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THE Ministry of Defence has been slammed after it told a long-standing worker he would lose his job due to language barriers. Unite the Union regional officer Christian Duo claims it was wrong to tell a Moroccan panel beater, who has held the same job for 20 years, he could not stay in the role as he does not speak a good enough level of English. His criticism comes after the MOD wrote to the man, who is married to a Gibraltarian, to tell him that he had failed to meet language requirements. It came despite the worker having undertaken a one month English language course designed to help him. The union is currently seeking legal advice following the decision, which the MOD said was necessary due to the RAF takeover of the workshop he works in. The MOD has promised the worker an, as yet, unspecified alternative role with equal pay. “It is an affront to remove a job from someone who has been such a loyal employee,” said Duo. “He has been doing his job without issue for 20 years. “Moroccans came to the rescue of Gibraltar when the border with Spain closed so they should not be treated in this way.” An MOD spokeswoman said it was unable to comment on individual cases.
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Gibraltar news
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Rock shop’s sales plummet thanks to new parking Page 4
So long Momy
Understanding Gibraltar head salutes Solomon ‘Momy’ Levy Page 6
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How a seized laptop with child pornography is being blamed for the tense border closure and the arrest of a military man INTRIGUE: The RAF Hercules was held up due to a laptop with sexual material
GHA says sorry for distress after cancer check-up letters posted to dead Gibraltarians EXCLUSIVE By Joe Duggan
Parking nightmare
Campo de Gibraltar
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THE Gibraltar Health Authority (GHA) has apologised after sending ‘insensitive’ cancer check-up appointments to deceased former patients. It comes after an Olive Press investigation discovered that at least four bereaved partners have received medical letters addressed to loved ones, who died months or years before. Last night, a GHA spokesperson told the Olive Press it ‘wished to apologise for the distress caused to any families who have received inappropriate correspondence’. The spokesman added that they had introduced ‘several improvements in the last few days’, after our probe. He continued:: “The GHA will continue to look at ways procedures can be further enhanced, especially for appointments made six months to a year in advance for postcancer treatments.”
STANDOFF MYSTERY PAGE 5
A Red letter day
INSULT: The offending letter for dead Anthony Olivares (below left)
In one of the worst cases, Linda Olivares, 63, was left ‘hysterical’ after receiving a letter more than two years since her husband Anthony died of cancer, aged 57, in September 2014. The grandmother choked back
tears as she showed the Olive Press the ‘insensitive’ letter, which contained information leaflets on colon cancer and a cancer testing kit. Anthony was diagnosed with a stage-four melanoma in February, 2012. The GHA missive, which Linda received last month, was headed ‘Urgent Medical Supplies, Please Do Not Delay’. The Morrisons worker, who has lived in Gibraltar for over 20 years since moving from Canada, has been on antidepressants since Anthony’s death. “It was very upsetting and I was left completely hysterical,” she said. “There were tubes in the letter, too and I was really angry and rang up and asked who sent the letter and where the information had come from? “My husband died over two years ago, and they send me this? I was hysterical.” She added: “I do not understand how their database has not been updated over the last
few years.” In total, the Olive Press found THREE other victims who had received similar letters advising dead loved ones to attend appointments. One widow, who asked to remain anonymous, said she had received a shocking three letters addressed to her dead husband, who died of mouth and throat cancer in August 2015. “I received the first letter six or eight weeks after he died. Several weeks after I received a second one. “I called the GHA. No-one said sorry about the mistake. “Then incredibly six to eight weeks later I got the third one.” Another 59-year-old widower, whose wife died of Alzheimer’s in 2013, said: “I received a letter from the hospital saying my dead wife was due a smear test. It just kept bringing it all back to me.” Opinion Page 6
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NEWS IN BRIEF
Midwives’ medicine THE list of prescription medicines that midwives are allowed to give to mothers and infants without calling a doctor has been increased from 23 to 29 by the Gibraltar government.
Capsized ship A BROTHER and sister are on their way to Gibraltar on a cargo ship, having been rescued from their rowing boat 1,000 miles land after they capsized while attempting to cross the Atlantic.
Road safety THE Royal Gibraltar Police have launched an enforcement phase to tackle the use of mobile phones while driving, as part of Operation Roadwatch, aimed at increasing road safety.
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In the dock EXCLUSIVE by Joe Duggan
THE liquidators in the Marrache & Co case are suing Jyske bank. They claim the bank assisted the fraudulent firm to break fiduciary rules by allowing the firm’s customers to go overdrawn. It comes after one of the three brothers imprisoned, Isaac Marrache, was released on parole by the Supreme Court.
Fraudster Isaac Marrache wasn’t debarred, Judge Jack reveals, as Jyske Bank battle liquidators
Parole
Judge Adrian Jack ruled the disgraced ex-lawyer had been unlawfully at large since his release on parole on January 12.
MYSTERY: Why Isaac Marrache wasn’t debarred
Jack also revealed Marrache hadn’t been de-
Ceuta crew seized A CREW of five Spaniards arrested at sea have pleaded guilty to importing contraband. The crew from Ceuta were intercepted by the Royal Gibraltar Police marine section on Wednesday. They were navigating an eight-metre rigid hull inflatable boat within Gibraltar's waters when they were arrested. The skipper of the boat was fined £2,000, with the four others fined £1,200.
barred as a lawyer in Gibraltar or England, although Marrache has since voluntarily resigned from the legal profession. He added he was ‘unclear’ as to why he had not been debarred. Keith Azopardi from Gibraltar’s Bar Council told the Olive Press debarring Marrache wasn’t ‘a matter dealt with by the Bar Council’ as it ‘doesn’t have
a regulatory function’. “I don’t know what the state of play is [with regards to Benjamin Marrache],” he added. “The Bar Council doesn’t have a regulatory function.” At the time of going to press, the Olive Press hadn’t had a response from the attorney general’s department in Gibraltar on Marrache’s debarring. Judge Jack ruled that Justice Minister Neil Costa didn’t have the authority to release Marrache after referring his parole case to the court in January. “I have no hesitation in rejecting Isaac’s case that he is ‘genuinely remorseful’,” said Judge Jack. “He said he had felt deep remorse ever since his arrest in 2010. I find that untrue.” During the parole case, Costa hired one of UK’s finest QCs, Lord Pannick, to give opinion on the case, leading to one legal source to question the ‘necessity’ or ‘cost’.
Let them have cannabis! MARLENE Hassan Nahon has tabled a parliamentary motion to debate allowing GHA doctors to prescribe medical cannabis. The independent MP filed the motion on Friday with MPs now set to debate changing current cannabis laws. It comes after it emerged the GHA had prescribed licensed cannabis medicines to patients, although Director of Public Health Dr Vijay Kumar admitted doctors were reluctant to do so. Hassan Nahon's motion says: "Medical professionals within the GHA should be free to prescribe medical cannabis for needy patients immediately and without delay. "[They] should also be given expert training as to how and when cannabis-based medicines could be prescribed." The cannabis-based medicine Sativex has been allocated in the UK Home Office. Doctors, at their own risk, can privately prescribe, pharmacists can possess and dispense and patients with a prescription can possess the medicine. Last month, Health Minister Neil Costa said the public should be consulted on the decriminalisation of cannabis.
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Hear the cat call!
PRINCESS ROYAL: Anne
More Royal approval PRINCESS Anne has extended her Royal Patronage of the Gibunco Gibraltar International Literary Festival for the next three years. Minister for Tourism Gilbert Licudi said the festival was once again honoured to have her patronage. “The Festival has been important in highlighting Gibraltar’s cultural diversity and has ensured that there is content for all ages and interests. We look forward to another successful event this year,” said Licudi. The fifth annual festival will take place this year from November 16 to 19.
Money shot A NEW Gibraltar Gold Sovereign Coin has been launched at the Berlin World Money Fair. Minister Joe Bossano was a guest at the event, where he spoke about the significance of the 50th anniversary of the referendum for circulating new coins in Gibraltar. Around 15,000 people visited the Gibraltar stall this year. The new coin was struck by the Tower Mint to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Benedetto Pistrucci's Saint George and the Dragon Sovereign. The 2017 Gibraltar sovereign has been recreated by Pistrucci’s great-great-great grandniece, Angela Pistrucci. “The Gibraltar National Mint are extremely proud to have been able to be a part of such a historic occasion,” a spokesperson said. Angela worked with master sculptor Raphael Maklouf to create the coin.
A CAT call has gone out to all Gibraltar’s beauties to enter the 2017 annual beauty pageant. Hopefuls from 17 to 25 can now apply for the Miss Gibraltar Pageant to be held on July 7. The winner will receive £2,000 cash and a clothing allowance of £3,500. First Princess collects £1,000 in cash and a £3,500 clothing allowance with the first ten candidates to sign up winning £400 each. Last year’s winner Kayley Mifsud jetted to the USA in December and lined up against the most beautiful girls in the world to fight for the prestigious title.
This year’s contest will be produced by Santos Productions for the Ministry of Culture at the Tercentenary Sports Hall. The first Miss Gibraltar beauty pageant was held in 1959 and won by Viola Abudarham. In 2009, Kaiane Aldorino scooped the Miss World title in the Rock’s proudest moment in the pageant. Entry forms are available from the John Mackintosh Hall at 308 Main Street. Contact: 20067236 or e-mail: culture. info@culture.gov.gi
Whole Lotta Love
WINNER: Miss Gibraltar Kayley Mifsud
Sunny side up THE winner of a quiz on GBC show The Hub hit La Sala to celebrate this month. Madge Bishop landed a prize of a party for 50 at the restaurant on the Sunborn yacht after coming out top on the show in August. Her guests danced the night away to a DJ onboard the floating hotel with cava and canapes on hand. “All in all I couldn't have asked for more and it was very special being able to have my own family rocking the night away with many of my friends, “Madge told the Olive Press. “What a special prize.” They then spent the night on the Sunborn before rounding off proceedings with a slap-up breakfast. Madge chose to celebrate her prize on her birthday of February 4.
Gib musician wins prestigious BAFTA award for short film A Love Story By Chloe Glover A GIBRALTARIAN musician has scooped a prestigious Bafta award. Former Westside pupil Hollie Buhagiar was ‘thrilled’ when her short film, A Love Story, won best short animation at the glitzy British cinema awards. Hollie, 24, wrote and sung the lyrics for the sevenminute short, a quirky and heartwarming tale of two people made of wool. “I’m thrilled,” said Hollie, who works as a freelance composer in London.
“It’s hard to believe it but the whole team have done such a good job.” Hollie began working on the film while studying at the National Film and Television School, in London. “I’ve just completed a masters in composing for film and TV and became friends with some former students who are behind the film,” she said. “It has quite a atmospheric soundtrack and was really fun to work on.” Holly is already working on other projects. “I have worked on adverts and am writing for some longer films at the
BAFTA GONG: For Gib artist Hollie Buhagiar
moment. “I do miss Gibraltar and its people but I have to be
in London because that is where the film industry is.”
PARTY: For fifty
Official Agency
Coexistence THE Gibraltar World Music Festival is launching a new ‘BrightMed’ initiative for its sixth edition, GMWF: Uprising. The aim of BrightMed is to celebrate Gibraltar as a place of coexistence - or ‘convivencia’ - marked by the cooperation of cultures and beliefs. Organisers have invited ‘sages’ and peace leaders from across the world to discuss the philosophy of coexistence. The BrightMed programme will include films, talks, a conference and an exhibition, all as part of the Gibraltar World Music Festival, from June 6 to 8. Events will focus on Africa, with documentaries on the struggle of Malian musicians, and a street party named ‘AFREEKA’ which will focus on artists from Ethiopia and Mali. The lineup for the music festival will include Yossi Fine, Gili Yalo and Bassekou Kouyate.
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Our parking nightmare! Gibraltar shop sees sales drop 20% after new parking ban Exclusive By Joe Duggan
A GROUP of shop owners claim new parking restrictions are hitting sales by 20%. Ramsons manager Manoj Gulraj claims that a clampdown on double parking outside his convenience store has led to a loss of a fifth of his customers.
Enforced
He insists that the family business on Watergardens - which has operated in Gibraltar for over 40 years - has been badly hit since £100 fines were enforced in November.
AT A LOSS: Shopowner Gulraj (inset) has seen his profits fall
“Everyone shops here,” he told the Olive Press. “Last Christmas we had queues to the till. “But this Christmas and New Year, the wardens didn’t set foot away from our door. It’s disrupting our business.
“We have a lot of workers that have been with us a long time, and we try to stay loyal to them. But for any businessman a decrease in sales isn’t good.” He added: “We’re hoping this is not a permanent thing. There has to
Russia’s Rock rant RUSSIA’S ambassador to the UN has demanded the UK ‘returns’ Gibraltar to Spain. Vitaly Churkin was speaking to his British counterpart Matthew Rycroft at UN security council meeting in New York. His controversial remarks followed Rycroft’s criticism of Russia’s position on the Ukranian ousting of 2014 pro-Moscow president Viktor Yanukovych as ‘an inversion of reality’ “I can only remind you that everything began with a coup, largely supported from outside the country,” Mr Churkin said. “As for the position of the UK representative, I would like to advise: give back the Malvinas [Falkland] Islands, give back Gibraltar, return
the Chagos archipelago in the Indian Ocean, which you turned into a huge military base.” Gibraltar has repeatedly refused to accept Spain’s terms of joint sovereignty, which has become a hot topic since June’s Brexit referendum.
Brexit bill passed THE Brexit bill has cleared the House of Commons with a 372-vote majority. The bill was passed with 494 votes to 122, without a single amendment. It has now been sent to the House of Lords, where Labour and Liberal Democrat peers are expected to press for concessions on issues including the status of EU citizens in the UK. The bill’s clearance by the House of Commons is a success for Theresa May, who appears to be on track with her pledge to trigger article 50 by the end of March. Some 52 Labour MPs rebelled against Corbyn’s three-line whip and vote against the bill. See Brexit Bulletin p19
be an alternative way of approaching the parking situation in Gibraltar. “This shop is a local institution, and I’d like to take the business on to the next level.” Any car or motorbike seen parking on the red line gets an automatic £100 fine, says Manoj. Next door at satellite TV shop A.A Sheriff & Sons, Ernesto Gutierrez, 27, added the parking restrictions had also hit them ‘a lot’. “There are a lot of customers who just want to buy something quickly, and it’s had a big impact,” he said. “It’s hit our business by about 30%.”
Glass houses GIBRALTAR has hit back at Ireland after it questioned its insurance sector. The Gibraltar Insurance Association (GIA) has criticised the Central Bank of Ireland after it complained that Gibraltar was not rigorous enough in vetting insurance companies. The bank voiced its concern to the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission, following the collapse of Enterprise Insurance last year which left 14,000 Irish motorists uninsured. The GIA has responded by pointing out that Ireland has also had problems with regulation, including the collapse of Quinn Insurance. “What happened at Enterprise was horrific but the failure of Quinn Insurance was equally horrific,” said Chairman Liz Quinn.
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Deal grounded GIBRALTAR’S International Airport has become the latest bargaining chip in the upcoming Brexit negotiations. Spain has signaled that it will block Britain’s access to the EU’s single aviation market unless any new terms exclude Gibraltar Airport. Britain - whose airline industry is worth £60 billion - is scrambling to ensure continued air links with the EU after it withdraws from the union. Potential agreements include retaining membership of the European Common Aviation Area, which would uphold full access, or seeking a bilateral ‘open skies’ agreement, which would have more restrictive terms. But Spain is not prepared to accept a deal that will grant Gibraltar airport the same rights as UK mainland airports. It is already holding up three other pieces of airline legislation in Brussels. An unnamed Spanish diplomat told the Financial Times: “Any EU agreement with the UK on aviation cannot apply to the airport of Gibraltar. “A deal that is applicable to the airport of Gibraltar would imply recognition of the legal right of the UK to the territory.” Any agreement regarding aviation legislation must be agreed by all 28 member states.
NEWS
STAND-OFF DRAMA Exclusive By Joe Duggan
A ‘SERIOUS criminal offence’ caused the edgy stand-off between the Royal Gibraltar Police (RGP) and the crew of an RAF Hercules. The incident last week - which led to a two hour halt for traffic coming in and out of Gibraltar - can be revealed to have involved ‘the contents of a laptop’. A senior source told the Olive Press: “It’s a paedophile thing. It’s that depressing.” Another source confirmed that the RGP sensationally halted the departure of the plane, in order to arrest someone on board over the alleged illegal material. The as-yet unconfirmed documents or photos are understood to have led to the arrest of the man who was eventually removed from the plane. While senior sources claimed the material was of a ‘sexual nature’, this week neither the MOD in London, the RGP or the government would give further details about last Wednesday’s flashpoint that made interna-
Child ponography on a laptop is being blamed for a tense border closure that lasted two hours
CHAOS: Huge tailbacks following dramatic incident tional news. The high-level source told the Olive Press: “This was something that needed to be retrieved immediately before anything was wiped. “If it was anything else they would have gone for a European Arrest Warrant and waited.” Another Olive Press source
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February 15th - February 28th 2017
meanwhile confirmed that the incident was indeed ‘something very big’. The senior figure said: “If the RGP stops an MOD aircraft from taking off it is something very big, I can tell you that.” He added: “The Ministry of Defence had better come out and say something soon.”
On Monday, the government insisted that it was still ‘seeking to clarify all aspects’ of what occurred and would be issuing a statement ‘in due course’. The drama unfolded from around 4.30pm last Wednesday when an RGP vehicle blocked the RAF Hercules plane from taking off along the runway. Hundreds of motorists and pedestrians were left waiting until the RAF plane was finally able to depart at 6pm and the barriers reopened. A MOD spokesperson in London told the Olive Press: “We can confirm that an incident necessitated an unscheduled closure of Winston Churchill Avenue in Gibraltar. “As this incident has occurred as a result of an on-going police investigation we are unable to comment further at this time. “Despite the unscheduled closure, incoming commercial flights were unaffected but a small number of departures suffered minor delays.” A series of Olive Press reports on the incident were used in The Sun, The Star and The Daily Mail.
Brexit bully boy SPAIN’S EU PP spokesman Esteban Gonzalez Pons has been named Brexit spokesman for the centre-right European People’s Party. The tough-talking Pons will communicate the EPP’s manifesto on the UK’s withdrawal from the EU. Last month, Pons stated: “Gibraltar should choose between going with London, or staying in the EU with Spain. “Brexit is Brexit. If the United Kingdom leaves the EU, all the territories that compose it go and the next day Gibraltar will become a colony administered by a third country.” Pons has told Gibraltar there was no chance of an ‘a la carte’ approach to negotiating Britain’s withdrawal from the EU.
Hunters track down new digs! THE Hunter Group have taken one of the last remaining office spaces at the World Trade Center. The group, owned by twins Andy and John Hunter, owns O'Reilly's Irish Pub and the Bridge Bar & Grill in nearby Ocean Village. The move enables the group to bring together the management of their food and beverage operations, as well as propertyshopgibraltar.com, propertyshopspain. com and their Med Golf tour operator and membership businesses under one roof.
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OPINION GHA says sorry LOSING a loved one is the most difficult thing any of us will ever go through. With emotions raw, the slightest reminder can trigger off a reservoir of emotion. So bereaved Gibraltarians receiving GHA letters addressed to their departed nearest and dearest is a concerning oversight. Mistakes happen, of course, but with so many people coming forwards to tell the Olive Press the same story, it suggests a breakdown in the system somewhere along the line. It’s great to hear the GHA has introduced new measures in the last few days that will hopefully tackle the issue, since we raised the issue to them. We are pleased to have helped instigate change that will hopefully benefit the local community.
Flying into trouble LAST week’s unprecedented standoff between the RGP and the RAF was the talk of Gibraltar - and beyond. It was clear from the off that this was not a normal border delay. Traffic backed up around the Rock, a police car blocking an RAF Hercules and thousands of locals and businesses inconvenienced is not a small matter. Now, it transpires the ‘contents of a laptop’ of a person onboard the plane, who was arrested, are what alerted the attention of the RGP. A source has said the material was allegedly of a ‘paedophile’ nature. The truth will out, but so far the silence from the Ministry of Defence is deafening.
Unfair dismissal?
On the 80th anniversary of the N-340 massacre, Joe Duggan recalls a Civil War atrocity
E
VERY day, the N-340 ferries Gibraltarians, Spaniards and sun-seeking tourists along the coast. But 80 years ago this month, this main artery became the road to hell. The Malaga to Almeria road massacre is one of the most shameful episodes in the bloody carnage of the Spanish Civil War. In February 1937, with Malaga besieged and attacked from land, sea and air, thousands of refugees fled the city and headed northwards. Most were children, elderly and the sick. That didn’t spare them. They were strafed by Franco’s air force and navy, with thousands killed. “You can’t imagine the desolation,” recalls one old lady, a survivor, in Yo Estaba Alli, a documentary and oral history of Malaga during the war by University of Malaga Professor Fernando Arcas. “It has been calculated that there were more than
IT’S shocking that a man who has worked perfectly well in his job for 20 years could be fired so abruptly. If his English was not deemed good enough, perhaps a more reasonable approach would have been to offer him a longer language course or at least give him some time to improve on his language skills. It seems overly harsh and reactionary to dismiss a man who has spent a quarter of his life in service to the Ministry of Defence.
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100,000 on the road,” Professor Paul Preston told the Olive Press this week. “It is impossible to know accurately but the death toll seems to have been over 3,000.” The parallels with modern atrocities
in places like Syria are stark. But this slaughter happened on a road most of us travel along each day. The estimated casualty rate was far higher than at Guernica, where it is thought up to 1,650 perished at the hands of the
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REFUGEES: Thousands fled Franco forces on what is now the N340
T was the death that rocked the Rock. Solomon Levy’s passing in December deprived Gibraltar of one its most popular characters. For his 80 years, the proud Gibraltarian was a colourful part of his beloved Rock’s rich fabric. Bowler-hatted and pin-striped, the most dapper man in Gibraltar was the epitome of oldschool elegance. But for Joshua Lhote, from Understanding Gibraltar, and many others, Levy was a lot more than that. Lhote’s organisation is dedicated to the study of Gibraltar’s unique social mix and multicultural society, and on March 9, cultural services will officially unveil the new project. And to Lhote, his dear friend was an exemplar of the unique social harmony his organisation is dedicated to understanding. “He was a representation of Gibraltar’s exceptional success,” Lhote told the Olive Press. “He was Gibraltarian, but he was completely independent. “There is something that is unique to Gibraltar. What Gibraltar has created is an example to the world. It’s something of a social miracle. “For me the most striking quality is he represented that
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LEGEND: Solomon Levy is sorely missed
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SNAPPED: The massacre was chronicled by Canadian doctor Norman Bethune
German condor legion. And yet the world ing the refugees’ steps and walking from the only doctor travelling in the convoy. A seems to have forgotten the Malaga mas- Malaga to Almeria. A memorial exhibition street has been named in Bethune’s honmarking the event has opened in Alme- our in Malaga. sacre. Bethune’s photographs of the desperria. During the Franco dictatorship, At the Costa Press club ate refugees are a vital document of an Arcas tells me, the regime screening, Arcas gave a atrocity which few now living can rememdid their best to cover up talk about the effects ber. During Arcas’s 2006 documentary, the atrocity. of the war on Mala- old Malagueno survivors of the war re“Books about the ga, and launched call, often in heartbreaking detail, what war by English his new book, happened 80 years ago. writers like Geralso entitled Yo At the start of the film, one old man goes ald Brenan and through the names of his friends and famEstaba Alli. Hugh Thomas But the first ily who died. He reels off 20, the names were circulated book published all painfully etched into his memory. His clandestinely about the atroc- words are fired with the ferocity of bullets. because they ity was written Another old lady recalls how they fled were banned,” by Norman Bet- Malaga when they heard rumours that he tells me at hune in 1937, approaching Francoist troops were cuta well-attended a Canadian ting off Republicans’ heads. Costa Press anti-fascist doc- “My father carried the smallest child on Club screening tor who travelled his shoulders,” she recalls. of his film. with the refugees “The bombing was so savage we had to “But under Franco as they fled from Mal- travel at night. There were shooting us the story could never aga. The Crime of The from above, shooting from behind.” Fasbe told. In the case of Malaga to Almeria Road is cist ships travelling up from Estepona Guernica, Picasso did a continued the bombardcited by Arcas huge painting and exhibited it ment from sea. in Paris and the story of what OPEN ROAD: With little as the key firstOne man describes how, hand docuhappened there became infa‘He was a shelter after the fascists had exment of what mous. murderer. A ecuted his father, he was took place. “The Malaga massacre had Horrified by the million dead, just forced to sing their anthem no painting.” Cara Al Sol (Face To The The anniversary has been marked by a dimensions of the Danseries of events. One group are retrac- tesque scenes he encoun- like that. I’ve seen Sky). “My father’s blood still fresh,” he says. tered, as Franco’s men so many things’ was Another man, the rage wellmowed down the defenceing up inside him, spits less group, Behune braveout his anger at General ly used his medical skills ...To Solomon ‘Momy’ Levy, to help the injured. It is believed he was Franco. “He was a murderer. A million dead, just as Understanding Gibraltar like that,” he says. founder Joshua Lhote salutes “I’ve seen so many things. Many people killed.” him as he launches a new For Arcas, a close friend of historian Paul project Preston, the battle for Malaga, and the horrors of the road to Almeria, were a success.” grim prelude to the second world war. Having lived through the most seismic events that have “The Malaga Almeria massacre was an shaped Gibraltar’s history in the 20th century, Levy had antecedent of the huge civilian displacefirst-hand knowledge of so much that has been central ments that took place from 1939,” he to shaping Gibraltarian identity. Evacuated to Madeira tells me. in the second world war, he was Gibraltar’s first civic Franco used Moroccan, German and Italmayor and then served 18 years in the Gibraltar Deian troops to take the city, an internafence Force. He was the GDF’s first Jewish officer tional alliance which was a microcosm of This September’s 50th anniversary of the sovereignty what was to come referendum will see Gibraltarians celebrate even hardin 1939. er than usual on National Day. The momentous event is “We don’t know an occasion he would no doubt have loved, says Lhote. exactly how many “Being a Gibraltarian was very much part of his life,” he said. “The model of Gibraltar is for us a very important died on the road landmark. to Malaga,” says “Momy being a Jew was absolutely related to his BritArcas. Perhaps ishness and to his national identity. it will never be “And everyone enjoyed his elegance.” known, despite British we are, British we’ll stay’, was a saying he was the good work of fond of. And as Lhote says, Levy’s British identity was a men like Emilio central part of his life. Silva, whose ‘AsEvery September 10 Momy would put on his finest red sociation for the and white finery and join the throng. Recuperation of He was Gibraltarian to the core, his family having lived Historical Memory’ on the Rock for 250 years. His roots are part of the hissearch for the bodtory that has shaped the Rock. ies of Franco’s “Gibraltar is a model for a utopia,” said Lhote. victims buried in “Our work is about extracting the reasons that made unmarked graves. this possible.” And 80 years As Levy himself once said: ‘Where in the world do you on, the same find a Catholic Prime Minister, a Hindu Speaker of Parliament, and a Jewish Mayor? That typifies Gibraltar all horrors are still the way.” carried out. But Given Levy’s cherished status, Lhote believes some for Malaga, read sort of official tribute or memorial ‘would be deserved. Aleppo.
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NEWS IN BRIEF
A 16-YEAR-OLD has drowned in San Roque lake. The native of Buenos Aires disappeared in an area of strong currents while swimming with his father. An extensive search was launched, involving the police and local firefighters. The teenager’s body was found 80 metres from the shore, near the Union Electrica club. His father suffered a nervous breakdown.
ALGECIRAS has inaugurated a new kidney dialysis unit this week, which will mean that patients no longer have to be transferred to La Linea.
A MARRIED couple have been arrested in Algeciras for allegedly continuing to draw the pension of one of their mothers for four years after her death.
Disbanded POLICE have broken up a network of drug traffickers who operated for 15 years from Gibraltar to Malaga through La Linea, in an operation which has seen 21 arrests.
Body found THE body of a man has been discovered in a ‘decomposed state’ in San Roque. Police are investigating the cause of death.
February 15th - February 28th 2017
San Roque tragedy
New kidney unit
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C A M P O D E G I BRALTAR
New potentially vital evidence dug up in missing expat case THE remains of a missing Scottish expat may have been found after she vanished from her home in San Roque more than a year ago. Lisa Brown, 33, disappeared from the house she shared with lover Simon Corner in Guadiaro in November 2015. It was feared she may have been murdered before being dumped into the sea, but Spanish cops never ruled out that she may have been buried on land. It comes after forensic officers last year revealed that a violent incident had taken place at the property she shared with yacht salesman Corner. A spokesman for the Guar-
Close to closure? FEARED MURDERED: Scottish expat Lisa Brown
dia Civil said: “More than 20 Civil Guard officers along with town hall workers with excavating machines participated in the operation. “During the new search, objects and remnants have been found that have been sent to our Criminal labs for further analysis.” Lisa’s brother Craig Douglas has been encouraged by the new find. He said: “They have kept us up to date with as much information as possible. “It is encouraging that things are still ongoing and the people who are investigating are being relentless. “They will not let this go just like we as a family won’t either.” A source close to the investigation said ‘the operation will now be suspended while the objects are looked at to see if they have any bearing on this case.’ Boyfriend Corner is currently in jail in Spain awaiting trial.
Cheeky monkey! A MONKEY that escaped into the streets of La Linea has been recaptured. The pet was seen scampering over walls and rooftops around Menendez Pelayo street. It was initially thought the animal was a Gibraltarian Barbary macaque, but its necklace and chain proved it had escaped from its owner's home. Guardia Civil and local police attempted to recapture the monkey, who moved away when a ladder was placed nearby to reach it. A vet with tranquilising darts was unable to reach the monkey, who was finally recaptured after several hours when a resident caught the primate in a sheet.
Drug bust POLICE have seized 288 kilos of hashish in Tarifa. The Guardia Civil found eight bales of the drug on the Punta Paloma beach. They were on patrol when a citizen raised the alarm. The police hurried to the scene, where they found a person moving packages around. The suspect fled at the sight of the official vehicle, and police are still searching for his whereabouts.
Taxi pirates TAXI drivers in Algeciras have said they are ‘fed up’ with pirates who take their business. These ‘pirates’ are unlicensed drivers who take customers from registered taxi drivers, who have often been waiting for long periods of time at a taxi rank. This comes after a registered driver was attacked by one such pirate while waiting for customers at a rank near the port. The man allegedly suffered verbal abuse, and was then hit with an umbrella by the pirate. The Radio Taxi Cooperative of Algeciras calculates that there are more than 100 such ‘pirates’ operating ‘like an organised mafia’ around the port area.
Workers strike SOME 1,600 cargo handlers are to strike in Algeciras on February 20, 22 and 24. This is part of a nationwide strike in which 6,150 workers will paralyse all of Spain’s ports. This comes after the government announced its intention to liberalise the sector last week. According to the unions, this will ‘cut salaries and cause dismissals’. The two Algeciras firms, APM Terminals and TTI Algeciras, have reached an agreement with State Coordinator of Sea Workers (CETM) to centre recruitment on a local labour force. It is hoped that the agreement will ease tensions, but the strikes are still set to go ahead. Workers will strike for 24 hours from 8am on February 20, and then again on February 22 and 24. A spokesperson from the CETM denounced the government for attempting make the workers’ contracts ‘precarious’. According to them, the new government measures will allow companies to ‘freely substitute 25%, 50% or 75% of current staff in the next three years.’ The chairman of the council of cargo handlers of Algeciras has underlined the high impact of a strike in a shift-based industry.
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TALENTED musicians are set to battle it out to be crowned the Rock’s number one. The Gibraltar Live Music Society (GLMS) has announced the Michael Danino Award in recognition of the best local Download ourmusician. app now and Nominations will be made by begin enjoying best the Spanish musicians themselves,thewith news on thewinner go. announced in December. GLMS representative David Diaz said: “Michael Danino was a very special person The Olive Press and musician AWARD: whom I was Michael TOP forvery news in Spain! proud of Danino knowing. “He always SHORTLISTED: Cheryl Jeffries had put in a lot of effort in his music and his passion and drive for it was second to none. “It is only fitting that we name an award in his honour.”
ibraltar Philharmonic Society, February 16
The Convent Ballroom will play host to Albrecht Mayer on the oboe and Alexander Schmalcz on piano, from 8pm. Tickets £20, available from buytickets.gi.
orld Pool Masters, February 17-19
Gib DJ Cheryl Jeffries nominated for top gong again
A GIBRALTAR DJ has been shortlisted for a top award for the second consecutive year. Drum and bass star Cheryl Jeffries has made the nominations for Best Bass Music DJ at the International Breaks Award.
Info: gibraltarlivemusicsociety@outlook.com
Bring home the Bacon THREE people have been arrested in connection with the theft of five Francis Bacon paintings. The €25 million haul was stolen from a private residence in Madrid in June 2015. According to the Policia Nacional, six properties in the Madrid region were raided as part of the operation. A gun, ammunition, manuals for cracking safes, laser devices, tools to cut metal, fake keys, and uniforms were all seized. The three arrested are thought to have been employed to break into the Madrid house.
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Last year, the Gibraltarian aka BassCake - won the coveted top prize. Cheryl, who works as a nurse for the GHA, said she was ‘honoured’ to have won last year. “Last year I was humbled that I won this award,” she said. “If there is something in this world or my life that makes me always feel good, it has to be music. Music seems to guide me, has made me who I am today, and will continue to do so for the rest of my life.”
International
FESTIVAL HUB: Ince’s Hall
Drama-rama festival THE line-up for the Gibraltar Drama Festival has been announced. Seventeen plays will take place at Ince’s Hall from March 20 to March 25, all beginning at 7pm. Among the plays performed will be Bayside & Westside Drama Group’s children fantasy The Amazing AngelMan.
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Caiclub Performing Arts’ dance and drama Alice… In Her Wonderland will also be performed. Tickets for the festival will be on sale at the John Mackintosh Hall from Monday, February 20. Further info: 00350 20067236 or email: info@culture.gi
BassCake bought her first decks aged 19 and since 2014 has performed at festivals such as Croatia’s Outlook and the Gibraltar Electronic Music Festival. Cheryl has also formed a collective of female DJs called Underground Female Directive. Live performances have also taken her to Malaga, Sevilla and even as far as Bristol in the UK. She describes her drum and bass sound as ‘deep, rolling and techy’. Fans of Cheryl can vote for her to win the award by visiting the International Breaks Award.
The longest-running invitational pool event will be held in the Tercentenary Hall. Friday evening and afternoon session tickets are £15. Saturday and Sunday evening tickets are £20.
G
ibraltar History Lecture Series, February 24
As part of the University of Gibraltar lecture series, Dr Darren Fa will speak about the Great Siege at 10am. Register your interest at chloe.ramos@unigib.edu. gi.
T
he Blues Brothers tribute, February 25
The show includes a threecourse dinner, and will be held at the O’Callaghan Eliott Hotel. Tickets £35 via eliott@ocallaghanhotels.com.
Younger than they look THE Nerja cave paintings could be much more recent than previously thought. A new method of calcium dating has put the caves at 20,000 years old, instead of the previously believed 40,000. An investigation team led by Cordoba University’s Jose Luis Sanchidrian has been working at the site for five years.
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The raising of centuries-old ships can reveal a treasure trove of information about our buried past, writes Elsa Maishman
A
N operation to raise a 250-year-old British ship from the waters around Uruguay began on February 10. As the Olive Press reported last week, the move will be spearheaded by Argentinian treasure hunter Ruben Collado, who hopes to find as much as £1 billion in gold bullion on board. But Collado is interested in more than the money. The sinking of the Lord Clive was an important historical event, he says, and raising it will allow us to see ‘the true magnitude of the story’. This is a story of why a British ship was sunk by Spanish cannon fire while defending a Portuguese colony on the coast of Uruguay, 254 years ago. It is a story of colonialism, alliances and declarations of war which changed the
SUNK: The Lord Clive ship
course of world history and helped to shape the countries that we know today. The Lord Clive was sunk while attacking Colonia del Sacramento, a Portuguese fort built in 1680. The area formed the frontier between Portuguese-held Brazil and Spanish-controlled South America. It was the subject of a continual tug of war between the two colonial powers, changing hands four times in eight decades; and then a fifth time in 1762, when the Spanish retook it in the Fantastic War. This war was fought between Spain and Portugal from 1762 to 1763 but, as there were no major battles, it was nicknamed ‘fantastic’. The Seven Years’ War (1754-1763) was primarily fought between Britain and France on a range of frontiers across almost every continent. Britain did badly at first but came out well in the end when, as British statesman George MaCartney famously remarked, Britain owned ‘a vast empire, on which the sun never sets.’ Spain and Portugal were both initially neu-
n e k n u S
SUNKEN TREASURE: A team is raising the British Lord Clive just off the coast of south America
history
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HUNTER: Collado (left) and map of Colonia del Sacramento
waters were too shallow so Captain Robert MacNamara resolved to take Colonia del tral, but in 1759 King Charles III took over Sacramento instead. The ships took up position on January 6, as the new ruler of Spain. Concerned that Britain might come out 400 metres from the shore. of the war a stronger colonial power than This was too close and the Anglo-PortuSpain, he signed the Bourbon Family Com- guese fire aimed too high and missed its pact with France in 1761 (both ruling hous- target. es were members of the Bourbon family), The Spanish forces were better prepared bringing the country into war with Britain than MacNamara had expected, and cannons hit the Lord Clive, exploding the magin 1762. Spain then allied with France to attack Por- azine and sinking the ship. Over almost before it started, 272 people tugal which, though neutral, drowned but there were only had long been an important four Spanish casualties. economic ally of Britain’s. The Lord Clive lies in just 16 The Spanish Hoping to distract British feet of water, but the Spanish troops from attacking French forces were dropped rocks on its hull so soil, Franco-Spanish forces better prepared that the rest of the Anglo-Porswiftly invaded both on Portugal’s European frontier than MacNamara tuguese contingent couldn’t refloat it. and in its South American The Treaty of Paris returned expected colonies. Colonia del SacraColonia del Sacramento to mento fell in 1763. Portugal in 1763. It was at this point that a But in a political game of group of British merchants stepped in, deciding that an attack on the Spanish-held ping-pong it passed back into Spanish territory would be useful to the nation and hands in 1777, was subsequently returned financially beneficial to businessmen. The to Portugal and owned by Brazil for a while, East India Trading Company bought the before Uruguay was founded in 1828. Lord Clive (formerly the HMS Kingston The British, however, never had another which they rechristened after the Com- look-in. As Collado points out, the sinking mander in Chief of British India), and sent of the Lord Clive had a big impact. troops and finances from London to South “If that ship had not failed in its attempt America, picking up Portuguese allies on to retake the city of Colonia del Sacramento, today we could be speaking English the way. The plan was to attack Montevideo but the throughout Latin America.”
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Manilva, Sabinillas and Puerto de la Duquesa
Vol. 11 Issue 259
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February 15th - February 28th 2017
Puerto de la Duquesa,
Born to be wild
NATURAL WONDERS: Sights on Manilva’s beaches include a shopping line of drying squids, while (inset) kids play on one of the many rocky coves
Chloe Glover discovers the raw natural beauty of the Costa del Sol’s wild west to the half dozen of unspoilt beaches, that lie below the main N340 coastal road. “These are some of the best beaches on the Costa del Sol and some of the least known,” explains Bish Witkowski, owner of local Castles estate agency.
Indeed on many weekends outside of July and August, you can practically have the beaches to yourself… and a good number have great chiringuitos to eat on. On one beach at Punta Chullera, you find the perfect place to explore rock pools and dive into the sea, while at another a handful of tourists sunbathe next to a group of squids drying on a line. But the beaches are just one of the natural draws of Manilva, which is broadly split into three areas; beach-front Sabinillas, port-side Duquesa Continues on next page
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TS hidden craggy coves fringed with wild grasses and flowers owe more to Cornwall’s rugged coastline than Spain’s Costa del Sol. But these are the attractive protected natural beaches of Manilva, a true haven for nature lovers. Worlds away from the heavily commercialised sands of nearby Mijas or Fuengirola, four kilometres of golden playas are being kept wild as an ecological reserve. Endangered western snowy plovers, chameleons and rare species of dune plants are among the flora and fauna in renaissance here since the conservation zone was created in 2011. Unsurprisingly, eagle-eyed tourists are also beginning to be drawn
Calle Duquesa de Arcos, 47, Sabinillas Tel: 952 897 207 Email: joyeriacleto@hotmail.com
Puert
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Castles and country From previous page
and the hillside village of Manilva proper. “There is nowhere quite like Manilva”, explains local expat councillor Dean Tyler Shelton. “We share a fantastic and unique micro climate nestled between the Sierra Bermeja mountains and the Straits of Gibraltar, there is a great mix of locals and tourists and there are excellent views of the north African coastline.” Avid walkers and mountain bikers can take a break from the seaside to enjoy the salty fresh air and the rolling countryside on one of several trails. Some wind their way up to the pretty white village of Manilva itself, a community that has thrived thanks to its many vineyards established in the 16th century.
Unique
The must-see Nilva Wine Museum is a mecca for thirsty walkers and wine lovers alike, who come to take tours of its grape plantations and indulge in tastings. It has been backed by eight Michelinstarred Basque chef Martin Berasategui, who personally selected Nilva wine for his eponymously-named restaurant’s wine list. “He has completely backed our project, sponsored some vines and supports our vision,” said Nilva boss Argimiro Martínez Moreno. Those without money to splash on a three course meal with wine at Berasategui’s restaurant can pick up a bottle from the museum for as little as €5. The adjacent Plaza de la Vendimia (Wine Harvest Square) boasts a vibrant mosaic depicting grape-pickers at work. During the first weekend in September, a throng of visitors pile in to help celebrate the annual harvest festival (la vendimia), tread the grapes and toast the fruits of their labour with large glasses of local vino. A hidden oasis lies waiting just a couple of kilometres further north, right on the border with Casares; the Roman baths of Hedionda. Julius Caesar is one of many to have taken advantage of the medicinal sulphur springs gushing from the valley’s limestone outcrop. The four cloudy blue pools and arched brickwork offer a fascinating step back in time. The invitingly warm waters are the per-
RURAL: Hills above Manilva, Duquesa port and the Roman baths metre from the waterfront, lined with res- most fascinating flea markets (Rastro de taurants touting everything from Chinese Sabinillas) rolls into town. stir fry and Indian curries to Italian pizzas, Held weekly at the fairground off the Moroccan cous cous and British fish and Camino de los Baños de la Hedionda, it’s chips. a bargain hunter’s delight with some 300 A short walk east along the beachfront stalls selling everything from fruit and veg will bring you to San Luis de Sabinillas, to antiques, secondhand snips, artisan affectionately known by locals as ‘Sabi.’ products, clothing and jewellry. Traditionally a small seafaring village with After a day discovering Manilva’s manifisherman’s shacks on the beach, it has fold charms, it’s time to put your feet up. boomed over the past few decades to beFrom lux to low key, the come a laid back tourist town has lodgings to resort with a thriving exsuit any depth of pocket. pat community. Enjoy the lively seafront It has boomed Gaze at impressive vibe of the port at Harto become a laid bour views of Morocco’s AtClub Aparthotel las Mountains from its back tourist resort Duquesa or LAID BACK: Robinson Crusoe charm at Floria, and (top) Castillo de la Duquesa main beach, which fans live like the lord of the out invitingly. with a thriving manor at El Molino del The beach is the epicenfect spot for a late spring picnic under and an exhibition room. Duque, an 18th century community the shade of the surrounding eucalyptus Visit the archeological museum to see tre of Manilva’s massive mill remodelled into a displays of prehistoric artefacts and oth- full moon party each Autrees. stunning self-catering The impressive site is joined by a host of er curiosities, such as a fourth century gust, a dazzling all- night hacienda that also hoard of coins. celebration. other local Roman archeological gems. serves as an unforgettable setting for Excavation work in 1989 uncovered the The intriguing fencing museum next door Inspired by the legendary parties of Thai- weddings and special events. ruins of a former bath house near Plaza is testament to Manilva’s long involve- land’s Koh Pha Ngan island, the family- With its authentic Spanish coastal vilde los Banos Romano and a Roman ment with the sport and it remains an friendly event features Chinese sky lan- lage feel, Sabinillas is a perfect laid back necropolis lies just north of Castillo de ‘epee centre’, as the local fencing club terns and other eye-catching displays. choice for families and couples alike with still practice their blade skills in the cas- Manilva’s scintillating events calendar numerous places to stay. Duquesa, another fascinating stop-off. brings together locals and visitors the For a day or to stay over, magical ManilOccupying the site of a former Roman tillo. villa, the 18th century edifice was con- For sport with a more nautical nuance whole year around. There’s even a day va is the perfect antidote to its brasher structed to ward off continuous coastal head to Duquesa’s yachting marina dedicated to tourists who are celebrated Costa neighbours. And with natural atwhich bustles with a happy mix of locals through dance and song. attacks by pirates. tractions by the bucketload and spades There is no rest for the town, even on of authentic charm you won’t have to dig Nowadays, it enjoys a more pacifistic role and British and German tourists. as the home of two museums, a library Taste the globe without budging a centi- a Sunday, when one of Costa del Sol’s deep to discover it all.
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Place to be
Manilva’s Castillo is home to one of Andalucia’s top fencing clubs
Sword of MANILVA CASTLE: A fitting location
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honour
HEY have fenced with Hollywood star Viggo Through Cerrada’s expert leadership and dedicaMortensen (above). tion the team has racked up an impressive cache It is just one of the many accolades that sits of medals and now counts world class members in the trophy case of Club Internacional de among its ranks. Esgrima Andaluzia, Manilva’s very own fencing club. “We train four times a week at the castillo and in Established 10 years ago, the swashbuckling group Estepona and every year we get to be champions or must have one of the most fitting practice rooms in runners-up of Spain in lower categories,” said Certhe country, in the belly of the historic 18th cenrada. tury Castillo de Duquesa. “At Andalusian level It was built at the height of Europe’s love afboth individual and team we have more fair with the sport, whose modern form has than 100 medals with champions at the level of its origins in Spain. children and adults. Now, thanks to the club it is also home “Jan Bade, who is Finnish, is one of our latest signings to Spain’s only Museum of Fencing. and came fifth in the world championships “We try to preserve and maintain the “Our youngest member is four years old and we heritage of this beautiful and thrilling have almost as many women as men, because sport, which is a true part of in fencing you can compete in mixed our culture explained Alberto bouts. Cerrada Fernandez, the club’s “My latest achievement has been becomtitle-winning founder. ing the Spanish champion of historic fencThe team has an A doctor, he set it up when he ing (different to modern in style and techmoved to the area from Manique), a title I won last November. impresive cache drid to work in a health centre. “But our main aim is not to win medals: of medals “My passion has always been It has always been to create a group of fencing and when I moved friends who enjoy and love this art and to here I wanted to continue care for the development of each of our practising it. members in a personalized way. “I had to travel very far because there were no local “We also want to spread the important values of clubs so it occurred to me: Why not create one of fencing, such as education, temperance, respect my own?” and work in a warm and friendly environment.” The club’s first base was in Estepona, where its con- Esgrima Andaluzia has also proved its movie star tinued success helped convince Manilva authorities credentials. to allow it to host both practices and contests in the “We’ve participated as masters of arms in films, telecastle. vision, theatre and musicals in Spain and beyond,” said Cerrada. “We have had the honor of working, with Manuel Bandera in the Zorro, with Vigo Mortensen in Alatriste and 2017 Goya winner Carlos Santos in Los Mosqueteros who was our Hamlet in the work that we present in the Castle of La Duquesa some years.” Cerrada’s love affair with fencing led him to set up Spain’s only museum dedicated to the past-time. “Because I am a collector of objects related to fencing, Manilva Council offered me the possibility of establishing it. “We decided to put it in the castle and it has become one of Manilva’s main tourist attractions.” Cerrada hopes the club and museum encourage more people to take up swords. “I love it because of the strategy, strength, speed, concentration and spirit. “Long may it live on.” For more information on the club, call Cerrada on 639359972 or visit the website at www.esgrimandaluzia.com
It’s the perfect time to buy in Manilva. According to Brian Berney of Coast to Coast properties, there’s no need to look any further for your holiday home. “Having been in the property business now for 8 years, it has made me appreciate the local area and the improvements that have been made,” he said. “I think this in particular is the reasoning why we now have so many northern European buyers who are attracted to the area. “Puerto de la Duquesa, in my opinion, is the nicest marina on the Costa del Sol is and probably always will be the main draw to the area. “Saying that, Manilva, Sabinillas and Casares have so much to offer particularly with the culture, the cuisine, the beaches and the wildlife and countryside.” He added: “We have seen prices in properties drop drastically over the past few years but now we are seeing a steady recovery, all the more reason to buy your home in the sun in Manilva.” For advice on how to buy, sell or rent contact sales@c2cproperty.com
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Gib airport +TheolivepressEs
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named one of world’s most BE ‘APPY! scenic landings
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GIBRALTAR International Airport has been named La Sala has announced am- one of the world’s most bitious expansion plans un- spectacular runway landDownload ourings. app now and der its new CEO Federico begin enjoyingThe the best Spanish airport has Rock’s Gonzalez. been picked by a panel of New beach clubs andnews an alon the go. liance with a global hospi- travel industry experts for tality group are said to be in this year’s Scenic Airport Landing Poll. the pipeline. Spanish-born Gonzalez, The shortlist has been who holds a law and eco- drawn up by judges from nomics degree from Bil- PrivateFly, one of the online bookbao’s Deusto University leading and an MBA from INSEAD ing platforms for private plane charter. business school in France, The Olive Press took on the new role on An airport spokesman said: “The airport that reFebruary 6. TOP for news in Spain! “I’m honoured to have ceives the most votes by BEAUTY: Landing strip in Gibraltar been chosen for this very exciting opportunity,” said A NEW Barbary Macaque educaGonzalez, “This is a group tional trip has been launched by a that has achieved unparalGibraltar tour company. leled success since its founBlands Travel has become the first dation. To be offered the operator to send its guides to learn chance to lead our 300 emall about the iconic primates. ployees to greater success Conducted by biologist Brian Gomila, primates are more relaxed. is a challenge I am greatly the Monkey Talk outings help guides Nuria Saccone, Head of Destination looking forward to.” develop a non-intrusive way of ap- Services at Blands Travel, said: “It The Sala Group has six loproaching Gibraltar’s macaques. is important that we are educated cations worldwide, includGuides spend two hours with the about the macaques. macaques away from tourists in the “They are arguably Gibraltar’s single ing in Gibraltar, and has last two hours of the day when the most important tourist attraction several projects planned for 2018.
Monkeying around
the time the poll closes will win the coveted top spot. “Gibraltar Airport would like to encourage members of the public to do so by voting online.” Voting will run until the end of February. To vote visit: www. privatefly.com/airport-poll/PrivateFlyAirportPoll.html
and are synonymous with The Rock.” A Blands Travel spokesman said the company will now be encouraging all of its guides to sign up for the tours. Brian Gomila added: “One cannot talk about the macaques in the same way as you would about a historic monument. “It pays off for guides to be able to interpret their behaviours in order to captivate their audience and provide a safe and educational experience.”
NEWS IN BRIEF
Classy cava
THE Cava Regulatory Council is set to establish a new category of singlevineyard cava in order to improve the Spanish wine’s reputation as an upmarket tipple, capable of rivalling champagne.
Giving back THE Kasawi barber shop in Benalmadena has pledged to ‘give something back’ by offering free haircuts on Wednesdays to those who cannot afford their services.
Cash for Casares THE Association of Town Halls on the Western Costa del Sol is to give Casares €38,000 to spend on tourist infrastructure.
Roadworks MALAGA’S council has set aside €9.2 million for this year to improve the motorway network and make roads safer in the province.
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year for the next 30 years, the GSD has claimed. Opposition leader Daniel BE ‘APPY! Feetham accused the government of ‘mortgaging generations’ through a £300 million loan. The GSD said total rents collected will not cover the interest on the loan, with the subsidised by Download our app nowshortfall and a government vehicle.
Gunning for it
Property
Property
Don’t28th miss2017 February 15th - February
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February 15th - February 28th 2017
No trust
Feetham slams Picardo on £300 million loan as source queries Hassans ‘over representation’
begin enjoying the best Spanish A CHERISHED building earnews on marked for demolition is the set go. Prudent to be rebuilt. The old Gatehouse at Gun- “We are just as concerned We would never have done wharf will be carefully dis- as we were before we went it in a million years.” mantled and reconstructed at into this meeting about He added: “All this was this particular transac- planned before the 2015 a different location. general election. He knew The century-old building has tion,” said Feetham. been at the centre of a fierce “It’s not prudent to be about it and he kept quiet recent row between the Gi- mortgaging the housing to the people of Gibraltar. estates where people live. “That is wrong and it braltar Heritage Trust Theand Olive Press the MOD over its demolition. A government spokesman TOP said: “This decision tofor sal-news in Spain! vage an important part of Gibraltar’s heritage clearly demonstrates the commitTIME is running out to snap up a luxury apartment in a ment of HM Government of large British-built development on the Costa del Sol. Gibraltar and MOD to the The last 40 homes, costing €265,000, have gone on sale Rock’s history and heritage.” in Taylor Wimpey’s Acqua development in San Pedro. Last month, the MOD stated Located between the seafront and the old quarter of the it would continue with the town, the two and three-bedroom scheme is the latest site’s demolition in the face of project by the property magnate in Andalucia. advice from the Development Each property comes with air conditioning and a private and Planning Commission. parking space, alongside access to a communal swimBut now the gatehouse will ming pool and gardens. be taken down section by secTaylor Wimpey is currently constructing more homes on tion, with all parts catalogued its Los Arqueros Golf resort, which is set for completion and stored before a new locaby 2020. tion is agreed.
shows he [Chief Minister Fabian Picardo] can’t be trusted.” Meanwhile, a Gibraltar businessman who wished to remain anonymous said: “The Chief Minister is not casting his net wide
Life of luxury
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enough. “I worry that by taking advice only from his own professional partners, Mr Picardo might be losing out on a wider range of expertise.” The GSD estimates the interest on the loan to be around £11 million a year, with interest alone totalling over £300 million over the 30 year tenure of the loan. But Housing Department figures for 2015-16 show gross total housing rental collection to be just under £3 million, with only 60.7% of the total collected. The government defended the loan as ‘a significant vote of confidence in Gibraltar’s economy’.
Professional Ethics and Conscience
IN COME THE BIG BUCKS!
“We have spent around €86 million here so far and have a fund of €100 million to spend,” explained Managing Partner Peter Wells, based in Colorado. “We are one of the largest developers on the Costa del Sol and our emphasis is on distressed properties.” He added: “Also we do things transparently and always try and deliver on price and quality.” The company - which made hundreds of millions buying and selling distressed properties in the US - has 16 staff working out of its office at Centro Plaza. Local boss Taylor Cox, added: “The coast is really starting to come alive and it’s a pleasure to live in such a beautiful part of the world.”
Currency Exchange
& Money Transfers
May 25th - June 7th 2016
Booming July predicted following ‘pause’ in run-up to EU referendum Special report by Iona Napier
BOSSES: Cox and Wells
A HUGE US property fund is splashing €45 million on three new Costa del Sol developments. The American bosses behind Real Capital Solutions have snapped up sizeable plots in Estepona, Mijas and Benahavis and continue to look at further opportunities along the coast. The company, based in Marbella since 2013, already has five other developments, including The Retreat, in Elviria.
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ESTATE agents in Spain and Gibraltar are lining themselves up for the busiest July on record. It comes as some British buyers put purchases on hold due to the forthcoming EU referendum on June 23. Most agents the Olive Press spoke to confirmed they had various sales currently ‘paused’ awaiting the result, despite the British market remaining strong. The majority believe that the expected result - to stay in Europe - will lead to the pound strengthening with a red hot summer of sales to follow. Ben Bateman, at Holmes Sotogrande, described the referendum lead up as a ‘pause for thought for British buyers’ due to concerns over the weak pound. “After a remain vote however, we expect to see a strong finish to the year - and a sudden wave of bids from British buyers,” he told the Olive Press. One agent in Gibraltar has gone one step further actually employing extra staff for July. Savills director Sammy Cruz-Armstrong said: “Everything is on hold due to Brexit, but I am convinced we will stay in Europe and am taking on extra staff in July to deal with the expected deluge of business.” Benahavis agent Scott Marshall of Proper-
Roll on Remain tieSpain, meanwhile, described the pause as ‘very psychological’. He said: “It’s a combination of the uncertainty of the vote and the exchange rate right now.” While many agents have a couple of sales currently on hold, some have seen more. “We have up to ten sales currently on hold until after the referendum,” said Victor Witkowski, boss of Castles, in Manilva. “Buyers are not necessarily pulling out, but they are biding their time to see what happens.” Fellow Manilva agent, Shani Hamilton, also confirmed a slowdown, but added: “We are predicting a huge influx of business as soon as a decision is made.”
www.spanishpropertyinsight.com Source: Registradores Q1 2013 Q2 2013 Q3 2013 Q4 2013 Q1 2014 Q2 2014 Q3 2014 Q4 2014 Q1 2015 Q2 2015 Q3 2015 Q4 2015 Q1 2016
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Deals
Spanish property sales by nationality and quarter
& Money Transfers
Where is Gillian buying?
Where are the coolest Airbnbs?
Either way, official statistics out this month confirm the British market remains strong and tens of thousands continue to look for their dream home. Respected analyst Mark Stucklin insists that foreign demand for Spanish property was up 16% in the first quarter with Brits the biggest group of foreign buyers at 22% of the market share. “The British still dominate the foreign market for property and there is no evidence of a noticeable decline in demand as yet,” he said. And certainly not everyone is suffering. One agent, Graham Govier of Inland Andalucia has seen ‘no negative impact’ at all during the referendum lead-up. “In fact it is the opposite. Prices are extremely cheap right now and we are selling two times as many properties as we were last year,” he said. He added: “My salesman Paul - already a bit of a local celebrity - has just completed his seventh consecutive sale and people are buying because they can see that the incredible deals won’t wait around for them forever,” he added. Paul made headlines in the Olive Press last year when he sold an impressive nine properties in a row.
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Bubble burst THE number of British owners selling their Spanish homes has skyrocketed since Brexit. Malaga province has seen a 16.5% increase is Brits selling up since June 23. The data was collated from estate agents by the Colegio de Administradores de Fincas de Malaga y Melilla, a government owned corporation that represents property professionals. It said that fears over a devaluation in the pound and over the medium and long term consequences of Brexit were to blame. “The uncertainty of the UK’s economic future is pushing many Britons to pose a situation unthinkable until months ago: selling their home in Malaga” said Fernando Pastor, the organisation’s president. “We have found that both UK citizens who live here and those who have their second home in our province have changed their perception of real estate investment and prefer to sell property now before the economic context changes further.”
13 11+
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ALL PROPERTY MATTERS BY CAMPBELL FERGUSON
RICS BUILDING SURVEYORS & VALUERS
For peace of mind follow these property buying rules
Why taking advice when purchasing a homeFindisYour Property always a good idea
A
FTER many years of carrying out expert witness valuations for international courts, I’ve applied to be appointed to the President of RICS’s panel of Expert Witnesses. The training involves a new section, entitled ‘Professional Ethics for RICS Members’. It was a thought provoking course. “Professional ethics, that should be a doddle as I’ve been dealing with such decisions all my working life,” I thought to myself. However, after the online training, in my first question-and-answer test, I didn’t achieve the required 75% pass rate! So, I went through the questions again and studied the ideal answers, which were all to do with conflicts of interest and respect for RICS and the client above myself and my firm. I read through the course again and sat a different test, being delighted with the pass now that I knew the type of answers expected. I don’t necessarily agree that these answers are practical for real life, but it’s certainly made me think. When somebody comes to Spain wanting to buy a property for the first time, or in an area where they haven’t built a social support system, how do they select the professionals they need to work with? The sensible person chooses a reliable and knowledgeable estate agent local to the area in which they wish to purchase. A lawyer too, who can speak your language, is independent of the estate agent, property owner and bank and has the professional conscience to find answers to questions that you do not know to ask. While the lawyer will ensure that the paperwork is correct, an independent building surveyor is
essential to ensure, through Instruct measurementsInstruct and Building Surveyorthat paperLawyer description, that the property matches work and also point out any significant defects in the building structure and condition. Their fee can be saved many times over by prewith Knowledge in senting their report to the sellerBuy for a reduction & Confidence the price equivalent to the cost of making the property good, both physically and in the permissions required for any alterations that have not been 952 923 520 Connect with us! licensed or registered. +34 admin@surveyspain.com We’ve ‘saved the life’ of asurveyspain.com number of solicitors who would have approved the property for their client if we hadn’t pointed out that the paperwork was not accurately describing the property that we inspected. But how does one find these paragons of virtue? Referrals from a trusted person are the best and sometimes, yes, the selling agent may know an independent lawyer who knows that his/her duty of care is 100% to their client. But most times, it’s safer to appoint a lawyer not involved with the seller or the selling agent. Probably someone from a different town, but practising within the same province or certainly autonomous community so they are familiar with the local laws, which can differ throughout Spain. A RICS surveyor knows what ethics are and that they have a very consumer orientated, international organisation regulating them and Professional Indemnity Insurance. You should always check that all the professionals have PII as that indicates that they have their client’s interest at heart. The biggest problems that buyers will encounter will be their own arrogance with regard to the laws and regulations of Spain and overconfidence that they ‘know it all’. Take advice as there are always questions that need answers.
Contact Campbell and the team on +34 952 923 520 or email info@surveyspain.com
Motors
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February 15th - February 28th 2017 February 15th - February 28th 2017
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Google mapped FORGET Ferraris and Lamborghinis, the most sought after car in Spain is still a Volkswagen. According to a study by Quickco, Spaniards haven’t fallen out with the manufacturer following its huge emissions scandal, as it remained the most searched for car last year. The study analysed which brands were most Googled in 193 countries in 2016. It revealed that most people in the UK are looking for BMW’s.
Ticket to ride FERRARI Land has begun selling its first tickets as new details about Spain’s first car-themed amusement park have been revealed. The Barcelona park will feature a vertical accelerator that rockets thrillseekers up over 100 metres in just five seconds. Other attractions include Ferrari Land Gallery, an interactive exhibit that takes you through the history of the legendary Italian car maker, a racetrack, free fall tower, F1 simulators, pit stop, and speedway for kids. There will also be three different shows. Sprawling across 70,000 square metres and costing €100 million, Ferrari Land is the younger sister to Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi which opened in 2010. The park will officially open April 7 and adult ticket prices start at €60.
Cheap as chips
NEW car sales rose by 10.7% year-on-year in January. It comes after some 84,515 brand new vehicles were sold in the first month of 2017. The figures suggest Spain’s economy is on the mend as confidence in the market returns. New car sales in December 2016 rose by 9.3%.
Gibraltar leads the way in lower fuel prices
GIBRALTAR continues to offer the cheapest petrol compared to nearby An-
READY: Spain’s Ferrari Land
dalucia. It comes after a new report revealed that Mar-
BRITAIN’S exit from the EU could derail Spain’s recovering car industry, despite a strong 2016. The country’s production of automobiles rose by 5.6% last year to 2.89 million, a return to pre-crisis levels. But the Anfac carmaker association has warned that ‘the devaluation of certain currencies and the emergence of protectionist phenomena in various countries that Spain exports to’ negatively impacted production in the last six months. Exports account for 84% of Spanish production, a figure which rose last year by 7% to 2.43 million units - more than in pre-crisis 2007. But Anfac said countries like the UK showed signs of weariness, especially post-Brexit, as the pound dropped in value. It added that exports to Britain had been dropping around 16% per month since September. Spain’s car industry is key to its economy, accounting for 10% of economic output. Last year the Spanish economy grew by 3.2%, with many analysts saying it has almost returned to pre-crisis levels. But Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has
bella has the highest fuel prices in Spain. Data from Spain’s Minis-
Derailed
try of Energy and Tourism revealed that refueling your diesel car will cost you more in Marbella than in any municipality on the Costa del Sol, and more than all major Spanish cities. The average price at Marbella stations is €1.163 per litre, higher than Barcelona’s €1.155 and astonishingly, higher than Madrid’s €1.119.
Astonishing
warned that Brexit could play a destabilising role. In a press conference at the end of January, the PP leader said Britain’s departure from the EU presented a ‘real threat’ to the country.
Malaga’s average is €1.147 while Sevilla’s is €1.146. But the average price on the Rock is just 92p, or €1.08. It’s £46 for 50 litres, the same in Marbella would be on average €58, or £50. Gibraltar has long offered lower prices due to petrol not being taxed like it is in Spain. Marbella is also said to have more gas stations that are linked to large exclusive oil companies, driving up the average price.
ALONSO: Reveals his Hollywood crush
Just a little crush FERNANDO ALONSO has revealed the woman he would most like to date is Hollywood starlet Charlize Theron. He confessed to his crush during a quick-fire questionnaire with F1 magazine, where the questions all started with, ‘If you could pick just one…’. When asked which meal he’d pick to eat for the rest of his life he said pizza, with the one topping being jamon. Fifa was his one video game choice, a book by Andre Agassi his one read, and if given just one sport to play he would not choose motor racing. Instead it would be basketball.
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18
LETTERS
www.gibraltarolivepress.com
February 15th - February 28th 2017
Fury on the Rock Queen bee As a chess fan I say that the chances of playing 7 women at the Gibraltar Open are extremely low, probably less than 0.1 %, about 0.04608 %. Gibraltar should investigate this for the sake of its reputation. Rob Leitz, UK
Missed the point Costa has once again missed the point (Marlene Hassan Nahon tables motion to have cannabis laws debated in parliament, online). Legalising Savitex and similar medications which derive from cannabis was the way to go. Instead he has tried to appear cool and trendy by starting a debate on legalising it for recreational
I cannot remember a case that has caused so much fury in Gibraltar. People are asking how much money the Picardo government has spent on the parole. The Gibraltar judicial system is a shambles and the minister should stop throwing more money at the most expensive lawyers and resign. Gibraltarians are asking why a convicted fraudster was not debarred. What is the Lawyer’s association doing? The story doing the rounds is that the Establishment want to get rid of Judge Jack because they only want tame judges.
You must be joking What a joke! They hire a top QC from London for a piddling parole case but only Picardo’s professional partners for this £300,000,000 spend fest (GSD leader Daniel Feetham accuses government, online). Maybe they thought that the parole case was more important. Peter Potter, UK
Roy Perez, Estepona
Scandal HOW a fraudster convicted of stealing millions from his clients was not disbarred is an indictment of the Judicial Service Commission (Convicted purposes. First the Marrache parole mess up and now this. Mr. Costa needs to start thinking before acting on the say so of lobbyists. Anonymous
Brewing up fraudster Isaac Marrache’s release confirmed, online). Marrache was not practicing as a barrister in England so the responsibility lies mainly on the legal authorities in Gibraltar where he was convicted. This scandal calls for resignations at the top
of the JSC if the reputation of the Gibraltarian legal system is to be preserved. Of course I am joking, this latest example of incompetence will be swept under the carpet like everything else. Anonymous
Thank you so much for the great article about my fight to get a new flat (Thanks You, Issue 37). My husband Andy, daughter Vic and I are very happy with what’s been written. Spot on! When
Costa should smell the coffee! How much has he spent on trying to get this guy out of prison?
we move house we’ll have to invite you up for a bite to eat. I’m really looking forward to getting my life back. This means the world to me. Thank you, Olive Press.
Has anything peeked your interest in this week’s Gibraltar Olive Press? Have your say on the matter by emailing letters@theolivepress.es or alternatively message us on Gen03.pdf 1 16/10/2012 08:51:33 Facebook at www.facebook.com/GibraltarOlivePress or Twitter @olivepress
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John Richards, La Linea
Grace Stevens, Gibraltar
BREXIT Bulletin
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February 15th - February 28th 2017
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February 15th - February 28th 2017
Brexit discussions between Spain and Gibraltar ‘would be very positive’, says Picardo CHIEF Minister Fabian Picardo has called on Spanish Foreign Minister Alfonso Dastis to talk to him over Brexit. Speaking at a press conference alongside La Linea mayor Juan Franco, Picardo said direct talks between Gibraltar and Madrid would be 'very positive'. Picardo added it was 'laughable in the 21st century that there should be an impediment to people talking'.
It’s time to talk
Franco and Picardo met on Tuesday to discuss freedom of movement across the border post-Brexit. Picardo said: "An engagement with Gibraltar would be very positive indeed for the relationship between Gibraltar and Spain and the rela-
tionship of the region. "But also if I may say so for the relationship between the people of the UK and Spain. "I have often heard it said Gibraltar is the only thing standing in the way of a closer relationship between the UK and Spain.
PICARDO: Ready for a conversation
"Gibraltar doesn't want to stand in the way of that relationship. Therefore I would very much welcome the opportunity to have an interaction with Dastis in relation to these issues." He added: "My phone number and contact de-
Brief By Charles Gomez
W
henever things get difficult, Gibraltarians have to remind all who care to listen that we are British. Only recently our current Chief Minister, Mr Picardo gave a typically eloquent ‘red, white and blue’ speech which earned him a round of applause at a parliamentary select committee meeting in Westminster. Lately, I have been wondering what other group of people are so regularly forced to proclaim their nationality. It is not as if Gibraltarians are recent British citizens. Many if not most of us can trace our “Britishness” to the middle of the 18th Century if not earlier. Should I start resenting the pressure to make, or have Gibraltar’s political leaders repeat these autos da fé with such indecent regularity? The Gibraltarian privateering fleet held the defence of this key to the Mediterranean at a time when Nelson’s fleet was otherwise engaged. Please keep your suggestions of piracy to yourself; the use of private ships of war has always been common in naval warfare. Would Britain have defeated Napoleon at Trafalgar were it not for Gibraltar and the Gibraltarians? Indeed, would the Allies have been able to beat Rommel in North Africa and then carry out the invasion of Italy if General Eisenhower had not had his headquarters in Gibraltar in 1942? Yes, I am getting a little bit sore with having to repeat that we are British. From 1968 to 1982 my fellow citizens endured a siege from Spain whilst London had relatively friendly relations with Franco in Madrid. In the Second World War my grandfather fought for King and Country in Burma. As a lawyer I place a lot of importance on the concept of citizenship. It is a concept that is near the centre of jurisprudence. Recently I have written in the Olive Press
Testing times
Why should Gibraltarians have to repeatedly remind others that they are British? about my own view that European citizenship for those British citizens who have it will survive a Brexit. Citizenship, I repeat, is a crucial right and I do not believe that Gibraltarians should be forced to have to proclaim it at every turn. The inhabitants of the Spanish North African territories of Ceuta and Melilla are not required to reiterate their Spanishness. Sir Mo Farah, the champion Olympic runner who came to Britain when he was a child in the late 1980’s and has been living in the US for the last 6 years, isn’t asked whether he is British.
Forced
He isn’t asked because everybody knows that he, like the Gibraltarians, is British and it would be the height of rudeness to ask him. Which brings me to another point which is that by being forced by circumstances to repeat our centuries’ old nationality, we necessarily curtail the discussion that we are able to have with the Spanish political establishment. Hardly has any form of sensible debate begun but that we have to tell the Spaniards that we are different from them. Not better, not worse, but different and from there the discussion sours.
Over the last few years I have been working to try to develop an understanding among young Spaniards as to what Gibraltar is. Much of the Spanish media, particularly between August 2013 and the middle of 2015 depicted Gibraltarians as ruthless squatters on Spanish land. Many will recall the unfortunate YouTube clip of a school play in the village of Alfajarín near Zaragoza in which pupils dressed up as Civil Guards, shooting dead other pupils acting as Gibraltarians. There were many similar incidents which there is no point in repeating now. The antidote for misunderstandings, let alone hatred, is of course information. So, I have involved myself in helping put together lectures on English law for Spanish students in Gibraltar on English law. They are able to come to Gibraltar and see for themselves that Gibraltar is not just the cheap tobacco shops of Irish Town and the ubiquitous jewellers on Main Street. There is a centuries’ old society here. Nobody who visits the Court House, built to dispense law among Gibraltarians in the 1750s, or the Garrison Library of 1793 or the Parliament building of 1817 can fail to appreciate it. Last year, I attended a talk by the Mayor of Essaouira, the Moroccan MP Asma Chaabi. She recalls bringing a group of pupils from a school in Tangiers to Gibraltar in 1994. She says that even today many of her students who are by now prominent in the Moroccan professions, business, the civil service and the military recall with great affection their visit to the Rock so many years ago. The problems of this region are not solved by dressing up in flags but in welcoming each other. Then we can all see that our differences do not divide us but can create positive relationships of respect and affection in the pursuit of peace and prosperity.
Readers of the Olive Press are invited to discuss this or any other legal matter with Charles Gomez by emailing charles@gomezco.gi
CHARLES GOMEZ & COMPANY BARRISTERS AT LAW
tails are well known." Picardo described Dastis' language since succeeding Jose Manuel Garcia Margallo in November as 'materially different both in tone and substance'. "If you look at what Senor Dastis has said in detail, under the magnifying glass, and the way in which he expresses himself, there is a valley of difference," said Picardo. "The objective is the same one, which is to ultimately see
the sovereignty of Gibraltar transferred to Spain. "We will stand four-square against that objective." He continued: "We would wish that the change of tone we had seen might also manifest itself in a different attitude to the representation of the people of Gibraltar and an understanding that an engagement with Gibraltar would be very positive indeed."
CEMETERY VISIT: British ambassador Manley
Grave concerns BRITISH ambassador to Spain Simon Manley has said Mariano Rajoy and the Spanish government ‘value the presence of Britons in Spain'. Speaking to the Olive Press at Malaga’s English Cemetery, the UK’s man in Madrid revealed he has held meetings with national, regional and local leaders to put across expats fears over Brexit. Manley is also holding discussions with expats as the UK government prepares for negotiations over leaving the EU, with access to healthcare one of the primary concerns of Spanish-based Brits. Manley said: “We are trying to meet with expats and groups representing them to understand their concerns and transmit those concerns to our colleagues in London. “Many expats have suffered from the fall in sterling, which has affected pensions. We want to work with Spanish authorities at the national, regional and local level to ensure Brits can continue to live and buy property here.” He added: “Whether it be the Spanish national government, from Prime Minister Rajoy down, through to presidents of regional governments I have met and many a city mayor, all of them tell me they value the presence of Britons here in Spain.” Manley was taken on a tour of the cemetery with the mayor of Malaga Francisco de La Torre. The ambassador and De La Torre stopped to lay flowers at the grave of British writer Gerald Brenan. Manley said: “People like Gerald Brenan did so much to enable Britons to understand the reality of Spain in the 20th century. His cultural legacy lives on. “I read about Spain through the works of Laurie Lee, Orwell and Brenan. It’s important to try and understand the context in which we’re working and understand more about the historical relationship between the UK and Spain.
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No dog’s dinner DESSERTS have put food on the table for abandoned dogs in need. Big-hearted Annette Heywood of Cafe Rojo used money from sales of her venue’s special desserts to buy biscuits for pooches currently being looked after by the Animal In Need shelter in La Linea. It is the latest generous initiative by Heywood, 47, who also makes nail art photos for the charity. “I’ve adopted my dogs from the shelter and think it does fantastic work,” said Heywood. “Sadly, one of their puppies died at Christmas so I decided that I should do something more to help. “In January I started to take £1 from every sale of our two special desserts to use to buy food for the shelter and have managed to raise £147 in just a few weeks.”
A TAPAS night will celebrate the first anniversary of a cafe. Bistro 292 of Main Street is hosting the event on February 23, one year on since it first opened its doors. Cava and wine will also be flowing on the evening, which will take place from 6 to 8pm. The cosy eatery has become a favourite with locals and tourists, who come to sample both its cakes and savoury offerings, which include everything from burgers to curries.
Vegetarian recipe website specialises in new takes on classic Gibraltarian fare
BIRTHDAY: At Bistro 292
Recipe for success
A VEGETARIAN has put a meat-free spin on classic Gibraltarian dishes. Vegan minestra, rosto and puchero are just some of the tempting recipes that talented amateur chef Ivan Hernandez has shared on his new website Veggie Gib. Web designer Hernandez, 40, created it to show the ‘exciting world of options’ out there for people who want to eat healthily and without harming animals. “I only set up the website last November after my partner encouraged me to start sharing my recipes”, said Ivan. “I became vegetarian after after I bought some pet rabbits and was accidentally fed the same meat
one day. “It made me feel bad and I came to realise that I felt it was wrong to eat other animals too. “But I’ve always loved food and cooking and I didn’t want to stop eating the foods that I was used to. “So I learnt how to substitute certain ingredients to make them meat-free. “The website is a way of showing people that being vegetarian or vegan isn’t boring or limiting. “There are many options out there, you just need to be clever.” Ivan also shares recipes with Spanish and inter-
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national roots both on the website and on his linked Instagram, Facebook and Twitter accounts. “I love stews, especially tagarninas and ones with lentils”, he said. “The response has been very good, especially for the Gibraltarian recipes. “The attitude to vegetarian food is changing in Gibraltar. “I think it’s a result of the changing attitude in the UK and the increased amount of attention meat free diets are getting in the media.” Ivan has more plans for the future. “I want to keep going with the website and also want to release an e-book too.”
AN award-winning chef will bring some soul to the table at a Blues Brothers tribute night. O'Callaghan Eliott’s head chef Matt Birtwistle will prepare a lavish three course dinner for the event at the venue on February 25. It will be served alongside a special set by the Blues Brothers Tribute Band, one of the top British impersonators of the famed American blues and soul duo. Special prizes will be given to those in the best gangster fancy dress on the night. Tickets cost £35 per person and can be booked by calling 00350 20070500 or emailing eliott@ocallaghanhotels.
TOP CHEF: Matt
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An English City in Spain
O two months into the New Year and Brexit still means little more than Brexit. With Article 50 triggering next month, you wouldn’t want to be in Theresa May’s kittenheeled shoes, even if her new pal in the White House thinks it will be a ‘wonderful thing for Britain.’ Meanwhile, everyone who lives in or around Gibraltar tries not to wonder too much what life will be like when the UK leaves the EU, taking the Rock with it. My pal, a Wonder Woman in Gibraltar’s accountancy world, has no idea whether she, her company and half of financial services will be passported out when Gibraltar finds itself in the surreal position of being exiled from Europe politically but joined to it geographically. What does ‘Schexit mean?’ is the real question for those of us who cross the border regularly. That’s Schengen Exit, which comes with Brexit. Will getting
BRITISH STAPLES: John Cleese and ‘Manuel’ in Fawlty Towers
a jar of Marmite be more of a hassle after the axe falls? And will it cost five quid more if Foreign Minister Margallo’s replacement likes the old money-grubber’s idea of introducing a frontier fee? Amidst the speculation, the Spanish are in no doubt at all what Brexit means to them: oportunidades. And one of those is a holiday beach resort nine tenths the size of Disneyland which they plan to build just up the coast from Gibraltar. English City in La Linea will flaunt two five star hotels, 1,000 rental apartments and ‘views over virgin beaches to the bay’ (That’s the Bay of Algeciras or the Bay of Gibraltar, depending on your political viewpoint.). “We see very clear future profitability and we have patented the name because we ACK in the boom decades of are going to direct it to the the Nineties and Noughties, English market, taking adas an established member of vantage of the proximity of the freebooting press I used Gibraltar airport,” said the to get showered with all sorts of investors. freebies and goodie bags. I’ve been trying to get my In those days I was the editor of head around the concept a commercial property magazine, since I first read about it in based just off City Road. our local paper. The cool The buzzword in those days was 'ur€150 million on the table ban regeneration' and bodies such says it’s not such a mad idea as the London Docklands Developalthough, as it requires a ment Corporation had generous PR change to the General Plan, it budgets to spend. won’t be happening soon. Lavish 'research' trips were laid But why not British City, or will on, most notably to the MIPIM inthe Scots, Welsh and Irish be ternational property exhibition in excluded? And will they want Cannes, where the LDDC laid on a to fly all the way to Spain to marquee on La Croisette to watch stay in a fake version of what England play Wales. they can get back home for We all received LDDC rugby shirts, real? Coals and Newcastle lowered the European Wine Lake by spring to mind. about three metres and ate mounBut what I wonder most is, GOODIES: Giftbag from Our Space tains of roast beef sandwiches. how will they make it English? On my return to Marbella, I was de- Tight for time, I alas forsook my With kiss-me-quick hats and lighted to find that developers were usual opportunity to graze the bufcockney Manuels running equally as lavish whenever they fet – and I can graze a buffet in the around with trays of Pimms way that a herd of ravenous wildeopened a new development. and Twiglets which they’ll Hardly a month went by when I beest graze the Serengeti, trust me. have to buy from Morrisons Instead I had a quick didn't attend a funcand declare through their guided tour of the adtion, and I received so own Checkpoint Charlie? mittedly impressive famany invites that I beHm. The Spanish haven’t yet I can graze a cilities, made my apolgan to grade then on learned to make a decent ogies and left. the standard of press buffet in the English cuppa... As I trotted off down gift received, with a But have you crossed the borthe stairs, however, way that a herd branded baseball cap der of late? The authorities a smiling PR person rating a five. of ravenous are wasting no time – not genpopped a goodie bag in Then the financial crierally a national trait - in transmy hand. sis loomed and all of wilderbeest forming the old frontier post The rather trendy, camthat came to an abrupt into a Star Wars force field ouflage rucksack conhalt. bristling with retinal scanners tained a press release, So I trudged along to and other biometric sci-fi. the recent opening of the Our Space as well as a rechargeable battery, a The route through customs cork-covered notebook and a brandoffice in Marbella, expecting to realready matches a Grand ceive my modest and now more usu- ed fan perfect for those hot summer Prix circuit for chicanes and deadline days, and I reinstated my al con gas and a canape. hairpin bends. Think of the With acrobats, dancers and a fire ranking system with an impressive queues in summer! nine! breather or two I’m sure I spotted as Then add circa 4,000 extra well, however, this wasn't your usu- Who knows, this could be proof that tourists piling over the border al service office opening but more the green shoots of recovery really every week and beam me up are with us! of a Hollywood red carpet affair. Scottie!
Rise like a phoenix
Are the boom days of work freebies finally returning?
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+TheolivepressEs Alarm bells for la liga THE of drug-testing in La Liga has been BElack ‘APPY! labelled as ‘alarming’ by industry bosses. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has blasted the league for failing to carry out a single drug test so far this season. It comes after WADA declared Spain’s antidoping agency (ARPSAD) as non-compliant last March. WADA had FIFA or UEFA would Download our hoped app now and begin enjoying the best Spanish news on the go.
take over the country’s drug testing while ARPSAD was brought back into compliance, but no agreement was struck. “It will do little to instill confidence in clean sport at a time when it is needed most,” said a WADA statement. “The lack of testing in a country with one of the leading football leagues worldwide for a period of almost 12 months is alarming.”
Check mate?
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grandmaster slams ‘Queen of Chess’ for Gibraltar resignation
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DENMARK’S Karsten Bredahl won the 2nd Gibraltar Backgammon Championships. The Copenhagen-born 46 year old, who won the prestigious title of Super Grandmaster in 2012, beat out 240 competitors from 30 different countries. The roster included five world champions, while Gibraltar entries counted for 8% of the competition, with more than 16 locals taking part. Among them was keen backgammon player and tourism minister Gilbert Licudi, who attended the European Backgammon Championships last year.
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BRITISH chess grandmaster Nigel Short has criticised world female number one Hou Yifan's resignation at the Tradewise Gibraltar Chess tournament. According to reports, Yifan threw a match against male opponent Babu Lalith after five moves, the quickest loss by a grandmaster. The 22-year-old Yifan was paired against seven female players in the 10-round tournament. She said she was protesting against being drawn
INTERNATIONAL hockey has returned to Gibraltar after a two-year absence. The Gibraltar Hockey Association snapped up a win and a draw against two dutch sides. The team faced the Kikkers Hockey Club from Holland on February 11. After a testing game, George Shacaluge scored with only seconds to go to equalise the score 5-5. On Saturday 12 the team played Abcoube HC. The GHA went down early on, but then hit back to equalise the score 1-1 before the end of the first quarter. Some impressive play in the second half bagged a goal a piece for Gareth Henwood and Shane Rammagge, bringing the team to a well-deserved 3-1 win.
Final eight
STRONG WORDS: Brit champion says Yifan had a ‘bad day at the office’
with mostly female players. "I think it's unfair, not
only for me, but for the other women players," said Yifan.
Refs fear assault FOOTBALL referees in Andalucia have revealed they fear being assaulted by fans or players. A Facebook page has been set up by an informal union of referees to document the violence they suffer on the pitch. Sevillano referee Felipe Gutierrez said that fear of violence is discouraging young people from joining the profession. Juan Antonio Alvarez, a referee from Cadiz, said many are ‘afraid’ of refereeing matches in which they may be injured by players or fans. A state commission set up to investigate abuse and intolerance in the sport reported 115 attacks on referees over the 2015-2016 season.
But Short tweeted: "It was a computer pairing. The organisers are not to blame at all. "I'm no shrink, only married to one. However, Yifan's protest smacks of what psychologists call 'displacement'." Organiser Brian Callaghan described the incident as a 'bad day at the office'.
Sympathetic
"Clearly nothing was going on, it comes out of a machine and sometimes the odds fall that way," he told the Telegraph. "When you are running something as big as this you are going to have incidents this one just happened to involve Yifan.” He added: "I think that we're sympathetic to what she is saying about the pairings. "I don't think that the pairings are wrong."
If you have a sports story, contact newsdesk@theolivepress.es or call 0034 951 273 575
GREAT Britain and Spain have made it to the final eight of this year’s Davis Cup. Team GB came through in awkward circumstances after Brit Kyle Edmund was two sets to love up and leading 2-1 in the decider when his 17-year-old Canadian opponent Denis Shapovalov blasted a ball into the stands in a fit of rage. However the ball hit umpire Arnaud Gabas straight in his eye. He was unable to continue and he disqualified Shapovalov. Spain qualified by winning both their singles rubbers in Croatia.
Come dancing THE Gibraltar National Dance Organisation is opening auditions for the National Dance Team 2017. The auditions are open to individuals, groups and academies, and will be held in St Anne’s Middle School gym on March 18. Auditionees will participate in an open dance class to assess their technique. Successful dancers will join the National Dance Team in competing in international events throughout the year, including the IDO Commonwealth Dance Games in Sun City, South Africa in September. The closing date for entries is March 10. The entry fee is £5, and forms are available online and from affiliated dance schools.
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Fresh frescoes
FINAL WORDS
A COLLECTION of 16th century Franciscan frescoes have been restored at The Convent using funding from the Friends of Gibraltar.
Royal recognition A FORMER army head has donated thousands to charity to mark the Queen’s Sapphire Jubilee. Commanding Officer of the Royal Gibraltar Regiment, Lt Col (Rtd) Mark Randall distributed £28,000 to four good causes following a gun salute at the Grand Battery in the honour of Her Majesty. Randall raised the money by walking 7,200 miles from Gibraltar to Jerusalem last year while he recovered from a serious back injury.
101 not out Centenarian from Gib Bessie Milne claims the Rock’s top tucker has helped her stay alive
High drama THE Gibraltar Drama Festival has received its highest ever number of entries, with 17 plays set to be performed during the festival, from March 20-25.
EXCLUSIVE By Joe Duggan
Mothership THE world’s largest yacht by volume has been spotted in the port of Gibraltar. The Dilbar is 156m long with a gross tonnage of 15,917. HONOUR: Bessie with Royal telegram from the Queen
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A WOMAN thought to be the oldest living Gibraltarian has told the Olive Press her long life is due to the ‘good food’ she ate on the Rock. Bessie Milne, 101, emigrated to Scotland following World War Two after marrying her Royal Marine fiancee, William, on the Rock. Bessie, who received her telegram from the Queen on hitting 100 in October 2015, set sail for London just after World War Two. Following her wartime evacuation to Jamaica, she settled in Scotland. But 70 years after leaving, Bessie still keeps up-to-date on Gibraltar news through copies of the Olive Press read by a relative. Life as a child in Gibraltar was ‘very good’, says Bessie, who was born Elizabeth Burnard on
HUBBY: William Milne October 26, 1915. “I was born 10 years before the Queen,” she told the Olive Press. “And my sister Hilda was born just before Princess Margaret. “When we were young and walking round Gibraltar, people used to say, ‘Those two girls look like the two princesses’. “Now I have the telegram from
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Talking shop LAUGHTER and tears were all shared when Gib Talks returned to the Rock. Former Chief Minister Sir Peter Caruana, retired police officer Henry Sacramento and Olympian Georgina Cassar were among the 15 community stars who gave inspiring speeches to hundreds of people at John Mackintosh Hall. Each talking for 15 minutes, they explored subjects as diverse as hijabs and amateur dramatics to the Yanito language. The event was put on by a team headed by teacher Julian Felice, who has already confirmed next year’s event for February 10. “It went very well - we had a great balance of talks, and the speakers were excellent in communicating their ideas and experiences,” he said. “We’ve already booked next year’s event and can’t wait for it to come around again.”
the Queen looking down at me every day.’” Bessie’s English father, Edwin, was an engineer on the Rock before marrying her mother Eliza. During the war, Bessie was evacuated to French Morocco, Madeira, then finally Jamaica for four years. Documents from the Gibraltar National Archive show 24-yearold Bessie boarded The Thysville for Jamaica with her mother and 22-year-old sister Hilda, on October 30, 1940. “The voyage was frightening,” said Bessie. “We didn’t know if we were going to be torpedoed. “One time in Jamaica there was a tornado that came right past our camp.” After returning to the Rock, newlyweds Bessie and William were given a berth on a cargo ship to London. “Two officers gave up their cabin for us,” said Bessie. “When we got to London, I was frozen. I had never seen snow before.” Bessie, who now lives in a care home in Forres, says she has not been back to Gibraltar much, but puts her fine health down to a healthy Gibraltarian diet. “I remember when I came over to the UK I said I wanted olive oil and they eventually gave it to me thinking it was for my ears,” said Bessie. “But we always ate good food in Gibraltar. A lot of olives, we never ate sweets.”
We’ll marvel at that! SUPERHEROES will descend on Gibraltar for its first ever comic convention. Marvel and Star Wars characters could be among the stars at the three-day International Comic Con, which will begin on May 4, Star Wars Day. Taking place at King’s Bastion Leisure Center, the cinema and Boyds, it is aimed at all those with an interest in comics, science fiction, ‘anime’, ‘steam punk’ and more. Fancy dress contests will be among the draws of the event, which will also include workshops and seminars in subjects such as prop-making and script-writing. Tickets will be available soon from gibraltarinternationalcomiccon.com.