Mallorca Olive Press - Issue 45 by Olive Press Newspaper Spain

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Scooter backtrack PALMA has backtracked on its electric scooter ban and will work to regulate the latest travel trend, the town hall has announced. Wind, the company who brought shared scooters to Palma this autumn, are pleased the city council have changed their stance and are seeking to find a way to keep the scooters. The government’s main concern is that the scooters could block the already small paths and pavements around the city. Wind has been praised by many environmental groups for providing an energy efficient way to commute.

Splash the cash PORTS across the Balearics are set to receive a €186 million cash injection over the next two years. Mallorca’s Palma port’s makeover will include a €21 million facelift for the Poniente dock, bringing a 300-metre long berth for yachts and superyachts. “The goal is to improve the current quality of service instead of expanding traffic” said Joan Gual, president of the Balearic Port Authority (APB). The Port of Ibiza will undergo the second largest update, with a €40 million investment.

STUNNING: Balearic port

The 10 coolest barrios in Andalucia and Spain worth a visit this year See page 18 Just how do you get a coveted Michelin star? We reveal the trade secrets

Spain is heading for climate disaster and it’s already begun See page 8

See page 20

Final countdown With just 84 days until Brexit, Spain promises to protect our rights while British government launches outreach programme for expats

‘Give us dual nationality’

By Laurence Dollimore

BRITISH expats will have their rights protected NO MATTER what happens with Brexit. That is the promise made by Spanish prime minister Pedro Sanchez, who vowed that even if the UK leaves the EU without a deal on March 29, the more than 300,000 Brits registered here will continue enjoying the same rights. “Their rights will be preserved whatever the scenario,” he said at the end-of-year news conference on Sunday, traditionally given by the Spanish leader. Sanchez added that by February Spain would have drawn up a law covering citizens’ rights and plans to preserve bilateral commercial relations. It comes as the British government and expat groups, including Brexpats in Spain, have arranged a series of Brexit meetings across Andalucia in January (see page 5). The meetings will update residents with the latest information on Brexit and what it means for UK nationals living in Spain. A spokesperson told the Olive Press: “The Consular team will be joined by experts on a IN

ER TO

CLOSE TO AGREEMENT?: Pedro Sanchez and Theresa May range of issues, including residency, registration, healthcare and pensions – so whether you have a specific question about living in Spain or simply want to know more about how Brexit might affect you, please come along and talk to us.” As well as the large number of expats, many of whom live on the Costa del Sol, Brits are also Spain’s largest visiting group. Spain is also the UK’s favourite retirement spot, while the Brits are also the largest group to use Spain’s health care

system. Although 300,000 British expats are officially recorded as living in Spain, the number is actually thought to be over 750,000, as many don’t register. It means any expat who wants to guarantee their lives will continue unaffected must register or sign up to the padron before March 29. British Consul Charmaine Arbouin said: "I continue to urge all UK nationals living in Spain to ensure you are correctly registered and stay up to date with the latest news.”

A GROUP of expats have officially asked the Spanish government to offer dual citizenship, an option currently only available for soldiers from the international brigadistas and descendants of Sephardic Jews. In a document handed to Madrid, the expats plead for a new law which will allow for Brits who have lived or worked in Spain for 10 years to attain dual nationality. Madrid-based Eurocitizens, ECREU (Alicante) and Brexpats (Malaga), argue the case whether there is a deal or not, as currently to get Spanish nationality they have to renounce their British citizenship. “Breaking all ties with the UK means losing the right to relocate there, even if you have to return for family reasons,” the document reads. It added grave concern regarding the more than 107,000 British pensioners living in Spain. If they become ‘third-country nationals’, they may not reach the €26,000 per year minimum income that is required to have a non-profit residence (average British pension is €9,000). While Sanchez has vowed to protect their rights, it is to be on a reciprocal basis. In the UK meanwhile, Theresa May’s government has told EU citizens to apply and pay a small sum to be granted ‘settled Untitled-1.pdf 1 16/06/2017 15:36 status’.

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Wet wet wet

New buses EMT, the bus company of Palma and surrounding areas, has acquired 100 new buses for €32.5 million. The oldest buses, 95 of them from 2001, will be phased out and replaces with the new fleet, ranging from 12 to 18 metres long.

Smoky end A FIRE on New Year’s Eve has injured 14 people including one who was treated for burns near Palma’s Ocimax.

Drowned IN 2018, 42 people died by drowning around the Balearics – 13.5% more than the previous year. In all of Spain 372 people drowned, a drop of nearly 15% from 2017.

January 4th - January 17th 2019

IBIZA police have arrested a driver who tested positive for every possible drug when breathalysed on New Year’s Day. Roadside tests revealed the 31-year-old man had taken cocaine, methamphetamine, opiates, cannabis and amphetamines. Officers also recovered a mammoth drug haul from his car, including 20 pink pills, six purple, two wraps thought to be cocaine and a brown substance.

NEWS IN BRIEF LAST year has been the third wettest year in Mallorca with more rain than almost any other year this century.

CRIME

Boy, 14, killed by drugged-up Spanish woman on New Year’s day A BRITISH boy has died on New Year’s Day in Ibiza after a Spanish woman on drugs hit him with her car. The 14-year-old was tragically hit by the woman, 29, who travelled with her son and partner on a road between Ibiza and Portinax on Spain’s popular white isle.

New limits The red-faced reveller was pulled over by cops at 3:00am on Riambau Street, where he apparently displayed a ‘reckless attitude’. He now faces a €1,000 fine, six points on his license, as well as a possible traffic offense for being under the influence.

Drug driver kills Brit teen

The woman now faces murder and road safety charges, according to the Guardia Civil. Named as Dylan Hunt, the young boy died at 10.30pm on January 1, just a day after celebrating his 14th birthday.

Hero bus driver attacked A HEROIC female bus driver is recovering in hospital after standing up to a group of violent teens on her bus. The unnamed woman was forced to stop the TIB Palma to Magaluf bus after nine young men began harassing passengers and smoking. After leaving the bus the group began punching the glass doors until they shattered and fell onto the driver, who fell and hit her head before falling unconscious. The driver was taken to the hospital with cuts and bruises on her leg, back, arms and hands, along with a concussion. She was able to give a full description of the assailants to police.

It is not known if he is an expat or if he was on holiday. He is believed to have been carrying suitcases and was in the middle of the road with no reflective clothing on when he was hit by a Ford Fiesta.

Police said the driver’s partner, who tested negative for drugs, had taken the blame for the accident. The family who hit him are said to be receiving counselling after suffering from trauma. A Guardia Civil spokesman had initially said: “The driver wasn’t at fault in any way and no action will be taken against him. “The youngster who died was in the middle of the road at the time and was wearing dark clothing with no reflective jacket.” It comes as a 31-year-old man breathalysed by Ibiza police on New Year’s Day tested positive for all drugs. This red-faced reveller had taken cocaine, methamphetamine, opiates, cannabis and amphetamines and now faces a €1,000 fine and six points on his license.

A bed to die for A PRISONER has killed his elderly inmate on his FIRST day behind bars after arguing over who should have the top bunk. The 28-year-old, known only as JMRH, was spending his first night on remand for attempted murder at the Soto del Real jail, outside Madrid, when prison bosses placed him with an older, more seasoned inmate hoping he would settle in easier. However after returning from supper, a fight between the pair broke out over who should sleep on the top bunk. By the time the guards arrived, the older man was critically injured. Efforts to save his life failed and he died shortly afterwards of severe head and facial injuries. The killer is in solitary confinement.

Dog days are over PALMA’S police dog unit is being forced to close after budget restraints has left it with just one dog. The canine unit of the Policia Local will shut down after six years as it cannot afford to train any more pups after the majority of the doggy squad retired last year. The dogs have been used for support in general operations, patrolling parks and schools, with some dogs specialised sniffer dogs to detect drugs and narcotics.

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January 4th - January 17th 2019

Spoilt...plane and simple

THE prince of Morocco received a private jet for his 15th birthday, it has been revealed. Costing a cool €57 million, the jet was gifted to Prince Moulay Hassan, the son of King Mohamed VI and heir to the Alaouite throne in May. The aircraft, which carries 12 people, was built in 2015 and is top of the range, capable of reaching 1,100km/hr and built with its own anti-missile defence system. Developed by the Israeli military, the system detects the heat of the missiles before scrambling their signals and making them change trajectory. The Gulfstream G650 plane, capable of travelling 13,000km non-stop, also came with a personalised number plate.

LUCKY: (Inset) Prince Moulay and plane complete with personalised number plate

MADS: With wife

Mads New Year

MADS Mikkelsen has been spotted ringing in the New Year in Palma with his wife and choreographer Hanne Jacobsen. The happy couple were seen sipping champagne and posing for pics with fans in and around the hip Santa Catalina neighbourhood. It comes after the Olive Press exclusively revealed the pair had purchased an apartment in the barrio last year.

Life’s a beach World-famous surf rockers the Beach Boys coming to Marbella

THE Beach Boys will perform at this summer’s Starlite festival in Marbella. The star-studded festival will host the California surf rockers on July 11, with doors opening at 8:00pm. Organisers said: “Few acts can match The Beach Boys’ spirit and performance, and therefore it will no doubt be a very special night at Starlite 2019.

Blowing in... LEGENDARY US singer-songwriter Bob Dylan will perform on the Costa del Sol this year. The 77-year-old will play at Fuengirola’s Mare Nostrum on May 4 as part of his Neverending Tour. The tour began in 1988 and has not stopped since, comprising 100 performances around the world each year. Dylan will play eight shows in

ICONIC: Beach Boys coming to the costa

TIMELESS: Letizia in dress worn by Queen Sofia (inset)

“For them, the beach isn’t just a place where the surf comes to play, it’s where life is renewed and made whole again.” The two-time Grammywinning group have an impressive back catalogue of 29 studio albums, including the hit singles Good Vibrations, Surfin and I get around. Having sold over 100 million records worldwide the Spain, including Sevilla. Tickets went on sale on Decem- American muber 28 from 11am exclusively sical legends were named from www.riffmusic.es. by Rolling

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Stone as the 12th greatest band of all time in 2004 and in 1980 were given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Mike Love and Bruce Johnston lead the current lineup of the iconic band, who return to the Costa del Sol after performing at Starlite 2014. After making their debut over 50 years ago, the Beach Boys come to Andalucia in the middle of their Now and Then tour. Joining them at Starlite will be Il Divo, who return from last year’s event, as well as Maluma, Noche Movida, Diana Krall, Raphael, Melendi, David Bisbal, Ketama, Morat, Los Morancos, God Save the Queen and Malu, among others.

QUEEN Letizia snubbed a host of designers in favour of her mother-inlaw’s dress for the National Fashion Awards. In her last royal event of the year, the former journalist opted for the red blouse and skirt set once worn by King Felipe’s mum, Queen Sofia. Sofia first rocked the look in 1980, pairing it with a pearl necklace and detailed hat. Letizia switched up the ensemble some 38 years later with Magrit heels and a python-effect bag from Carolina Herrera at Madrid’s Museo del Traje.

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Driven potty

Dragon power

By Heather Galloway

POLICE guards have been forced to install a portable toilet outside Pablo Iglesias’s home after the Podemos leader refused to let them use his toilet. It comes after the Guardia Civil union filed a complaint in October over the ‘lack of amenities’ for guards who protect the property of the left-wing politician in Galapagar, outside Madrid. “Normally, the security installations are set up inside the property of the person being guarded,” union spokesman Guillermo Freire told the Olive Press. “But in this case this has not been allowed. We imagine it is the owner who has said no.” The union is asking the Galapagar council for permission to install a decent prefabricated hut with central heating and other conveniences outside the perimeter of the property where officers are posted 24/7. “The council is collaborating,” added Freire.

LEADER: Iglesias

NEWS

World rallies behind Mallorca hacks who had phons seized JOURNALISTS, news agencies and politicians around the globe have been rallying around the reporters in Mallorca after their phones and computers were seized by police. Judge Florit, the man currently behind the 'Night King' Tolo Cursach's corruption case, made an unprecedented call when he ordered the computers and mobile phones of two journalists, from Diario de Mallorca and Europa Press, to be seized as evidence. Florit was looking for the journalists' sources in the case, a move that has received

January 4th - January 17th 2019

LIFE on one of Mallorca’s most important marine reserves has blossomed by 70% since it fell under protection in 2016. The shallow waters of Freu de Sa Dragonera reserve have seen a resurgence in seaweeds, small fish and shellfish. The rapid recovery leaves high hopes for bigger and better sealife to return in as little as two years, including tuna and large squid.

Calls for justice

mass criticism for putting free journalism and information at risk. “Without professional secrecy, many of the cases of corruption and abuses of power that occurred in Spain would never have been known to citizens – this was possible thanks to the work of journalists, in fulfilment of their democratic function of disseminating truthful and interesting information,” said the Association of Journalists. This week a workshop was held in Palma titled 'learn to communicate securely and anonymously through the internet' – a free workshop aimed at journalists and ac-

ON TRIAL: Cursach and (right) judge Florit tivists put together as a reac- returned after three weeks – tion to the worrying seizure. but not before two police offiJudge Florit ordered the cers were arrested for leaking confiscated materials to be sensitive information. The affected news agencies in Mallorca are demanding to be informed, in writing, of where the phones and computers have been, who has had access to them, and what, if anything, has been opened, examined, copied or manipuA BRITISH girl, 25, is in serious condition after lated. falling 25 metres at the Cura Monastery in AlgaiAlthough the seized material da's Puig de Randa. has been returned to the jourThe woman was rushed to Son Espases hospital nalists, the Olive Press along with a head injury and multiple breaks and fracwith hundreds of other news tures after firefighters rescued her. agencies around the world It appears she took one step too far while walking – and the Federation of Ason a wall in the dark with friends just passed 3am sociations of Journalists of on New Year’s Day. Spain – believe that the judicial order has already caused serious damage to the right to professional secrecy, the basis of relationships between journalists and sources. Professional secrecy is not only a fundamental constitutional right of journalists but it is a duty that obliges them to maintain the confidentiality of their sources.

Brit survives cliff edge plunge

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Taxi targets TAXI drivers across the island are fearing for their safety following a string of violent robberies. Mallorca's taxi union, ASATM, has condemned the attacks which have rocked Palma, asking for better security measures. It comes after two drivers were attacked and robbed in Cala Major just before the new year, losing around €1,200. The drivers were robbed by two different groups of thieves, the first with three young men, and the second by four men. Another taxi driver was attacked and robbed after taking a fair from Palma to Arenal. The association expressed concern over the attacks, and described the 'great fear among the taxi drivers'. Policia Nacional has launched an investigation while drivers are being warned to carry as little cash as possible.

Holiday bonanza MORE than one million travellers will have passed through the Balearic airports over this holiday season. Between December 21 and January 8, 1.14 million people will travel to and from the island for holidays. Nearly 900,000 people will pass through the Palma Airport from over 6,000 flights. The busiest day of the holiday season was December 23, with almost 500 flights to and from the Balearics.

Word of the year 'MICROPLASTIC' has been dubbed the word of the year for 2018 by the Spanish Urgent Foundation. Microplastics, referring to the small fragments that are one of the main threats to the environment, has been chosen to bring awareness to the issue. Last year's word was 'aporophobia' – or the fear of poor people and poverty.

SHAME: Plastic in seas

Families saved PALMA town hall has prevented more than 1,400 evictions since it opened a dedicated department in 2015. The office, set up to mediate between tenants or squatters and the owners or banks, has been overwhelmed with families unable to pay their rent.

On average 15 cases were seen to each week, mainly families and single parents, with elderly people the next most common group. Usually negotiations were made with banks, subsidies and debt relief programs, other times the city helped relocate families to homeless shelters.

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January 4th - January 17th 2019

www.theolivepress.es Voted top expat paper in Spain

A campaigning, community newspaper, the Olive Press represents the huge expatriate community in Spain with an estimated readership, including the websites, of more than 500,000 people a month.

OPINION Drug disgrace THE death of young Dylan Hunt is a tragedy his family will likely never recover from. It is unfathomable that in this day and age people are still getting behind the wheel under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Perhaps Ibiza and other communities need to introduce a deeper programme of education surrounding driving and taking drugs. Club culture and its trappings have been around on Spain’s party island for decades, but more needs to be done to protect drivers on the road and pedestrians on the street. The tragic death of expat Dylan, who had just turned 14 the day before, came as another driver was stopped on the same night and tested positive for every possible drug. While people have a right to party, they don’t have the right to risk people’s lives by getting behind the wheel under the influence. Let’s hope we can learn something from recent tragedies and that those who kill behind the wheel face the maximum punishment under the law. The Olive Press offers its sincerest condolences to the Hunt family. Publisher/ Editor Jon Clarke jon@theolivepress.es

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FEATURE

Disenfran January 4th - January 17th 2019

Will X still mark the spot for expats after Brexit? Amidst a deafening lack of information Lenox Napier looks at voting rights

HE European Union was always more about trade opportunity than displaced citizens’ rights. And nowhere is this more obvious than in our supposed (and somewhat modest) political privileges here in Spain. Indeed, it’s hard to even plan for power and influence when you don’t know how many people are going to participate in elections and are in doubt as to how they might vote. This was the conundrum that faced Alfredo Pérez Rubalcaba back in 1995 when President Felipe Gonzalez, observing a small but significant change in the Constitution made in 1992, decreed that Europeans living in Spain would be able to vote in European and municipal elections that same year. Rubalcaba, Minister of Presidential Affairs (the man who much later substituted our residence cards for the handy A4 police letter and passport combo), was appalled. ‘God only knew how they might vote’, he thought. Thus he allowed European residents to go ahead in the European elections (after all, they were voting for people who represent Spanish interests in Brussels) but postponed the municipal vote (claiming there wasn’t time to organise it) until the following elections in 1999. The constitutional change of 1992 was interesting. It gave European residents (who now had to register both on the electoral role – padrón – and their separate plea to vote) active and passive rights. Significantly, they could now join or even lead a local political list. Some of us eventually did and Rubalcaba will have been pleased to note, four years after his meddling, that we voted locally for local candidates and, in short, behaved ourselves. However most of us did not vote. Even today, there are only a modest number of foreign councillors scattered across Spain, in local government or the opposition, and just ONE foreign mayor Belgian-born Mario Blancke, who wears the chain of office for Alcau-

VOTING RIGHTS: Could be a sticking point for British expats after Brexit

cín, Málaga. vote. Most of these few foreign councillors are Secondly town halls, like any other political British, and thus under threat from Brexit. agency, would take less notice of a popuIn all, there are 37 of them. lation that had no suffrage. Proportionally speaking, forThirdly, British residents Even today, eign residents are woefully themselves would be in under-represented. the unenviable position of there are only a So, what would happen if ‘taxation without representhose British councillors be- modest number tation’ - an ugly place to be, came disenfranchised, as is currently suffered by many of foreign the current scenario under other foreign nationals living the Spanish electoral comin Spain. Although not all of councillors mission which states that them as Spain has bilateral ‘‘when and if the UK impleagreements with some third ments Brexit, their nationals, resident in countries. Spain, will lose their right to vote’. Norway was in from the beginning, later Firstly, candidates followed by Iceland and a few South Amerfrom other EU ican countries along with New Zealand, countries - South Korea and (for some reason - worMayor Mario thy, no doubt, of a separate investigation) Blancke for Trinidad and Tobago, which has just 22 of example - its nationals resident in Spain. would lose Citizens from these countries may vote, way as the but not present themselves as candidates result of on electoral lists. the much However an article in El País over the holis m a l l e r days suggested there may be a change to f o r e i g n the game-plan, with the British and Spanish authorities discussing an eleventhhour agreement to give their guests the vote with both active and passive rights. ‘The Government hopes that the bilateral agreement would be applied already in

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the municipal elections of May 26th’ reported El Pais. In this agreeable situation, we Brits could keep our vote in local elections even if we were to lose it in the European ones – a small price to pay as things stand. Of course, it wouldn’t be so agreeable for many other nationalities who don’t have the vote here, or the right to appear on an election list. Will those nationals ask themselves once again: just what is it about the Brits?

PIONEER: Rubalcaba

However, in a caveat which would please Rubalcaba, the article states ‘...Once it is signed, the deal will be in the same category as any other international treaty and will require ratification by the Spanish and British parliaments. This will probably not happen in time for the May 26 elections next year, diplomatic sources have admitted’. Roll on the 2023 elections? Maybe we won’t have to wait that long because the article continues: ‘In order to work around this problem, the Spanish Foreign Ministry is considering the option of making the agreement go provisionally into force as soon as it is signed by both governments...’. You know it makes sense … but it would have made more sense to have started this conversation two years ago, instead of last week... Anyway, the electoral commission says it will be sending out an explanatory letter to all registered foreigners who are potential voters. Of course maybe (just maybe) the UK will stay in the EU after all – either via a postponement of their Brexit departure or a second referendum with a happier ending (and hello Westminster, it would be nice

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FOREIGN MINISTER: Josep Borrell

if we expats were invited to have a say in that vital plebiscite this time around). If that were the case, we foreign residents would still need to register to vote – by asking for the hoja de inscripción del voto in our local town halls - before January 15 (or December 31 if you are not from the EU). Would there still be time to revise our candidate lists for next May, in the event we keep our vote? Barely.

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GREEN SPECIAL

January 4th - January 17th 2019

Andalucia coastline

IMPACT

The polar ice cap meltdown will accelerate due to rising global temperatures, wreaking havoc along Spain’s 8,000 km of coastline. By 2100, sea levels along the likes of the Costa del Sol are expected to rise between 10 and 86 centimetres. Many crucial beaches are at risk of being washed away while large areas of the coast and its resorts could be flooded. Areas under significant threat include the deltas along the Ebro and Llobregat rivers, the seaside spit La Manga del Mar Menor in Murcia and Andalucia’s Donana coast.

Climate change is already wreaking havoc in Spain but the worst is yet to come... THREE QUARTERS of Spain could become a barren desert wasteland within 100 years if climate change is not dealt with. That’s just one of the many stark warnings to come out of the latest Greenpeace report which warns of an increase in forest fires, flooding, coastal erosion and the extinction of

glaciers in our own lifetime. In its annual report for last year, the environmental group detailed the devastating impact climate change has already had on Spain’s environment and the further devastation likely to come. Here we have rounded up eight ways Spain as we know it is under threat.

Desertification Around 20% of Spain is already classed as a desert, but if nothing is done to prevent rising temperatures, this could soar to 75%. According to Greenpeace, desertification is also being caused by the over-exploitation of water resources, poor agricultural practices in elevated areas, overgrazing, intensive agriculture and needless urbanisation.

Urban erosion

While Spain’s property market and its recovery has been celebrated by economists, the boom on its coastlines over the last three decades has only helped

Vanishing ecosystems According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), around 50% of species studied have been impacted by climate change. The disappearance of bees, in particular, will be a serious threat to Spain’s vital agricultural industries, which see 70% of crops relying on such insects for pollination. The number of bees has plummeted this century due to insecticides and the arrival of predators like the Asian hornet. Meanwhile, deforestation is expected to become more widespread following an increase in intense fires and a decrease in the ability for forests to recover.

Heatwaves The four hottest years in Spanish history have all occurred in the last eight years (2011, 2014, 2015, 2017). And while the whole world will notice a rise in temperatures, Spain’s latitude makes it especially vulnerable to global warming and temperature spikes. It means the country will experience more intense and longer-lasting heatwaves.

Goodbye beaches

Rising sea levels and the changing force and direction of waves will increase flooding and coastal erosion to such an extent that many beaches in Cantabria and the Basque Country could be left without sand. Meanwhile,

cities along the coasts of A Coruna, Gijon and San Sebastian will be partially flooded and, in the second half of this century, more than 200 hectares of coastal land in the Basque region will be at risk of flooding.

to degrade the environmental conditions of the shoreline. Its ability to withstand flooding of coastal ecosystems has decreased by 10.6% since 2005.

Last of the glaciers At the current rate of global warming, all of Spain’s glaciers will be gone by 2050. In the Pyrenees, 80% of the glaciers have already disappeared. The glacier at Monte Perdido has shrunk by five metres in the last few decades. Between 1980 and 2010, there has been a 50-metre loss of glaciers across the Pyrenees. There were once 53 glaciers in 1850, there are now 20. As Jordi Camins, glaciologist at the Catalan Group of Climate Change Experts said: “The Pyrenees are the only mountain range on the planet where the extinction of glaciers will happen in one generation: ours.”

Wildfires Climate change is without doubt the leading cause behind the rise in deadly forest fires, and they are only going to become more frequent and more intense. Last year wildfires destroyed 150,000 hectares of land in the first six months of last year after one of the driest winters on record. Since 1968, rainfall has decreased by 25%, meaning Spain is losing out on 16 billion litres of water while average temperatures have risen by between 5C and 8C. Less rain makes the forests much drier and far more susceptible to long-burning fires. Meanwhile, drought and extreme temperatures change the forest mass, making it burn faster. This has already been seen in recent years with fires becoming larger - mostly consuming more than 500 hectares and harder to bring under control.

Photos by: Pedro Armestre

Do you have a what’s on?

LA CULTURA Party-on saint NEWS

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ROYAL: Balthazar

Fit for a king MALLORCA’S greatly anticipated Three Kings parade is an event not to be missed, especially by the children. On January 5, the eve of Epiphany, the kings will arrive in villages across the island - by boat if possible. The island’s biggest celebrations are in Palma, where the wise men arrive at the harbour at Moll Vell at 6pm followed by a parade with over a dozen floats. Dance troupes and entertainers will dazzle crowds in the parade, as they throw candy at children from the vibrant floats. The parade will run through Avenida de Antoni Maura and Plaza de la Reina, up the Paseo del Born to Plaza del Rei Joan Carles I. From there the parade will loop around the city counter-clockwise from Carrer de la Unió to La Rambla, then over to Paseo Mallorca and down Avenida de Jaume III, finally ending at Casal Solleric back on the Paseo del Born. Traffic will be closed off around the parade from around 3pm until 9pm.

Send your informa tion to newsdesk@theolivepr ess.es

January 4th - January 17th 2019

Palma’s hotlyanticipated 10-day Sant Sebastia festival welcomes a throng of music acts

ONE of Mallorca’s biggest and best festivals is just around the corner. Kicking off on January 13, Palma will celebrate its patron saint, Sebastian, for 10 days of cultural activities, sporting events, live music and plenty of entertainment for the children. This year the festivities are set to be better than ever, with the council spending a whopping €242,000 on music acts - an 8% increase from

PARTY TIME: Masked revellers at last year’s Sant Sebastia 2018. tivities, with vibrations, light the famous dragon, Drac Na Further measures have also games and a sign language Coca, will dance around the been taken to ensure deaf vis- interpreter on stage during square to traditional bagpipe itors can fully enjoy the fes- the acts, revealed Eva Frade, music played by the ‘xercouncillor for emiers’. citizen partici- After the parade and bonfires pation. the revetlla will begin, filling A night not to almost every square with free miss will take live music concerts, playing IF you missed out on the Christmas stalls in Decemplace on Janu- everything from rock and roll, ber, there is still time to catch some of the best markets ary 19 when to jazz. across Mallorca. the city lights On January 21, the night afThe Puerto Portals market will host workshops, live a giant bonfire ter Saint Sebastian’s feast music and artisan stalls until January 6, while Nikki in Plaça Major day, the popular Correfoc run Beach offers a stand for the first time. to celebrate takes place, with demons and Port Adriano also has an eco ice rink open for the whole the beginning devils parading around with family until January 7, with skates included free of of the festivi- fire and drums. charge. ties. Monday the 21 is also a bank Palma’s markets will continue until January 6, and can A parade of holiday in Palma in honour of be found on Plaça Major and Plaça d’Espanya. giants and the patron saint.

Christmas isn’t over

January 4th - January 17th 2019

what’s on

hristmas Circus

SON Fusteret is home to the Christmas Circus with fun for the whole family through January 7, put on by the talented Circo Alegría.

o s p e l songs

THE Mississippi Gospel Choir return to Palma for the tenth time on January 6, with 20 artists singing soulful southern music at the Palma Auditorium.

ribute time

ABBA Tribute band are performing all the hits at the Palma Auditorium on January 9. A Queen tribute band will be forming on January 25.

Do you have a what’s on?

LA CULTURA

Send your informa tion to January 4th - January 17th 2019 newsdes k@theolive press.es

www.theolivepress.es

Jan 4th - Jan 17th 2019

Promises Promises

Learn more Spanish

Let’s be honest, there are too many of us here who haven’t learnt enough Spanish, despite being here for years or even decades. We all learn at different paces but if, after 25 years, your vocabulary doesn’t stretch much past ‘una cerveza por favor’ then it’s time to have a word with yourself. That word is ¡Aprender! - look it up and act on it. There are all kinds of apps to make learning fun - like Duolingo, which allows you to create competitive groups with your friends - so there’s no excuse!

But here are 7 New Year’s resolutions British expats in Spain jolly well SHOULD keep (Disclaimer: Not for the easily offended)

T’S THAT time of year again ... Cue the usual ‘new year new me’ declarations and empty promises to give up chocolate, booze or smoking. After eating your whole weight and more in food over the xmas period, gyms and diet products will have their best two months of the year as you desperately kid yourself that 2019 WILL be the year you get into stunning shape … only to throw in the workout towel before February’s out. So in 2019, instead of opting for unrealistic New Year’s resolutions we’ve rounded up a few you can and should keep - and disgracefully they apply to many a British expat here in Spain.

Google it

If you haven’t already, make 2019 the year you see as many corners of Andalucia as possible. There are amazing tourist hotspots right on our doorstep that deserve to be admired. Cordoba has more UNESCO sites than any other city in the world while Sevilla

Fa c e b o o k groups are great, they can help organise events, aid in the search of missing peowww.theolivepress.es ple and keep NEWS October 24th - November 6th 2018 you up to date with expat com5 Why move to Spain only to spend half munities. your time looking for the best chippy, However asking if Mercadona RED curry house or British roast dinner? Homelessis Britopen claims to on a ?Sunday or if it’s LAN have DSLIDE walked 25,000 miles around Spain A We all love our comfort foods frombefore being ‘saved’ byto expatsbe sunny in Benalgoing Ex-Police home but if you want your fish in madena in three weeks time Chief had batter with mushy peas every week fails to help anyone. Use 92 homes then you might as well have stayed in Google. There’s no exercise Blighty. involved, just let your fingers You’ve heard of the Med Diet - it’s do the walking. Xmas on healthy and doesn’t involve giving the Costaanydel Sol thing up so it’s a win-win. So get stuck into the olive oil, salad and seafood and hold the tomato ketchup.

Eat Spanish food

www.theolivepre ss.es

NEWS

Will the socialists yet again maintain their hold over Andalucia in snap elections?

October 10th - October

23rd 2018

Giving a home

SPAIN’S richest have had their assetspoliticians in a move to restorerevealed public faith. Three millionaire ministers are among the 38 officials ed in the list published includSpanish government. by the IT has been staunchly socialGROUP of expats ist since the death Foreign Minister pealing for funds are apof Franco the instability we to help a topped the list of Josep Borrell in the 1970s. homeless expat pensioner are seeing fat cats with And the Socialist in the rest of Spain,” assets totalling €2.77 party get back on his feet insisted the PSOE leader. million, ly to hold on to power is likeafter he lost his entire family. while Education in AnThe move will Rebecca Pattinson, bel Celaa is worth Minister Isa- dalucia when the region goes be seen by €1.62 million. to the polls in many as an attempt Dave Langshaw, 32 26 and fiance "This government December. (right), helped momentum created to use the take in Graham Nobbs moving forward on is really The challenge to the opposiwhen Socialist Prime Minister last week after noticing (right top) transparency, whichthe path of tion parties has been set, after Pedro Sanchez took over him sleeping rough in a Lidl is the only way to it believes Junta boss Susana Diaz called in June folcar park, in Allowing a no confidence box, Almeria. democracy,” said advance in a snap election for the region vote on December in the former PP The Stockport couple Science Minister Celaa. Pedro Duque, She insisted 2. want to help Diaz insisted thatgovernment. the 69-year-old, a former astronaut, the decision originally from tions will give a early elecwas the bring forward the election to Kent, to get a passport, other millionaire by tion of the publicclear indicacount and NIE number. bank acworth €1.5 millionon the list and many months was to battle mood, after in assets. the ‘instability’ the PSOE minority “Graham is an incredibly around the governrest of Spain. ment - which only intelligent man,” Rebecca told has 84 out the Olive Press “My land does of 350 seats in congress Probed this week. not deserve EAGER: - took power in Madrid. Duque has been Susana “He hasn't Diaz been able Andalucia has always tax irregularities probed over of the pension that to claim any been a he is owed as thermometer for chase of a house over the purhe has no bank account, national atin Valencia in titudes. passport 2005, while culture or any means of communication minister It is the country’s Maxim Huerta stepped with the pension people in the UK.” The kind-hearted down lous region, and most popuin June after just have set up a ‘gofundme’ couple, joined by several back if the PSOE a week in the A SPANISH others, party can improve page job when it emerged where people can far-right help Graham, who party on 2015’s donate to slim win of 47 of €256,000 between he evaded polls indicate it could win has attracted thousands to a ser and Barclays in worked as a salesman for House the total rally as seats, a seat in Congress. 2006 and Vox, founded of FraKensington, and who 2008. it will be a good sign109 25,000 miles across in 2014, has walked around for supporters showing drew its largest ever crowd with Sanchez Justice Minister years ago. Another Spain since becoming homeless some 9,000 Africa’s in Madrid. up to the Madrid five rally at Vistalegre gado is currently Dolores Del- The party has revealed plans migrants page which has so couple have already set up a fundraising Palace. facing calls to and to to revoke Spain’s far raised €400 and litical headache are a poresign after recordings deport ‘illegal immigrants gender money will go towards Rebecca says any who come to Spain violence law as he looks to for Sanchez, extra getting Graham a leased of her talking were re- it greater, but to receive She told the Olive flat of his own. maintain the not to make support handouts.” Spanish police chief, to former Secretary general, Ortega from left-wing base, on the street, we’rePress: “It’s not right to see a frail old man while also larejo, who is under Jose Vil- President Donald Trump Smith, took to the stand to quote “It’s really opened not heroes, we’re just doing the kind saying, “Together US the rise of keeping check on both of our eyes over thing. tion for corruption. investiga- great again.” we will make Spain it makes you appreciate nationalism, perthe past few days An opinion poll and petuated by the Prime Minister Pedro ready raised hundreds the little things.” The expats suggested this week populist Sánchez close to earning have albut are hoping to get that Vox is painstakingly party, which can easily Vox declared assets of still looking for donations a seat in Congress to €343,000 and at the next seize with a predicted 1.5% on the migrants to their page, which€1000 and are liabilities of €192,000, general election, scheduled here: www.gofundme.com/helpf issue. of votes In 1998, can be found for 2020. predecessor Mariano while his Vox’s key message has resonated orgraham. the number of forgreatly with supporters eigners in Spain €1.54 million in assets.Rajoy had expressed concern over Do you have a positive lan separatists, illegal defending Spain under the threatwho have 1.6% of the total made up expat story? Someone done something population immigration and who has attacks on family of Cata- and by 2016 this had we want to hear special? As a community newspaper values. risen to your stories… email 12.2%. livepress.es newsdesk@theo-

T PA ES EX O HER

GRAHAM’S usual traverse around Spain took him to the north when it’s hot, and he always spends Christmas on the Costa del Sol – his favourite part of the country. His favourite foods on the road are paella and tortilla Espanola. People can donate to Graham here: www.gofundme.com/ helpforgraham

Millionaire ministers

is stunning at any time of year. But they are just two of dozens of truly unique wonders, from Ronda to Tarifa or the Sierra Nevada, Granada and more.

T PA ES EX RO HE

Around the world

A HOMELESS British man rescued by big-hearted expats has walked an incredible FIVE times around Spain over the last five years. Graham Nobbs, from Kent, revealed that he has hiked the length and breadth of the country on many occasions during his time as a hobo. That is an incredible 25,000 miles… or the distance of the earth’s circumference, he told the Olive Press. It comes after we revealed how the 69-year-old had

Get out

Expats help homeless pensioner get back on his feet

EXCLUSIVE

without Gaining them momentu nonem of this By Charlie Smith would be happening,” he revealed, been offered help and a home after they scooped him up at Lidl by British expats in Almeria and gave him a bed. during his sixth circuit of the “Life on the road was always up and down. I was always floating, country. The group of half a dozen locals always in suspense. from Albox, stepped in after "And the weather was the most they found him sleeping in a challenging thing, particularly the rain," added the supermarket car park. Struggling with former shop as“They have been marvellous, sistant. EUApart Proper from ty Debt? sometimes walking for • Want to sell but 14 greatercan’t? in a row to find a shelter, • Mortgagehours than value? • Losthe Deposit? revealed how he had been at• Can’t make your mortgage payments? tacked • Interest We offer assistance a fellow tramp Only periodby ending? andof was and advice in • Generally Struggling all areas European with your Spanish once rushed Property? to hospital after col- property debt lapsing by the side of the road. Call us today on: +44 330 124 1230 “This one guy tried to stab me and HAPPY DAYS: Graham enjoys a meal I had to kick him in the stomach to last and (inset) our story issue escape,” he said. www.eupro “There pertysolutio have ns.com been plenty of hairy moments though his family died through sad proper and you have to try not to show circumstance access to medical s in the UK care. fear.” and He continued: "I had a problem from he became estranged One of them Sandie Wines, said this week: where I had a semi stroke and col- He his sister. lapsed at the side of the road from his took to the road, after "We are getting him a car was smashed up by passport over-exerting. I had to go to hos- vandals first and then who destroyed his his pital." belongings and clothes. to UK pension will start come through in four This lack of access to medical fa- He cilities and other crucial services and later lost his passport weeks' time.” other ID. She is a major problem for those like “They added: "Graham Graham without a permanent picturesdestroyed all my will stay with us until evand I had no otherything home. is sorted so he er option,” he insisted. doesn't have He had landed the life after driv- Luckily, Graham has now streets ever to travel the ing to Spain, after the majority of been taken in by three ex- The group again." pat couples in Albox, as 'gofundme' have set up a page which revealed by the Olive Press they are using to get Gralast issue. ham He is managing to get his "It's back on his feet. life back to some normal- dog easier to home a than an expat on the ity, as they help him get street," various documents, in- partner joked Sandie's cluding a passport and an people John. "Very few put you up, people NIE, so that he can have are wary of the unknown."

With Brexit looming there has never been a more crucial time to make sure you are registered as a resident and on the padron (electoral role) or you’ll miss out. With everything still up in the air it’s dumb not to do everything you possibly can to protect your status and the life you’ve built here. So follow the advice of our man in Madrid Simon Manley and get registered before March 29.

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BLANK passports, gold ingots and €300,000 in cash have been found in a home owned by disgraced ex-police chief on the Costa del Sol. It comes after Spain’s former police chief, Jose Villarejo, was arrested on November 3 last year, accused of crimes related to a criminal organisation, money laundering and bribery. The investigation has revealed a list of 92 properties belonging to the former police official, including plots of land, apartments, warehouses, commercial premises and offices. An incredible 48 are based in Estepona, 18 in Benalmadena and the rest in Marbella, Torrox, Cordoba, Sevilla and Madrid. One in particular, a stunning €1.5m front line penthouse above prestigious private clinic, Cenyt, in Estepona, yielded the incredible haul, also including a hard drive with year’s of Villarejo’s work. All of it was found in a shoebox in a bedroom of the apartment, registered in the name of Villarejo’s son. The amazing discovery came after the judge leading the case ordered officials to seize the assets, including the home at the Mirador de la Cala building in Estepona, which he used as his home when in the town. According to sources, the property is linked to a separate 10-year-old investigation, the Astapa case, a property corruption scandal worth €40 million. The hard drive found, storing 40 terabytes of secret videos and recordings, is set to reveal the true extent of the ex-police chief’s crimes.

Join a charity, champion a cause, help save the planet and think of others more than yourself. This year EXPAT HEROES Good to sea! must have While some areas of the coast might broken have higher concentrations of Brits a record than others, it doesn’t make them for the any less a part of SPAIN. HIV cure amount closThe er irony of some expats comof fantasplaining about immigrants here tic beach - or worse, calling the Spanish cleanups ‘foreigners’ and comorganplaining there are too ised by many of them, as expats one Benidorm Brit and lofamously did - is c a l s completely lost on working some ignorant folk. together. Let’s treat everyVery well one with the same done and long may it continrespect and dignity ue into 2019. that the Spanish show to us, shall we? A GROUP of expats have been making waves with their inspirational beach clean ups across the Costa del Sol. Plastic Free Seas Worldwide founders, Craig Webb, Natasha Wegloop and Rebecca Bridges, along with ambassador and owner of Olivia’s Cala, Elliot Wright, have been rallying La expat troops to take part in monthly coast clean ups. Despite the horrific storms through Estepona last Saturday, ittearing stop some 60 volunteers includingdidn’t children from E.I Alora school and students from getting out the house and clearing They speared a whopping 400 kilos the coast. later cleared away by Estepona town of rubbish and was It comes after Brit Craig, was inspiredhall. along the coast after watching BBC’s to make a difference up the non profit organisation in Mijas Blue Planet and set Costa last year. Since starting the foundation, volunteers have cleared a total of 3,400 kilos in 10 beach clean ups. Co-founder Natasha, from the Netherlands, said: “It’s been fantastic, we even cleared a fridge Next month, as well as a clean upfrom the beach.” on November 24 in La Cala de Mijas, Plastic Free Seas Worldwide will be hosting a fundraising event at Olivia’s La Cala. The glitzy evening will include a three course meal, live entertainment and an auction on November 22. For tickets call 685283009 or email Plasticfreeseasworldwide@gmail.com

NICE WORK: Expats at clear up and

(right) Elliot Wright

Don’t be a racist

SPANISH scientists believe they may have managed to eliminate HIV from a patient using stem cell transplant treatment. Scientists in Madrid and Barcelona have managed to remove the virus from the blood and tissues of six patients using the treatment. And one patient now has no antibodies fighting the infection, suggesting it has been completely eliminated. The patients are keeping up their antiretroviral treatment, but researchers believe the virus may have been completely removed from their bodies. It came after the six guinea pigs had stem cell transplants using cells from the umbilical cords and bone marrows of donors at the institute for AIDS Research IrsiCaixa in Barcelona and the Gregorio Maranon Hospital in Madrid. Researchers say the results could open the door to designing new treatments to cure HIV/AIDS.

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LETTERS

LE T T E R S

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Spain Issue 308

Voted top expat paper in Spain

A campaigning, community newspaper, the Olive Press represents the huge expatriate community in Spain with an estimated readership, including the websites, of more than 500,000 people a month.

Chance for change

BEST

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15th 2019 Vol. 13 Issue 308 www.theolivepress.es January 3rd - January

Our three year hell

See page 22 Just how do you get a coveted Michelin star? We reveal the trade secrets

Spain is heading for climate disaster and it’s already begun

EXCLUSIVE By Charlie Smith

The 10 coolest barrios in Andalucia and Spain worth a visit this year

Continues on Page 8

WRONGED: Rob and Scott are suing Spain TM

THE all but confirmed departure of the PSOE from the Junta is a chance for leaders in Andalucia to finally root out the corruption which has plagued this region for decades. Spain’s most southern autonomous community has so much to offer and has great potential, but it has not been given the chance over the past 30 years thanks to self-serving leaders who cared about nothing more than lining their own pockets. It is time for leaders to address the REAL concerns of the people and to start actually doing their jobs. If current leader Susana Diaz had made a real effort to stamp out corrupt practices then perhaps she would have held onto her job, but she chose to ignore the rumbling discontent among the people and arrogantly called a snap election thinking the voters would never turn right - she thought wrong.

See page 24

See page 10

TWO British expats are suing Spain for €630,000 after they were ‘wrongly fingered’ for fraud and arrested at gunpoint by undercover agents. Expats Scott Cattell, 47, and Rob Herring, 41, were seized by armed cops and bundled into police vans just hours after collecting chairs from an Estepona office as part of a seemingly innocent odd job in July 2015. The pair were unaware that the office was being staked out by police after it was revealed to be the HQ of an illegal boiler room. The fraudulent Renty123 property company was dedicated to ripping off holidaymakers by posting fake rental properties on FlipKey, TripAdvisor’s rental platform. “The police put two and two together and got five,” Herring told the Olive Press this week. After a police photographer snapped them entering the building they were handcuffed on Cattell’s driveway later the same day. Despite what the expats described as a ‘severe lack of evidence’, the pair were suspects for more than two years before finally being dropped from the case in October 2017. However with no passports and most of their time and funds spent on fighting their cases, both men, from Essex,

PUBLISHER/ EDITOR Jon Clarke

FINAL COUNTDOWN

jon@theolivepress.es

NEWSDESK

With just 85 days until Brexit, newsdesk@theolivepress.es Tel: (+34) 665 798 618 Spain promises to protect our rights while British government launches Laurence Dollimore outreach programme for expatslaurence@theolivepress.es Elisa Menendez elisa@theolivepress.es Charlie Smith charlie@theolivepress.es Pablo Balbontin pablo@theolivepress.es Gillian Keller gillian@theolivepress.es

By Laurence Dollimore

DESIGNER Keith Franks

mercial relations. It comes as the British government and expat groups, including Brexpats in Spain, have arranged a series of Brexit meetings across Andalucia in January (see page 5). The meetings will update residents with the latest information on Brexit and what it means for UK nationals living in Spain. A spokesperson told the Olive Press: “The Consular team will be joined by experts on a range of issues, including residency, healthcare registration,

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Spain’s health care system. Although 300,000 British expats are officially recorded as living in Spain, the number is actually thought to be over 750,000, as many don’t register. It means any expat who wants to guarantee their lives will continue unaffected must register or sign up to the padron before March 29. British Consul Charmaine Arbouin said: Favourite "I continue to urge all UK Spain is also the UK’s fa- nationals living in Spain vourite retirement spot, to ensure you are correctly while the Brits are also registered and stay up to date with the latest news.” use to group the largest

and pensions – so whether you have a specific question about living in Spain or simply want to know more about how Brexit might affect you, please come along and talk to us.” As well as the large number of expats, many of whom live on the Costa del Sol, Brits are also Spain’s largest visiting group.

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In the aftermath of the tragic death of British teen Richard Fitzsimmons, the Olive Press investigates triggers for teenage suicide and how parents can look out for the signs By Elisa Menendez

COLLECTION of teddy bears, flowers and delicately handwritten notes decorate the wall of a busy department store. It’s hard to believe that one month ago a teenage boy took his own life by jumping from the fourth floor of El Corte Ingles in Puerto Banus, in an apparent suicide pact with his girlfriend. The untimely death of 16-year-old Brit Richard Fitzsimmons and the circumstances that surround it have rocked the coast and united many in grief. But the incident has encouraged many to take action by raising awareness about mental health in teenagers and, above all, try to break down the stigma that engulfs it. Aloha College, the private school Richard and his girlfriend, 14, attended, quickly activated a plan following his death and brought in a psychologist to talk to pupils. It also circulated emails advising parents to talk with their children about what had happened. In an open letter, the college described him as a ‘wonderful boy’ and offered their sincere condolences to his family. “Aloha College continues to be focussed on the wellbeing of its pupils, to help them through this difficult time. He will be warmly remembered, and sorely missed.” Although it is unknown what tragically drove the youngsters to suicide, unfortunately their story is not an unusual one. Suicide is the second leading cause of death in young people aged between 15 to 29 in Spain, following tumours, reveal national statistics. And growing numbers of teens killing themselves in the UK are sparking fresh concerns over the mental health crisis in young people in general.

OFFICE MANAGER Héctor Santaella (+34) 658 750 424 accounts@theolivepress.es DISTRIBUTION Graham Warters distribution@theolivepress.es

EXPERT: Harvard professor Alejandra

By Elisa Menendez

BREXIT is a ‘nasty shock’ that should encourage cross-border relations between Spain and Gibraltar, the Cross Frontier Group has said. The organisation announced in a statement that Britain’s departure from the EU should inspire residents of the Rock and the Campo de Gibraltar to ‘redouble efforts’ to foster dialogue and cooperation. “It has been a nasty shock, especially given Gibraltar’s overwhelming support for the European project at the referendum,” said the group. “But the Brexit impasse must surely serve to sharpen our wits and redouble our efforts.”

Lobbied

Founded five years ago, the group campaigns for crossborder workers’ rights and have lobbied politicians from the European Parliament, Westminster and Andalucia. The Cross Frontier Group has also established an EU Territorial Grouping in a bid to ensure future cooperation between Gibraltar and the Campo, which is now being considered by Spain. “But the Brexit impasse must surely serve to sharpen our wits and redouble our efforts,” the group added. “For if, to date, we have been considered reliable and truthful interlocutors in the dialogue between citizens and their institutions, in the current, delicate circumstances our role becomes even more important.”

WORK TOGETHER: Gib and the Campo

Vol. 4 Issue 87 www.gibraltarolivepress.com January 3rd - January 15th 2019

Spain is heading for climate disaster and it’s already begun

The 10 coolest barrios in Andalucia and Spain worth a visit this year See page 22

star? We reveal the trade secrets See page 24

By Laurence Dollimore

UK BASED

for Spanish residents www.globelink.co.uk

‘Give us dual nationality’ A GROUP of expats have officially asked the Spanish government to offer dual citizenship, an option currently only available for soldiers from the international brigadistas and descendants of Sephardic Jews. In a document handed to Madrid, the expats plead for a new law which will allow for CLOSE TO AGREEMENT?: Pedro Sanchez and Theresa May Brits who have lived or worked in Spain for 10 years to attain ranged a series of Brexit ar team will be joined by while the Brits are also dual nationality. Madrid-based meetings across Andalucia experts on a range of is- the Eurocitizens, ECREU (Alicante) largest group to use and in January (see page 5). sues, including residency, Spain’s Brexpats (Malaga), argue health care sys- the case whether The meetings will update registration, there is a healthcare tem. residents with the latest and pensions – so whether BritishAlthough 300,000 deal or not, as currently to get expats are offi- Spanish nationality they have information on Brexit and you have a specific ques- cially recorded as living to renounce their British citiwhat it means for UK nation about living in Spain in Spain, the number is zenship. tionals living in Spain. or simply want to know actually thought to be “Breaking all ties with the UK A spokesperson told the more about how Brexit over Olive Press: “The Consul- might affect you, please don’t 750,000, as many means losing the right to reloregister. It means cate there, even if you have to come along and talk to any expat who wants to return for family reasons,” the us.” guarantee their lives will document reads. continue unaffected must It added grave concern regardFavourite register or sign up to the ing the more than 107,000 As well as the large num- padron before March 29. British pensioners living in ber of expats, many of British Consul Charmaine Spain. whom live on the Costa del Arbouin said: "I continue If they become ‘third-country Sol, Brits are also Spain’s to urge all UK nationals nationals’, they may not reach living in Spain to ensure the €26,000 per year minilargest visiting group. mum income that is required Spain is also the UK’s fa- you are correctly regis- to have residence Reliable private hire transfer vourite retirement spot, tered and stay up to date (averagea non-profit British pension is services for any occasion €9,000). While Sanchez has TM with the latest news.” • Luxury vehicles vowed to protect their rights, it • Door to door service is to be on a reciprocal basis. • Airport collections In the UK meanwhile, Theresa • Weddings transport May’s government has told • Sightseeing day trips EU citizens to apply and pay • Restaurant shuttles a small sum to be granted ‘settled status’. Find out more at: www.simply-shuttles.com tel: 951 279 117 info@simply-shuttles.com

the trauma of losing someone to suicide. Along with ‘I’m depressed’ or ‘he/she is a nutter’ are phrases that have become the norm but unknowingly increase stigma. “Someone who is feeling low and someone who is clinically depressed are not the same thing,” says Dr Hallin, “if you feel better after exercise or socialising, it is a passing emotion, it is not a clinical illness.” Social media has also shown to cause psychological stress. Many have blamed sites like Instagram and Facebook for the surge in teen self-harming and suicide. And it isn’t difficult to see why. Pages and forums dedicated to self-harming, ‘suicide games’, or eating disorders - where thousands share tips for hiding signs from family members - offer outlets for teenagers to feel part of a dark online community. Although they offer a place of refuge for many to normalise their feelings, these pages encourage dangerous self-destructive behaviour. It comes after a recent Children’s Survey report found that more than 100,000 children aged 14 in the UK are self-harming, with one in four teenage girls deliberately hurting themselves this year. The charity found that nearly a quarter of children aged 10-17 said they continuously heard jokes or comments about other people’s bodies or looks. The Olive Press has found numerous alarming and easily accessible Instagram pages dedicated to self-harming. Graphic images of deep wounds bleeding into sinks, hundreds of scars brandishing a girl’s wrist and piles of razor blades are just some of the shocking pictures discovered during the investigation. A pro-anorexia site promotes itself as a ‘diet and lifestyle programme for beginners’ and even offers the option to subscribe. It also sends tips on how to suppress hunger, gives recommendations of dangerous diet pills and even gives advice on how to hide vomit. It’s incredibly harrowing and sad reading.

An NSPCC spokesperson told the Olive Press that social media platforms such as Instagram should filter out content which breaks its own rules. “Young people on Instagram should never be exposed to this kind of harmful and distressing content. “We know from contacts to our Childline that many children are being driven to self-harm as a way of dealing with the pressures and demands of modern-day life,” she adds. Recently the NSPCC launched its ‘Wild West Web’ campaign to call for stricter regulations on social media networks and bring in a law to fine sites which are not adequately safeguarded. Following the campaign, the British government announced safety laws will be brought in to keep children safe on social media and prevent dangers such as online grooming. “It’s vital that the Government holds its nerve and commits to an independent regulator with the powers to hold social networks to account,” adds the spokesperson. But for Dr Hallin these terrifying pages are not a cause but an effect of mental health problems. “Usually a person has already thought about suicide or self-harming before visiting these pages. They’re there if you go looking for them. “For example there aren’t more people cooking now we have the internet. But the problem is that now we have instructions online with hundreds of recipes available, showing you how to do it in an easier way.” The Olive Press has reported the shocking findings to Instagram, although as we went to press we had received no comment. The social media argument is somewhat of a two-pronged attack. With more proximity to celebrities than ever before, it can be easy for impressionable teens to believe that re-touched images and collagen-injected lips are the norm. They are more dangerous than magazine photo shoots because these images are uploaded in real-time from a mobile phone, giving the impression this is really their ‘perfect’ lifestyle and that person looks flawless in real life. Recently British TV presenter Jameela Jamil, waged war on celebrity-endorsed products which claim to aid weight Dr Hallin’s advice for parents to spot signs in children: loss, such as the famous Flat Tummy Tea. • The moment your child mentions killing him or herself, Social media feeds are take normal not even if it is calling for attention, it’s plagued with images them to see a medical professional. of stunning celebrities • Every child is different but irritability, teariness, lack of flaunting their toned abs appetite, insomnia and being withdrawn are warning crediting the ‘teatox’ for signs. their enviable figures. • Even if the child does not want to talk to a profession“Give us the discount al, parents should see a psychiatrist alone to find out codes to your nutritionwhether there is a more serious problem. ists, personal chefs, per• If you’re ever in doubt, always seek help. If they can’t sonal trainers, airbrushtalk to you find someone else they may trust. ers and plastic surgeons • Ask them if they are okay and create a comfortable space you bloody liars,” tweetfor them to talk. ed Jamil.

SEEING THE SIGNS

of the

“If you tell your fans to be thinner, you don’t care about them or their mental health or self worth.” Activist Jamil (above) has been particularly vocal about her own teenage eating disorder where she ‘didn’t eat a meal for three years’ and slammed the media for the ‘weapon’ that is airbrushing. In a bid to fight back, Jamil has launched the positive campaign ‘i weigh’, which encourages social media users to post images of themselves including words which celebrate their skills, talents, personality traits, differences and disabilities - something which has gained much media attention and public participation. Given all of this heavy information, undoubtedly it makes sobering reading, but there is a lot parents can do to look for signs of depression in their children and safeguard their online activity. But the best piece of advice all experts offer is to talk more. Costa del Sol Darkness Into Light mental health campaigner Michael O’Halloran advises teens to act when they notice a school friend is acting out of character. “Do not walk away and think he/she is weird. Stop. Ask the question, ‘are you okay?’,” the expat tells the Olive Press, “sometimes that’s all that is needed to get the person in distress talking.” There are countless organisations making an impact in the UK and Spain offering great support. A group, Teen Talk, is set to support young people across the Costa del Sol with hopes of creating new youth hubs, a helpline and community events from the new year. Global movement Darkness Into Light on the Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca promote suicide awareness and self-harm prevention through fundraisers and walks. The more we start to discuss and accept mental health, the more we will break down stigmas. Remember, it’s okay not to be okay.

week

Anyone struggling with the issues raised in this article can contact the following numbers: Samaritans in Spain: 900 525 100 Ayuda a ninos y adolescentes en Riesgo (ANAR): 900 202 010 International Bipolar Foundation, Suicide Hotline Spain: 914 590 050 Telefono de la esperanza: 717 003 717 Mind UK: +34 (0)300 123 3393

Jerome, Marbella

Tel: 902 123 902 123 282

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- British icon Rod Stewart set to perform on

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Xmas ruined

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Across 1 South North American republic (6) 5 Warning (3-3) 8 Version still being developed (4) 9 Boss (8) 10 Packages (7) 11 Literary work (4) 13 Donkey (5,2,6) 16 Close (4) 17 Commander in chief of a fleet (7) 20 Parasol (8) 21 Wicked (4) 22 Gorge (6) 23 Loftier (6) Down 2 Lift up (7) 3 Hebrew patriarch (5) 4 Fail to notice (8) 5 Class (4) 6 Flourish (7) 7 Eats (5) 12 Submissive to authority (8) 14 Soft and moist (7) 15 Scrutinise (7) 16 Sweatbox (5) 18 Standard of perfection (5) 19 Futile (4)

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NEWS

NINE out of 10 female runners feel unsafe when out jogging alone in Spain. Women in Spain mostly choose to run in busy areas during daylight hours, according to the magazine Runners’ World. Some 28% of female runners claim to have been verbally abused or threatened in some way while out training.

A BRITISH expat is set to be reunited with her husband for Christmas after he mysteriously vanished from the Costa del

(4,378)

I made it as far as Malaga airport, turned around and came home again. When they closed Gatwick, all other flights booked out pretty quickly. Today was my daughter's birthday. Sorry kids... hope to see you next year.

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Coulton Berkinshaw, Granada

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Sue Allder, Malaga

Sol for almost two weeks. Aysla Wright was fearing the worst when hubby Donald Wright, 59, disappeared from Fuengirola on December 3. Aysla thought she would be spending the festive period alone after Donald, who told her he was nipping to the bank, failed to return, despite leaving behind his phone. After being put through a hellish two weeks, in which the Olive Press made two online appeals, Aysla was relieved to discover that her husband had shown up in the UK. “I am very relieved,” she revealed. “I’m going over on Sunday for a week so hopefully we can resolve his issues.” Aysla revealed that Donald had simply got in his car and ‘just kept driving’. “He worked his way up the

SPAIN has been blasted after its navy shadowed a Royal Navy nuclear submarine as it left Gibraltar on a secret mission. A Spanish ship breached maritime regulations by following HMS Talent as it left the Rock at the weekend. According to Royal Navy sources, a British frigate had to be scrambled and sent to steer the Spanish ship away from the sub. The incident has been labelled as a ‘clear sabre rattling exercise by Madrid’ over the Gibraltar dispute. It comes just two weeks after the UK filed a complaint with Spain when a warship ‘illegally’ entered British waters blaring the national anthem.

Monkeys

Spain’s inflammatory wargames were shared in an online video and applauded by Spanish Vice-President of the European Parliament,

Ramón Luis Valcárcel. his departure HAPPY: Aysla and Donald before The Brussels MEP labelled Gibralferry port before eventarians ‘laughing monkeys’ in an coast to Barcelona, crossed the contacting his family explosive Twitter thread, which he the border into France then tually in the UK. swiftly deleted. took the ferry from Calais. is with them now and “Strong applause for the patrol “He spent a couple of days at “He hopefully we as a family can boat ‘Infanta Elena’ who today sairesolve this.” led past the Rock playing her natioAysla thanked the Olive nal anthem at full volume.” Press and all the other expat British Ambassador Simon Mangroups on the coast who had ley confirmed he was set to send a aided her desperate search. formal complaint ‘in the next few “Thanks for your help and days.’ thanks to everyone for your “As we always do, we will send in am wishes and concerns. I the next few days a diplomatic just so happy he is safe,” she complaint about the incursion of added. the ship in those waters,” he said. Fitzpatrick has revealed THE dad of missing expat teen Amy by a torrent of online abuhow the family have been targeted se. emails from a The family have received 300 threatening after living in the US sick troll, who claimed Amy has been Costa del Sol. EXCLUSIVE Monetary she went missing in 2008 from the already sent 37 emails International THE By Heather Galloway The anonymous online hater hasAmy, who vanished from Fund has warned Spain that this month and also claimed that to France. ongoing hikes in property to just 2%. Mijas when she was 15, had been “This person has been prices could create another in Barcelona this is because Amy’s dad Christopher revealed: he seems to be obsessed ‘bubble’ if the approach to “We believe of the political instability in making all sorts of allegations and credit is relaxed. but also becauwith the case. The IMF claims a ‘slight Barcelona is usually the Barcelona se deover-valuation’ has been he told the Olitected and that authorities trend-setter” Heartbreak Press. ve despite ‘vigilant’ need to be but this is just giving us where prices first “I don’t know why they’re doing it trauma and heartbreak there not yet being clear evi- “It was false hope, it’s only adding to the dence of a significant devia- rose.” Besides offering advice on we have endured all these years.” killed by his ex-wife Aution from credit rules. also reto a spokesman credit, the IMF reportforward Christopher’s son Dean, 23, was According moving drey’s partner Dave Mahon in 2013. from Idealista, the price commended throat cancer in prison construction scheMahon, who was diagnosed with run into his knife during index between 2017 and with new order to bring properearlier this year claimed Dean had suicide’. 2018 has risen in Madrid by mes in down. a heated argument in an ‘attempted Persons Day, Christoaround 18% but has dropped ty prices Speaking at the sixth annual Missingmore support for famiSee Don’t Fret, on page 44 pher added: “All I am asking for ishell.” living a in all are lies because they

Missing Amy Dad - Please support us!

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Julie Frank, Malaga

Seen it before FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL www.theolivepress.es

The military should have been alerted immediFlock off ately there was an identified object flying on that airfield and not left to the local Police which is Could it be what happened. There should be a security last orders sysfor Spain’s traditional tem in place! waterin

December 19th - January 3rd 2019

Lowering the bar

This is Horchata and is a traditional Spanish drink (Why a ‘new’ British vegan milk g holes has outraged Spain, issue 307). I believe Harley Dave, Malaga it originates from the Valencia region but when I was in Barcelona or Sitges in La Consula come The problem is that if police try and shoot them 1960s I used to drink -back it all the time. down and miss the bullet has to come back down AN Andalucian city has pledged to banish 5,000 pigeons amid complaints from restaurant and hotel owners that they’re driving away tourists. Cadiz is set to remove thousands of its feathered foes after Horeca, a federation of hoteliers in the city, claimed the city centre was overrun with the birds. The group slammed the issue as ‘intolerable’ having lost 20% of its business due to the pigeons, which steal food from customers and leave ‘excrement’ everywhere. Horeca, which first brought up the issue two years ago, said the pigeons could lead to health problems, with waiters constantly cleaning up faeces near customers when they are eating. Some 5,000 birds will be rounded up and relocated to the Valencia town of Riba-Roja de Turia next year.

Brian Milner, Malaga

Milking it

DIOS mio but the Brits have been winding up Spanish foodies yet again. Just two weeks ago, Morrisons’ cheesy churros became a viral sensation for all the wrong reasons. A flurry of Spaniards took to Twitter to slam the Christmas treat as ‘blasphemous’, begging the UK to ‘take Gibraltar instead’. And now, it has happened again. This time it’s a ‘new vegan milk’ - horchata in Spain made with tiger nuts that’s got everyone roaring with rage. Tiger mylk, created in Bristol, is made with tiger nuts, split peas, sunflower oil, calcium carbonate and sunflower lecithin. Social media site, NowThis describes the milk as an ‘African tradition’ which is delivered to London front doors in reusable glass bottles. Although the video does make reference to the centuries-old Valencian drink, and has additional ingredients, it hasn’t stopped Spaniards from expressing their outrage. “Attention, attention!!! The Brits have discovered horchata. Vegan milk with ‘tiger nuts’ they say. ‘African tradition’ they say. Yes,” tweeted one furious Twitter user.

Perfect...

Now i can have something to wash down my paella sandwich. Olive Press 2018_Layout 1 16/04/2018 14:57 Page 1

Stephen Snell, London

Felicia Ang, Marbella

I find it hard to believe that one one drone or even two could cause so much disruption, I think this was orchestrated by the government as a distraction. Peter Johnson, Zujar

Welcome to St. Andrew’s Carrer de Mestral, 4 Puerto Pollença We are next door to Burger King!

Has anything piqued your interest in this week’s Olive Press? Have your say on the matter by emailing letters@theolivepress.es or alternatively message us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ OlivePressNewspaper or Twitter @olivepress

45 45

December 19th - January 3rd 2019

SPAIN’S bar culture could be in danger as hundreds of owners call time on their businesses every year, new figures have revealed. Affectionately known as the ‘land of bars’, the country is famed for its independent watering holes but experts fear the culture is under threat. Since 2010, Spain has lost a UNDER THREAT: Thousands of traditional bars have shut staggering 18,269 bars - a trend since 2010 which many believe will conti- dustry as a whole has grown, ment as more than 1.5 million with 5,000 new restaurants and number of bars dropped for nue next year. Spaniards work in the sector. the seventh year in a row, with Despite this, the hospitality in- hotels opening in 2017. This is good news for employ- According to the Spanish Hos- a total of 184,430 across the pitality Federation, in 2017 the country. The industry has blamed not only the recession but also recent demographic changes such as an aging population and the A TOP Andalucia catering college rural exodus movement. has finally reopened its restau- available for €20 and the tasting Federation secretary general rant to the public to an avalanche menu is priced at €50. Emilio Gallego believes the The school is set in a stunning of over 300 bookings. changing property market led La Consula, in Malaga - whe- villa surrounded by gardens that to a reshuffle of city dwellers. re three Michelin-starred chef was an old holiday haunt of wri“The new neighbourhoods atDani Garcia trained – took half ter Ernest Hemingway. tracted more people and buThe restaurant was much-loved of those reservations in the first sinesses moved there, while 48 hours of its website going live. by Spanish and expat foodies alitraditional bars in areas with Some 145 students train at the ke for its affordable fine dining aging populations shut down,” academy, while second year stu- but the school closed down in he added. dents create and prepare the 2013 due to the financial crisis. Experts believe the rapid inmenu for diners in the 40-seater La Consula and La Fonda, in BeBACK TO WORK: Malaga school crease in chains has also played nalmadena, will be open to the restaurant. The regular menu is a significant role in the decline public until June 6, 2019. of independent bars.

and could kill someone and they will have no idea where it comes down. Shooting them down is not the answer, finding the pricks who are risking lives by flying them for fun is what they need to do and put them away for at least 10 years.

Conspiracy

Murky lurky

I think I’ll probably encourage my daughter to do it when she’s been here for 10 years (British applications for Spanish citizenship soar 232% as Theresa May faces no-confidence vote, issue 307). For her it’s well worthwhile. She can study and work in Europe hassle free then.

BBC Coventry, The Sun newspaper, Chat Magazine, Talk Radio Spain and Meridian Radio.

No other country would tolerate such insolence; shoot the drones down and stop twitting around UK...grow a pair and make us feel safe again!

Expat family to be reunited after desperate two-week search ends in good news

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December 19th - January 3rd 2019

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Penny Miller, Nerja

- ROCKY ROAD: Drivers narrowly avoid fa-

Be prepared

• Supervision

No one knows the difficulties another person is experiencing (FOUND: Costa del Sol British expat missing for nearly two weeks found safe in UK, issue 307). It’s just good to know he is safe and well and his partner can stop worrying.

Andalucia could make life more difficult for British expats, expert warns

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Aliona Newman, Granada

Spain for killing pensioner on Costa del Sol

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SHE has be nearly a dec But Columb ties, who acc The Singer, is facing tax between 201 Prosecutors days in the would be con of her global Shakira’s law 183 days of t

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Ronaldo

However, Garcia made it clear that they will have ‘three stars for the rest of our lives’ and asked the team for the ‘utmost respect for Michelin’ as they owe their careers to the organisation. “Achieving this dream, I will take my vision of Andalucian gastronomy to every corner and every audience in the world,” the father-of-two wrote on Instagram. The chef has always been somewhat of a visionary, having achieved his first star in Ronda at the age of 25 - the youngest in Spain at the time. The closure will come as a blow to the many famous faces who have eaten at his restaurant over the last few years, including Cristiano Ronaldo and Jean Christophe Novelli.

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Myself and my two kids landed in Liverpool instead of Gatwick - flying from Malaga - at 11pm (we live in Windsor). After two hours waiting on board we were told to either wait for coaches to take us to Gatwick or make our own way (and be reimbursed later). Ended up sharing an Uber with a lovely lady but did not get home until 6am… nightmare!

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THE Olive Press’ original and in-depth reporting has sent us into the stratosphere. After receiving over ONE million unique visitors over the last two months, we have climbed an incredible 75,000 places globally. According to Alexa.com we are - by far - the highest ranked English newspaper in Spain, sitting at 200,007th place in the world out of over a billion websites. Our amazing year leaves us far higher than any of our rivals, including Euro Weekly News (EWN), which ranks at just 232,000, and Sur in English at 416,000, despite both being in business for many years longer. This might have something to do with a massive 707 important global sites linking in to our stories, including the BBC, Fox News and the Daily Mail, compared to just 402 for the EWN. What’s more our readers - who average around 10,000 unique visitors a day - come from a healthy split between Spain, the UK, America and the Scandinavian countries. We are also in the top 10,000 most popular websites in Spain, sitting at an incredible 9,079th place out of more than 2 million websites in Spain, last week. Our readers spend an average of 2.21 minutes on the site and read two stories. Alexa.com is owned by Amazon.com and ranks the most visited websites globally by analysing traffic statistics. Just two years ago the Olive Press print edition was voted best expat newspaper in Spain and second best in the world, after a worldwide poll of 27,000 expats by The Expat Survey Consumer Awards (TESCA).

- One punch killer British tourist arrested in

will close his Marbella restaurant next year. The decision to shut his seminal eaterie just 22 days after winning the third star has rocked the global gastronomy scene. After taking over 20 years to

BREAKING BOUNDARIES

The top five most read stories on www.theolivepress.es in the past two weeks are:

DANI Garcia has thrown in the towel, less than a month since achieving every chef’s dream of winning three Michelin Stars. Spain’s most recent arrival to the world’s premier division of cooks has announced he

win the world’s highest culinary accolade, he will close the doors of his Puente Romano hotel joint at the end of 2019. It comes after Garcia, 42, won the highly-coveted third star on November 21 in Lisbon. The Marbella-born chef announced the shock news on Instagram this week, with a video of a team meeting in which he reveals there will only be 314 days left in business. He explained that he was closing in a bid to focus on his next challenge of making the world fall in love with Andalucian cuisine. “What is life without a dream ahead?” the chef questions his staff in the video. “Now we will chase another dream, to conquer the world in reverse, inverting the pyramid. I’m sorry to do this but we are not only haute cuisine - we are chefs.”

Darcy Tuscano

A TRANSGENDER model has appeared in the final of Miss Universe. Miss Spain, Angela Ponce, 27, from tory in Thailand, but failed to make Sevilla, made histhe top 20 in the final. "My hope is to be able to live in a world of equality for everyone, simply for us all to understand that we are human," she said. Ponce received a standing ovation down the catwalk proudly raisingas she walked Spain sash, with one hand over her her Miss Host Ashley Graham said: "She’s heart. Driven. Beautiful. But her path smart. been anything but ordinary. And has nothing short of extraordinary.” Miss Philippines Catriona Gray took home the Miss Universe crown.

Total nightmare

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SANTA came early for a group of Madrilenos when their night out was interrupted by a live performance from singer Mariah Carey. The RnB diva wowed punters in the Madrid bar starting a singalong of her famous smash hit, All I Want For Christmas Is You. The 49-year-old, donning a plunging sequin mini dress, teamed with knee-high boots, was enjoying a night out at the end of her festive tour. The five-times Grammy-winning star has toured during the Christmas period for the last five years, ending this year in the Spanish capital.

Olive Press ranked Spain’s leading English news website - and top 200,000 in the world

In reference to your in-depth feature Let's Talk Mental Health last month, let me congratulate you for the fantastic investigative work that you and your team are doing. It is a pleasure to read the Olive Press and I really appreciate all the research and information you disclose. One thing, I would say, there is quite a lot more to the death of that teenager Richard, much of which cannot be divulged, and I suspect you know most of it. All in all then, thanks for being so sensitive to the parents and the school.

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This is fantastic news! (Spain’s Angela Ponce is Th contestant wn first transgenderro in th at Miss Universe final, issue e Carey carol 307). Way to go Andalucia! tow el Just 22 days after This beautiful Spanish womwinning a third Michelin star Dani an is extraordinary. Garcia announces plans to shut

Smash hits

Fantastic work!

With just 85 days until Brexit, Spain promises to protect our rights while British government launches outreach programme for expats

BRITISH expats will have their rights protected NO MATTER what happens with Brexit. That is the promise made by Spanish prime minister Pedro Sanchez, who vowed that even if the UK leaves the EU without a deal on March 29, the more than 300,000 Brits registered here will continue enjoying the same rights. “Their rights will be preserved whatever the scenario,” he said at the endof-year news conference on Sunday, traditionally given by the Spanish leader. Sanchez added that by February Spain would have drawn up a law covering citizens’ rights and plans to preserve bilateral commercial relations. It comes as the British government and expat groups, including Brexpats in Spain, have ar-

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HALF of Spain would like to see the restored some credibility end of the monarchy. to the narchy following the abdication moA YouGov poll found that 48% of elephant-shooting father, Juan of his Spaniards favour a republic compaCarlos I in 2014. red to just 35% who want to keep the However, his popularity took royal family. a dive foThe shock news comes as Spain cele- llowing his blistering attack on the Catalan independence movement last brated 40 years of its constitution year. and In Catalunya, some 64% constitutes a drop of 27% on a similar of people are pro-republic. poll taken in 2010. The Spanish royals are at least According to the poll, a worrying 59% of 18 to 24-year olds would still popular with Queen Letizia frequently lauded in the media like to see a republic. The majority questioned would for her fashionable and youthful also like to see a vote on the fu- appearance. In the UK, nearly 80% of the ture of the monarchy. country remained in favour of a King Felipe VI had initially monarchy in a recent poll.

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In 2017 there were 177 suicides among 15 to Olive Press. 19-year-olds, compared with 110 in 2010 - fig- Dr Hallin, who owns mental health centres in ures which have risen almost every year, accord- Marbella, Sotogrande, Malaga, Gibraltar and ing to the UK Office of National Statistics. Cadiz, believes the surge in depression is a reDepression and bipolar are the most common flection of a pressurised, stressed society and causes of suicide globally, followed by sub- suicide is a consequence of ill-treated mental stance abuse, schizophrenia and anxiety disor- health. ders, says Marbella-based child psychologist Dr “The Spanish mental health system is problemAlejandra Hallin. atic, unless you are dying they won’t see you While Samaritans in Spain volunteer, Jilly Hodg- - that’s a luxury they cannot afford. They don’t es, says exam pressure, gender have enough resources. issues and feeling like an out“We have to start valuing our cast are the main reasons expat mental health and invest in it. teens call the Costa del Sol helpWhen there’s diabetes in the Another line feeling suicidal. family, you’re more aware of “Some have a lack of friends, important factor what you eat. It should be the or are unhappy having left their same for mental illnesses, it’s that is very friends in the UK, or feel like an genetic.” outsider especially in Spanish damaging is the The doctor also adds that exspeaking schools,” the Costa pats are one of the groups most del Sol-based Samaritan tells language we use at risk. the Olive Press. Moving to another country, she Despite great advances in meninsists, is the second biggest tal health awareness in recent years, why do so cause of depression, as foreigners do not have many still suffer in silence? the same support network. Dr Hallin says the main problem with suicide is Another important factor that is incredibly damit is still considered taboo, despite it being the aging - reflecting societal views on mental illness second leading cause of death in the world. and suicide - is the language we use. “There are so many programmes and adverts Supposed ‘throw away’ everyday terms such teaching you what to do when someone has a as ‘I just wanted to kill myself’ are loaded comheart attack or stroke, but there’s nothing about ments for people who have thought about killing suicide,” the Harvard University doctor told the themselves, or for those who have been through

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centro havecomercial El Duque, planta primera, 29692 of expats A GROUP Edificio Hallin San Luis de Sabinilla, Manilva the Spanish officially asked government to offer dual citizenship, an option currently only available for soldiers from the international brigadistas and descendants of Sephardic Jews. In a document handed to Madrid, AP-7 153 the expats plead for a new Brits for law which will allow who have lived or worked in Spain for 10 years to attain dual nationality. Madrid-based Eurocitizens, ECREU (Alicante) and Brexpats (Malaga), argue the case whether there is a deal or Estepona Poligono not, as currently to get Spanish nationality they have to renounce their British citizenship. Address, with the C/ Juan de Mena 18, Polígino industrial, Estepona. OPEN Weekdays 9:30-19:00 Saturdays 10:00-15:00 “Breaking all ties UK means losing the right to relocate there, even if you have to return for family reasons,” the document reads. It added grave concern regarding the more than 107,000 British pensioners living in Spain. If they become ‘third-country nationals’, they may not reach the €26,000 per year minimum income that is required to have a non-profit residence (average British pension is €9,000). While Sanchez has vowed to rights, it is to protect their LAMINATE FLOORING WOOD FLOORING VINYL FLOORING ARTIFICIAL GRASS FITTED CARPET be on a reciprocal basis. In the UK meanwhile, Theresa May’s government has told EU citizens to apply and pay a small sum to be granted ‘settled status’.

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CONFLICT: Galle wants to develop, while Clavero is opposed

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By Joe Duggan SPAIN and the EU breathed a sigh of relief as Catalan’s leader A LEADING ecologist failed to declare independence blamed ‘mafia methods’ has in a critical parliament speech drugs were planted in his after last night. car to stop him protesting against Instead, Carles Puigdemont the blocking of footpaths. reiterated the region’s right Juan Clavero, a regional break from Spain following to organiser of green group Ecologistas month’s referendum, when this 90% en Accion, believes expat-linked of 2.4 million Catalans voted developers could be behind to leave. the seizure of 47 grams of cocaine Switching between Catalan and found under a car seat. Spanish, Puigdemont offered Clavero, who was arrested an olive branch, proposing charged over the offence, and logue with Madrid after ten diadays now been found innocent has of mounting tension. a judge dismissed the case.after “We propose to suspend He told the Olive Press dependence declaration inthe inthis to work towards puttingorder practice the result of the into referendum. “We are making a gesture of HUNDREDS of Brits responsibility in favour of diain Spain are demandlogue.” ing action after losing He added: “The ballots say up to £20 million in a to independence this is the Yes will failed pension investthat I want to go forward ment scheme. Pension “I want to follow people’s with. will for boss Darren Kirby has Catalonia to become an indefled to Australia, leavpendent state.” ing a string of allegaHe also called for internationtions in his wake.

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southern Spain LARGE parts of by the end of the could be desertified century. scientists proIt comes after climate will jected that global temperatures if drastic mearise by 3.2C by 2100 taken. sures are not immediately will soon reach They say the earth which spells ‘the point of no return’, conditions almost continual drought for most parts of Andalucia. to deThe entire region is susceptible an alarming sertification, alongside to official 70% of Spain, according government statistics. a third of In the doomsday scenario, as the desert of Spain will be as arid Tabernas in Almeria. green strip Meanwhile, the narrow of Africa will running along the north by the desert, disappear, devoured the miand dramatically worsening gration crisis. up confined Spain’s forests will end while cities, to the highest hilltops, Cadiz, will face including Malaga andsea levels are set ‘severe scenarios’ as leaving large to rise by up to a metre, areas underwater. suffer one of Meanwhile Madrid will rises in the the biggest temperaturealmost uninworld, making the city habitable in summer. Central said it Green group Climate ‘heat iswould worsen the capital’s rising land’ effect, with temperatures and 8 degrees between 4.3 degrees contamination in summer. Due to its other cities and altitude only three - will fare Sofia, Skopje and Belgrade worse. the country Dozens of cities across temperatures in could have average

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HORROR: For Donald

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A BRITISH rally champ has died after the plane he was piloting collided with a helicopter in Alicante. Milne Donald Scotsman (above) , an instrumental figure in the early success of rallying superstar Colin McRae, died on impact as a chopper struck down the plane he was piloting at the private Mutxamel airfield. The 65-year-old was, according to eyewitnesses, ten metres above the ground when his Bucker Biplane was brought down as the helicopter’s rotor clipped the wing. The father-of-two was immediately taken to Alicante General Hospital but was declared dead upon arrival and will be survived by his wife Fiona and sons Quintin, 37, and Freddie, 28. Milne started his career in the Aberdeen oil industry in the 1970s but got involved in rally driving in 1988. He gave McRae cars to drive in to hone his skills and McRae went on to be the youngest person to win the world title but tragically died in a helicopter crash as well in 2007.

The first sunset of 2018 taken in Malaga, sent in by Olive Press reader Martyn Wilkes

Net-mare!

it became clear they would EXCLUSIVE have no Internet over ChristBy Laurence Dollimore mas. they had been BRITISH expats are de- They claimed promised that the manding answers after be- repeatedly went down in ing left with no internet for service that would quickmore than four weeks over early December It was not. the Christmas and New Year ly be back. Lynda Woodin, 70, whose inperiod. is crucial to her Hundreds of angry custom- ternet access business, magazine of online offices the on ers decended made a ‘priority OliveNet in Marbella when said she wasearly December, concern’ in but she has still not been reSITE: Of fatal crash connected. AS? CHRISTM “It’s just not good enough,” STUCK FOR A PRESENT THIS she told the Olive Press, “I Vrun and I have a business to have just been passed around constantly. JEWELLERS | PAWNBROKERS | ANTIQUES “After visiting the head offices today I was told it would PARKING OPEN: 10AM-2PM MON TO SAT | EASY time I got the be sorted by .COM

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ders. “They also said if I needed someone to come and fix something that I would be charged, it’s a disgrace!” Woodin was told again last night that it would be fixed, but within an hour of her internet coming back on it stopped working. OliveNet someone to mbeen yet. offered to send home, but it hasn’t her home in Marbella, but video to able been haven’t “I said it would cost 40 euros call family in Australia for per hour. weeks. outrageous,” added “It’s all but apology an for “I asked “Considering what shrug of the shoul- Woodin, I got was a m

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we have been through they should be sending out repairmen free of charge.” Customers were reportedly sent a letter at the beginning of last month explaining that there would be some issues between December 5 and 11 but that everything would return to normal afterwards, but for most that hasn’t been the case. Another expat businessman claims he had a ‘nightmare’ Christmas period and was also given false promises that it would be fixed within 24 hours on several occasions. “I have no idea what is happening or what has gone wrong, but they are definitely hiding something from their customers,” he told the Olive Press. The restaurant owner, who asked to remain anonymous, said a protest could have erupted last week at the offices in San Pedro. “There must have been 200 people there wanting to know why they have no internet, it was utter chaos.” OliveNet were unable to comment before we went to press.

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Russia out LA CULTURA

SPAIN will expel two A Catalina Santa diplomats Russian in response to the Salisbury nerve agent attack.

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Olive Press probe reveals phony property scammer on Costa del Sol EXCLUSIVE By Elisa Menendez

A FRAUDSTER is conning expats using a fake Airbnb website renting out nonexistent properties on the Costa del Sol. An Olive Press probe discovered one property on popular advertisement website, Milanuncios, which was purporting to be a luxury apartment in the centre of Estepona.

HE clinking of wine glasses, clicking of designer heels and the cacophony of foreign languages… welcome to a typical lunchtime in Santa Catalina. Palma's trendiest neighbourhood is often described by locals as 'the village in the city', and there is no doubt it has a very distinct look and feel about it. With the city’s best food market, some of its most exciting restaurants and, bit by bit, some of the coolest shops, it is little surprise that Santa Catalina has become - by the

square metre - one of the most expensive places to buy in Spain. The area may be small - only seven streets wide, stretching from Feixina park to busy Calle Joan Crepsí - but it has literally exploded over the last few years. There has been a huge influx of expat buyers, in particular Scandinavian, and Santa Catalina today is vastly different to the area that Palma residents remember just a decade ago.

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thug EXCLUSIVE: First pic of Romanianwitness imprisoned for attacking Cursach

to pick up the keys,” said the 55-year-old who has lived in Spain for 32 years. Since we discovered the first property, the scammer has advertised a number of similar luxury properties on Milanuncios for just €300 per month using different hotmail accounts. Interestingly, the scammer uploads the advertisements

late at night and deletes them the following morning. Analysing the conman’s messages, Marbella-based lawyer Antonio Flores, at Lawbird, told the Olive Press: “It is a scam.

page boasted a throng of five-star ratings and a verified account, the website address did not match that of the real Airbnb, nor did it have a homepage. The Olive Press has traced the website IP address and located the fraudster’s computer on a street in Copenhagen. However, the website domain was bought in Germany and was last modified in December 2016, suggesting the shark has been conning holiday makers for some years. Sue Callow, based in Benalmadena, told the Olive Press she almost fell prey to the scammer using the same images five years ago. “It looked gorgeous and it was so cheap, so I emailed. “He said he was in London and asked if I could do a money transfer and once received, I could go to an office - he didn’t say where it was -

Scammers

The way he writes, alternating formal and informal modes of addressing people and his choice of words tell me he is not a native Spanish speaker (like soltar dinero). “These scammers like to pass for engineers in other countries, I can’t recall how many times I’ve dealt with

‘engineers’ working in Germany, Holland and now, Denmark.” Director of The Finance Bureau, Tancrede de Pola, said a tell-tale sign is when the price seems too good to be true. “Scammers will present themselves as bona fide with a back-story about themselves and will make references to well-known organisations such as Airbnb in order to confer respectability,” he said. The web hosting company failed to comment in time for press.

vicThe attack, which took place in the tim’s garage, is believed to have been for ordered by Cursach, who is on trial murder, money-laundering, extortion, bribery and corruption. During the sickening assault the victim was dragged to the ground and kicked while being told he would be killed if he continued to speak out. Puscasiu, who lists his UK BASED profession as a builder also has websites, on been ordered to pay a fine of €7,200, plus €8,000 in damages to the witness for the injufor Spanish ries received. residents The court heard how who witness, the www.globelink.co.uk worked as a waiter in the VIP zone of Cursach’s club Titos, was 96 626 5000 VICIOUS: Puscasiu worked for Cursach Continues on Page 2 +44 (0) 1353 699082

The vicious attack on so-called ‘witness the 29’ came after he had testified to courts over Cursach’s drug trafficking and and sex parties arranged for police politicians.

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nearly 1000 signatures, while the island’s PP party has come out in support of the restaurants. Restaurant owners in Santa Catalina meanwhile, insist that a ‘one rule fits all’ new law will be very damaging to them. Italian Luca Veronesi, at Prosecco, said: “We all rely on these terraces to make a living. Shut mine, I will have to lay off staff for sure and may even be forced to close.”

March 1st - March 14th 2018

www.theolivepress.es

ll about

Vol. 1 Issue 23

The Spanish government Is this Mallorca’s countries will join more than 20 which have stood in solidarity with hippest barrio? the UK, collectively exCoupe Cocktail Bar

STANDING UP FOR SANTA CATALINA

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holiday rental property ers said they would sell ownup if the new plan, which includes introducing a 60 day per letting limit, becomes year The drastic proposallaw. Mallorca Council has from divided the island into seven sections and each has different depending on several rules criteria and how ‘saturated’ they are. ‘Saturated’ referes to the percentage of its properties which are holiday rentals. “Of course protected green areas need restrictions,” Amanda Butler of MJC erties told the Olive Prop“but the island relies Press, on tourism and everymostly year the government celebrates how many more visitors are coming here, so limiting

Mallorca estate agents proposed controversialblast holiday rental restrictions

their accommodatio tions in hotspots like n opor Palma is going to Calvia be like shooting itself in the foot.” Alex Schmitz, from Mallorca, which has Only on the island for 20 been blasted the proposal years, as ‘discriminatory’. “If you own a property you should be able to rent you wish,” he told theit how Olive Press, “It’s discriminatory to home owners who have properties in areas deemed ‘saturated’. “The government is pressured by the hotel being industry.” Under the proposal, areas could see strictpopular limita-

March

tions on holiday rentals and Palma, which is not included in the plan, is set to create its own rules. Meanwhile, inland towns will be made more available to tourist rentals in the that it will boost visitor hope numbers. Areas in the Tramuntana mountain range, where vironmental, historic enand cultural protection are priority, will have the a top tightest restrictions. Nils Farah, from Homes, said the planFarah disadvantage those who will houses in saturated own and those who want areas to rent out their second homes, but

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added that there are positives. “People with apartments find it easier to rent them will out as they will have the tunity to apply for a opporwhich is actually alicence, good thing,” he said. Minister of land and structures, Mercedes infrado, said the ‘the zoningGarriseeks a fair distribution of cation rental business.’the vaShe added that the aim is ‘to preserve the right to decent housing for access cans and residents’. Mallor“Mallorca is a limited area with a fragile environment,” she said, “a balance has sought to prevent the been human footprint from deteriorating our environment”. Town halls have unitl of February to try and the end amend the plan.

Our No ot campa gn was p cked up by a hea th campa gner who began work on br ng ng n much needed eg s at on on the etha pa nk er E sewhere expats v ctory aga nst Nykred t saw them w n back the r Costa homeC wh e our u N Ma orca paper ce ebrated ts d ann versary f rst

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Vol. 1 Issue 1

Lordy Lordy!

A who’s who of the island raise money for expats

Page 3

Ring any bells? Rocker’s villa going for a song on Mallorca

Page 4

Dirty dozen

The OP’s roundup of Spain’s most corrupt politicians

Page 6

Best in world?

Editor Jon Clarke reviews Spain’s alleged best restaurant

Page 28

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Listen up Expat bar owners protest over draconian sound limiters stopping music quieter than a vacuum cleaner

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‘THEY’RE KILLING US’: Singer Steffi (right) and bar owners fear for the future marched down to Calvia town hall to petition the mayor, where they were met by Guardia Civil, police and a TV crew. They plan to return at 3.30pm today (Thursday), when the councillors discuss the new limiters, in the hope they can change their minds. If unsuccessful, all venues around Calvia will be ordered to install the limiters through the same engineering company by May 1. Once installed, the device automatically turns down music if it goes over 62 decibels, described as ‘restaurant conversation or background music’ by industrialnoisecontrol.com. Those going over the limit will face hefty fines, with some allegedly already being fined €6,000. “I already have a limiter that

works fine and I have never had a complaint,” said owner of Stepps, Dave Woodward, 59. Meanwhile, British singer Steffi Lorena, 25, claims the limits are affecting the livelihoods of performers. “It’s impossible to sing within the new limits,” the owner of Santa Ponsa’s Retro bar told the Olive Press. “We opened in February and I was forced to fork out €3,000 on a new limiter and if we have a loud crowd or they start clapping the music goes down and you have to strain to be heard. “It’s got to a point where it is actually damaging performers, it’s not worth it.” Some local singers have devel-

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AROUND 100 island bar owners and entertainers are expect-

ed to stage a silent protest today after being forced to install new €3,000 sound limiters. It comes after Calvia Council imposed draconian new rules, in effect from May 1, in a bid to ‘reduce noise pollution’. But British and Spanish business owners say the new laws are ‘killing’ the party hotspot and are ‘prejudicing’ live music and karaoke venues. The new limit is - incredibly the level of an air conditioning unit at 100 feet and less than a vacuum cleaner. “This could put us out of business, it’s unreal,” Fennigan’s bar owner Mick Cormican, 55, told the Olive Press. “A car going by is louder than the limit, it’s particularly prejudicial to live music and karaoke bars as they simply cannot perform within the sound limit.” A collective of 20 business owners and entertainers yesterday

April 27th - May 10th 2017

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oped nodules, making them unable to perform. “It’s affecting our work and health,” she added, “It could prevent us singing.” During a meeting of 100 business owners and performers, attended by the Olive Press, the group blasted the council for ‘giving in’ to tourists who come to the party areas for a quiet holiday. “The council are protecting the wrong people,” one exclaimed, “They are protecting two Brits who come for a quiet holiday and complain about the noise, it’s a disgrace!” One bar owner, on the island for 15 years, claimed the council is being manipulated by hotels and clubs who want to drive business away from the bars. “The new rules are twisting the spirit of EU rules, and instead of helping us, they are punishing us,” he said. “We will be forced to keep noise levels lower than in the industrial areas… the rules are impossible to comply with and we fear police are likely to fine anyone who fights back!” He alleged that clubs sell tickets from stands without the correct licenses but that the authorities look the other way. “The council knows that the sale stands from the clubs break the rules as they use secondary licenses known as ‘Licencia complementaria’ when the primary license operating the business is closed,” he added. Opinion Page 6

ists pride themselves on understanding the needs of our discerning readership. We also promise to ensure that our editorial takes up, at least, half of the paper and we will not jam it full of adverts, particularly of a sexual nature. Finally, we would like to thank everyone for making us feel so welcome from the moment we arrived. We now clearly understand why Mallorca is leading the way in Spain for property and tourism and why so many celebrities and dignitaries visit the island and make it their home. The incredible scenery, great local food, cosmopolitan feel, accompanied by the warmth of the locals makes it truly unique. It’s safe to say, we will be sticking around!

IdyllIc: local coast

COLLECTABLE: First issue

(Free or paid for) April 26th - May 9th 2018

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A YEAR ago this week, the Olive Press’ boat first steamed into Mallorca.

Coinciding appropriately with the island’s celebrated boat show, we have not left port since. After more than a decade of growth in southern Spain and Gibraltar, we arrived on

the island to bring the expat community some muchneeded real reporting in English. Whether than be hard-hitting investigations, colourful features or effective local appeals, we have tackled the lot. From campaigning for res-

IT’S WAR! EXCLUSIVE: By Joe Wallen

Protesters planning a new battle against mass tourism amid claims visitor numbers are pushing the island into a ‘precarious state’

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First birthday issue has special 12-page Property Magazine, double page Boat Show special and a dozen exclusive stories and articles

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Vol. 2 Issue 27

Plain sailing all of the way

ANTI-tourism groups are lining up a series of new protests around Mallorca, the Olive Press can reveal. Two local groups, Arran Palcity council took the unprecema and GOB-Mallorca, have dented step this week of banconfirmed plans to organize ning tourist rentals in multia number of demonstrations family homes from July. against the ‘mass touristificaIt is hoped the move will retion’ of the island. duce rental prices and ensure Both groups claim that too enough affordable property many tourists are visiting the remains on the market for Balearics and the unsustainresidents. able numbers are impacting However, Spain’s leader heavily on the lives of the loMariano Rajoy does not cal population. agree, seeing the move as an Their comments fly in the face attack on Mallorca’s valuable of Prime Minister Mariano tourism industry. Rajoy’s recent condemnation Speaking at a PP conference of the Consell, which is set to COMING SOON: Protesters promise in Palma this week, he acsequel to last year’s outbursts introduce new laws reducing cused the President of the the number of holiday rentals but it is most visible in Maga- our territory and condemns Balearics, Francina Armenluf and s’Arenal.” on the island. the working class to misery,” the protest against the Sym- gol, of having a ‘phobia to“Mallorca has a very seri- She confirmed that there a representative wrote at the phony of the Seas, is also wards everything that works concerned about the ‘already ous mass-tourism problem,” would be more protests like time. and that is good for Spain’. a representative from Arran the recent one that welcomed According to the group little saturated islands’. He said she was running Palma told the Olive Press the world’s biggest cruise has changed this year and “The city is becoming a stage ‘government which is dedi-a ship, Symphony of the Seas, rather than somewhere to this week. they have vowed to continue cated to inventing problems “It is completely focused on to the island last month. their ‘war’ against the grow- be lived in by its citizens,” and promoting division and claimed member Margalida partying and there is no prop- There could also be more pro- ing number of visitors. confrontation’. er control,” the spokesperson, tests like the one last summer In 2017, the Balearics, which Sastre. The Balearic government is who asked to remain anony- that saw a tourist bus full of have a population of just over “It is leaving people without yet to respond to his comBritish tourists have its tyres mous, continued. one million, received 13.8m work, degrading their qual- ments. “Too many tourists have no slashed in broad daylight in visitors, a four million in- ity of life - it is an economic The Association of British model that is not socially fair respect and the problem can central Palma. Travel Agents has warned “Mass tourism kills our crease on 2010. be seenUntitled-1.pdf Local political party GOB- or environmentally sustain- holidaymakers to be aware throughout1the16/06/2017 island 15:36 neighbourhoods, able.” destroys Mallorca, which organised of rising ‘tourismaphobia’ in The protests come as Palma Mallorca.

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Rainbow retreat

A MALLORCAN villa is being must have property touted due to its intricateas this summer’s The expansive west of Palma, ‘Villa Chameleon’ in glass design. five exclusive was identified as one opulent Son Vida, Valued at an abodes by the Financialof the world’s top eye-watering Times. name as more €29.5m, it has than half of the gained cial crystal glass building is made its nickwhich contains the house to LED lighting, of a speallowing The luxuriouschange colour. development guesthouse contains ten and its own bedrooms, a that sunbathing ‘wellness centre’ for when all It is being sold gets too much. by www.engelvoelkers.com

Boom at a price

HE Balearics were the most region for foreign popular crash. buyers last year, figures have revealed. new Brits still More than 460,000 make up tered in Spain sales were regis- the foreign market the largest percentage of And now, as a result of at 15%, with Spain’s ingly doing little accounting for last year, with foreign nationals Brexit seem- erty market, the International booming prop13% of purchases. has raised the The numbers to put off investors. Monetary Fund The total number of properties area for foreignfound that the most popular forecast in 2018 country’s economic growth year was the to 2.08% - giving buyers in highest number bought last ic Islands, strongest economic Spain the since 2008’s followed by theSpain is the Balear- It was also reportedgrowth in the Eurozone. and Malaga. Canaries, Alicante MALLORCA that on-going uncertainty in political erty boom is enjoying a mini propSpanish marketCatalunya had not affected shortage of this year, despite a approved than in 2017 the as much as predicted. developable family-sized but more cording to the land, ac- The houses. nary locals “I don’t think Association veyors and Architects. of Sur- ing number of townhouses the market. are being priced out of needs to worry one planning permission gain- Furthermore, Planning permission too much about also in- construction he highlighted awarded to has been creased. erty market inthe propover 400 properties However, Association costs in Mallorcathat the first quarter Barcelomain in Daniel na,” said a spokesman reof the year, Tur has warned President other high when compared than any time more from to the Balearic islands Registradores, Significantly in the last few years. must be done to ensurethat more this could which published also put off and that that the out a change in there has also been boom benefits all Malloquins. the those withcash to burn. figures. constructed,the type of properties Tur explained that the “Barcelona will price of land One suggestion by with fewer on the island local firm Prochalets scarcity, was still inba is an exciting city still be meaning that high due to ings withto construct taller builda holiday flat to own many ordimore floors. in, with fantastic culture and entertainment combined with sun and fabulous beaches.”

taurants in Santa Catalina to appealing for urgent blood donors for plucky expat Serena, we have certainly had some success. Dozens of our exclusive stories have made headlines abroad, while we have continued to expose a continuing tide of plastic and raise ‘awareness on water’ shortages. Aside from that we have helped reunite a Norwegian father with his daughter held captive in Oslo, and questioned bizarre island zoning laws… all thanks to having a team of excellent journalists based on the island. Meanwhile, the response to our product has been overwhelming, with advertisers flooding in to partner with what has become the island’s most popular expat read. So as another year beckons, we would like to thank everyone in Mallorca for welcoming us with open arms. We vow to continue bringing exclusive and original content every issue. We promise you that. If you have a story or want to see your advert in the Olive Press, email newsdesk@theolivep ress. es or sales@theolivepress.es

AHOY!: Publisher Jon Clarke and News Editor Laurence Dollimore with first issue

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Foreign buyers continue to pour into Mallorca, while Brits make up foreign marketthe biggest in Spain, writes Gillian Keller

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PROTESTERS have taken to the streets as the fight for Palma’s terraces continues. Dozens of angry restaurateurs gathered on Calle Blanquerna to voice their disapproval of new terrace rules, which could see around 500 terraces affected. Under new rules, pavements will have to be a minimum of 2.5 metres free of any leaving obstructions, little space for tables. It could mean dozens of expat owners - the majority in Santa Catalina will no longer being able to serve clients outside their premises. Protesters argue that the street has 'more than reasonable space for both pedestrians and the terraces’. have dimensions “The current not caused any problems before," said a spokesman for a new group opposed to the plans We All Fit in Palma. A petition has so far garnered

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A BRITISH expat has been told her mixed race son ‘didn’t look enough like her’ while attempting to renew his NIE identity document. Suzanna Dave, 45, ‘burst into tears’ as she left Torre del Mar police station after a civil servant repeatedly said she ‘didn’t believe’ her son was hers. The alleged discrimination has shaken the mother, who is now planning an official denuncia over the incident.

Hated

“It was so upsetting,” Suzanne, from Cheshire, told the Olive Press. “This woman just had it in for us, it was either because of the colour of my son’s skin or the fact that he looks Spanish and I’m a ‘guiri’, maybe she hated the idea I had married a Spanish man.” Son Arun, 16, who speaks fluent Spanish has lived here for 13 years. His father Sam, who works as a chemical engineer in the UK, is Indian. The problems started when Suzanne and Arun, who is in

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He d Not enough Br t sh expat Suzanna Dave was shocked and saddened when a horr b e Span sh c v ser stars vant refused to g ve her m xed race son an N E

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W As he summe hea ed up so d d he d ama as we exc us ve y e vea ed how We sh expa Rhys W ams had a eged y scammed expa s ou o €6 m on The s o y was sp ashed n he Da y Ma s Money Ma We a so evea ed how a B sh am y we e a acked by a monkey n a popu a zoo and how an ndu gen g ass wa on he A 7 des gned A o keep ou no se o wea hy p ope y owne s U O % O AC A was k ng b ds wh ch kep fly ng n o A WO H We a so sounded he GONE mm a a m o ou eade s ha APE a dange ous UK paedo Faces of hope ph e was ook ng o move o he Cos a de So a e se ng up soc a me d a accoun s w h nks D o eenage s We a so p n ed a doub e page a on he Flying into pp cghu eospec m g an s a trouble M m v ng o Spa n and n Ma o ca exc us ve y e vea e4d he Obamas we e p ann ng ano he p o he s and W

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Don’t miss our annual pull-out travel guide on Sotogrande, packed with features, restaurant tips plus an exclusive peek at Spain’s first inland private beach, SEE PAGE 17

R PICTURESQUE: La Reserva Beach

in its don’t want to be spotted. for its polo, golf and sailESPLENDENT in its beauty, secluded million- Internationally renowned exclusiveness, Sotogrande is one to boast ing, as well as burgeoning gastronomic scene, this residents has all aire’s playground that doesn’t like ‘mini Monaco’ of high net worth about it. of a cosmopolitan resort but without all, it’s in a whis- the hallmarks and bling, as we discover on a trip If wealth and fame is spoken of at it, appropri- the brashness per. In Sotogrande they like to keep around the hotspots. place for golfers, polo players, ately, ‘sotto voce’. about however, “It’s a wonderful 74, What it does have a right to brag beaches and and people with boats,” explains Paul Martin, is its low-density living, its stunning marina and who moved to the privileged enclave from Bristol mountain backdrops, plus its amazing in 1988. in England in 1986 and golf courses. ‘super- “After two dull summersmust be a better climate Spain’s largest privately-owned residential of European 1987, I thought therechasing the sunshine that was state’ is a second home for the cream the Rock of Gi- than this! So it the character of Sotogrande is high society. Its privileged views to are enjoyed brought me, but as I had planned to begin here stay, braltar and the Rif mountains of Africa the British royal what made me by the likes of ex-UK PM Tony Blair,celebrities, who and venture out into the countryside.” But you would be mistaken family and countless European for thinking that the residents are unapologetic in their privilege and wealth but on the contrary. Sotogrande is different to other ‘celebrity’ resorts: wealthy, yes but pretentious definitely not. Community is such a strong theme in Sotogrande it almost outshines the summer sun, as 63-year-old Jane Waterhouse from Ascot confirms. “What makes Sotogrande different from anywhere else is that it’s a community, rather than a holiday destination. Continues on next page

LEAFY: The marina gardens and (above)

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We revea ed how an exp os ve fire n Man va may have been a d stract on tact c for drug traffickers after a 4x4 was found dumped on the beach the fo ow ng morn ng And as the temperature soared we set off to Ec a the fry ng pan of Spa n on beha f of the London Even ng Standard to d scover f ts n ckname s a t s crack ed up to be We a so first revea ed the p ght of Br t sh bus nessman Robert Mansfie d who was thrown nto a ce w th ter ror sts after an A rbnb apartment he was rent ng n La L nea was unbeknownst to h m found to be a drugs stash The story was p cked up by severa Br t sh nat on a s nc ud ng the Da y M rror and the Metro n another c ass c OP st ng we a so exposed a Br t sh expat who was offer ng five star Tr padv sor rev ews n return for cash Voted

UP to one in three reviews on TripAdvisor is fake, a new investigation has found. An analysis of tens of thousands of reviews shows toprated B&Bs have almost twice as many ‘fake’ reviews as lowerranked accommodation. The Times caught restaurants trying to buy 5-star reviews, as well as negative reviews of rivals. It comes after the Olive Press exposed a series of Spanish businesses paying for dozens of fake five-star reviews in a bid to increase their rankings.

Victims

Despite TripAdvisor stepping in to investigate, the Times probe insisted enough was not being done to stop the bogus reviews. Another recent study found that almost nine in ten businesses have been victims of negative reviews. Consumer groups say fake reviews are a growing problem and it is believed almost €16 billion a year is spent on travel and hotels following reviews.

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September 27th - October 10th Vol. 2 Issue 38 www.theolivepress.es

9 Lives

2018

EXCLUSIVE By Laurence Dollimore

By Laurence Dollimore

DRUG trafficking gangs may have been behind a huge Costa del Sol fire. Police have not yet ruled out the idea that brazen smugglers may have set ablaze to Manilva in a bid to divert attention from a huge marijuana haul. The theory comes after a grey 4x4 was dragged out of the sea on a nearby beach the very next morning. “It’s a well known tactic and has been done elsewhere before,” foreign British councillor for Manilva Dean Tyler Shelton told the Olive Press, “although it is just a line of inquiry for the moment.” The grey vehicle is typical of drug gangs and is believed to have been dumped in the sea after its engine failed. The fire started at around 1.30am on Sunday night, while the Manilva feria was celebrating its end with a fireworks display.

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smoke screen for the drug smugglers. Rumours had circulated that the fireworks may have been to blame for the blaze, but these were quickly squashed given that the fire started around 6km away from the display.

More than 40 firefighters tackled the fires in the area of Los Hidalgos, Hacienda Guadalupe and El Goleto residential developments and campsites in the Duquesa area. The mayor described the event as a ‘night of confusion’, and thanked

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Sink it in the pink! NEARLY two dozen pink rubbish bins have been scattered around Palma to raise awareness for breast cancer. For every kilo of glass collected from the 20 pink glass recycling bins, Ecovidrio will donate €1 to breast cancer research through the Sandra Ibarra foundation. Ecovidrio is the nonprofit company responsible for recycling Spain's glass waste. Palma joins cities, including Barcelona and Sevilla, which are raising awareness and funds with over 250 pink bins nationwide.

No master of trickery THE leader of the opposition will not be investigated over allegations his master’s degree was falsely obtained. The Supreme Court will not probe PP boss Pablo Casado (below) after he admitted that Madrid’s Rey Juan Carlos university waived 18 out of 22 of his regional law assignments. While he admitted it was ‘favourable treatment,’ he insisted it did not to amount criminal activity. The court agreed. The PP party has now, in turn, called for PSOE Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to resign over claims his doctoral thesis was part written by someone else. Two ministers, Cristina Cifuentes and Health Minister Carmen Montón, have already resigned over degree scandals this year.

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T least ten people have died in the worst flooding Mallorca has seen in a century. A British couple, a Dutchman and a nine-year-old boy are confirmed as being among the dead, while another lad, 5, is also feared to have died. The island has been declared a disaster zone by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, while three days of mourning have been

r-old boy and British Ten dead including a nine-yea for a century couple in worst flooding in Mallorca

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A French expat deta ed the horr fic myste r ous sp der b te she rece ved at a popu ar naut ca c ub wh ch saw her eg beg n to rot Then came the b b ca floods some of the worst ever seen n Ronda and Ma aga Roman baths homes and br dges were de stroyed cars were carr ed for m es by fast mov ng rap ds and trag ca y a fireman Around the wor d was k ed On a more pos t ve note we aunched our expat heroes sect on a showcase to the great and the good done by Br ts and oth er nat ona t es v ng n Spa n

THIS is the moment a comet fragment turned into a fireball over Andalucia at the weekend. A piece of the Encke comet entered Earth’s atmosphere at more than 100,000km/hr. According to the Astrohita Foundation, the fireball was visible from 400km away and was detected by observatories in Granada and Sevilla. The fragment extinguished around 63 kilometers above the municipality of Pueblo Blanco in Almeria. Astrohita said ‘the luminosity was so unusually high that nighttime in the southeast of Spain turned into day for an instant.’

LIT UP: Comet fragment

A RECORD 30 million tourists will travel to Andalucia this year - despite a significant drop in British visitors. According to Junta boss Susana Diaz, British hotel stays are expected to have dropped by 2.9% this year, while Spanish visitors increased by 1.5% and other nationalities by 0.4%. Diaz stressed that the British market was still the most important while visiting the World Travel Market in London. “We need to reinforce the appeal of Andalucia in the UK, especially taking into account that 24% of foreign tourism in the region is of British origin, which represents almost 10% of our total tourism.” Brits have been turning to rival destinations like Turkey, Egypt and Greece, which have been able to offer more competitive prices.

Stars from Anne Hathaway to Jodie Whittaker keep visiting Ronda, find out why in our travel supplement inside

New Andalucia Rough Guide See inside

READY: Sierra Nevada slopes

McGough, 60, was left destitute after it emerged she didn’t have insurance on the property by the Arabic Baths, in the heart of the historic old town. She had been unsure where to turn when she was left with ‘only the clothes on her back’ after the Rio Guadalevin flooded her home ‘almost up to the roof’ a

EXCLUSIVE By Elisa Menendez

fortnight ago. Everything inside was ruined, after an ancient wall of the 14th century baths collapsed. She was forced to throw out most of her furniture, with the Ronda town hall merely offering her a skip. “Everybody has been amazing,” said the Dubliner, “there’s still good people in the world. “Thank you so much to the Olive Press and everyone who has helped.” Following the appeal, numerous expats got in touch to help Trish clear out her home and offered blankets and clothes. One expat visited the retiree over the weekend to help tidy up the house and drove a number of salvaged belongings to Trish’s friend’s house, where the Dubliner is tempo-

SPAIN’S government has declared areas of Malaga, Sevilla and Cadiz as disaster zones following last month’s flash floods. It comes as hundreds of residents are still struggling to get in and out of areas like Forest Hills in Estepona, after access roads were destroyed. According to the Insurance Compensation Consortium, there is set to be more than 5,200 claims spread across Malaga alone, with more than €32 million in damages in-

‘

NICE promenades, good wine, excellent food and nothing to do…’ Thus Ernest Hemingway wrote off the town where he spent numerous holidays drinking the local wine and carousing at corridas, no doubt disappointing many of Ronda’s proud residents with his puzzlingly lacklustre review. Most of today’s travellers - including Britain’s last two prime ministers and an American First Lady - would certainly disagree with him. Ronda has been crowned Andalucia’s third most-visited town and it’s not hard to see why. The so-called ‘City of Dreams’ is a true wanderlust gem and somewhat of a celebrity hang-out. This year alone, Theresa May, Anne Hathaway, Ricky Gervais, Jodie Whittaker, Gordon Ramsay, Kristin Scott Thomas and Spain’s ex-premier Mariano Rajoy have all allegedly visited the stunning mountain town... so say locals in the know.

Obama

Michelle Obama also made headlines when she visited in 2010, touring the old town and discovering the Moorish dynasty with her daughter Sasha. Celebrity chef Jean Christophe Novelli went house hunting in the town after falling in love with it in 2009. With its spectacular high sierra setting, leafy parks, cobbled lanes and atmospheric ventas it’s no wonder Ronda has stolen the hearts of so many travellers. Over the centuries a slew of writers have waxed lyrical about its timeless character, stunning views and charming locals. The German poet Rilke baptised it the ‘City of Dreams’, Orson Welles took a shine to its bullfighting scene and Continues on Page 18

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THE Olive Press is giving away three pairs of tickets for two certs on the Costa del Solof the best conAnd all you have to do is this summer... answer two simple questions! Michael Bolton takes to the stage for an emotive end of season night Puente Romano on August at Marbella’s 10, while Estepona is set for its biggest rock concert in years with mammoth

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tribute bands Think Floyd, Whole Lotta Led rocking Deeper Purple and out the greatest hits of Pink Floyd, Deep Purple at the Plaza del Toros on and Led Zeppelin For a chance to win a August 26. Bolton, just answer the pair of tickets to see was Michael Bolton born question; what year For the Pink Purple Zep in? Fest in Estepona, just tell us; Where was Jimmy Page born? Email answers to the newsdesk@theolivepress.es.

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Vol. 11 Issue 271

Doctors and dentists join Olive Press appeal for ban on dangerous painkiller Nolotil

THE Olive Press is calling on Spain to ban a lethal painkiller that is killing countless of unsuspecting expats. British dentists and doctors are supporting the ban ter Briton Graham Ward, afcomplained to the Olive 75, Press of how he was prescribed the deadly Nolotil drug by tist last week. It’s thea denone month to knock down very Dr Nina King, of Oasis same drug that was Dental Care in Marbella, only property (pictured their blamed the campaign, telling the fully supports for killing his wife in 2006. Olive Press the drug is not In a court order seen above). she prescribes. by the something The Marbella-based Olive Press, the Wards “It’s not a drug I use, I stick was furious when he wasexpat warned they will be held are told she said, “And after seeing to safe and standard medication,” to take the painkiller nally responsible if they crimiwhat damage it can do, I won’t be using in the it’s a drug Spanish dentist, after by his “I don’t know what to refuse. sufferMarbella-based privatefuture.” ing from a difficult abscess. more, I’m at the enddo anyAlmeda also agrees the doctor Dra. Victoria María Chacón His wife Mary, 59, had tether” Gill told the Olive of my died afthe drug,” she told the drug is dangerous. “I don’t prescribe Press, ter being prescribed the “I’m totally exhausted from tients and I am aware ofOlive Press, “I have lots of British pathe drug following a double same whole ordeal.” vasec“There needs to be a lot what it is capable of doing. tomy at Costa del Sol Hospital. more research on its impact.” The retired pair, who have “Within 24 hours she spent thousands of euros now in intensive care, her was doctor to get a gal costs, bought the old on lewhite blood cell count plummeted The dad-of-two renewal in April, house ‘in ruins’ in 2004,farmto zero within days,” explains later died from tests showed the were given permission and Graham, a former computer septic shock – drug had caused Velez-Malaga town hall from HAPPIER TIMES: Graham to retechnician, from London. believed to be a toxic poisoning build it. with wife, and Billy She never regained conscious- again. Smyth linked to taking in his bone marBut when the original wall ness and was on a life support “He the Nolotil. Metamizole, row and his lapsed of its own accord colmachine for FOUR months, she said she would be alive if in the US, theNolotil is banned blood cell white Another construction, the Wards’during BritUK, Ireland and was hadn’t taken it, but I have before spending three ish expat Hugh most of Europe, dangerously tect told them it would archiheard fighting the impact years and from dozens of Brits scribed widely but it is pre- Billy, a low. Wilcox was preand that he would let thebe fine of the keen in Spain. Irish who have been given drug, which led to organ scribed the same Irishman sportsman, develhall know. Unfortunatelytown William fail- it,” added Graeme. ‘Billy’ oped ure. for medication Smyth was sepsis for It is the third victim “The chief surgeon at the of the course of thegiven a five-day necrotising and mild Continues on Page shoulder drug fasci8 drug in Februpital promised me he hos- portedthe Olive Press has re- ary. pain on the Costa itis as a result and on in under a year. never prescribe that would Sometimes del Sol. But when the 66-year-old required ‘radical surgery’ drug known also as turned reto He developed severe head to a different Spanish remove the affected tissue in an attempt to save his life. Continues

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A BRITISH expat couple are fighting to save their home from demolition Malaga over a technicality. Gill and Bob Ward, both 74, have been locked in a with their town hall, battle which claims their house in Almayate is illegal. Just yesterday the retired ple from Cornwall were cougiven

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Irish tourists. Expats in Spain will now be administered Nolotil on a short term prescription only. Furthermore it can only be prescribed after a detailed analysis of CAMPAIGN: Previous SALE issue 59 the patient’s medical hisdespite various side effects,Mosquito tory and heritage. Screenswhich It will also have to be can cause a rapid drop in white blood much more closely mon- cells, leaving patients unable to fight infections. Medical translator, Cristina itored. It comes after an Olive Garcia del Campo, who has pulled toPress investigation into gether hundreds of case studies from the mysterious deaths victims for the AEMPS’ probe, said she was ‘very happy’ the authorities of expats from have finally reacted. Folthe drug was lowing the results of her See page 43 launched KILL THE rigorous investigation she in 2016, DRUG has now demanded that along with a the drug must not be sold 1,000-strong without a prescription and a depetition to have it regutailed patient analysis. lated a year later. Nolotil, also known as “I am very happy that the problem has Metamizole, is banned in been dealt with,” she told the Olive the UK, the US and most Press. “I will be making sure that the AEMPS recommendations are carof Europe. Despite this, the drug is ried out and if necessary make sure it’s still one of the most pop- banned completely.” The Olive Press ular painkillers in Spain, began investigating after a trio of expat families told us how their relatives had died unnecessarCASHBACK ON ily in excruciating pain, after taking the drug in Andalucia. YOUR HOUSE In April, the paper revealed the first steps towards regulation had been taken, with Marina Salud, a big health network in Alicante, issuing a warning to PAYBACK WHEN stop administering the drug to British, Irish and Scandinavian YOU SELL patients.

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The ast month*Offerof 2018 brought some unexpected drama to ends 30/11/18. Not valid for renewals. Subject to conditions. the Span sh po t ca scene when Susana D az ca ed for a snap e ect on n Anda uc a and u t mate y ost Most concern ng y E S A K MEN A far r ght Vox party ga ned 11% 2/8/1of 8 17:01 HEA H A the vote 12 seats the pre ude to a new r ght w ng coa t on that w end 36 years of soc a st ru e We a so unpacked menta hea th fo ow ng the trag c su c de of Br t sh teen R chard F tzs m mons who threw h mse f off the E Corte ng es n Marbe a n Ma orca we exc us ve y re vea ed how a forestry nvest ment firm may have ost tens of m ons of euros n expats nvestments FEATURE

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COLLECTION of teddy bears, flowers and delicately handwritten notes decorate the wall of a busy department store. It’s hard to believe that one month a teenage boy took his own life by jumping ago from the fourth floor of El Corte Ingles in Puerto Banus, in an apparent suicide pact with his girlfriend. The untimely death of 16-year-old Brit Fitzsimmons and the circumstances Richard that surround it have rocked the coast and united many in grief. But the incident has encouraged many action by raising awareness about to take health in teenagers and, above all, try mental to break down the stigma that engulfs it. Aloha College, the private school Richard and his girlfriend, 14, attended, quickly activated a plan following his death and brought in a psychologist to talk to pupils. It also emails advising parents to talk with circulated their children about what had happened. In an open letter, the college described ‘wonderful boy’ and offered their sincerehim as a condolences to his family. In 2017 there were 177 suicides among 15 to Olive Press. “Aloha College continues to be focussed on the 19-year-olds, compared with 110 in 2010 - fig- Dr Hallin, who wellbeing of its pupils, to help them through owns mental health centres in this ures which have risen almost every year, accord- Marbella, Sotogrande, difficult time. He will be warmly remembered, ing to the UK Office of National Statistics. Malaga, Gibraltar and Cadiz, believes the surge and sorely missed.” Depression and bipolar are the most common flection of a pressurised, in depression is a reAlthough it is unknown what tragically causes of suicide globally, stressed society and youngsters to suicide, unfortunately drove the stance abuse, schizophrenia followed by sub- suicide is a consequence of ill-treated mental their story and anxiety disor- health. is not an unusual one. ders, says Marbella-based child psychologist Dr “The Spanish mental health system Suicide is the second leading cause is problemof death in Alejandra Hallin. atic, unless young people aged between 15 to 29 in Spain, While Samaritans in Spain volunteer, Jilly Hodg- - that’s a you are dying they won’t see you following tumours, reveal national statistics. luxury they cannot afford. They don’t es, says exam pressure, gender And growing numbers of teens killing have enough resources. them- issues and feeling like an outselves in the UK are sparking fresh “We have to start valuing our cast are the main reasons over the mental health crisis in young concerns teens call the Costa del expat mental health and invest in it. Sol helppeople in Another general. When there’s diabetes in the line feeling suicidal. “Some have a lack of friends, important factor family, you’re more aware of what you eat. It should be the or are unhappy having left their same for mental illnesses, it’s that is very friends in the UK, or feel like an genetic.” outsider especially in Spanish damaging is the The doctor also adds that exspeaking schools,” the Costa del Sol-based Samaritan tells language we use pats are one of the groups most at risk. the Olive Press. Moving to another country, she Despite great advances in meninsists, tal health awareness in recent years, why do so cause of depression, asis the second biggest many still suffer in silence? foreigners do not have the same support network. Dr Hallin says the main problem with it is still considered taboo, despite it suicide is Another important factor that is incredibly damsecond leading cause of death in the being the aging - reflecting societal views on mental illness world. and suicide - is the language we use. “There are so many programmes and teaching you what to do when someoneadverts Supposed ‘throw away’ everyday terms such heart attack or stroke, but there’s nothing has a as ‘I just wanted to kill myself’ are loaded comsuicide,” the Harvard University doctor about ments for people who have thought about killing told the themselves, or for those who have been through

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the trauma of losing someone to suicide. Along with ‘I’m depressed’ or ‘he/she ter’ are phrases that have become the is a nutnorm but unknowingly increase stigma. “Someone who is feeling low and someone is clinically depressed are not the same who says Dr Hallin, “if you feel better after thing,” or socialising, it is a passing emotion, exercise it is not a clinical illness.” Social media has also shown to cause psychological stress. Many have blamed sites like Instagram Facebook for the surge in teen self-harming and and suicide. And it isn’t difficult to see why. Pages and forums dedicated to self-harming, ‘suicide games’, or eating disorders - where thousands for hiding signs from family members share tips - offer outlets for teenagers to feel part of a dark online community. Although they offer a place of refuge for many to normalise their feelings, these pages encourage dangerous self-destructive behaviour. It comes after a recent Children’s Survey report found that more than 100,000 children aged 14 in the UK are self-harming, with one in four teenage girls deliberately hurting themselves this year. The charity found that nearly a quarter dren aged 10-17 said they continuouslyof chiljokes or comments about other people’s heard bodies or looks. The Olive Press has found numerous and easily accessible Instagram pagesalarming dedicated to self-harming. Graphic images of deep wounds bleeding into sinks, hundreds of scars brandishing a girl’s wrist and piles of razor blades are of the shocking pictures discovered just some during the investigation. A pro-anorexia site promotes itself as a ‘diet and lifestyle programme for beginners’ and even offers the option to subscribe. It also sends tips on how to suppress gives recommendations of dangerous hunger, and even gives advice on how to hide diet pills vomit. It’s incredibly harrowing and sad reading.

olive press online

A campaigning, community newspaper, the Olive Press represents the huge expatriate community with an estimated readership, including in Spain of more than 500,000 people a month. the websites,

THE all but confirmed departure of the PSOE from the Junta is a chance for leaders in Andalucia to finally root out the corruption which has plagued this region for decades. Spain’s most southern autonomous has so much to offer and has great community it has not been given the chance overpotential, but years thanks to self-serving leaders the past 30 about nothing more than lining their ownwho cared It is time for leaders to address the REAL pockets. of the people and to start actually doing concerns their jobs. If current leader Susana Diaz had effort to stamp out corrupt practices made a real she would have held onto her job, butthen perhaps ignore the rumbling discontent amongshe chose to and arrogantly called a snap election the people thinking the voters would never turn right - she thought wrong.

902 123 282

November 7th - November 20th 2018

Andalucia’s city in the mountains is a hot ticket for world leaders and their wives despite Hemingway’s lukewarm words, writes Elisa Menendez

NOLOTIL VICTORY

Bizarre

902 123 282

November 7th - November 20th 2018

errania de Ronda

www.theolivepress.es

‘You’re killing us!’

However, her heartfelt messages had a cruel, bizarre twist, when her British-Brazilian boyfriend Richard Fitzsimons managed to take his life off the top of the Corte Ingles department store, while she miraculously survived. THE UK government is drafting It came as a hero security in guard British expats as recruitment somehow managed to grab the girl reach an all time low. numbers before she was able to plunge The to her Ministry of Defence has andeath after her lover. nounced that foreign nationals a tragically sad incident - that willhas now be allowed to join the TRISH: AndIn wrecked home shocked the coast and made British head- army, even if they have lines around the world - the teenagnever lived in the country. A LETHAL wireer,the building. rarily staying. painkiller believed to be rewho we are not naming forPreviously, legal sponsible prospective retiree had been requiring strugMeanwhile an electrician Thereasons, for thesoldiers deaths is now serious from thepats Commonwealth hadof dozens of exis finally being regulated friend has offered to help re- gling to clear the house afin Spain. to have lived in which Britain for five Nolotil, ter spraining her wristContinues havthe Olive Press has invespage years. 2 tigated for nearly two years, has been ing fallen during the floods. “Now it needs plastering, TM Under the policy, recruits will be considered for all forces inpainting and the floors all cluding the Royal Navy and the need doing again. There’s RAF, with applications opening flicted upon the province. still a long way to go but in early 2019. The declaration means there will be ‘tar- I’m feeling more enerIt is hoped the changes will lead geted aid’ from Madrid for the areas af- gised,” she added. to an extra 1,350 people joining fected by the floods, in particular in Teba, Trish still needs funds to every year. The UK armed forcCampillos, Ronda and Estepona. restore the house and buy es are short of 8,200 soldiers, The payouts will be exempt from tax. furniture and clothes. sailors and air personnel, a reThe Vice President of the Government, The Olive Press Help Trish port found earlier this year, the Carmen Calvo, voiced solidarity and un- Ronda Go Fund Me page See page 11 worse shortage since 2010. derlined the support and the responsibility has been inundated with If you have become a fully of the Government ‘in these circumstances. donations and has raised fledged citizen in Spain, howevalmost €1,700 so far. er, you won’t be accepted.

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Issue 304

GRAND TOUR-ISTS: Painters tackle the gorge, while (inset) recent visitors Anne Hathaway, Gordon Ramsey, Jodie Whittaker and Ricky Gervais

It comes as temperatures dropped to -1 in Pradollano and -6 in Borreguiles, with inSEEBRITS OUR are still dreaming of a termittent snowfall forecastnew life in Spain despite the ed over the next few weeks. ADVERT issues of Brexit. The resort, which was foundINSIDE (Free or paid for) Spain is the most popular ed in 1964, is one of Europe’s destination FREE for UK residents SEE PAGE 13 Vol. 13 Issue 304 www.theolivepress.es November 7th - November 20th most popular ski resorts and 2018 fantasising of a move overWITH frequented by the likes ofRESERVATION King seas, with 13% of the responFelipe of Spain. dents picking it as their number one choice. Australia and New Zealand ranked joint second in the dream move table, with 12% each. ENVIRONMENTAL groups are taking legal action against the Junta for Other popular moves on the ‘failing to tackle toxic air’ in the Campo de Gibraltar. wish list included USA (10%), Ecologistas en Accion has filed a complaint with the Health Ministry, claimCanada (9%), Italy (7%) and ing nothing has been done to protect citizens from a rise in air pollutants France (6%). caused by the expansion of ‘toxic’ industries in the Bay of Algeciras. According to the green group, more than 10,000 tonnes of dangerous MESSAGES: Left for teenThe data released by AnypolVan.com shows age is a malutants were released into the atmosphere last year. Expat whose house was jor factor in determining the This includes potentially lethal cancer-causing chemical benzene, as well as popularity of a dream move ‘ruined’ in floods says thank other fine particles. abroad. The writ comes as Cadiz province was officially declared to have the you for generous donations worst Young adults prefer countries air quality in Spain. “IT’S a dirty world that I don’t wantmore opportunities for with following an Olive to Press appeal And alarmingly, La Linea, which borders Gibraltar, ranks as the 30th most live in anymore.” lucrative career prospects polluted place in the world in terms of air quality. These were the intended lastand lavish lifestyles. words The shocking stats were revealed in a damning World Health Organisaof a British teen who had embarked The US came out top choice tion report which lists the world’s ‘most contaminated’ on a suicide pact with her 16-yearfor under 34s, with 16% listtowns and cities. TOXIC: Oil refinery old boyfriend in Marbella. ing this as their favourite, fol- plumes black smoke into the Campo Continues page 11 Adding salt to the wound, Cadiz also came bottom in The privately-educated expat, lowed 14, by Australia and then added: “I’m Sorry: To anyone Spain. who has ever loved/known or supported me, thank you, I love you and I will miss you.”

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THE Sierra Nevada is gearing up for the ski season as sub-zero temperatures drop to MINUS six degrees in autumn. More than 100 cannons are being used to set a thick layer of artificial snow across the beginner’s area in Borreguiles and on the El Rio slopes.

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Vol. 13

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COMMUNITY SPIRIT

KIND-HEARTED expats have rallied round an Irish lady, who lost everything after her home was destroyed in the Malaga flash floods. Well-wishers have donated almost €2,000 so far to help Trish McGough following an Olive Press appeal to help her get her Ronda home back to normal.

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November 7th - November 20th 2018

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the authorities for ensuring no one was hurt or injured. Guardia Civil told the Olive Press they could not confirm the cause of the fire and added that INFOCA fire investigators needed at least two more days before arriving to a conclusion. The investigation continues.

MINIMARKET

Ave de Gabriel Roca 4, Palma

Page 42

ABLAZE: Manilva burning while (inset left) recent drug haul and (top right) car pulled from sea

Jamon town

‘He deserves it’

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We map Spain’s love - or hate - for bullfighting

The films you didn’t know were filmed in Andalucia

Racing

Train safety concerns

Pipe ban

Load of bull?

On set

According to reports, several 4x4s were seen racing at high speed from the beach while the hills of Manilva burned. “If drug gangs were behind the blaze, then it’s possible a huge amount of drugs was brought to shore that night,” added Shelton. Some 400 residents had to be evacuated as the fire began encroaching on nearby homes. It took emergency services until 8.30am to get the flames under control, providing the perfect

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Huge Costa del Sol fire that saw 400 people evacuated may have been distraction for huge drug smuggling operation

AN expat mum and daughter have refused to give up their Lives after being Do you know of any businesses cat charity 9 a local Spaniard. selling fake reviews? Or places assaulted by 28, and mum abusing social media or review Aimee Baert,are set to call in sites? Contact newsdesk@theo- Sharon, 54,they were attacked police after livepress.es as they fed stray cats in the around the Pollensa area. the island. 6th - December 19th 2017 Trick advisor page 6 north of snide comments “We’ve hadDecember The South African pair were from locals before but this was A BELGIAN court has releft badly shaken after a local on another level,” continued fused to extradite controverMallorquin accosted them as Aimee, who moved to Malsial rapper Valtonyc back to they gave food to the feral cats lorca five years ago. Spain. near Pollenca’s old town. don’t people y “Unfortunatel aggresThe man ‘turned very The judge refused to comunderstand that we are actualafter the sive’ and started to threaten ply with the order of number From Page 1 the ly helping keep the cats forcing Aimee to step Mallorca musician was senstrays down,” she continued. slot on a well for charges in. to prisonadvice a financial tenced cas-himself andgot He even “We are neutering unsuspectmonsnared “He had me against a wall and which he the to insulting through cats we related station, the of radio many as known the trating me,” have off I had to push him SOME 14 fire bosses archy in his lyrics. ing victims. can.” exinvestigation Alcudia hotel manager told Press name been arrested for allegedly Olive real e inwhose artist, violent comprehensiv a The However, But despite the in Press. and gold. the Olive embezzling €7 million Arenas, Miquel coins loverhisAimee scams that Josep stamps, is involved Magaluf cident, animalposed ‘ROWDY’:public Barry pal funds. “It was very scary and unsetclose his to Belgium in Nathan andexile feline revealed how also friends wentheinto - who has 22We found anonymously, and, for a moment, I recriminals, The Policia Nacionaltling dozen to aafter out up sentenced back be was dined he will and finca wined May her at of worse.” ally feared for the that the Consortium in column. in her mum to be knocked half yearsour the food and a following through A HOTEL feeding cats with to three - who suspect is expose, Aimee and Sharon unnamed The out Bomberos Cadiz took volunteers country Brave the fled enough havingUNBOWED: notFont He eventually for La tow. down jail. down to the UK, where he had insurin the a finca mass early retirementowns tracked himthe nails soon we he is free we and time the pair have been ac- “She’s hard asbut moment he rents out to area and ‘affecting his busiarea, whichclass! and was sellingincoins and ance policies. be “For by deedispoll to name it hashis Vista costed, while looking after won’t be put off, changed definitively free them ’sforHotel Benalmadena and ahesmall cottage. tourists - blasted ness.’ But when their employees Berkshire “although on eBay from the many dozens of stray cats done,” she vowed, antiques thedemolished his lawyer to be saidEnglish must vermin’ de Rey Belgium,”under law of conning ‘bringing more Alarmingly, it is not the first retired early, chiefs siphoned boyfriend mywas quickly found guilty I’ll be taking He Bekaert.prison within three months, a court money from in the payoff the businesses a suspended given Paul week in andcase CONCERNED with me this people has ruled, outs. are demanding of control only due to health reasons. Santa Ponsa sentence things get out Court disfound Superior also Andalucia’s never m Authorities area to Terroris changes to prevent thein the consor“And because he promised again.” the ofterrorism crepancies of Justice ruled that the hoduoonline cons,”isone the ‘new Magainhis daughter permitted. to and from becoming than back go mum no The “There tium’s training courses. tel falls short of its four-star andtheir charity 9 Livesexplained. there is no inciteluf’. fur-town hall British victim set up stoppingthe volved, to us all,Although were paid to a sums happened with has Large case asso“It the exhotel requirement. not an this Ponsa ago. apparently years Santa is The so there developer maintain more than fourBut this TRAIN drivers have denounced ment provide training to Calvia company still using ther than we planned. At a transitional heofis terrorism, with the ciation has met butcorrected, the two victims claiming was later lack of safety measures on the station it's not the end of cess has of a crime acthe world, no evidencealarming no question is coins but other and stamps police and mayor, localcourses, Probing eBay to sell ‘dodgy’ judge ruled that the rectifica-Missing is.” these courses island. to Belgian cording foundathat us-law.” been series in Brighton, has at the end of the line, it demand flat braking unpaid place and his businesses to taken enfrom one have traction three that that would the turning say tion added They It began probing own‘gqtrading’ place. secuHowever, ‘gqtradtheir and he forthe looking ing to improve have one The company began names the liof measurestook ofWhile after as some apartment irregularities been affected after the granting and trains star hotel Meanwhile, gine off as a temporary measure gone missing, a European Arrest Warcats which hading2’. electricity. rity in the resort. innot count. to save and turned caughtsofire does if the it was de- de the electrical substation cence, afterFerroviaris found in of sure be issued 2011 his inoff of grantsengine wereaalso could broken block rant summer he has realised the pretty arescale It comes after to behas 61they “Wefull Serveis apartfrom over appears rules The group building which planning finallytravels to subsidies, risecops believe May, but months later it The nounced a sharp will have torapper problem. bail conditions and24-year-old the Palma thespacruns trouble including also the which a 46 parking Mallorca, pay for private plot for used to ments andthat were hundreds victim. prostiset asidethe countries. whichexposed said one of illegal of safety the norm. “We’ve neutered lack to prison,”other in the numbers go back out Metro, have have also pointed this es. trips. years, hotel only. the is unbelievable.” Pobla artist was constarCosta vendors. four this man The Sa of is of cats nerve generator caught The drivers tutes and street “The Palmabuilding in Son back the wasover that date since have known of the ten routes getlast night should town irregularities to two he original terrorbeThe PGOU tends only The the could insisted to glorifying area issue of the huge According fear a victed Hotels His landlord automatiat that fire. cops believe permis- added planning ignored,” to 2008 block was start. Aimee. was up ism, Ballena', right-wing granted Punta and from the so they have speed stop devices an apartment threatening planaltered come 'the new some trains something approach stothey have as been has “They he was a bit trains Enrique the million thought €7 I brake undermayor least to also and then it traction cally of Magabywomen the contracts and the sion Jorge Campos the “We want the locals permitted not the most rowdy part politician “When we met to sign but it affects two power, len by those at the top. use less breached coffee only forcom-barista to a stop. Earlier this month really working 2001. for mydefamatory being over Bolin indid rules stand we are slippery, I went to pay driver. luf. not oneby making in Palma DOOMED: Costa hotel and braking,” said paying his Spanish brake as were hit when a train meters thebill.” towards keeping andbigger he had left without Demands include more police menumbers tellthe 700 square accelerate ments against “We cannot of months but time after it arrived at a station couple in feeding first trafjust break the not drug for he are paid we against off,” “He down, turned intervention He continued: family in April. had been frozen royal well with one engine a speed stop. 15:36 without told us his account Am- is probthe cats.” Untitled-1.pdf 1 16/06/2017 ficking, street vendors and viosuch aswhich then just stopped. He Organisations continued. investigation, have lent prostitutes, who 'are nightdue to a money laundering International nesty contacting him and acpeople'. told us to stopfor to robbing ly dedicated FRUIT ably true. “He thencampaigned Valtonyc’s growers in the Axaris a work to cused us of harrassment. that arguing ill quia are facing a 60% reducfreedom andit can’t he is seriously using the beach “Now he is claiming tion in water use from the La wall deter drug smugglers from breach of freedom of speech. make payments. Meanwhile Pedro Sanchez’s POLICE officers have formed a human Vinuela reservoir with no sothat the as a drop off zone. Civil, “We’ll see him in court.”socialist government is along a beach in La Linea to ensure lution in sight. A combined police presence of Guardia new as wall went ahead. beach present a to of were decided officers construction has national Junta and C The repealingPage 6 of Nuestra local working towards Opinion would try The wall, between the church limit its use as the reservoir is Safefears grew that drug smugglers Citizen wall perimeter controversial the the and Carmen and M Senora del already at 22.7% capacity hopes to and disrupt the work. ty law dubbed the ‘gag law’. of the fishing port of La Atunara, could drop even lower if the Y dry weather keeps up.

Vol. 12 Issue 297 www.theolivepress.es August 1st - August 14th 2018

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13 13

January 4th - January 17th 2019

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a year! www.theolivepress.es

Smash hits

Olive Press ranked Spain’s leading English news website - and top 200,000 in the world THE Olive Press’ original and in-depth reporting has sent us into the stratosphere. After receiving over ONE million unique visitors over the last two months, we have climbed an incredible 75,000 places globally. According to Alexa.com we are ranked English newspaper in Spain,- by far - the highest sitting at 200,007th place in the world out of over a billion Our amazing year leaves us far higher websites. vals, including Euro Weekly News than any of our ri(EWN), which ranks at just 232,000, and Sur in English spite both being in business for many at 416,000, deThis might have something to do with years longer. portant global sites linking in to our a massive 707 imstories, including the BBC, Fox News and the Daily Mail, compared to just 402 for the EWN. What’s more our readers - who average around 10,000 unique visitors a day - come from a healthy split between Spain, the UK, America and the Scandinavian countries. We are also in the top 10,000 most popular websites in Spain, sitting at an incredible 9,079th place out of more than 2 million websites in Spain, last week. Our readers spend an average of 2.21 minutes on the site and read two stories. Alexa.com is owned by Amazon.com and ranks the most visited websites globally by analysing traffic statistics. Just two years ago the Olive Press ed best expat newspaper in Spainprint edition was votthe world, after a worldwide poll of and second best in 27,000 expats by The Expat Survey Consumer Awards (TESCA).

An NSPCC spokesp

The top five most read stories on www.theolivepress.es in the past two weeks are:

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- One punch killer British tourist

arrested in Spain for killing pensioner on Costa del Sol

(10,157)

- British icon Rod Stewart set to

perform on Spain’s Costa del Sol (8,103)

- MURDER MILE: Nationality of Marbella shooting victim revealed as murder rate surges

(6,706)

- Rise of the right in Andalucia could make life more difficult for British expats, expert warns

(4,378)

- ROCKY ROAD: Drivers narrowly

lling 5-tonne boulder in Andalucia

Visitors: 130,886 Page views: 202,281

avoid fa-

(10,215)

BUSINESS

January 4th - January 17th 2019

www.theolivepress.es

Jan 4th - Jan 17th 2019

Kicking and streaming SPAIN’S Policia Nacional have seized 800 illegal decoders in just three days as part of a clampdown on illicitly broadcasting football. The operation revealed that 60% of venues visited broadcast LaLiga using boxes with private signals in order to escape paying out thousands of euros in annual streaming fees.

Cybercrime

Officers from the Central Cybercrime Unit visited 2,000 bars on December 11, 12 and 13 after a complaint from Spanish football’s top tier. Broadcasting football in public is more expensive than at home, with Orange charging bars €338.80 a month and Vodafone €395.67. A LaLiga team of 100 staff already detected 9,000 illegal emissions of the beautiful game in 2018 following 20,000 visits to public establishments.

CRACKDOWN: On streaming

SKY HIGH: National debt

Thanks a trillion THE NATION’S foreign debt shot over the €2 trillion mark for the first time ever in 2018, according to the Bank of Spain. Data from the financial institution showed that an increase of just €9 million (0.4%) between July and September, tipped Spain over the unwanted milestone. The exact amount, €2.004 trillion, comprises 167.4% of Spanish GDP

and is the second-highest in the euro zone after Italy. An excessive debt imbalance is any figure above 35% of a country’s GDP, according to the European Commission. At the peak of the housing bubble the Spanish state borrowed around €100 million, which was also used to help companies and banks expand.

Flight freeze

Pension perk THE government has confirmed it will scrap automatic pension rises of 0.25% in Spain for the first time in five years. Instead of increasing by a standard minimum amount, in 2019 the benefit will rise by 1.6%, a figure based on the real CPI (Consumer Price Index) of the last 12 months.

Brits abroad could face New Year travel chaos as Madrid airport workers and Ryanair strikes planned AROUND 300 Madrid airport workers are set to strike because it is too cold are placing thousands of British holidaymakers in jeopardy. As New Year arrives, staff from the company Eulen have said they will strike at the Adolfo Suarez Madrid Barajas

PROTESTING: Pensions

Changes

airport until January 21. Their refusal to work began on December 21 and was organised by the union, Alternativa Sindical. Union representatives alleged that security officers who patrol inside and outside the airport have not been paid their promised bonus. The workers group also claimed the ‘law of prevention of occupational hazards’ is being breached as the staff are not being provided with warm clothes for the cold weather ahead. Meanwhile, Ryanair staff in Spain have planned another round of strikes in the new year, calling the airline ‘childish’ and claiming that 1,800 workers are made to suffer. An agreement has still not been reached between the Madrid workers and Eulen, as it is claimed that the company ‘persists in breaches’ over labour and wages. The company claimed the strike was ‘almost imperceptible’, as extra staff were brought in to cover the shortfall. Eulen did however criticise

The rise is set to be effective from February and will cost Spain around €128 million. The changes will be made by Royal Decree and were labelled a ‘measure of extraordinary and urgent necessity’ by the government, who aim to give pensioners their purchasing power back.

Dirty phone calls STRIKES: Across Europe Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s government for ruling that even during a strike, 95% of services must be covered. It comes as Spain saw its overseas visitor numbers drop by 4.9% in July in 2018, compared to the same period in 2017.

This decrease was the biggest in Spain for eight years, although thousands of Brits were expected to flock to the southern European country over the festive period. Brits are still Spain’s biggest tourist market with 18,779,466 visiting in 2017.

The rail deal

SPAIN’S national rail operator has confirmed it will increase regional train fares in 2019. Renfe admitted its regional rates will rise by 3.5%, while Avant train journeys on the AVE tracks will be 7% dearer. The state-owned operator will however freeze Cercanías ticket prices in Spain’s major cities for a fourth straight year. Cercanías, the metropolitan division of Renfe, carried 423.6 million passengers in 2017, while a further 23.6 million used the medium distance trains and 7.65 million used the Avant.

ORANGE and Jazztel head Spain’s league table of telecom spammers, pestering customers with an average 20 sales phone calls per user. Adeces, Spain’s Association for civil, economic and social rights, has slammed the strategy as ‘commercial aggressiveness, excessive and disrespectful’. And their 11th annual Customer Service Report reveals other big differences between phone companies.

Nuisance

Those least likely to stalk users with nuisance calls are Movistar, Pepephone, R and Telecable who call each customer only once. Movistar also heads the rankings for the quality of their customer service - followed by MasMovil and Vodafone - and technical assistance while MasMovil comes top for response time in resolving problems. Adeces recommends phone companies should reduce waiting time and be more transparent with their clients.

www.theolivepress.es

Gangsters Paradise

January 4th - January 17th 2019

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January 4th - January 17th 2019

Despite a record year for drug seizures, business is booming for narco-terrorists while Nordic mafias present a new threat to Spain

DYCO-Costa del Sol isn't an organisation you hear much of. Working in the shadows, the Unit against Drugs and Organised Crime for Malaga province has has been instrumental in bringing down a host of drug traffickers and their counterparts in 2018. In fact, it was a record 12 months for the undercover unit whose intelligence tactics including phone hacking and the analysis of bank accounts - have lead to more than 500 arrests and double 2017’s drugs haul. In 2017 UDYCO helped seize 24 tonnes of drugs in Malaga and last year that tally soared past 40 tonnes. Of 2018’s haul, 30 tonnes of hashish were seized and 10 tonnes of cocaine, with the rest made up of marijuana plants, heroin and other narcotics. UDYCO has cost the illegal drug trafficking economy €100 million in 2018 by disrupting the network with its raids and arrests. But despite being the best year 'in a long time' - with some 500 arrests - Chief Inspector Antonio Rodriguez Puertas believes there is still much work to be done as the activity of drug gangs is increasing and the killing shows no signs of abating. It was a 'particularly violent' year which saw around 25 assassinations or settling of accounts in Malaga province alone. And although at least 60 criminal gangs have been dismantled, with Spanish, Moroccan, Dutch, English and French the most predominate operators on the coast. But like cutting off the head of the Hydra, other gangs are stepping in to replace them. What has been most surprising last year has been the arrival of mafia from the Nordic countries - and every year gangs are joining forces. "We constantly find ourselves with more transnational organisations, meaning members from up to three or four different countries," says Puertas, who reveals that 33% of such groups in Spain are based in Malaga province. For UDYCO it was a 'peculiar' year, as it had to deal with its first cases of 'narco-terrorism' following two bomb explosions in San Pedro de Alcantara and Benahavis, followed by another device which had to be detonated by cops

Marbella. The reasons behind the surge in violence and activity are numerous, according to Chief Inspector Puertas.

Police pressure One reason, he suggested, may be due to the increased arrests and seizures made by police last year. This can cause paranoia and fury among drug bosses, who may fear a leak in the organisation, leading to more bloody reprisals. Additionally if the shipment is intercepted, those responsible for the failure will also likely face deadly repercussions.

Power struggles Often, hits carried out by cartels or gangs are related to turf wars back home. If two Irish gangs are battling for control of an area or are in a violent feud like the Hutch-Kinahan gangs hits can be carried out in Spain where they are based. But according to Olive Press sources, it is the winding down of Irish activity on the coast which has lead to the significant increase in violence. The Irish mafia has suffered from a continued Garda-Spain crackdown in recent years, causing them to focus more on the Middle East and other markets. It is believed to have left somewhat of a power vacuum in southern Spain, leading to increased competition from English, Spanish, Swedish and other mafias who have tried to fill the void.

Campo crackdown The Campo de Gibraltar has long been a hotbed for criminal activity and a reliable hideout for drug traffickers. This has somewhat changed over the past couple of years with the Government in Madrid sending thousands of Guardia Civil officers to the region in a bid to crack down on the rise in mafia activity. Most recently it announced a €1 billion investment plan in the region aimed at creating a in business hub and eliminating organised crime. It has meant that drugrelated activity usually concentrated in trouble spots like Algeciras and San Roque or La Linea has now spilled over to the tourist resorts of Costa del Sol, with safe houses, shipments and assassinations popping up in the likes of Estepona and Marbella.

'Rollovers' POWER VACUUM: More international gangs are pushing there way to the Costa

According to the Chief Inspector, however, the

biggest cause of last year’s intensified violence has been the 'rollovers'. This is when drug traffickers steal shipments or hauls from another gang or refuse to pay for the goods. "At least 70% of the settling of accounts last year are related, in one way or another, to the theft or non-payment of merchandise," explains Puertas. But the Chief Inspector had a stark message for the so-called 'narcos': "Work is being done with much intensity and, sooner or later, all those cases will be answered. "Your destination will be jail,” he warned. “The coast is not, and will not be, a pleasant area for the establishment of these organisations."

BUSTED: Police crackdowns increased in 2018

16 16

PROPERTY

January 4th - January 17th 2019

www.theolivepress.es

Jan 4th - Jan 17th 2019

Razed to the ground ALMOST 20 illegal homes have been destroyed in Malaga province over the past year. The Prosecutor’s Office revealed that 19 were razed in total, with 16 of those voluntarily destroyed by those responsible.

Illegally

But the Environmental Department has admitted that the true number of illegally built residences could be even higher. “Among other reasons, it is because there is no way to control the actual demolitions carried out with the current media,” explained a department spokesperson.

Power to the people

Property law overhaul as communities given power to ban new tourist blocks THE government has granted neighbours powers to limit the expansion of tourist renters in their building. Following the success of rental platforms like Airbnb, the Ministry of Development has used a Royal Decree to curb tourist rental effects on local communities. In a bid to put Spanish citizens first, the government has reduced the required ma-

jority to ban new tourist flats from being built in an area. Previously, a unanimous decision was required from residents, but under the new reforms, groups of residents will only need a majority of three fifths. This will make it easy for communities to limit or apply conditions to tourist rentals in their areas. It will therefore be far easier

THE Balearic Government has lost control of of nearly 5,500 protected low income homes. Homes that were built with with public aid in the 1980s have a 30 year price lock, obligated to sell the houses under market value. Now that the 30 year limit is up on the 5,484 homes, they can be sold to anyone, at any price. There are still 14,568 government subsidized homes around the Balearics locked into under-market prices.

First

SPAIN FIRST: Jose Luis backs new bill for residents groups to bump up the price for tourists renting in their area, as well es-

Miro is back

ICONIC: Miro’s studio

Protected houses

THE art studio built by renowned artist Joan Miró in Palma has been restored and opened to the public. Miró designed the studio with help from friend Josep Lluis Sert, with local terracotta tiles and tall ceilings and skylights, letting in as much natural light as possible. He built his dream studio in 1965 when he was in his 60's, and created many of his masterpieces there until his death in 1983. The artist's workshop was left with unfinished works scattered around, many of which the Miró Foundation have collected and 65 replaced with replicas. The aim of the studio's renovation was to give visitors a sense of the real environment that Miró created and worked in and see his influences first hand.

Keys Isl nd to the

tablishing special quotas. Spanish Minister José Luis Ábalos backed ‘more people who use the common areas paying more’. This Royal Decree of Urgent Measures has also been employed to change Urban Leasing Law so that it no longer covers tourist properties, which instead will be regulated at a regional level. The new measures ‘help the autonomous communities to mitigate the difficulties of control of housing of tourist use and gives more capacity to the communities of owners’, according to Reyes Maroto, Minister of Industry, Trade and Tourism.

From now on though, all new protected houses built with government subsidies can never be sold at market value. The owners must first offer the property back to the government, or sell them to a third party at a stipulated price. New inspections began last year and will continue this year on the more than 14,000 homes still protected and intended for those who need the price break. The inspections will ensure qualified people are in fact living in the low income housing and rented at the stipulated price. The most common infraction found last year was numerous low income homes being rented at high prices for tourist rentals.

By Amanda Butler

What to expect for 2019?

Brexit and potential rental law changes are on the horizon but it’s business as usual, writes Amanda Butler

APPY New Year to one and all! How 2018 has flown by! Thankfully it has been very successful for me from my predominantly British market perspective, for which I am thankful. 2019 is bound to be an interesting year for all of us, those of us living abroad in particular. Sadly, my crystal ball is not quite fully functional so it’s difficult to glimpse a picture of the outcome – will we Brexit, or won’t we?! How this will affect the property market is yet to be seen. There’s been an interesting ruling in the Spanish courts regarding holiday rentals, with a possible precedent set in the Canary Islands. The autonomous government issued a decree in 2015

outlawing holiday rentals inside certain tourist zones, which was challenged by the Competition

Commission for favouring ‘traditional accommodation’, i.e. hotels, considering them to be in

breach of principles set out in the national law for guaranteeing unity of the market. The Balearic

government has said that they believe the cases are different and are not concerned by the court’s decision, where the government has been forced to revise its regulations. Be warned if you are a property investor with an empty property. Town Halls will be able to make a 50% surcharge on all properties that have been empty for more than two years. They are hoping this will encourage owners to make more properties available for rent and drive the prices down. For those following my article – my client came and went just prior to Christmas, fortunately still interested in the plot he had seen a few weeks back, with an offer confirmed. Confirmation of the licence and plans are in process and hopefully moving towards an exchange of contracts. In fact, the year looks to be starting with great promise with several second viewings early this month. Always great to start the year on a positive note! Wishing you all a very happy, healthy, joyful and prosperous New Year!

Contact Amanda J Butler to buy or sell your home: Tel: +34690075169, www.mjcassociates.net. Your professional one stop property shop around the Island!

FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL www.theolivepress.es

Sugar ban

SCHOOLS in the Balearics have threes years to remove sugary drinks and massmade pastries, it has been announced. It comes after it was revealed that one out of every four students in the Balearics is overweight, according to data by the government department of Public Health. The new measures have been introduced in a bid to encourage healthier lifestyles for children and includes vending machines and cafes in public hospitals and health centers. Teachers and students will also receive training to understand the benefits of following a healthy diet.

Top marks SEVEN Mallorquin restaurants have made it into Spain’s top 100. Online booking platform, The Fork, has chosen the best restaurants in the country for their outstanding cuisine, decor and service in 2018. Inca's Ca n'Ignasi, joined six Palma restaurants to claim the honour: Mesón La Rueda, Adrián Quetglas, Vandal Palma, S'Hort, Katagi Blau and La Vieja de Jonay Hernández.

Wine not WINE production in the Balearics has increased by 17% in 2018, new figures have revealed. Last year the islands broke all wine records by producing more than 6 million litres. Just the right amount of rain and sunshine has led to more than 20% more grapes than last year. Some 40% of vineyards in the Balearics produce quality wine with a protected designation of origin status, while 60% make local wine.

BATTLE: In streets

World’s first carnivore holiday pitches up in southern Spain THE world’s first ever carnivore retreat is officially heading to Andalucia this year. 100% Carnivore… and Beyond will take visitors back to the bare bones of our ancestors’ diets, with talks from leading carnivore and paleo medicine experts and doctors in the setting of a plush monastery in the Campo de Gibraltar countryside. The three-day event, in Finca Monasterio in San Martin del Tesorillo, offers the chance for guests to sink their teeth into workshops, private consultations and food tasting. Organised by Dr Lynn Hardy and health consultant Phil

TRANSFORMED: Phil

A FLOUR and egg battle has returned to the streets of Ibi, where locals celebrated a 200year tradition outside the town hall. Every December 28 the Alicante town celebrates the Els Enfarinats festival, where revellers hurl eggs, flour and hundreds of fireworks at each another in a staged battle. The fight is split into two sides, the ‘Enharinados’, or the ‘floured’, and the opposition who try and restore order. In Roman times it was the slaves who took over for a day, but now friends and neighbours wage war on one another.

Escott - both carnivores - the pair hope to encourage others to consider a lifestyle change which also explores emotional balancing, cold thermogenesis and sun exposure. Lifestyle consultant and personal trainer, Escott, 56, found carnivorism after he became seriously ill with psoriatic arthritis and autoimmune conditions, leaving him unable to move without severe pain. Escott, a former vegan, insists it is a ‘total con that we need any fruit or veg’ and claims he was cured after radically changing his eating habits. “It’s not whacky, it’s not an extreme diet, it’s taking us back to the basic food of our ancestors. “I got so many health issues as a vegetarian and vegan. When I dropped the last of the plant matter in my diet, that’s when things cleared up,” added the

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Participants don military uniforms for the food fight, which began again in 1981 as Spain emerged from the dictatorship of General Franco.

Meat-up EXCLUSIVE By Elisa Menendez

STAR: Masterchef

17 17

January 4th - January 17th 2019

Food fight

TWO talented children from the Balearics have won a spot on this season’s Masterchef Junior Spain. Season six will welcome Paula, 10, from Costitx and Jaime, 11, from Ibiza, have already begun to compete for the grand prize of €12,000 and a course at the Ciencias de la Gastronomia Basque Culinary Center. Palma’s Martina Segura was the last Balearen contestant to compete in the show, when she won second place in season Or you need... If you suffer from... two. Jaime is hoping to wow judges • Mobility problems • Help with with his speciality of pizza, while Paula loves making pasta • Pain / Breathlessness washing /dressing but her strength lies in desserts. • Falls

January 4th - January 17th 2019

dad-of-three based in Skelmersdale, in Lancashire. His book Arthritis, The Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me became an Amazon Kindle bestseller and has since set up a Facebook group which has gar-

nered almost 7,500 members. Tickets for 100% Carnivore… and Beyond cost between €132 for a day pass and up to €1,370 for a private suite for the weekend and can be purchased on eventbrite.com

THE Spanish winery made famous for their blue wine has done it again with a new sparkling rosé called Unicorn Tears. Gik is the Basquebased drinks company behind this fabulous bottle of fizz and claim to have made the ‘pinkest rosé that has ever been created’. Rebranding as ‘Gik Live!’ for this release, the firm says its new creation is tears from an ‘actual unicorn’. Gik, who employ chemical engineers to achieve the drink’s bright colours, say their millennial beverage tastes of candy, while its sparkle comes from natural mineral pigments. Bottles of the 12% volume bubbly are available in threes and upwards, with a triple pack retailing for €39 online.

SPARKLES: Pink bubbly

CalleCool 18 18

www.theolivepress.es Voted top expat paper in Spain

the Olive campaigning, community newspaper, in ress represents the huge expatriate community including the pain with an estimated readership, a month. ebsites, of more than 500,000 people

OPINION Absolutely criminal

now leading to OIL refineries and other industries are suggests. more deaths than ever, the latest evidence which places The World Health Organisation report, like DelLa Linea alongside other pollution hotspots who are at hi, will make very scary reading for locals, a higher risk of cancer than most. and San Fert is wrong that towns like Puerto Real the national nando have cancer rates far higher than average in Spain. - even when We do not hold big business to account things need but jeopardy in public health is placed Linea will go to to change. With elections looming, La minds. the polls with the pollution issue on their Prime Minister Andalucia leader Susana Diaz and their sociaPedro Sanchez will need to demonstrate in divestment list principles and show a real interest from fossil fuels.

About time

to painkiller AFTER countless families lost loved ones Nolotil, finally Spain has regulated it. been kept in Victims have had fingers amputated, suffered horriglass-walled solitary confinement and fic illnesses after taking it. Their voices have now been heard. Garcia del In an incredible act of community, Cristina rallied together Campo and expats in Andalucia have listen. authorities to make the Spanish thank you The Olive Press would like to say a huge the countless to Cristina for all her hard work andtell their Nolotil readers who bravely contacted us to stories, which helped us to raise awareness. saved with We are sure many lives have already been

the new regulation. suffeLet’s hope this will be the end of unnecessary ring for tourists and expats. PUBLISHER/ EDITOR Jon Clarke jon@theolivepress.es

SALES Sam Adams (+34) 634 611 836 newsdesk@theolivepress.es sam@theolivepress.es Tel: (+34) 665 798 618

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Tina (+34) 647 078 775 tina@theolivepress.es ADMIN Beatriz Sanllehí (+34) 951 273 575 admin@theolivepress.es OFFICE MANAGER Héctor Santaella (+34) 658 750 424 accounts@theolivepress.es DISTRIBUTION Graham Warters distribution@theolivepress.es

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FEATURE

November 7th - November 20th 2018

Not cool! Not everyone in Madrid’s Lavapies appreciated the neighbourhood being labelled the ‘coolest in the world’, discovers Heather Galloway

felt HE urban bible Time Out may have it was doing the Madrid barrio of Lavapiés a favour last month when naming it the coolest hood in the world, but for the majority of its longterm residents, it was anything but. “What’s happening is not at all cool,” says a member of cultural centre, Tabacalera’s Promoción del Arte team who prefers to remain anonymous. of lot “These kinds of labels do a harm. Flagging it up as trendy means inwhile (above) tourists and that rents go up and there’s anas an NOT FOR SALE: (Left) Sign in Lavapies streets creased police presence as well classes locals stroll along the barrio’s colourful increase in racism because social rebecome polarized. It has pretty negative recovered from the downturn Ahora Madrid, were and havingeconomic crisis, they have now percussions.” at demos-citizen platform during the area and MalaAnother from a recycling art collective went incensed afresh. stance. caught up with the Palacio Lavapiés now Tabacalera’s social space next door It’s not hard to understand their According to idealista, to the world’s coolest area saña. the cenfurther. has the fifth most expensive rents in is ruin- Being elevated “This is exactly the kind of thing that voted. I according to Time Out’s criteria of ‘afford-a ter, trumping areas such as Chamberi and and ing the barrio. I don’t even know who ability’, ‘cool new venues opening’ people Moncloa. So will its new status as the very buzz – ‘This is where mean, who said that? It just depersonalizes multi-cultural cool accelerate its rise? urban of essence the barrio. It’s capitalism run riot.” 15th cen- from near and far live side by side, cooking According to Manolo, one way this could be Since it first came into being in the by those up a bustling cultural life’ – inevitably kills averted is reintroducing five-year term rent in the 2019 tury, Lavapiés has been consideredseedy, no- the goose that lays the golden egg. Tourists the contracts – one of the proposals Iglesias on the ‘right’ side of the city as a streets, flood in along with the well-heeled and budget signed this month by Pablo go area, with its steeply inclinedthe city’s immigrant, artistic and activist communities and incumbent Prime Minister Pedro Sánpoverty and distinction as home to responsible for the label find themselves chez. from an once it – lent Those who originally I stroll up and densest immigrant population from squeezed out. are What comes to mind as of Barea, elsewhere in Spain and more recentlyin be- air of street credibility and authenticity down streets where the mother side Senegal to Shanghai and everywhere forced south to barrios such as Carabanchel once carried laundry from the other de Vallecas. According to Manotween. of the divide to the River center of and Puente In 2004, it made headlines as the who met lo Osuna from the NeighManzanares, is the old adoperations for the 11/M bombers phones bours’ Association La Corrala age about the sow’s ear in La Alhambra restaurant and used Jamal Latina-Rastro-Lavapiés who and the silk purse. However barrio for 50 to trigger the multiple explosions from much real estate investment If this goes on It has lived in the Zougam’s phone shop on Calle Tribulete.ter- years, “I like the label and I companies such as EnfoKawill be the we to turn Lavapiés was, then, touted as a hotbed of Islamic like it. On the one hand, want don’t might rorism, an image that has been conveniently it makes me proud because victim of our own into the next Notting Hill, relegated to history. for so long nobody wanted to there is some way to go begoal. was considered their It Curiously, there was a Muslim community here. meet success come they fore just outhere in medieval times. Situatedfor Jewish dangerous and there were no Despite the presence of the It was thanks side the city walls, it was a refuge Centro Dramático Nacional, the young people. immigrant population and Muslim converts and it is thought the University Library in the feet – on to the and area was called Lavapies – wash the local that there was any life at all. ruins of the Iglesia de las Escuelas account of the cleansing rituals inout of the On the other hand, I don’t like it, becausea hip watering holes such as SalaEquis it into fountain of people coming in and it brings more tourists and turnsmy neigh- mentioned in the Time Out report or La on Calle I once knew 90% of neighborhood. become theme park.I barely know 10%. If this goes Playa de Lavapiés and La Libreof Madrid By the 18th century, Lavapies had bours, now Argumosa,this is still a corner the victim of our own success.” where drunks feel at home and dog ownstrongly working class with the Tabacalera 6,000 on we will be mema around HAPS, is providing do words factory pets cigarette ers turn a blind eye when their the cor- Echoing Manolo’s women and 300 men with jobs whilemuch of ber of Fisidici cooperative, which has a sign their business on the pavement. It is also repair shop that says ‘Laten to a ralas peculiar to the area provided mi- outside its bicycle an area where migrants sleep Podemos se vende’. Commenting on the and the accommodation. Gradually, families of Spain vapiés noperplexed tourists on guided walk- room in shifts and activism gravitate grating to the city from other parts groups of thrive. And while tourists might through the area, HAPS says, “We’re to Airbnbs here, the city’s mayor Manuelaid the foundations for the multi-cultural the same abouts not particular this buzz associated with the area. At with the turning into a zoo! A recreational barrio, curb to hopes la Carmena time Lavapies became synonymous essence somewhere that people work and live. The trend with El Plan Especial de Usos del term castizo, used to describe the of these solution has to be both political and local.a Hospedaje that is set to wipe out around accommodaof us who live here have to put up of hailing from Madrid. But neither tourist Those of kind this of be 95% to attributes were considered at the time tion in the city center. to Arturo fight.” particularly desirable. According A Rebel Since 2010, the immigrant population has She does, however, have something of a to Housy, Barea,the author of The Forging of a laun- dropped from 33 % to 22.6%. The exodus of battle on her hands. According trilogy, who lived with his mother, 1914, was kicked started by the urban plan which manages Airbnbs, more in an enforced refurbish- an agency dress, in the hood between 1905 and of 1997 that subsidized buildings – subsidies flats than ever are being refurbished little sign of old residential “At that time, Lavapiés was the frontier by the area for tourist lets with the world ment of Madrid. It was where the city and the limits that according to Manolo were exploited a slowdown in response to the measure. ended (…). People had christened The New investors. Prices doubled and doubled again, It seems sad but almost inevitable that long conof the barrio, The Americas and neighborhoods like Lavapiés, so subjectworld. World. It was, without doubt, another sidered beyond the pale, are now – or inas far as Civilization and the city reached ended.” ed to a different kind of ‘Injuria’ is cool that. And that was where they both belching sult. Raw and colourful, the barrio here Barea talks of open sewers, smoke streets communities the precisely because the Time from factories and blackened putridfrom the don’t care about being ‘cool’ in as prices and the smell of mule dung rising of which Out sense of the word. Ironically, will leave and central patios of the corralas, all Injurias, communities these up, go Conseearned it the moniker, Barrio de los take their ‘coolness’ with them. to just meaning the Neighborhood of Insults. ethnic quently, Lavapies will be reduced seekRecently, however, its castizo and another overpriced shell and those factor credentials have elevated it to an altogether ing to capitalize on the elusive cool priced only condifferent realm. When Time Out not will be chasing the very people they firmed that it was shedding it down-at-heel Tourists get a tour of the baout of their homes south of the river. of cool, image but declared it the champion for Po- ATTRACTION: €43 rrio– advertised on Trip Advisor for its residents, 56% of whom voted

VERY city in Spain has its colourful neighbourhoods whose rhythms move according to the culture and customs of their inhabitants.

FOOD,DRINK

January 4th - January 17th 2019

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January 4th - January 17th 2019

Lavapies in Madrid - recently crowned the ‘world’s coolest’ - is no exception, famed for its bustling multi-ethnic vibe, striking street murals and edgy art scene. But

Lavapies, a Madrid barrio with a name that translates as ‘foot wash’ recently won Time Out’s ‘coolest neighbourhood in the world’ award but Pablo Balbontin can find cooler

it’s not the only barrio on the block with personality. To prove it, the Olive Press trekked halfway across Spain to come up with our own Top 10.

Chueca (Madrid) Lavapies has a rival on its own doorstep. Chueca is one of the Madrid neighbourhoods which has evolved enormously since the gay community settled in and smartened it up. Now it’s a groovy social hub. With modern and classic architecture anda huge variety of places to eat and drink, from old-school taverns to modern restaurants, Chueca should be checked out.

Plocia Street (Cádiz) Since Cadiz is a beautiful but small city, the interesting stuff can be found in certain streets, rather than neighbourhoods. Some years ago Plocia Street was run down with a dodgy reputation but today it’s one of the best

places to eat in Cadiz. It’s loaded with restaurants of every kind, from traditional ventas to burger joints to Italian restaurants, along with top quality gastro haunts like La Bodeguita, El Patio and El Aljibe

Ruzafa (Valencia) Raunchy Ruzafa has morphed from decadent to dynamic in the space of a decade and now this multicultural barrio is one of the places everyone wants to be. It’s heaving with offbeat emporiums, from manga comic shops to art galleries and gastronomic clubs to its great central market. It’s a trendsetting place that will cue you in to the latest groundbreaking fashions, cultural movements and gastronomic experiences but traditional businesses also thrive in this hip hangout.

Santa Cruz (Alicante)

Gracia (Barcelona) The Gracia neighbourhood is a patchwork quilt of people of all ages getting along together. There are the elders whose families have lived here for donkeys years, the young entrepreneurs who’ve set up all kinds of funky businesses and the backpackers who patronise them. The cultural offer is unbeatable, with restaurants of all variety, tons of theatres and concert halls and, of course, Gaudi’s Park Güell, one of the most iconic places in Barcelona.

The old town of Alicante is colloquially known simply as El Barrio but it’s multi-façeted. Plaza de San Cristobal is the perfect spot for al fresco feasting; Centro 14 is a cultural hub offering all kinds of activities, courses and training workshops for youngsters; and then there’s the ruta de la madera (wooden road) a legendary route of bars that started to spring up in the 1980s and has become a right of passage for generations of youngsters growing up in Alicante.

& TRAVEL

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January 4th - January 17th 2019

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January 4th - January 17th 2019

Albaicin (Granada) This Moorish barrio is designated a Unesco ‘Heritage of Humanity’, something you truly understand when you see it. Like a guardian angel, it watches over Granada from its high pinnacle, bottling the essence of Islam throughout its tricky maze of streets. Its traditional carmen houses with their own walled gardens and water source evoke wonder but there’s always something new to see. As the locals often say, come in and get lost, because in every corner there might be some new bar or event to discover. It’s a neighbourhood full of surprises.

Soho (Malaga) Numerous tourism experts have raved about the cultural revival of Malaga displacing Sevilla. The Soho district is one of the guilty interlopers. The hip new side to Malaga, poised between the city centre and the sea, is also home to the Contemporary Arts Centre, the Alameda Theatre and - thanks to MAUS - Málaga Arte Urbano en el Soho - a growing gallery of street graffiti. Art is everywhere you look, signed off by both local an international artists. In fact it’s not really a barrio at all but one seamless open air museum.

Alameda (Sevilla)

La Marina (Ibiza) As well as being the Med’s party central, the White Island has its more offbeat diversions and the cool La Marina barrio is one. Found in the old town, its distinguished by its narrow streets, antique walls and tiny wooden houses. During the day craft stalls, Adlib shops and decor shops are the main protagonists, inviting you to wander at will. By night it ramps up the tempo and becomes the meeting point for a rainbow crowd of families, couples and the LGBT community.

Another district that has gone up in the world over the last decade. No longer just a place to drink yourself silly until dawn, now it’s up everyone’s alley - for a quick breakfast, a coffee while your kids play around or a quiet dinner at one of its numerous restaurants. The dinky buildings, crooked streets and gigantic Pillars of Hercules columns at the end of the wide tree-lined Alameda avenue remind you that you’re in Sevilla, which always does things on a grand scale and knows how to hang on to its history.

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How to get a Michelin Star After Dani Garcia announced the closure of his restaurant after

“

winning a third star, we take a look at the gruelling Michelin world

FOOD,DRINK

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and why the accolade is so hard to attain and more importantly, maintain

Once you reach this point, you have to carefully think, what else is there? What is life without a dream ahead? Now we will chase another dream.

”

the top of their A-game, the age-old leave the Michelin world for more soquestion still remains. ciable hours, better pay and above How exactly does a chef attain, and all, the opportunity to create his own more importantly, mainmasterpieces in other tain the prestigious ackitchens. He went on to colade? work as a head chef at fine dining restaurants hese were the words of Mar- the immense pressure of maintaining Catalunyan chef Sergi Arola was forced British-Spanish Michelin Maintaining and hotels in the UK, bella chef Dani Garcia, just 22 the accolade, economic factors and to close his eponymous two-starred res- Star-trained chef, Sethree stars is a Bilbao and Ibiza. days after achieving almost ev- new ambitions as their motives. taurant in 2015, leaving a debt of €7 bastian Menendez, adHis former restaurant, ery chef’s fantasy of winning his Michelin starred-restaurants may be million, while Carme Ruscalleda - the mits that the guide is lot harder than housed at Ockenden third Michelin Star on November 21 in prestigious but it is well-known that only woman in the world with seven Mi- ‘elusive’ and the criteria Manor Hotel, lost its Lisbon. they are not financially sustainable. chelin Stars - closed her three-starred for achieving and keepgetting them only star in recent The news that the 42-year-old will close Most decorated chefs make their mon- Barcelona eatery, Sant Pau, last Octo- ing an award is ‘vague’. “They don’t ever tell you years and although the his restaurant in October 2019 to focus ey from books, TV shows and guest ber in a bid to pursue pastures new. reasons have not been on new projects - but keep his three appearances rather than through the The owner of five-time winner of the why you’ve gained or revealed, Sebastian stars - was something that shocked business, which has to fork out wages World’s Best Restaurant, Ferran Adria, lost a star - they try to be and even disappointed customers and for an army of chefs, kitchen porters closed three-starred El Bulli in 2011. very smoke and mirrors about it all,” suspects it was down to a ‘reluctance admirers. and waiters, who work with astronomi- Exhausted with the business which he says the 29-year-old who worked at the to re-invent’ its menu. Although Garcia is possibly the quick- cally expensive ingredients and equip- called ‘a monster to tame and trans- former one-starred Ockenden Manor The Mancunian cook, now based in the Channel Islands, says he is ‘not surest to throw in the towel at the peak of ment. form’ he decided to focus on a new Hotel in Sussex for over a year. his culinary career, he is not the first. Staff wages are believed to reach 50% project, El Bulli1846, a gastronomical “We only found out we’d maintained prised’ at Garcia’s move and believes a star for the 14th year when the Mi- creativity and change are key to staying Before him famous Spanish chefs such of a Michelin-starred restaurant’s ex- research centre. as Sergi Arola, Carme Ruscalleda and penses, despite salaries being notori- Meanwhile, dad-of-two Garcia said chelin Guide arrived at the restaurant. at the top of the culinary world. Ferran Adria closed their eateries citing ously low for 16-hour working days. his decision came from a ‘personal We opened the book and saw it, there “Maintaining three stars is a lot harder no further explana- than getting them, you have to be conneed’ to take his was Chef thanked stantly creating mind-boggling recipes unique ‘vision t i o n . for our hard because the whole world is looking at of Andalucian u s work and you. gastronomy to we car- “The third star is the highest you’re every corner of ried on.” ever going to get. After achieving it the world’. E v e n t u - you can understand that many want to Whatever ally, Se- slow down and be with the family again their reab a s t i a n instead of spending 16 hours a day sons were decided to in a high-pressured kitchen. It’s really for shutting tough physically and menup shop at tally,” adds Sebastian. Although Michelin has always kept the details of its rigorous approach under wraps, the guide does outline five criteria that must be met - quality of the products, mastery of flavour and cooking techniques, the personality of the chef in his cuisine, value for money, and consistency between visits. Fed up with your ad getting lost in a labyrinth of mediocrity and sex ads? DONE: Ferran Adria closed three-star El Bulli The Michelin inspectors - made up of

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What is the Michelin Guide?

in tyre 1889: Brothers Andre and Edouard Michelin found the Michel company in France. France. 1900: First edition of the Michelin Guide is published covering where tyres, change to how on tips maps, ed The ‘road atlas’ contain cafes to find lodging, and above all, lists of petrol stations with qualityall the sing showca By d. repaire be to car a to stop at while waiting for vehicle, places to visit, the brothers hoped more people would buy a tires. lin) (Miche meaning more people would buy in cerAs petrol station restaurants improved and started specialising . refined tain dishes, the guide became more ts, 1926: The guide begins to award stars for fine dining establishmen initially marking them with a single star. 1931: A hierarchy of zero, one, two and three stars is introduced. 1936: The criteria for the starred rankings are published. York 2006: Michelin expands outside Europe with the launch of its New of Asia. guide, later expanding to some other major US cities and to parts three 2018: The Spain and Portugal Guide includes 11 restaurants with and Irestars, 31 with two and 148 restaurants have one star. The GB rants restau 20 stars, three with rants land Guide includes five restau star. one with ts shmen establi 150 and stars with two

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TO CLOSE: Dani Garcia’s Puente Romano while (right) three-starred dishes ‘passionate’ catering and hospitality experts dine out anonymously and pay for their meals to ensure they do not receive any special treatment. After dining at a restaurant a number of times, the inspectors decide if it is deserving of an award, with one star for ‘very good cooking in its category’, two stars for ‘excellent cooking, worth a detour’, or the maximum three stars for ‘exceptional cuisine, worthy of a special journey’. Below chef Sebastian helps break down what the all-important criteria entails. Quality of the products “First and foremost the products have to be of the best quality, but they also have to be in season and artisan. That’s crucial,” adds the chef. “For example, we used around 40 different types of tomatoes - yellow, purple, orange, red, yellow with black spots - I didn’t even know that many existed until I went to a Michelin starred-kitchen. You have to adapt dishes to the season.” Sebastian notes that many haute cuisine kitchens also work with a lot of ‘live’ products and prepare everything from scratch. “You’ll find everything from bresaola moulding in the basement, to home-smoked salmon, and freshly made bread rising in the oven. It’s a scientific step-by-step process for most of the dishes,” he adds. Mastery of flavour and cooking techniques Investing in the best kitchen equipment on the market is not only a luxury, it is a necessity, it would seem, in the Michelin world. But it comes at an expensive price. “When we refurbished the kitchen, it cost around £180,000 [€200,000] for equipment. That isn’t even including the fridges, or labour costs etc,” adds Sebastian. Top pieces of kit include a ‘sous-vide’ water bath - a process in which food is vacuum-sealed in a plastic pouch and placed in a hot water bath, which locks in nutritional value, keeps meat succulent and eliminates contamination risks. Meanwhile, a ‘dehydrator’ can turn a piece of raw, wet beetroot into a dry crisp, or a ‘rational’ fan oven heats up to

300 degrees and includes a built-in temperature probe which can be set at a desired temperature to cook meat and hot hold it. One of Sebastian’s favourites is a ‘thermo mixer’, costing around £3,000, which he describes as similar to a blender but ‘spins twice as fast’ to make puree sauces ‘ultra smooth’. “In order to create dishes you won’t find at home - like emulsions - you need to use this specialised equipment.” Personality of the chef in his cuisine This step is essentially the head chef putting his spin on dishes that already work, sums up Sebastian. “We all know things like cheese and onion go together, or beef and horseradish, but it’s taking those flavours and creating something totally different,” he says, before adding that he believes the guide should have a sixth step for creativity. “Your food could have personality but that doesn’t mean it’s creative. Dishes with personality that have been done 1,000 times before aren’t creative anymore.” Value for money “For me this point is a bit irrelevant when you’re talking about three-star restaurants because you’re spending hundreds before you’ve even paid for a wine pairing. It’s always going to be expensive,” adds the Manuncian chef. Although most Michelin starred-restaurants offer menus that will not suit the majority of diners’ budgets, experts have said this category is more about whether the ‘experience’ was worth the price.

TOP TIPS: Chef Sebastian Menendez

Consistency tween visits

ent coming on a busy weekend when the A team is fully prepped, to a quiet Monday night when you might have your B team on,” insists the chef. “It cannot slip, not even for one service.” But how do you maintain such a high standard every day? By weighing every single ingredient by the gram and cutting every slice to the exact same millime-

tre as the last, says Sebastian. “You have to achieve perfect consistency every time. It has to look exactly the same and taste exactly the same every time, no matter who has made it. You have to measure absolutely everything. “No step can be skipped. That is true consistency and it’s incredibly important.”

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In order to get an idea of how a restaurant truly operates, Michelin inspectors will usually visit the restaurant twice in the same week - on a busy day and a quiet one to observe whether the different teams work to the same standard. “They try to catch you out. It’s completely differ-

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Home for Christmas

Mallorca diaries

By Lesley Keith

Lesley Keith avoids the Gatwick drone drama as she heads back to Blighty for the holidays

ERE we are in 2019, and I good normally but when it’s mid wincan’t believe it, I haven’t quite ter with the need for warm clothing got the hang of saying 2018 and sensible footwear, plus taking yet so it’s going to be a chal- a ridiculous amount of presents for lenge remembering. everyone then a carry-on bag each I spent the entire festive season back only just won’t cover it. I wasn’t alone in Blighty, being lucky enough that al- here, judging by the queue of pack though flying to Gatwick I’d been able mules (otherwise known as suitcase to avoid the drone debacle. laden passengers) at the airport bag I know it’s been said by everyone else drop. We’d checked in online and already but honestly, how can a little paid all the extras but you still have thing like that which to go to the desk and can be bought in any wait, which can’t be toyshop or electronic done until 2 hours besupplier cause such We had to sleep fore the flight. I find it chaos? Why wasn’t all pretty stressful as I naked taking there a procedure in don’t enjoy flying at all place, why not just and want to get it all continual swigs shoot it down, catch over with as soon as it in a net, change it’s possible. I don’t think of water frequency? I have this I was alone in that afnagging suspicion that ter watching the very it was a spotty adolesheated bun fight about cent geek in his bedroom enjoying the overhead lockers, nothing like his early Christmas pressie, making not having anywhere to put your stuff an enormous amount of mischief to make someone territorial. This and once his mum buys him some was a brilliant flight though, I truly more batteries it’s all going to start didn’t know we’d landed as it was up again. so smooth, when I opened my eyes I was certainly excited about going we were on the ground! Wow, l really back, seeing friends and family in hope every flight will be like that from a whirlwind of eating, drinking and now on but somehow I don’t think so. general merriment. You know how Seriously though I couldn’t have got it is to fly these days, if there’s one another thing in the luggage, I had thing budget airlines have taught us taken every winter jumper I own, it’s how to travel light. All well and after all it was December and that

means being cold right? Wrong. What I hadn’t factored in was central heating and that everyone wanted to be in sleeveless t-shirts and not much else. We were continually sweltering. We went from place to place sneakily turning down thermostats, opening windows, I don’t think I wore my jacket once. Of course the continual stream of hot food we were

force fed and warming alcoholic tipples weren’t helping. We had to sleep naked on top the beds taking continual swigs of cold water. The thick jumpers stayed in the cases and the couple of thin things we had were worn again and again. Oh well, everyone seemed very pleased with the mild spell so who am I to moan. By all accounts it’s been absolutely

glorious here on the island too and promises to continue for some time so coming home will be no hardship and the jumpers may well have to go into storage. Oh well I’ve had a great time and am heading back so writing this from an open and functioning Gatwick, and if that situation could continue for another 24 hours I’d be very grateful.

THE paper not to miss on Mallorca island THE Olive Press is now distributing all over the island in an incredible 500-plus locations. Found at golf courses, tourist offices, museums and petrol stations, it has become the most sought-after English newspaper in MalAlaro Alcanada Alcanada Alcudia ALGAIDA Andratx Andratx BENDINAT BENDINAT BENDINAT Binissalem Cala Estancia Cala D’or Cala D’or

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From Madrid to Mexico RAFAEL Nadal has joined forces with former Spain and Real Madrid boss Julen Lopetegui to open a new resort in Mexico. The new luxury site is located in Tulum, near Cancun, and will be funded by Secrets Aura Cozumel, a firm jointly owned by the Spanish sporting duo. Lopetegui will bid to put a disastrous 2018 beh i n d h i m NADAL: And Julen w i t h this latest venture, after he left the Spanish national team to take the helm at Madrid, only to be sacked months later. Nadal meanwhile hopes to kick his 2019 season off with a bang, as he takes to the court at the Brisbane International in Australia.

Silva lining MANCHESTER City star David Silva is the only Spaniard who has made it into the Premier League team of the year. The 32-year-old attacking midfielder made his way into the 2018 XI, chosen by Robbie Savage, following a blistering campaign for the sky blues, already scoring six goals and registering two assists this season. Silva’s national teammate, Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea was the notable exception from the list for the Express.

Year to beat As we look ahead to a new year of sport, we can only hope it was as exciting, emotional and inspiring as 2018

Here we take a look back at the best sporting moments of last year: 1. FOOTBALL: Spain lose to England on home soil for first time in 29 games. The youngest Three Lions side since 1959 battered the Spaniards 3-2 in the Nations League in October and were 3-0 up inside 40 minutes. Gareth Southgate’s team had an average age of just 23 and showed the world just how bright the future of English football could be.

POWER: Irish team

MEMORABLE: England’s Nations League victory 2. HOCKEY: Ireland women lead country to first World Cup final in any sport. Gillian Pinder’s goal in the semi-final penalty shoot-out against Spain made it 3-2 and took her team to the World Cup final in London in August. It was goalkeeper Ayeisha McFerran who grabbed the headlines though, after she made three saves and her team defied all odds. GOLF PRO: Holly Haslam 3. FOOTBALL: Gibraltar get highest ever FIFA ranking 4. GOLF: Holly Haslam beafter historic Nations League comes first girl to finish unwins. der par in prestigious Spanish The British Overseas Territory tournament. The 18-year-old, jumped eight places to 190 in from Essex, celebrated the histhe world back in October, af- toric win on her birthday in ter following up their first ever December and the teen, whose win with another just a week mum caddies for her, was even later. showcased on Sky Sports for Ending a 22-match win- her efforts. The Andalucia comless run, the Rock’s 1-0 win petition has previously been over Armenia and 2-1 vic- won by Women’s British Opentory Liechtenstein secured champion Georgia Hall and US the largest jump up the world Open winner Justin Rose. rankings by any time.

What a good sport

THE Queen has not forgotten to recognise British sports stars in her 2019 New Years Honours list and here are the pick of the bunch.

1. Tour de France winner Geraint Thomas, who skipped the Vuelta a Espana becomes an OBE. DONE: Southgate A terrific 2018 saw the Welshman becomes WELL Alpe s infamou the the first ever Brit to win d’Huez stage of the French cycling race.

WELSHMAN: Thomas

3. Meanwhile, netball star Geva Mentor has become a CBE, after the Bournemouth-born defender helped lead England to a first gold medal at the Commonwealth Games. The 34-year-old former Sunshine Coast Lightning captain, with whom she won back-toback titles, has also been honoured for her diplomatic service.

January 4th - January 17th 2019

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HISTORIC: Gibraltar get highest ever FIFA ranking

2. England football boss Gareth Southgate joins Thomas with an OBE, while his star captain and Tottenham striker Harry Kane, scoops an MBE. The Three Lions heroes led England to their furthest journey in a World Cup Finals since 1990, as the nation was gripped by football fever this summer, as it looked like it was coming home.

23 23

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STAR: Geva Mentor

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FINAL WORDS

JANUARY sales in the Balearics will create more than 400 seasonal jobs, 5% more than last year but still below the national average.

Free ride AS of January 1, Palma's EMT bus services are free to children up to 16-years-old and for the first time routes to the airport are free.

Going green STATE-owned hotel chain, Paradores, has announced that all 97 of its establishments will use only renewable electricity from January 2019.

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Early blossoms

BLOOMING HELL: Resident of Puigpuñent Joan Ferrer found this early bloomer in his neighbourhood

Barrel of laughs Man sets off on epic Atlantic voyage in wooden barrel

A DARING adventurer has set sail from Spain in a barrel in a bid to float across the Atlantic Ocean using only sea currents. Jean-Jacques Savin, 71, aims to reach the Caribbean in three months after beginning his bizarre voyage in El Hierro, the Canary Islands. At just 3m by 2.10m, the bright

orange barrel, complete with a kitchen and bed, cost €60,000 and features a porthole in the floor for watching fish. “The weather is great. I've got a swell of one metre and I'm moving at 2-3km/h... I've got favourable winds forecast until Sunday,” said Savin. The Frenchman departed with

Cheeky trousers

WANT to be more daring with your fashion choices this year? Look no further than these ‘assless’ trousers, designed by Andalucia’s very own fashion student turned designer to the stars. The Palomo Spain ‘tailored chaps’ have a removable back, for those who want to keep it professional during the day and be the toast of the party at night. You can find the pantalones in the brand’s winter sale for around €300.

THE new year has only just begun, but almond trees in Mallorca are already starting to bloom. Early bloomers have been popping up around the island, about two month before the boom of almond blossoms.

Cut and priest a bottle of white wine to see in the new year, a bottle of red for his birthday on January 14 and even a block of foie gras pate. The former military paratrooper aims to reach Barbados, but joked that he would ‘like it to be a French island’ as it would ‘be easier for the paperwork and for bringing the barrel back’. The resin-coated reinforced plywood capsule is built to be wave-resistant and is strong enough to resist killer whale attacks.

Although the French veteran’s excursion is reminiscent of an old storybook, the trip will help oceanographers from JCOMMOPS study sea currents. Those interested in the mammoth journey can keep updated through the ‘TESA : Traversée de l'Atlantique en Tonneau’ Facebook page.

A FAKE priest in Andalucia has been rumbled after 18 years evading the Catholic Church and conducting hundreds of ceremonies. Miguel Angel Ibarra, from Colombia, has now been dismissed, amid revelations that none of the communions or confessions he heard will be honoured.

PHONEY: Priest

Music, gastronomy, design, comfort and great art.

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