownload our app now and opened a second office in Ocean sales negotiator for a decade nior citizens had expressed begin enjoying the best Spanish concern after preparing to newshomes on the go. leave their current for Charles Bruzon House a month ago. The new residential apartments were unveiled and toured by Chief Minister FaA GIBRALTAR-BASED bian Picardo in October. “It is not just a question of company owns the most signing a new rental con- expensive property in the tract and getting your keys,” UK, it has been revealed. The acOlive ThePress £120 million Hanover said one senior citizen, cording to the GSD. Lodge in London’s exclufor in Spain! “We then have toTOP make ar-news sive Regent’s Park area rangements for the connec- was sold by former Contions of electrical and po- servative peer Lord Bagri table water services. in 2012. “Based upon others’ expe- The luxury townhouse’s riences we know that the registered owner is Green connection of these services Palace Gardens Limited, will take some time unless registered in Gibraltar, acwe are willing to pay extra charges for a speedy ser- cording to The Guardian. The house is reportedly vice.” Reyes called on the govern- owned by Russian billion- GRAND LUXURY: London pad owned via Gibraltar ment ‘to issue a statement aire Andrey Goncharenko, pool, sauna and steam so that all future residents an executive at energy chitect John Nash and that can be converted into built around 1827. a ballroom. room as well as a gym, of Charles Bruzon House company Gazprom. may have their questions The Grade II listed prop- It includes an under- Goncharenko is believed beauty salon, yoga studio, erty was designed by ar- ground swimming pool to have installed a larger answered’. two massage rooms, a www.century21gibraltar.com a prestigious award for
Century21 Tele: 00 350 200 51020 202-204 Main Street Mob: 00 350 56523000 Gibraltar info@century21gibraltar.com
Gib company owns UK’s priciest house
Luxury pad
OFFICES AND RETAIL UNITS AVAILABLE TO LET BUENA VISTA PARK VILLAS INOTHER GIBRALTAR A HOME LIKE NO
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ranging from £250.00 per calender month inclusive of rates, service charges and utilities. Retail Units Available With Double Shop Front price on application
Call Lorraine or Aidan for more information The Old Bank, 17-21 Cannon Lane, Gibraltar, P.O. Box 1418 T: +350 200 48532 E: info@npestates.com www.npestates.com
WINNER: Century 21
Green light
THE Housing Department has gone green with a new online paperless billing system. The eco-friendly format for paying rent is part of the government’s Thinking Green policy. Around 5,000 bills are currently sent to tenants every month, with the electronic bill now available on a voluntary basis. “The Gibraltar Government is committed to minimising its impact on the environment, and the paperless system is a step in the right direction,” said Minister for Housing Samantha Sacramento. “We are progressing to egovernment as a more efficient way of working, in this case it also benefits the environment as we will be saving on ink, paper and other resources.”
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THE government has affirmed its ‘complete support’ for Gibraltar’s insurance sector in the row over collapsed company Enterprise Insurance. Around 14,000 Irish motorists were hit when the firm folded last year.Download our app now and Irish MPbegin (TD)enjoying Michaelthe McGrath best Spanish tabled a motion to the Irish news on the go. parliament for the government to take legal action. THE very best Gibraltar has It came after the Central Bank to offer has been showcased of Ireland raised concerns to Europe’s insurance and at trade shows in Bristol, pensions authority, the EIOPA, Birmingham and Manchester. about Gibraltar’s regulators. A Gibraltar government The Gibraltar Tourist Board spokesperson said: “Gibraltar undertook the trip to exInsuranceThe firmsOlive must adhere Presspand contacts between the to the same set of rigorous local tourist industry and its regulatory standards and UK counterparts - now conTOP for news Spain! nected to the Rock by direct capital requirements as all in other European insurers, including flights. Irish insurers. Tourism minister Gilbert “The government is very Licudi said 2016 saw a confident in the approach 23.9% year-on-year increase taken by the Gibraltar Financial in passengers flying between Services Commission to Manchester and Gibraltar. its regulation of insurance He also highlighted an 11.9% companies. increase between Birming“The comments attributed to the CBI are inappropriate in the ham and Gibraltar International Airport, with some circumstances.” He added that Gibraltar 42,000 passengers taking to firms had contributed the skies in total. around €7 million to the Irish Mr Licudi said: “Bristol is compensation scheme, with €4 one of two regional destinations, with Birmingham, million more expected in 2017.
Gibraltar Tourist Board in UK tradeshow tour
Property Property
New era THE chair of the Federation of Small Businesses has resigned. Gemma Vasquez is stepping down from the role as she is expecting a baby.
SPAIN’S average broadband speed increased by 27% over the past year and has shot the country to 21st place in the global rankings, according to the latest 'State of the Internet' report from Akamai.
Lucky strike REPSOL has made the largest petrol discovery in the last 30 years in the US. The Spanish energy giant found 1,200 million barrels of crude oil, enough to fulfill all of Spain’s consumption needs for four years.
Flying high ALL ABOARD: Gibraltar attends British trade shows
that have been connected by air to Gibraltar during our time in Government. “In its first year Easyjet car-
YOUR LEGAL PROBLEMS ADDRESSED BY ANTONIO FLORES
Tax attack
HE Spanish Tax Office (AEAT) is fast becoming a force to be reckoned with. In the past few months, it has seriously started to intensify its revenue generation efforts and one example is the hundreds of letters owners of rented property are starting to receive, which contain the following explicit message: ‘In accordance with the data this Tax Office holds, you have offered your apartment for rental in various advertising outlets, inclusive of internet. ‘We remind you that, in case of receiving rental income, you are obligated to declare it along with any other taxable income that we me not know of.’ The interesting part of this is that the AEAT is not just ‘blindly’ mailing warning letters to thousands of property owners who they believe may be inclined to rent their properties. They now have dedicated teams monitoring rental portals, real estate agencies’ websites and newspapers, and direct access to utility companies to check consumption. What’s worse (or better, depending on your opinion), they have also have ‘boots on the
NEWS IN BRIEF
Connected
AGONY ANT
T
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Fail to declare your rental income at your peril
ground’ versed in door-to-door cold calling and in situ inspections to quiz tenants to obtain that very bit of precious information: are you renting this apartment? And there is a reason for this: according to a 2016 report commission by Gestha (Syndicate of Tax Experts Of the Ministry of Economy), more than one million rented properties in Spain are not declared to the Tax Office.Murcia tops the list (61.1%) following by the Canary Islands (55.6%) and Andalucia (55.4%) in third place. Fines for not declaring rented income range from 50% to 150% of the unpaid tax, plus interest, and a black mark for future reference. The upside is that there is always a deal to be had with the Tax Office because they rarely have uncontested evidence on length or price of the rental agreement, and will settle for a reasonable sum.
Email Antonio at aflores@lawbird.com
ried over 28,000 passengers to Gibraltar from Bristol, having started the route in April and last year brought
us over 41,000 passengers.” Gibraltar International Airport saw record passenger numbers last year.
MALAGA Airport saw a 15.1% more passengers in February compared with last year. A total of 914.921 people travelled through the airport during the month.
Pension perils MARLENE Hassan Nahon has urged the government to address the concerns of private sector workers over pensions. The independent MP called on No.6 to fulfill manifesto pledges to introduce pensions for private sector employers. The government included the proposal in its 2011 and 2015 manifestos, but following June’s Brexit referendum pulled back on implementing the process this financial year. Hassan Nahon met with representatives from the Gibraltar Private Sector Workers & Pensioners Association. “I was disappointed to learn that, despite me raising the issue at last December’s parliament
session, there has still not been any significant effort by the Government with the Association,” said Hassan Nahon. “I would urge the Government to meet with the Association’s representatives as soon as possible in order to consider these complaints and to discuss suitable solutions.” A government spokesperson told the Olive Press a solution to the problem was at a ‘very advanced stage’ and No.6 had engaged with the association ‘several times’. “We are sorry that we have not been able to resolve their issue before, but we are proud that we are the only ones who have paid attention to their concerns until now,” the spokesperson said.
Up in the air DEPUTY Chief Minister Dr Joseph Garcia has held ‘positive’ talks with UK officials over post-Brexit aviation measures. Garcia met UK Aviation Minister Lord Ahmad and MP Robert Goodwill in London. During the discussions, he expressed concerns over the Schengen Border Code once the UK exits the EU. “The Government continues to engage positively on Brexit with different parts of the United Kingdom Government,” said Garcia. “This intense political work shows that we are leaving no stone unturned in making known the position of Gibraltar both in London and in Brussels.” Theresa May is widely expected to trigger Article 50 and start the process of withdrawal this month.
FenoyDíaz L a w ye r Civil Law, Criminal Law, Intellectual Property, Commercial Law, Labour Law and Urban Property
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March 15th - March 28th 2017
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Border stand THE PSOE has tabled a parliamentary motion to debate the recent border delays between La Linea and Gibraltar. Socialist MP for Cadiz Salvador de la Encina proposed the motion, which must be debated within two months. It comes after the Gibraltar Chamber of Commerce and La Linea trade body Apymell issued a joint statement condemning ‘unacceptable’ delays by Spanish officials on freight goods entering the Rock. De La Encina said: “The border is already suffering the effects of Brexit, even though Brexit has yet to happen.”
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Expats coalition urges No.10 to safeguard rights after Brexit A COALITION of expat campaign groups has welcomed calls to safeguard the rights of EU nationals in the UK by a cross-party group of MPs. But the group, which includes Bremain in Spain and EuroCitizens, urged Westminster to give
‘greater focus on the many complex issues’ raised during expats’ testimony at the Exiting the EU Committee. Existing healthcare and pension rights for UK expats overseas should be secured, according to the committee.
Bremain In Spain spokesperson Sue Wilson said: “The fact that the committee has taken on board the recommendation that EU and UK nationals should not lose any health care rights, and that the Government should seek the continuation of existing reciprocal
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arrangements for uprating pensions, is welcome news. “We eagerly await a response and some action - from the Government." In their report, The rights of UK and EU citizens, the MPs said it would be ‘unconscionable’ for UK-based EU citizens and British expats ‘not to have clarity about their status for another two years’. They urged all parties in the negotiations to make the rights of both sides a priority. Theresa May is expected to trigger Article 50, and kickstart the process of exiting the EU, by the end of this month.
Email the property details to property@gomezco.gi for a free quote. T: 200 74998
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Rock hard A HARD Brexit would be ‘very hard indeed’ for Gibraltar, an ex-UK Minister for Europe has warned. Denis MacShane was in the Labour government during the 2002 sovereignty dispute, when Tony Blair was accused of trying to do a secret deal with Spain over Gibraltar. But MacShane now believes the Rock could be a stumbling block for the UK in its forthcoming Brexit negotiations, with flight access to Gibraltar one potential problem once the UK exits the EU.
Tough deal
“I helped negotiate a kind of peace deal in Madrid that allows direct flights to Gibraltar even though the airport landing strip is in disputed territory,” said MacShane. “If the UK leaves the EU Open Skies and other EU aviation agreements, there will have to be a bilateral deal between the UK and Spain on access to Gibraltar.” He added: “The Spanish foreign minister makes clear that the issue of joint sovereignty will be on the agenda. “This is unacceptable to Gibraltarians and British MPs but, if hard Brexit is what London seeks, it will be very hard indeed for the Rock.”
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Med diet cuts cancer Charity pancakes ALMOST £4,000 was raised for Cancer Relief thanks to pancake day events held in Gibraltar. As well as all the local businesses that participated, Cancer Relief also ran its own event in collaboration with the Royal Gibraltar Regiment. Some 228 people took advantage of the Cancer Relief Centre services last year, and Chairwoman Marisa Desoiza has said the demand has only increased. It costs the charity £18,000 to £20,000 per month to provide care for those affected by cancer, so fundraising events like these are extremely important. To donate online, visit https://www.justgiving. com/g-s-c-r
ADOPTING a Mediterranean diet could cut the risk of breast cancer by up to 68%. According to a PREDIMED study, (Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease with a Mediterranean Diet) involving 7,500 participants from Spain over a 10-year period, the risk of getting breast cancer reduces by 68% when replacing foods like processed red meat with vegetables and fish. Miguel Ángel Martínez-González, coordinator of the study, has launched an-
other to see if adopting the diet can help obese Spanish patients lose weight. Martínez-González, Chair of Navarra University’s Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, believes food companies are in part to blame for Europe’s rising obesity levels. He said: “There have been cases of food companies using tactics not unlike those used by the tobacco industry, which paid scientists to say that tobacco is not as bad for you as had been believed.”
Paddyfest WAGAMAMA is getting into the St. Patrick’s Day spirit with a special free beer promotion. The pan-asian restaurant is giving away 100 bottles of Chang beer for the Ocean Village Irish festival, which runs from March 14-18. The bottles of beer will be given away to diners who buy a main meal. A code for the offer can be accessed
Ocean Village prepares for fiveday-long Irish festival from the Wagamama G i - braltar Facebook page. Other establishments taking part in the festival include O’Reilly’s Irish Pub, The Arena and The Sunborn. The Arena will be serving up Irish stew
and paella from 4pm to 10pm The party will include live Irish music and a leprechaun competition for children. Racing fans who buy a special Cheltenham Festival Arena Badge will receive a 10% discount on all food and drink. An Irish breakfast buffet will also be available in the mornings.
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Rustico Jazz Night
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Chocolat Charley & the Jazz Factory
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Floria Rustico Turn off the coast road at Lidl, Sabinillas, Km145 N340, we’re 3km up on the left
Food, drink & travel
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March 15th - March 28th 2017
Soak up the spring vibes on a dining terrace near your, writes www. diningsecrets ofandalucia.com editor Jon Clarke
W
Let’s go
E’VE had the floods and snow… now comes the sunshine and warmth. Dining tables are finally emigrating outdoors again, as restaurateurs around the region take advantage of the balmy early spring weather. Whether British, German ofrScandinavian, everyone is yearning for a day out in the country - or on the beach - with a slap up meal on the side.
Alfresco
As tables in town squares get harder to come by and the beach chiringuitos finally start to open again, it is clear that the al fresco dining season is truly underway. With a tapa in one hand and a chilled drink in the other, you may well ask yourself if there is any place in the world you’d
CHEERS: Diners at The Farm in Marbella and (right) stunning El Jardin in Frigiliana
rather be than Andalucia right now. From the terrace of an old railway hut in Arriate (El Muelle) to the stunning views at El Jardin restaurant in Frigiliana, and from the riverside terrace of Molino del Santo to the
Come for the views and the great food, stay for the tranquility and inspiring landscape
Situated half an hour from Ronda en route to Sevilla in the picturesque white village of Zahara de la Sierra. Al Lago is a delightful boutique hotel over looking the lake and mountains, with a renowned restaurant. www.al-lago.es / info@al-lago.es 662 052 553 / 956 123 032 open every day.
Recommended as one of Andalucia´s best ¨foodie hotels¨ by the Sunday Times.
beachside garden of Oliv- ley, the Axarquia or further ia’s in La Cala there is so afield, there are numerous much to choose from. rural restaurants that have While Easter normally fabulous dining terrace opmarks the start of the tour- tions. ist season proper, things Up the coast look out for are already cranking up in fabulous Vejer de la FronMarch. tera, one of the genuine Tens of thousands of tour- dining capitals of Andaluists are already swapping cia. rainy northern Europe for Here you will find a wealth glowing Andalucia, T-shirt of great places to eat, but and shorts at the ready. in particular Corredera And with record bookings 55 is amazing, run by a talof early flights to Spain al- ented young Scottish lass ready this year, it’s going to Ellie. be a busy one. And don’t forget the cities “Lets face it where else such as Sevilla and Corin Europe can you be sit- doba, or Malaga, a growing ting outdoors in glorious cultural mecca which has sunshine at this time been dubbed ‘the new of year?” asks Barcelona’ (you restaurateur read it first Mona Crites, in the Olive of charmPress). ing outEven if door dinyou’re ing spot d i n Al Lago, ing ‘in’ in Za(meanhara de ing at la Sierra, home), near Ronshift the da. d i n i n g “The spring table onto flowers and your patio or blossoms are balcony and light out, the views, the those candles in celFRESH: Grilled colours, it feels like ebration of the new sardines you are alive again season. after a long, hard Just don’t blame us winter.” when your greenDining outside is certainly with-envy Instagram friends one of life’s simple plea- decide to book a table chez sures in this part of the vous and descend for the world. whole of the summer! It helps to titillate the taste Over the next few pages, buds and helps to loosen the Olive Press’s sister the tongue. website www.diningsecretAnd in Spain, eating in the sofandalucia.com offers up aire libre promises some of some of its favourite spring the best people-watching in time chestnuts. all of Europe. Through the next two months With extended Span- we will be doing a special foish families all gathered cus on places to eat around around the communal ta- Andalucia each issue, so ble - grandparents, aunts, don’t forget to pick up your uncles, cousins and their favourite newspaper every immaculately turned-out other wednesday. little ones - you really do see life on a plate! Visit www.diningsecretWhether you head inland sofandalucia.com for to the Guadalhorce Val- more information
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17 March 15th - March 28th 2017
March 15th - March 28th 2017
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THE MAGIC IS BACK!
outside! IS BACK!
MOLINO DEL SANTO HUGE RELIEF FOR GOOD LIFE LOVERS vvvvvvvvvvvv
Head to the hills
Waves of relief are spreading through Southern Spain as news filters through that Molino del Santo is open for its 31st season from Friday 17th March 2017 The award-winning hotel and restaurant - the one near the railway
station in the sleepy village of Benaoján, near Ronda - you know, the one situated by a gushing mountain stream with the really pretty gardens - is back in business for its 31st season under the same management. Same management. 31 years. That’s an achievement in itself. Whether you’ve visited dozens of times, like many people, or are planning your very first excursion to “this little piece of paradise”, you will be welcomed by the friendly and professional staff. Relax? Indulge? Explore? Chill? Walk? Whatever your reason for visiting , find out soon why so many people return to Molino del Santo.
EXCUSE NUMBER ONE:
Need an excuse to visit Molino? Why not tell someone special that they really must visit a place that “The Daily Telegraph” has just listed as one of the best rural hotels in Spain? Come discover the Magic of Molino for yourself.
It’s the perfect time to plan a weekend or day trip into the Ronda area, writes restaurateur Pauline Elkin, of Molino del Santo
S
PRING has suddenly arrived in the Serrania de Ronda mountains. While the winters are great up here - log fires, a good book or film and thankfully our hotel and restaurant closed for a few months - it is great to welcome in the new season. Seemingly overnight, the excitement and energy of spring can be felt all around. The locals head out to their huertas (vegetable gardens) busily ploughing, fertilising and sowing their precious potato crops, while garlic and onion shoots are starting to appear. The light is wonderful and the clean, intensely blue skies are full of hundreds of Black Kites soaring and resting on the thermals as they start their migration. Meanwhile, flocks of sheep with baby lambs block the caminos and the shepherds’ calls echo across the valley. There is an intense green shimmer as pink blossom confetti turns to shoots and buds, while the
EXCUSE NUMBER TWO:
wild flowers literally burst out of the ground and we are surrounded by daisies, celandines and narcissi. It’s the time to come up and visit all your favourite mountain watering holes and hotels again. Take a drive along the stunning mountain roads or take the train up into the hills. Allow time for a walk and behold the joy of Spring – either a gentle stroll along the river walk near
Need another excuse? Why not cut out the voucher below and save 10% on your restaurant visit during March? Go on, just do it! Molino is only an hour away from San Pedro - but a world apart.
!
SPECIAL OPENING OFFER FOR OLIVE PRESS READERS ONLY CELEBRATE OUR CONTINUING SUCCESS WITH
to our hotel or try walking from one village to another…we have lots of routes available if you need advice. And of course enjoy lunch with us at Molino del Santo, with the crystalline stream running past the terrace, surrounded by the mountains. Or book a room and truly give yourself time to relax – and why not treat yourself to a massage with Noemi our masseuse? And of course a delicious evening meal will be waiting for you – and probably the log fire will still be burning for a few more weeks. Myself and Andy, plus the Molino del Santo team will be delighted to welcome you. Visit www.molinodelsanto.com for more information
10% DISCOUNT
IN OUR RESTAURANT UNTIL THE END OF MARCH 2017. Cut out this voucher and present it to your waiter. ttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt
More information of any kind e-mail
info@molinodelsanto.com
www.molinodelsanto.com | info@molinodelsanto.com | 952 16 71 51 ESTACIÓN DE BENAOJÁN, NEAR RONDA, MÁLAGA
Parmesan gnocci with white truffle oil and king p r a w n tempura with a Wakame salad and P o n z u dressing.
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Restaurante Poniente Reservas / Reservations
958 443 294
7,50€
TANDORI CHICKEN
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March 15th - March 28th 2017
Continuing our Spring Dining special, here
www.diningsecretsofandalucia.com picks out a handful of its favourite outdoor dining spots
Top 5 Terraces
Arroyo Honda
The Forge
TO COME
TO COME
Al Lago
per person
31st MARCH from 20:00pm
Carretera de Cómpeta s/n 18370 Moraleda de Zafoyona, Granada
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Calle de Félix Rodríguez de la Fuente, 11, 11688 Zahara de la Sierra, Cádiz, Tel: 956 12 30 32
One of the most easily accessible mountain gems near the Costa del Sol, Arroyo Hondo manages to combine authentic Andalucian cooking with modern, creative cuisine. Run by Christian Robson-Burrell and his Japanese wife Noriko this decade-old restaurant sits in a stunning location with soaring mountain scenery on each side. It has a great shady outdoor terrace and is the perfect all-round spot for a family lunch or romantic date. A talented chef, Christian honed his skills in London and the Far East. The menu is changed weekly and he uses mostly seasonal produce. With an emphasis on quality dishes, with a twist, the menu might include such delights as braised oxtail with
IT is over two decades since Michael Forge and his wife Athene set up this stunning restaurant in the hills near Casares. The terrace, surrounded by trees and with great views, is THE place to be seen around these parts, particularly on Sunday, when in summer you need to book up to three weeks in advance. You will be amazed at the style and colours inside, while the food is a great mix of a la carte and a good value set menu on weekends.
El Tesoro Carretera N-340, Km 76.4, 11380 Tarifa, Cádiz Tel: 956 23 63 68
YOU are in one of the most picturesque spots in all of Andalucia. Perched high in the Ronda mountains, you sit on a shady terrace gazing across the Zahara reservoir to the emblematic town of Olvera shimmering in the far distance. Zahara sits high on a promontary with a Crusader castle at the top it is a lovely place to while away a morning, before lunch at Al Lago, run by Londoner Mona and New Yorkan husband chef Stefan Crites. They cleverly manage to combine local Andalucian offerings with upmarket cosmopolitan flair and one thing they never scrimp on is quality of ingredients, most organic and locally sourced. Stefan learnt his trade from celebrity US chef Sam de Marco so he knows a trick or two. There are always daily specials depending on what they can pick up from the markets.
Casanis Calle Ancha, 8, 29601 Marbella, Málaga Tel: 952 90 04 50 casaniscasanis@aol.com
Unforgettable Gastronomy
Flavours that feed your dreams
UP, up and away, as far as you can climb into the hills above the Straits of Gibraltar - avoiding potholes, the trademark brown retinto cows of the region and an army camp - and you finally come to a worn, hand-carved wooden sign saying 'Threasure'. They mean treasure – Tesoro – and this really is the treasure at the end of the rainbow. With a 180-degree view across the straits to Morocco and inland to the rugged peaks of the Alcornocales national park, they could probably get away with serving egg and chips and the punters would be happy.
CASANIS is frequently described as one of the best restaurants in Marbella. And quite rightly so. Owned by Belgian Guy Sirre, Casanis is the result of hard work and consistent attention to detail. The menu and restaurant have a distinct French feel, with an impressive array of quality wines. TIP: You can pick up fantastic culinary souvenirs in the Casanis shop next door.
HQ for rice and curry IT couldn’t be in a better location for inland Andalucia. Half way along the motorway to Granada, Hotel Poniente, in Moraleda de Zafayona, ticks numerous boxes. Not only is it a great place to stay to explore the surrounding region - it sits equidistant from Granada, Loja, Montefrio and Alhama de Granada - its new owners Pilar and husband Jose Maria are ambitious in the extreme. Thanks to its many expat clients, the hotel is now focussing on special events, such as quiz and curry nights, care of local English chef Terry Davies. The restaurant however, is about
Calle Sevilla, 17, 11201 Algeciras, Cádiz – T: 856 12 72 90
to relaunch as an ‘arroceria’ - specialising in rice dishes - thanks to its chef Herminia Bohorquez, who comes from Alicante and has been a master of paella and other such rice dishes for 25 years. There is also fresh fish, plenty of steaks and other dishes on offer. “We are planning plenty of things this year,” explains Pilar, a friendly lady from the nearby village. “As well as the regular curry nights, we are launching a monthly car boot sale, with the
first kicking off on April 2. Everyone is welcome.” Even better, come and stay a night and enjoy one of the 12 ensuite rooms at this well located three star hotel.
Food, drink & travel
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March 15th - March 28th 2017
Chow capital of Cadiz SPECIAL FOCUS ON: VEJER DE LA FRONTERA
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Vejer has an amazing abundance of fabulous restaurants on offer, writes Jon Clarke
T’S one of Andalucia’s most wonderful drives… dark radiating a 1001 Nights buzz. along the Costa de la Luz past Tarifa or inland If you aren’t hypnotised by the scent of frangithrough the Alcornocales Natural Park. pani, jasmine and incense, wait until you try the And in Vejer de la Frontera there is a true pot of menu, a heavenly harem of authentic flavours gold full of culinary delights awaiting your arrival. from north Africa and the Middle East: delights Few places in Spain have such a concentration such as babaganoush, shish taouk, pastela filled of good places to eat than this wonderful white with chicken, almonds and cinnamon and temptgem of a town, that clings to an escarpment with ing tagines. views for miles around. Another equally fabulous spot is Corredera 55, Crammed with history, it is which has a fantastic outalso these days a Mecca for door dining terrace overlookfoodies seeking out the celeing a landscape of rolling brated produce that has made hills, quixotic windmills and Cadiz province one of Spain’s spectacular sunsets. leading places to eat. The menu, created by charmIn Vejer, it all comes together ing restaurateur Ellie, from perfectly. Its mix of organic Scotland, is a fusion of world homegrown produce fusing flavours with bouillabaisse with the region’s fabulous soup or the carrillada (pigs tuna and retinto beef, all cheeks) braised for five care of an international set hours in vino de Jerez and EVOCATIVE: Terrace at Califa of restaurant owners who all served with cinnamon-scentadd their own unique dash of ed cauliflower puree. creativity, be they from Scotland, France or Den- Other amazing places worth sniffing out are mark. Danish-run Patria in the nearby hills, stunning One of the best established restaurants is award- Castilleria, specialising in the best quality meat winning El Jardin del Califa, reached through the Spain has to offer, and Garimba, a charming spot labyrinthine corridors of the 16th century Califa on the main square. hotel. But, while here, you will be bound to find many Its exquisite palm courtyard is enclosed by an- other gems and exciting spots. Just follow your cient walls and is lit with Moroccan lamps after nose.
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SOMEWHERE TO STAY: YOU can stay right in the heart of Vejer in charming Califa Hotel, which is a historic spot, with charming, stylish rooms. This 16th centur y warren has lots of corridors, historic corner s and a wonderful courtyard where you take breakfast… and, if you can get a table, eat one of the best meals in Spain. Another nice spot to stay is Madreselva, nearby on the coast in Canos de Meca. Sitting on a fantas tic beach with its own pool and atmospheric courtyard, this small boutiq ue hotel takes some beating. Comfortable rooms each with their own quiet back patios, are complemented with a cool reception where you take your breakfast. Best of all, you are just a short walk to two of Andalucia’s most emblematic beaches and the famous Trafalgar Lighthouse. Visit www..califavejer.com for more information
TIMELESS AND TASTY: Dish at 55 and Vejer arch
· Plaza de España, 16 . Vejer de la Frontera · Tel. 34 956 447 730
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A BRAIN tumour caused a woman to become hyper-religious. Friends became concerned when the 60-year-old from A NEW support group for Murcia believed she had been people with dementia has been in contact with the Virgin Mary launched in a bid to make them feel more and began spending significant Download our appconnected now and to the comportions of her day reciting reli- munity. begin enjoying the best The Gibraltar Spanish Alzheimer’s & gious texts. news Dementia on the go. Society (GADS) set According to the researchers at the Hospital General Universita- up Dementia Friendly in order rio Morales Meseguer in Murcia, to change perceptions and raise she reported seeing, feeling and awareness of the disease. talking with the Virgin Mary and GADS chairman, Daphne Alcantara, hopes the new initiashowed signs of sadness. Her family thought it may have tive will help people with debeen depression but doctors rec- mentia to feel more understood ommended she be taken to hos- and included. She said: “There are over 400 pitals for tests to be sure. Olive Press people diagnosed with demenAn MRI scan revealed an ag-The gressive brain tumour that was tia in Gibraltar, a number which growing every year. TOP isfor news in Spain! too big to be removed. She died eight months after be- “We want to change the way people think, talk and act about ing diagnosed.
Friend in need dementia to ensure people living with dementia feel properly integrated in our community.” Alcantara added: “We want to tackle the lack of understanding that means many people with the condition experience loneliness and social exclusion - no one should face dementia alone!” “Gibraltar is a small place and we are confident that if we all pull together, change can be achieved and we can all help improve the lives of those liv-
ing with dementia in Gibraltar.” The initiative has been backed by the Gibraltar Health Authority, with Minister for Health Neil Costa welcoming the move at a Dementia Friends launch night (pictured right). In January, the new Bella Vista Dementia Day Centre, which will care for up to 90 patients, was formally opened by Chief Minister Fabian Picardo. A 52-bed residential centre for dementia patients is also due to open in April.
Mr Fit - Here to help
S
OME of you might know me as the guy who did the Med steps ten times in one day at the beginning of January, or as the guy who is training Miss Gibraltar, Kayley Mifsud, in her attempt to do the same on May 1, or even as an instructor at Reshape & Rumble. As a qualified personal trainer and nutritional therapist I spend most of my working life helping people to get back on to the right path, helping them to improve their fitness and advising them how to attain better health. Having worked with people who have suffered heart attacks or strokes, and people who have developed high blood pressure, type II diabetes, or have become obese - and whose lifestyle was a contributory factor - they all agree that if they had the opportunity to go back in time they would make 20 minutes in their day for exercise and choose a healthier diet.
by Paul MacGregor C, D, E and K) and the seven In the first of a regular monthly health most common minerals (calcicolumn, fitness guru Paul McGregor um, phosphorus, iron, sodium, iodine and potassium). gives his best tips to get in shape as the zinc, Without these, over a period of time, things will go wrong and beach weather starts to kick in
Beach ready
Excuses
However, the majority of the rest of us can’t seem to manage it. It’s amazing, when your life depends upon it, how you can become focused. How silly the rest of us are! Over the coming months I will go over some simple tips for keeping (or getting) fit, and leading a healthier lifestyle. Most of us actually know what we need to do, but we are better at making excuses why not to, than actually doing it. I will cover exercise and diet on alternative months and will give useful, and easy to follow advice that can make us all a little bit healthier.
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST: Paul and Miss Gibraltar Kayley
This month’s tip: One of the most important things to consider about good health is what we eat. MODERATION is the key. Good fresh foods. A balanced (varied) diet. Eating little and often, and avoiding sugar or salt rich foods
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break down, ie. Medical conditions and illnesses develop. It’s like running a car and never changing the oil, we won’t notice things going wrong until we hear that big crunch and the engine seizes., or in our case that’s a heart attack. If we can’t, or don’t have the time to prepare a fresh and varied diet (although I will be going through s o m e simple recipes in time) then a great Ultra Man is: way to get these £12.49 and Ultra n u t r i - Women is £10.49 ents is through multi-vitamin tablets. A lot of minor conditions and ailments are caused by a lack of vitamins and minerals, and those bad boys nicotine and alcohol can reduce how effectively we process the vitamins and minerals that we do eat. Consider that next time you light up a cigarette, or sup a glass of Prosecco!Next month we will be talking about exercise, and why making just 20 minutes a day can help to reduce the chances of some very serious health conditions. In the meantime, for information about nutritional and/or training packages drop me an email to wearefitandhappy@gmail.com Have you got your Club Card yet?
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Family dining PATIENTS’ relatives will now be able to visit them at hospital during meal times. The Gibraltar Health Authority revealed the change in a statement, expressing pride in its catering services. It also said it is aware some patients may want a relative to help them during meal times, and is happy to accommodate this. However, patient visit times are at the discretion of the charge nurse on duty, so access may be denied under certain circumstances. Further information on this will be available from nursing staff during visiting hours.
Going green
AN international initiative to promote environmental issues in schools has been launched on the Rock. The EU-funded ClimACT project will bring teaching materials to schools in Gibraltar, Portugal, France and Spain. Students will be taught about the benefits of a low-carbon economy and the project will support schools in improving their environmental performance. A government spokesman said: “This is a great opportunity to have Gibraltar schools engaged in an international funded project which will deliver environmentally sustainable practices.” Professor Daniella Tilbury, vice-chancellor of the University of Gibraltar, welcomed the move. “Students need to experience and see how the school community embraces low carbon practices in its decision-making and day to day actions,” she said. Minister for the environment, Dr John Cortes, called the partnership ‘significant’, highlighting its EU funding. “This project demonstrates the importance of EU funding in providing added value across a range of disciplines,” he said.
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22 A lot more than Shakespeare thought, says science
A
S Gaylord Focker and A Boy Named Sue both knew, it’s bad enough living with an embarrassing name. But there’s worse news for anyone called Dick, Herbert or Wally – you could grow up to become the spitting image of your name. Insane though it may sound, a new scientific study suggests that people seem to grow into the stereotypical features associated with their name through some form of self-fulfilling prophecy. In tests, people guessed the names of complete strangers from a choice of five with an extraordinarily high degree of accuracy, just from photographs of their faces. I’m not so sure. I know a lot of chaps called Jesus and none of them have long flowing hair and stigmata. And if we can become the incarnation of our first names, why not our last names too ... although I’ve come across tall Mr Shorts and small Mrs Larges. But if there is anything in it at all, I’m glad people stopped calling me ‘Bucket’ before I grew a handle. It’s strange but true that
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What’s in a name?
names are subjective. It’s even been proven scientifically (in America) that a Katherine is perceived to be
'm thinking of chucking it all in. After the widespread cull of some of my favourite icons – Bowie, Prince, Muhammad Ali-that was 2016 - as well the Brexit and Trump votes, 2017 was supposed to be a belter of a year. Although in all fairness, the run up and debrief to the European Union referendum did mean that I became the darling of any passing TV or Radio crew who wanted five minutes of what expats thought. I even ended up appearing on Good Morning Britain, Radio 4 and even Chinese State TV, which goes by the splendid name of CCTV. And it's probably not the first time that I've appeared on CCTV either, although if I am 'The Voice of Reason' for the expat population of the Costa del Sol then we are probably all doomed. So I toasted 2017 with the best of intentions. This was the year that I was going to overcome all the obstacles in my path, centre myself, work my way through the mountain of self-help books that have built up to mini Everest proportions in the corner of my study and generally ‘kick arse.’ Alas, the best laid plans of mice and men etc etc, and the first few months of 2017 have hit me with an opening salvo of red tape, bureaucracy and fines the like of which hasn't been seen since the Turkish guns opened up on the advancing Light Brigade. I always thought that if I was to be a bird, I would be a falcon – sleek, swift and dashing. I now have the painful realisation that I am, in fact, a pelican. Everywhere I look I am faced with a large bill. Even, Tallulah, my late, not-very-lamented Freelander, continues to haunt me from the grave. She has been sitting decaying gracefully in the poligono outside a garage while I
more serious and studious than a Bonnie, a Scott more popular than a Herman and a Mary to be more moral than
Best laid plans Why nothing is ever as simple as it seems
a Mandy, while a Bob is expected to have a rounder, jollier face than a Tim, because of the shape of the letters in the names. In my youth, all cleaning ladies over a certain age seemed to be called Lil or Vi while handymen invariably answered to the name of Bert – good, solid working class names popular in the pre-WW1 era. Those among this year’s batch of babies destined to wield mops and power tools are more likely to be called Sophia or Lucas, two currently fashionable girl’s and boy’s names. ‘Posh’ names, to my stereotypical way of thinking, probably because the only Sophia I know of was the Queen of Spain. As for the less popular Bob, he’s unlikely to be your uncle in tomorrow’s world. Fashions in names appears to rotate in 50 year cycles. It’s probably why the Royal Family are careful when choosing names for the heirs to the throne, favouring good, solid monikers like Anne and Charles.
Fashion
try and sell off various functioning bits of her in my own Mad Max style. Although she isn't able to move, and is home to a family of black cats, I was blindsided by a traffic fine this month for ‘having an uninsured vehicle on the road.’ And then there is Brexit, where we are not sure when, where, how or what's going to happen with our residency and rights. But when it all gets too much, at least I can console myself with the fact that I can always take one of the boats, row out into the middle of the lake with a stockpile of canned food and wifi connection, and declare myself an independent offshore tax haven.
The present-day populace would never have the same regard for a monarch called Queen Sharon or King Darren. Of course, because of their association, some names will never come back into fashion. You don’t come across many little Herods, Jezebels or Adolfs these days. Conversely, Harry (as in Potter or Prince) and Emma (as in actresses Watson or Stone) are very much in vogue in a way that Donald and Theresa may not be, at least for the next half century. But now the same scientists who conducted the aforementioned study are asking another question: if a name can affect physical appearance, why not other attributes like personality and skills? It’s all psychobabble to me but future parents might be advised to throw away their Penguin Book of Baby Names and consult Forbes Rich List.
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Lincoln and Europa in Rock Cup semis LINCOLN Red Imps, Europa FC, Gibraltar Phoenix and St. Joseph’s have booked their places in the Gibtelecom Rock Cup Final. Lee Casciaro, Antonio Calderon and Anthony Bardon struck to give Lincoln a 3-0
win over Manchester 62. Kike and Liam Walker bagged one each to see off Europa Point with second division Gibraltar Phoenix securing a shock 2-0 victory over Lions Gibraltar thanks to strikes by German Cortes and Chico Ru-
bio. St. Joseph’s won a nerve-shredding penalty shoot-out against Lynx after a tense 0-0 draw. The semi-final draw takes place on March 20.
Bosnia squad named
GIBRALTAR rugby team will play Finland at Victoria Stadium on April 8. Following the international friendly, there will be a match between a Gibraltar Development XV and a Finland DeTheXV.Olive Press velopment Earlier in the day a youth JEFF Wood has named a preliminary 29-man curtain raiser TOP formatch newswill in take Spain!squad for Gibraltar’s World Cup qualifier with place. Tickets are priced £5 for Bosnia-Herzegovina on March 25. adults with free entrance for There were call-ups for Gibraltar United’s Paul Podesta, Jason Pusey and Andrew ‘Pishu’ Herchildren. nandez. Podesta, who has been plagued with injuries in recent seasons, expressed his delight. “After being injured for two years and the possibility of never kicking a ball again, just playing football again is an amazing feeling in itself,” he said. AN around world relay has “Being selected for the preliminary squad of my begun the countdown to the nation; I’m lost for words!” The squad will be reduced closer to the fixture. next Commonwealth Games. Anna Meares, the world’s The game in Zenica will be another stiff test for most successful female track the Gibraltar team, who are still seeking their first cyclist, was the first bearer point in their inaugural appearance in the tournaof the torch that will arrive in ment. In their opening match with Greece, Gibraltar Gibraltar on September 17. The Royal family waved off went down bravely to a 4-1 defeat in Faro. the procession from Bucking- Since then, they have lost 4-0 to Estonia, 6-0 to ham Palace, whose next stop Belgium and 3-1 to Cyprus. will be Sierra Leone in Africa. It will travel 142,915 miles (230,000 km) in its 388-day journey across 70 countries and territories before arriving in Australia where the games will be held next year . Gibraltar has taken part in every games, held every four years, since 1954.
Countdown begins
Ski king THE King of Spain has opened the International Ski Federation Freestyle Ski and Snowboard World Championships in Granada. Fifty countries were represented at the opening ceremony of the event, of which King Felipe VI is an honorary president. Hosts Spain will be hopeful of success via snowboarders Queralt Castellet, the women’s halfpipe silver medallist in 2015, and Lucas Eguibar, the gold medallist in snowboard cross at the 2013 FIS Junior World Championships in the Turkish city of Erzurum. The 12 days of competition began on March 8.
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Shaun’s show SHAUN Murphy came from behind to beat Judd Trump 4-2 in the final of the Jojobet.com Gibraltar Open. Murphy was 2-1 down, but mounted a spirited comeback with three three successive half-centuries to overhaul Trump. ‘The Magician’ scored 96 in the sixth frame to clinch the title, his seventh ranking win. I’ve come through some tough matches over the past few days,” said Murphy. “There’s a few of us who really know the game and think Judd is probably the best player in the world right now. He’s playing the best snooker of anyone right now. “I had to play well to win and luckily I did.” En route to the final, Murphy beat Barry Hawkins, Mark Williams and Nigel Bond to book his place in the final with Trump seeing off Sanderson Lam, Jack Lisowski and Ryan Day.
If you have a sports story, contact newsdesk@theolivepress.es or call 0034 951 273 575
Gibraltar boss Jeff Wood names 29-man squad for crunch World Cup clash
Law of the land THE University of Gibraltar is hosting a major International Sports Law Conference on March 28 and 29. This conference will bring together expert policymakers, sponsors, clubs, sporting bodies, agents and academics. Among topics under discussion are financial fair play, doping, the role of the Swiss Federal Supreme Court in settling and the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Speakers include international sports lawyer Ian Blackwell and Michael Llamas QC, who was instrumental in securing FIFA and UEFA membership for the Gibraltar national football team. There will also be a talk about Gibraltar’s football journey since 2013 by GFA chairman Dennis Beiso.
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Test your strength A CAR-PULLING challenge will reveal Gibraltar’s strongest resident at a fun day on March 25. The Casemates Square event will take place from 10am to 4pm and will raise money for Integral Yoga Centre, Club House and Cheshire Home Group.
Saddle up BORDER staff are to cycle 300km from Alhama de Granada to Gibraltar for Cancer Research UK. Three members of the Association of Borders and Coastguard Officers will set off on May 9.
Play a day SEVENTEEN plays will be performed at next week’s Gibraltar Drama Festival. The six day long event will begin on March 20, with tickets costing £5 for each production.
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MOTORCYCLE legend John McGuinness hit speeds of 180mph as part of a BetVictor-sponsored stunt on the runway of Gibraltar International Airport. The Isle of Man TT speed demon belted along the tarmac. McGuinness - known as the Morecambe Missile - is the current Isle of Man TT lap record holder and the second most successful TT rider of all time with 23 wins and 44 podiums.McGuinness tweeted afterwards: “Special day yesterday having Gibraltar runway to myself with BetVictor made easy by these RAF boys! Not even Jeremy Clarkson could do it.”
Back-page Bessie ‘Oldest living Gibraltarian’ makes the news again
IT would be stretching it by calling it the thrill of a lifetime. But, appearing in the Olive Press last month was one of the highlights of her SECOND century. Bessie Milne, thought to be the world’s oldest living Gibraltarian, was ‘thrilled’ after appearing on the back page of our Feb 15 issue. The 101-year-old made sure to get a copy of the edition at her care home in Scotland, where she has lived since the end of World War CENTENERIAN: Bessie Milne II.
“I love keeping up with the news in Gibraltar,” she said. “And it is fantastic to make the news.” Following her wartime evacuation to Jamaica, she returned to the Rock briefly before moving to the UK. Her father was one of the models used for the statues at the Gibraltar War Memorial. The statue, unveiled in 1923, commemorates those who died in World War One, with Bessie’s father used by Spanish sculptor Jose Piquet Catoli.
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MORRISONS has donated more than £31,000 to Cancer Relief Gibraltar. Some £15,000 of the total came from the proceeds of plastic bag sales, and the rest from the 2016 annual golf extravaganza and staff fundraising events. Morrisons Store Manager Gary Chant and Check Out Manager Josie Kenyon presented the cheque to Grainne McKenna, Cancer Relief Charity Centre Manager and Cancer Relief Trustee Geoff Harding.
Youth matters THE Youth Forum has held its first 2017 meeting to discuss education and other topics affecting young people. The 10-strong group of 13 to 17-year-olds met at the Gibraltar Youth Centre and took part in a question and answer session with invited guests, including various ministers.
Imperial Ocean Plaza – Ocean Village – £495,000 “Set in Gibraltar’s famous Ocean Village Marina, with its restaurants, casinos, bars, 5* yacht hotel, shops and newly opened World Trade Center, Imperial Ocean Plaza enjoys a central location, sun and views, private pools, Jacuzzis and gardens.
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Torch of hope GIBRALTAR’S Special Olympics squad are making their final preparations for the Winter Games in Austria. The 15 athletes will line up against competitors from 107 countries as they take part in floor ball, snowshoeing and alpine skiing. They will be joined by ministers Samantha Sacramento and Steven Linares at the opening ceremony in Schladming on March 18. Francis Mauro, handpicked as one of ten global athletes to carry the Flame of Hope Olympic Torch in its final leg to Austria, is currently running his way towards Schladming. The games are being broadcast live on ESPN.
Bird hero A BRITISH expat has nursed an owl that was hit by a car back to health with Ibuprofen. Vejer de la Frontera resident James Stuart, 54, said he discovered the owl on the side of the road on Valentine's Day and used a syringe to administer some Ibuprofen. He had feared the worst and was preparing for his feathered friend to not
make it. However the next day he came back home to find the tawny owl had flown onto the laundry basket in his living room and was eyeing up his bottle of whiskey. “It’s really quite extraordinary,” he told the Olive Press, “I’ve taken care of small birds like sparrows that have been injured with my two daughters, but they never lasted long.”
Monmouth docks
HMS Monmouth docked in Gibraltar last Friday. ‘The Black Duke’, is due to arrive in the Naval Base on March 10 for a routine stop before setting off on deployment. After 18 months of trials, tests and training, the Type 23 frigate left the UK for an extended tour in the Middle East. Her crew will be helping to fight piracy, drug trafficking, terrorism and arms smuggling in the area. The ship is unique in the Royal Navy as it flies a black flag and has black, rather than the traditional red, nameplates.