Gibraltar Olive Press - Issue 31 by Olive Press Newspaper Spain

We won’t www.gibraltarolivepress.com fight in Europe THE leader of a citizen group that won its High Court Brexit challenge has ruled out taking its battle to the European Court of Justice. Gina Miller’s The People’s Challenge - which includes Gibraltarian Paul Cartwright - scored a major victory when judges ruled Prime Minister Theresa May can’t trigger Article 50 without parliament’s consent. May is appealing the decision to the Supreme Court, with commentators pointing out the irony of the government possibly appealing to the European Court of Justice if it loses.

Appeal

But Miller, who has been threatened with beheading and rape since last week’s court ruling, indicated the People’s Challenge will end if the government wins its appeal. “The Supreme Court is the highest court in our land and this is a British question of law that should be decided in British courts,” she said. Meanwhile, Gibraltar’s politicians were guarded in their reaction to last week’s ruling. A No. 6 spokesman said it would ‘work closely with the government of the UK to protect Gibraltar's diverse interests’. Trevor Hammond, GSD spokesman for European affairs said: "This ruling is still subject to appeal. “It might delay it and, therefore, give Gibraltar more time to continue lobbying.” See Business as usual by Charles Gomez on Page 13

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November 9th - November 22nd 2016

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Explorer survives crocodiles, snakes and leeches in six-day Mexican hell

of Gib

By Joe Duggan

A GIBRALTARIAN explorer who survived six days in a crocodile-infested Mexican jungle after his canoe capsized lived off raw fish and five peanuts a day. Jon Bonfiglio, 42, cheated death while leading a river expedition in Yucatan Peninsula with three colleagues working for conservation group Ninth Wave Global.

Torrent

The group had undertaken the adventure on the uncharted River Candelaria hoping to conquer it in a couple of days. However, on the second day they found themselves on raging rapids and going over fourmetre high waterfalls, ending up covered in bloodsucking leeches from the water. “The river turned into a raging torrent,” Bonfiglio told the Olive Press. “I saw the boat behind was in trouble, so I took my clothes off and jumped into the river to help. My boat then flipped and vanished and I lost all my clothes, the food and the kit.” He continued: “We were left

SURVIVOR: Bonfiglio was stranded in Mexican forest with a bag of peanuts and some canoe, the group hacked their scissors. I was in boxer shorts way through thick jungle for the next four days.” without machetes before setAbandoning their remaining ting up camp in a tree.

Bonfiglio and his colleagues - two Brits and a Mexican colleague - used purifying straws to drink river water and a mosquito net to catch fish. But the dense jungle contained many perils. “The crocodiles are dangerous in that neck of the woods,” Bonfiglio, from Catalan Bay, said. “It’s probably good we didn’t know that or it would have been another mental thing to deal with. We knew about snakes, including the ‘Seven Stepper’ whose venom kills in seven steps. “If you speak to families here they’ve lost five or six mem-

bers to snake bites.” The stranded group thought planes overhead were coming to rescue them, but found out later they belonged to drug cartels. “Demons come into your head all the time,” said Bonfiglio. “The nights were pretty long. We sang to keep our spirits up. “We stayed mentally strong and could have survived for longer. But there were many dangers.” Rationing themselves to five nuts a day from just one packet, the team took it in turns to mount forays into the jungle while somebody stayed at camp blowing a whistle as a guide. At night, father-of-two Bonfiglio would climb to the top of trees and try to send text messages to his pregnant wife. “Sometimes a signal slips in over the trees for a couple of minutes. But the messages never sent,” he said.

After catching one of the UK’s Most Wanted last issue, the Olive Press got on the hunt of another Catch me if you can - Page 6

TRACKED DOWN: Fraudster Mark Acklom and wife Yolanda

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Rescue

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Finally, they were found by ‘rescuers’ in a search party. “We heard a Mexican accent. ‘Somos los rescatistas’. It was the sweetest thing,” Bonfiglio said. Fisherman Juan De Dios took them to his house before they were picked up the next day. Despite the ordeal, Bonfiglio who left Gibraltar aged 14, is about to embark on his next Mexico jungle voyage. The Rock’s own Indiana Jones admits his ongoing expeditions, funded by his work as an environmentalist, make travelling back to Gibraltar complicated. However, he hopes to be back soon.

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NEWS IN BRIEF

Clamping crackdown MORE than 340 cars were clamped on the Rock during September, after the Gibraltar government increased the number of wardens.

Dirty washing A POLICE investigation has been launched into an alleged money laundering ring after two men were arrested at Beach View terraces.

Uni prep AN initiative to help students ‘bridge the gap’ between A-levels and university will launch in January focussing on interview skills and essay writing.

Cocaine car A MAN and woman have been accused of being ‘professional drug traffickers’ after ten wrappers of cocaine were uncovered in their car.

Smuggler’s confessions! EXCLUSIVE By Rob Horgan

CONVICTED people smuggler Stephen Jackson is ‘desperate’ to speak to Spanish police after being linked to missing expat Lisa Brown (below). British yachtsman Jackson faces extradition over the disappearance of Scottish mother-ofone Lisa Brown, who has been missing for a year. Police in San Roque are keen to

British people smuggler wanted over expat disappearance keen to talk to cops talk to Jackson over his links to Lisa’s boyfriend Simon Corner, who was tracked down to Denmark earlier this year after going AWOL. Corner, 34, is currently in an Algeciras jail while police conduct their investigations. However, Jackson, 50 - who

is currently serving a two-year sentence in Lewes Prison, Sussex for smuggling 17 Albanians into the UK on his yacht - can not be extradited until his jail stint is up in October 2018. Instead he wants investigating Guardia Civil officers to travel to the UK so he can ‘clear his

Year of agony for Lisa’s family THE mother and sister of missing expat Lisa Brown have travelled to Spain one year after she disappeared. Catherine, 71, and Helen Jordan, 50, flew to Malaga on Friday to mark the tragic anniversary. The Scottish mother-of-one, who was due to start a new job at a Gibraltar gambling company, was reported missing when she failed to collect her son, Marco, from school. Brother Craig Douglas, 46, admitted the pain of Lisa's loss is taking a heavy toll on her family. "I struggle with my emotions — sometimes I cry when I’m

alone," he said. "But I truly believe one day we will all be together again. "Until then I hope I can stay strong because I know there are others that need me." He also praised the efforts of Spanish police as the family waits to hear when Corner will go on trial. He said: "The level of work put in by police has been absolutely phenomenal. "They have spent more on this case than they would have for a Spanish national — we put our trust in them."

November 9th - November 22nd 2016

Dad’s drug do-over

LOCKED UP: Corner and (left) Jackson name’. His lawyer Charles Long told the Olive Press Jackson had already given Spanish police a statement in December 2015 and then again in January, without being summoned. “Stephen went to the authorities in San Roque voluntarily after Lisa disappeared to tell them everything he knew,” Long said. “He gave them information on Corner and those connected to him. As far as he was concerned the police were done with him.” He added: “Stephen would welcome the opportunity to be eliminated from their enquiries as soon as possible. He remains completely unaware of the reasons for the extradition request. “At the moment, the investigation cannot move forward until Stephen’s release: the last thing we want is for the investigation to grind to a halt.” Long, from Edward Hayes law firm in London, has now written to the Crown Prosecution Service in the UK to request a Guardia Civil representative contacts him to arrange an interview with Jackson in the UK.

A 61-YEAR-OLD man is set to stand trial for smuggling drugs into Gibraltar’s prison. Joseph Macias is facing charges for delivering cannabis to his son who is currently serving a five-year sentence for robbery. After initially admitting to his crime, Macias later withdrew his confession and changed his plea to ‘not guilty’.

Three down! A COUSIN of former England captain Steven Gerrard has handed himself into police after featuring on a list of Most Wanted criminals thought to be hiding out in Spain. Suspected drug dealer Robert Gerrard, 53, handed himself in to police in Manchester after being included on the Operation Captura Most Wanted list. Gerrard who was thought to carry out his business in Spain and Holland handed himself in after 'feeling the pressure of being on the run'. He has now been charged with conspiracy to import cocaine in a €60 million drugs plot. Gerrard is the third most wanted fugitive to be caught in a week.

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November 9th - November 22nd 2016

Best seller

Banderas gets a shiner ANTONIO BANDERAS has been left with a black eye during the filming of his latest film. The Malaga-born actor shared a photo of accident on Instagram. “This action film is thrilling, exciting and sometimes hard and dangerous,” he said.

LAST SOLDIER: Hilton

Lest we forget THE last British member of the Spanish Civil War International Brigades has died. Stan Hilton, who fought on behalf of the Spanish republicans against fascist dictator General Franco, passed away in Melbourne at the age of 98. In 1937, a 19-year-old Hilton left his ship in Alicante and joined the British Battalion of the 15th International Brigade. “The Spanish people needed help, it was the right thing to do,” he said. Hilton helped Spanish rebels fight off Hitler and Mussolini’s forces too, who were testing their weaponry ahead of the Second World War. He rejoined the British navy before emigrating to Australia in 1956.

He did not explain how he got the injury but quipped that ‘you should see the face of the other guy’. The 56 year old is currently filming in Bulgaria for his upcoming action-thriller Stoic, the plot and details of which have been kept under wraps.

Royal Albert ball

GIBRALTAR Academy of Dance principal Paulette Finlayson admits her pupils’ Royal Albert Hall Dance Proms 2016 performance was ‘overwhelming’. The 14 girls, aged 10 to 12, performed Finlayson’s The Chocolatier in front of 5,000 spectators at the iconic London venue. “The Royal Albert Hall looked amazing,” said Paulette. “It was quite overwhelming when you are only used to performing to small crowds.” Finlayson’s choreography was chosen from

Gibraltar ‘chocolatiers’ wow at London’s Dance Proms

hundreds of Dance Proms entries, but it was the first time Gibraltarian dancers had performed at the event, now in its sixth year. “It was one of the proudest moments of my

Starry night GWYNETH PALTROW has received the Icon award at Elle Spain’s Style Awards in Madrid. The 44-year-old actress looked glowing in a floral Gucci dress as she graced the red carpet before accepting her award for her contribution to fashion - part of which includes Goop, the lifestyle and fashion website the Academy Award winner founded in 2008. Inside she showed off her language skills, delivering her acceptance speech in fluent Spanish. She later expressed her gratitude to her Spanish host and date, the US ambassador to Spain James Costos. Alongside a photo of the pair she uploaded she wrote: “Thank you, Ambassador for a quick and amazing stay in #madrid and for being such a handsome date.”

A RESIDENT of the Rock temporarily knocked Bruce Springsteen off the top of the Amazon bestsellers list in Gibraltar. Phil Morse claimed the coveted spot with his second book, Rock the Dance Floor: The proven fivestep formula for total DJing success. It hit number one in both Amazon’s music and dance music kindle bestsellers list, with Springsteen’s autobiography Born to Run featuring second. Morse said: “Apart from the birth of my children, this received the most likes and congratulations on Facebook.”

career and very emotional,” said Paulette, 56. “The girls’ little hearts were beating really fast beforehand. “But I drilled it all into them so they knew the performance like clockwork.” Paulette has taught at the Academy for 32 years, with 10 of her former dancers attending the London show. After the show, the girls were treated to a trip to the Royal Opera House to see the ballet Anastasia as well as to the West End for Matilda.

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SPLIT: Cordero and Ronaldo CRISTIANO RONALDO has split from his former Miss Spain girlfriend because of her ‘fame-hungry- attitude’. The 31-year-old Real Madrid ace ended the relationship with Sevillaborn Desire Cordero, 23,

on Halloween, because he “believes she only wanted to use it to get more fame and power to 'grow' in the profession”. The striker reportedly thought it wasn’t meant to be and “began to pay

Special Christmas Rates & Offers

more heed to the people close to him”, Reports say relations between the pair have been frosty since the breakup, with both attending the same party in Madrid and having to avoid crossing paths all night.

Novak re-charges NOVAK Djokovic has been recharging in Marbella following a shock defeat to Spain’s Roberto Bautista at the Shanghai Masters. The world tennis number two combined training at the Puente Romano resort with yoga and strolls along the beach with his wife, son and parents. The Serbian will be hoping to reclaim his number one spot from Briton Andy Murray at the ATP World Tour finals in London later this month. He will hope Marbella proves a better omen this time around after his previous visit in July was followed by a shock third-round exit from Wimbledon.

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November 9th - November 22nd 2016

Tyre trouble

Gibraltar Ironman’s fury over ‘bald’ car rental tyres EXCLUSIVE INCOMING: Dastis

Move over, Margallo DIPLOMAT Alfonso Maria Dastis Quecedo has become Spain’s new foreign minister, elbowing out the unpopular Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo. In a move that could signal a softening of Spain’s stance on Gibraltar, Jerez native Dastis takes over from the controversial Margallo. Lawyer Dastis, 61, has been a diplomat since 1983 and is an experienced EU politician having previously worked as Spain’s ambassador to the Netherlands. He is one of six new faces brought in to Mariano Rajoy’s new cabinet. Margallo is not in the cabinet, following the reshuffle. During his final speech before handing over, Margallo told his successor Dastis to pay ‘special attention’ to Gibraltar.

A GIBRALTAR ‘Ironman’ was left fuming after claiming he rented a car with ‘dangerously’ bald tyres in Spain. Sports fanatic Charles Harrison, 32, is demanding action after he ‘put his family at risk’ in the car booked in Mallorca with hire firm Record Go via online company Atlas Choice. Travelling to the Balearic Island to compete in an Ironman endurance event, Harrison, his wife and baby son picked up their car in September late after a flight. But when he inspected the Peugeot Partner’s tyres the following morning Harrison says they were so bald they were ‘nonexistent’. “It was beyond belief,” Harrison told the Olive Press. “How a rental car can be rented out to anyone in this state is beyond me. Had I seen the state the night before I clearly wouldn’t have taken it, even less putting my family at risk.” He added: “I’m not a mechanic, but you could clearly see the car is not roadworthy.” Harrison sent a photograph to the Olive

By Joe Duggan

Press, which he claims shows one of the tyres. When the Olive Press showed it to Sabinillas mechanic Jonathan Aragon he described the tyre as ‘dangerous. In the rain it wouldn’t have much traction’. When Harrison raised the issue with Record and then Atlas Choice, he was told that by signing for the car he was ‘accepting all the vehicle state with all it's listed damages.’ “What I find extremely alarming is that apparently because I signed the agreement I accept the vehicle’s state,” said Harrison. “So it’s fine to have a rental car that’s not roadworthy purely because I sign the agreement.” The betting trader added: “I am not after money. I just want to highlight the danger. The car was not in any state for anyone to drive.” The Olive Press had received no reply from Record Go and Atlas Choice as we went to press.

Not far enough

ANNOYED: Charles Harrison

BAN THE KILLER BAGS! A LOCAL environmentalist has launched a petition demanding a ban on plastic bags. Citing the harm caused to ocean wildlife, marine biologist Lewis Stagnetto is calling on the government to take action by introducing brown paper bags at supermarkets. “Turtles eat plastic bags mistaking them for jellyfish,” the petition said.

“This starts a chain reaction whereby hundreds of sea creatures die. The turtles are unable to digest plastic and therefore suffocate. “Another sea creature makes a meal of the deceased turtles and also ends up consuming plastic leading to its death.” The photo shows debris collected from Gibraltar Bay by volunteers.

MARLENE Hassan Nahon is ‘saddened’ the same sexmarriage bill ‘did not go far enough’. The independent MP criticised a clause which allows government workers to opt out of performing gay marriages for religious reasons. However, the ex-GSD MP Hassan Nahon described last month’s bill as an ‘important step in our maturation as a fair and just democracy’. She said: “A person is not born of faith, but is born of a sexual orientation, and I think that makes certain freedoms a birthright. “This clause effectively gives these workers a license to discriminate, something which, in my opinion, blunts the Bill’s very purpose,” she wrote in her blog. “I guess I was hoping for a more genuine commitment to ending these disparities, and I am saddened by the mixed messages this House seems to be sending.”

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A campaigning, community newspaper, the Gibraltar Olive Press represents the local and expatriate communities working or living on the Rock with 10,000 copies distributed fortnightly.

OPINION So long, Jose THE vast bulk of Gibraltarians will shed no tears at the departure of Jose Manuel Garcia Margallo from Spain’s political scene. The very name itself became synonymous with Gibraltar for all the wrong reasons. Margallo doggedly pursued an unashamedly aggressive stance towards the Rock, despite having a son apparently studying in London. When Margallo spoke it was more often than not to issue threats of the sort that carry no place in modern European democracies. Talk of planting foreign flags on your neighbour’s soil is not in any way funny, it’s highly inflammatory and dangerous. Margallo took a sensitive situation and twisted the knife. It has to be hoped his defenestration by the PP is a sign of a softening in Spain’s governmental attitude towards Gibraltar. Margallo coarsened political discourse and soured relations between Gibraltar and Spain. We say good riddance.

Get on with it THE family and friends of missing Lisa Brown have been stuck in a living hell for the last year. While Lisa’s brother Craig Douglas has praised the efforts of the police, the drawn-out nature of the investigation cannot be ignored. Simon Corner has now been languishing behind bars for more than six months and yet we still appear no closer to an answer. If Stephen Jackson is the key, then investigating officers must listen to his call and visit him in the UK. Waiting for his release in October 2018 will only delay the investigation and put Lisa’s loved-ones through more unnecessary torment.

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2012 - 2016 Named the best English language publication in Andalucia by the Rough Guides group.

A lifetime of deception is finally catching up with notorious conman Mark Acklom, with the Olive Press joining the hunt for Britain’s most wanted By Rob Horgan, Joe Duggan and Laurence Dollimore

November 9th - November 22nd 2016

Catch me...

E’S posed as an MI6 agent, seduced dozens of women out of millions of pounds and been on the run for much of his life. Well-spoken and privately educated Mark Acklom drives expensive cars (Porsches, BMWs and Bentleys), watches Ascot from the Royal Enclosure - kitted out in top hat and waistcoat - and dines at the world’s top restaurants. To all intents and purposes, he is a wealthy businessman who lives the highlife with a perennial smile stretched across his face. The reality: Acklom is one of Britain’s most wanted fugitives and his catalogue of scams is rivalled only by Hollywood’s greatest fraudsters. A compulsive liar and professional swindler, Acklom, from Bromley, UK, has created a false reality in which the world is at his feet. And, unwaveringly convincing, dozens of people have swallowed his tall stories and fallen for his devilish tricks. He probably even believes it himself. Depending on who he’s talking to, he is a property developer, a banker, event manager or gynaecologist. And for each new profession, there are two or three different names: Marc Ros, Mark Ross, Zack Moss, Dr Mark Ros and Don Marc Ros are just some of the aliases he is known to have given. At the helm of countless property and investment scams around the world, Acklom has most recently been operating in Murcia and on the Costa Blanca, the Olive Press has discovered. But his time is running out after being placed on a list of Britain’s Most Wanted fugitives. Of the 10 named in the latest installment of Operation Captura last month, Acklom has garnered the most intrigue, taking up countless column inches in national newspapers in the UK and Spain. Sought over defrauding an ex-girlfriend out of €950,000 after posing as an MI6 agent, there is now a European Arrest Warrant on his head, as well as a €22,000 reward for his arrest. Unlike the paedophiles, rapists and drug dealers that appear on the list, Acklom’s criminal activities are in a completely different league… in fact, he is not even playing the same sport. After tracking down, staking out and helping police capture most wanted suspected paedophile Matthew Sammon FIND HIM: Mark Acklom thought to be hiding out in Spain last issue, the Olive Press went straight on the scent of Acklom. club until she left in January this year, Following a tip-off that he was still inRodriguez claims that her new real esvolved with his Spanish wife Maria Yolantate venture has links with an estabda Ros Rodriguez, we linked her to a new lished Swiss racing-car team. Unsurreal estate company in the prisingly, that team had centre of Murcia. never heard of Ros or Registered under the name Acklom when contacted. of Yolanda Ros - adopting Their clients are not When the Olive Press her hubby’s trick of mixing visited the registered ofhappy with them. up her name - Ross Luxury fice in Murcia there was There are many Estate Agents was set up in no sniff of the couple or people looking for April, conveniently just one even a sign on the door them month after Acklom was for Ross Luxury Estate released from prison in Agents. the UK for a Chelsea apartA financial adviser in the ments con. adjacent office said he collected the On LinkedIn, Facebook and other social company’s mail for Ros, who he met a media sites, Ros names herself as the year ago when she still worked for La Managing Partner of the company, which Manga club. also ‘operates’ in Madrid. “I helped her to set up the address A sales member of staff at La Manga golf here, but there was never a place for

if you can

MOST WANTED...

them here. It’s an address for them to pick up their mail,” he said. “I have heard a lot of complaints. I have heard that their clients are not happy with them. In recent weeks there have been many people looking for them. I decided to stop picking up their mail two weeks ago.” He said he last saw the pair together over the summer at the golf resort. In fact, the Olive Press can reveal that they were staying in a rented property in La Manga as recently as last month. A former colleague of Ros told the Olive Press ‘they left two weeks ago’. Agents at an estate agents firm at La Manga said the couple had come in looking to buy a house in the resort over the summer. “He was pretending to have a lot of money. He said he had a massive house in Swit-

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RACING AWAY: Acklom and Ros at the Royal Enclosure at Ascot

zerland but I knew he did not have any money,” an agent told the Olive Press. “He said he was a marketing director at the big advertising firm McCann Erickson. But he used a completely different name. He called himself Mark Long.” A barman at nearby pub The Last Drop told the Olive Press that when Acklom fled the family’s rented flat at La Manga’s Buenavista ‘he didn’t pay his rent’ and ‘left behind a lot of debt’. The Olive Press also discovered Acklom’s wife owned a flat on Cartagena’s Calle Bodegones before selling it in February 2014. Neighbours were unaware of her current whereabouts. Acklom’s ties to Spain stretch back over 20 years. It was the late 1990s when Acklom first came to Spain, but he quickly left his mark on the country and by 1998 he had served two years for a fraud involving unpaid hotel rooms on the Costa Blanca. The Brit was arrested again six years later in Benidorm for a con in which he posed as the head of a real estate consortium, when he did not own the land he said he would build on. Court documents also show Acklom appeared in a Alicante court in 2006 over an art fraud. Most recently he was locked up by Cartagena court for a €14 million property scam in 2015 for conning two brothers out of €225,000. Prosecutor Miguel Pouget Bastida confirmed that Acklom changed his name to Mark Long by deed poll in Britain last year, the third time he has done so. Pouget’s clients, Francisco Legaz Cervantes and Domingo Legaz Cervantes, worked with Fundacion Diagrama, a Spanish non-profit organisation that helps vulnerable people. Acklom met the men in 2008, claiming to be the son of an incredibly wealthy Lloyds banker. Boasting he had three London flats worth €9.8 million in Chelsea Wharf’s Cheyne

HAUNTS: Murcia office and (below) Yolanda at La Manga sales office

Apartments to sell, Acklom used a fake sales price list he had forged from a Knight Frank property list to convince the brothers of his credentials. Operating alongside his then-girlfriend Josefina Rebollo Munoz, Acklom was hauled before a Spanish court in 2009 along with his accomplice after Pouget discovered the deeds to the flat sale were fake. The lawyer recommended an eight-year sentence, but before he could be tried and jailed Acklom fled. Court documents show that while on the run he married Maria Yolanda Ros Rodriguez in Totana, Murcia on March 4 2009, changing his name again the following month to Marc Ros Rodriguez. An Interpol warrant was issued for Acklom’s arrest and he was finally tracked down to the Italian port of Genoa in November, 2014 and deported to Spain where he served 18 months behind bars. “I love so much catching conmen,” said Pouget. “But this is the case has had me working even harder. “Mark has an incredible capacity for fantasy. But I think he talks too much.” While in prison, Acklom revealed to a fellow convict that he had gold bars buried in Spain as a ‘form of insurance’. A serial fraudster, the 43-year-old scams began in childhood when he stole his mum Diana’s mink coat so he could sell it. At 16, he stole his father’s American Express card and racked up a €12,000 bill before posing as a stockbroker in a €1.2 million fraud. In a career that has spanned four decades he has left a trail of broken hearts as he targets vulnerable women. One former associate said: “He loves making women fall in love with him. He gets a kick out of having them buy wedding dresses for a ceremony he knows will never take place because he’ll have vanished. In the decade I knew him, he fooled more than 50 women.” In blog posts, Acklom repeatedly denies many of his crimes and moans about harassment from the law and from ‘people pretending to be the police’. He pleads: “I have paid my time and it is absurd to be paying for that again and again.” Insisting he has ‘a life-threatening illness’ he claims to live a quiet life working on his autobiography. Wherever he is, that autobiography is sure to be one hell of a read.

THE UK’S MOST WANTED FUGITIVES

Do you know his whereabouts? Contact us at newsdesk @theolivepress.es

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C A M P O November D E G9thI -BNovember RA LTA R 22nd 2016 NEWS IN BRIEF

Fighting extremism A CONFERENCE on ‘Tackling Jihadism’ saw the region’s police chiefs and politicians come together in La Linea.

Frequent flyers A RECORD-breaking 466,000 birds have flown from Europe to Africa across the Strait of Gibraltar in this year’s annual migration, the highest figure ever recorded.

When in London MAYOR of San Roque Juan Carlos Ruiz Boix (pictured) has visited London in a bid to promote the town at the World Travel Market fair. The PSOE official met with European holidaymakers to negotiate holiday packages as well as hold meetings with members of London’s Spanish Embassy. Deputy mayor of tourism Dolores Marchena said: “The WTM is one of the most important international fairs on tourism. “We are giving special importance to sports tourism this year because we feel it is an industry with lots of potential.” She added that it was important to maintain and analyse the town’s relationship with the British - who are by far San Roque’s biggest foreign visitors - after Brexit and devaluation of the pound. More than 50,000 professionals attended the fair at the ExCel centre in the Docklands.

Killed at sea ‘Freak accident’ leads to death of four drug traffickers

A GANG of Spanish drug traffickers were killed after their boat collided with apatrol vessel. An investigation is now underway after four men lost their lives following a ‘freak accident’ in the Strait of Gibraltar. The boats reportedly collided 11 miles from Punta Europa, Algeciras, when the traffickers performed an

PATROL BOAT: Involved in fatal collision

‘abrupt maneuver’ after being pursued by the Agencia Tributaria officials.

Planting seeds

SOME 1,500 people have helped to reforest Santa Margarita and La Alcaidesa following the devastating fires in July. More than 20,000 seeds and dozens of trees have been planted after locals came armed with their own tools and specimens of seeds and plants. “They have exceeded all expectations,” said Alfredo Valencia, spokesman for ecological group Verdemar, which helped organise the event, “We have had a huge impact on an environmental level, planting so much new green life while removing one ton of rubbish from the area.” Alongside other groups, like SOS Sierra Carbonera, Verdemar members also visited schools and colleges to discuss the devastating impact of forest fires and how they can start.

All four men - three Spaniards and one Moroccan man - were thrown overboard following the collision. When their bodies were pulled aboard the tax authority’s vessel, all four men were already dead. It is believed that the men transported large amounts of marijuana from Morocco to the port of Algeciras. Cadiz deputy leader Javier Torre confirmed a ‘full and comprehensive’ investigation would now be launched into the incident. “I have the deepest condolences for the families of the four people who have died in this accident,” Torre said. “It is a loss that highlights the dangers and the problems of drug trafficking networks operating in the Strait of Gibraltar. “We must continue to work hard in our fight against drug trafficking.” The five crew members aboard the Agencia Tributaria boat were all treated for minor injuries.

Women’s rights TOWN officials in Los Barrios have met to combat violence against women. Delegates from the social services, health and equality departments discussed how to raise awareness of the issue in the run up to November 25, which marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. A programme agreed during the meeting includes a wide variety of workshops, development of personal and social skills, educational

activities, theater, storytelling and music events. Social services delegate Sara Lobato said: “We have seen first hand today that Los Barrios is a leader in the fight against gender violence with ideas like the establishment of a Local Council of Women, prevention campaigns throughout the year and holding a minute of silence each month to protest gender violence, but we can always do more and I’m sure that we will.”

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Gib Talks returns

PLAYWRIGHT, actor and teacher Julian Felice will work alongside Gibraltar Cultural Services to host next year’s Gib Talks. The annual series of conferences The Olive Presswill take place on February 11 at John Mackintosh Hall. A number of cross-community speakers will give 15-minute TOP for news in Spain!talks on a broad range of subjects. Members of the public are also invited to talk on topics of their choice during THE Gibraltar International ten-minute Vox Pops, with Drama Festival will take place four slots available. at Ince’s Hall Theatre from Anyone wishing to apMarch 20 to March 25. ply can email organisers There will be a main prize at gibtalks@hotmail.com, with a trophy of £1,000 for visit the Gib Talks Twitbest play with other awards ter and Facebook pages for best actress, actor and di- or leave their name at the rector. events department of the A small grant will be payable Gibraltar Cultural Services, to each group entering the John Mackintosh Hall. festival to help with expense Closing date for applicafor props and costumes. tions is December 5.

What a drama

The Gustavo Bacarisas Galleries is set to host the 43rd edition of the International art exhibition. The winning artist takes home £4,000 with second place claiming £2,000 and £1,500 for third

YOUNG musicians have received a boost as a top law firm pledged to pay for their new instruments. Hassans has promised funding for St Joseph’s Middle School, the Hebrew Primary School and St Anne’s Middle School. Head teachers Terence Ocana at St Joseph's, Rob Lomax at the Hebrew Primary School and Pat Duarte at St Anne’s received cheques for £1,500 from Hassans’ Nyreen Llamas. James Levy, a senior partner

oetry prize giving, November 9

Winning entries at this year’s annual poetry competition will be revealed at the John Mackintosh from 4.30pm. For more info contact info@ culture.gi

at Hassans, said ‘growing stress’ increasingly meant music was an important outlet for children. “Music is a magnificent tool in helping focus whilst relieving tensions,” said Levy. “We already have a considerable pool of many wonderful

musicians in Gibraltar.” He added: “It would be fantastic if we can help to contribute to this positively, encouraging musical talent among our young, or simply allowing more children to benefit from the greater well being that music brings.”

Mackintosh Hall refurb THE refurbishment of John Mackintosh Hall Theatre has been completed. During the three-month project, 408 new theatre seats, new flooring and light sound equipment were installed. The sound and light control room was

also refurbished and new LED lighting added to the auditorium. The two front rows are now removable if the stage needs to be expanded and a wheelchair area has also been included in the seating plan’s redesign.

ong recital, November 10

The Gibraltar Philharmonic society is hosting an evening of songs with Soprano Isabel Rey and pianist Ruben Fernandez-Aguirre for £20 a ticket

un salute, November 13

A 1st gun salute will start at midday at the British War Memorial on Line Wall road to mark Remembrance DAy. A band will also march through the road.

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Go West!

A GIBRALTAR property development has scooped a top international award. West One (Gibraltar) Limited was named in the Residential High Rise Development category at the European Property Awards hosted in London’s Grosvenor Square. A global panel of property experts chaired by Lord Best crowned the development, with its 96 residential apartments, one floor of offices and a ground floor of restaurants selling out in record-breaking four days. West One owner and chairman Evgeny Cherepakhov, said he was ‘taken aback’ at the project’s success. “We put considerable effort into designing a development which Gibraltar needed and suited the local area,” he said.

Ceremony

“We are now working even harder on Eurocity, the adjacent development. Hopefully we can bring a further accolade to Gibraltar.” Mike Nicholls, the managing director of Chestertons Gibraltar, attended the award ceremony at Marriott Hotel. “This is very good news for the developer, for us, for our clients who bought all the apartments in just four days and for Gibraltar itself,” he said. “We are proud to serve as an independent development consultant, not associated with any developer by any connection at all, just there on merit. We now look forward to Eurocity.”

CELEBRATING: At awards

November 9th - November 22nd 2016

€450,000

Spain Property Guides

November 9th - November 22nd 2016

Don’t get caught out when buying in Spain

Issue 11

Sevilla mansion

Ibiza hot spot €2,000,000

First built for the family of the great Sevillan architect, Don Anibal Gonzalez, this stunning 1930s mansion lords it over the city’s swanky Avenida de la Palmera. With four bedrooms and three bathrooms spread over three floors, perks include a courtyard garden and a lookout tower ... for keeping an eye out for police raids, perhaps...

What portfolio is complete without a party pad in Ibiza? This first-floor property near the revellers’ hotspot of Talamanca beach features three bedrooms, a kitchen, three bathrooms, two communal pools and north- and south-facing balconies for watching the sun rise and set.

Roca and rolling Ex-Marbella planning boss in one of the biggest property fire sales in history

HE vast portfolio of disgraced Marbella town planner Juan Antonio Roca has been put up for auction. From stately homes in central Sevilla and party pads in Ibiza, to horse carriages and vintage wines, everything you can imagine a corrupt official to possess is now up for grabs. Roca has been forced to sell the items from behind bars to pay for his fines and civil liability responsibilities following a ten-yer . So numerous are his possessions that a website has been set up to list and take bids on all the items. It most recently saw an offer on Roca’s ‘crown jewel’ - an 82-hectare agricultural estate named La Loma. Valued at €27.5 million, the property includes a 10-bedroom mansion with nine bathrooms, three kitchens, a gym and a chapel. Now feast your eyes on the rest of his fortune.

Also up for grabs...

Not looking to broaden your property portfolio? How about a new gun? Or perhaps a vintage car or young stallion? These are just some of the other assets and collectables

that Roca won’t be needing behind bars and which could be yours. Visit www.ventadebienesmalaya-roca. com to browse.

Picasso artwork – €8,000

Berretta pistol – €500

Created by the great Spanish master in 1953, this ceramic pitcher even has a name: Femme du barbu (Bearded Woman). At this price it seems like a steal (and technically, it was).

Part of an armoury Roca kept for hunting, shooting and, perhaps, protecting his worldly goods, this 9mm caliber Cougar pistol is a bargain at €500. Forged in the finest stainless steel, it’s a double-action semiautomatic with a rotary barrel locking system.

Wine cellar – €280,000

If vino is your favourite tipple you’re going to love working your way through Roca’s superb vintage collection which includes noble names like Chateau Lafite, Chateau Mouton Rothschild, Vega Sicilia and Petrus. To view the contents of his mind-boggling bodega and

€2,350,000

Thoroughbred horses €5,000-€7,000 apiece Even the horses are up for sale, such as this Spanish purebred, which could be yours for €7,000. More than 10 horses are listed

on the site, all of which have been registered with the National Association of Breeders of Purebred Spanish Horses.

many other miscellaneous assets – from horse carriages and vintage cars to commercial premises and plots of land (check they’re not on green belt first, if you’re buying) visit www.ventadebienesmalaya-roca. com

Mallorca villa Cala D’Or is where the elite stay on this holiday island and Roca was certainly keeping up with the Joneses with this restored palace. It comes complete with seven bedrooms, nine bathrooms, two outdoor 30m2 pools and glorious sea views.

Dream duplex €1,011,624 Roca’s second Marbella asset, a sprawling four-bed duplex, will appeal to the sporty sort. It’s just a couple of hundred metres from the beach and has access to two squash courts, saunas, a swimming pool and gym.

II IV 12

Property www.gibraltarolivepress.com

Firm favourite with foreigners OVER 70% of all the properties sold in Andalucia are in Malaga. Figures from January to July this year show there were 4,978 registered real estate transactions in Malaga, an increase of 16.9% on the same period in the previous year, accounting for 70% of sales in Andalucia. In the same period, the number of sales to foreigners in the whole of An-

dalucia rose by 18.9% year on year. The figures show the Costa del Sol is still by far the number one choice for foreign buyers. Meanwhile, figures from the second quarter of 2016 show sales were up in all regions of Spain except Navarra and La Rioja, where they fell 20% and 2.7% respectively. They rose the most in the Balearics (28%) and Catalonia (25%). The overall picture, according to a report by the Notaries’ Association, is one of a stronger market in areas that benefit from foreign demand, like Madrid, the Mediterranean coast, and the islands. The figures confirm that Spain is heading towards a healthy recovery, with home sales in the whole of the country up 13.3% and house prices up 1.3%.

12 www.theolivepress.es 9th- -November November 22nd 2016 12 November 9th 22nd 2016 www.theolivepress.es November September 14th - September 27th 201612

Lights, castle, action!

Five-star awards GIBRALTAR-BASED real estate investment company Fairhomes Group have won two five-star awards at London’s European Property Awards. The firm walked away with the prizes for best residential high-rise development and best marketing for Ocean Spa Plaza. The 125 luxury apartments, in an eco-

friendly building sold out in 36 hours. Hospitality & Leisure Asia Sdn. Bhd won a five-star award for its outstanding interior design work on the Sunborn Luxury Yacht Hotel docked at Ocean Village. Bentley Investments also won a highly commended award in the residential high-rise category for West One.

Live like Los Blancos

Footballer prepares to put his luxury Madrid pad on the rental market

U LOAN DEAL: Footballer James rents out stunning home

INVEST IN GIBRALTAR’S PROPERTY MARKET Whether you are looking to buy off-plan or invest in the current market, we can help you make the right decision.

NSETTLED Real Madrid star James Rodriguez is looking for tenants. The Colombian winger is reportedly putting his stunning Madrid mansion up for rent, as a January move to Manchester United draws closer. Ready to go on the market for an alleged €17,000 per month, the 850 square-metre property boasts seven bedrooms and eight bathrooms. With a host of famous neighbours - including Real Madrid captain Cristiano Ronaldo - Rodriguez bought the ultra-modern pad for around €4 million

€2 million face-lift project

ALAGA’S second biggest castle will finally be renovated after a €2 million project failed to take off almost a decade ago. La Estrella castle is spread over 25,000 square metres and is currently being used during the filming of ‘Douglas, el Guardian de Historia’ - a Spanish TV series which features the battle of Teba, where the castle lies. A project to give the structure a face lift was abandoned in 2008 at the onset of the global financial crisis. It planned to improve accessibility, undertake archeological investigation, consolidate the walls and generally improve the existing structure. The plans will now be revitalised after Teba Town Hall signed a contract with Yamur Arquitectura - a company which specialises in restorations.

after moving to the Spanish capital in 2014. Located in Spain’s most expensive district Pozuelo de Alarcon, his house in the luxury La Finca resort is surrounded by natural forest. There is also a ten-car garage (fit for any footballer), a cinema room, gym and indoor and outdoor pool. Just 400 metres from Cristiano Ronaldo’s home, Rodriguez’s neighbours include Real Madrid legend Raul, current manager Zinedine Zidane and Brazilian World Cup winner Roberto Carlos. Therefore it is no surprise that 30 security cameras keep watch on the 189 properties.

GAME OF THRONES has been filming at the Trujillo Castle in Extremadura. The hit fantasy TV series, which is filming across Spain, brought hundreds of extras to the Moorish site to originally film scenes in its picturesque courtyard. The castle was built between the 9th and 12th centuries and was constructed over the remains of a Muslim fortress. It has 17 square defence towers and has managed to preserve four of its gates. The significance of the scenes are not yet known. Season seven of Game of Thrones will hit TV screens next summer.

€300,000 Smurf town

A TINY Malaga village which was painted blue for The Smurfs movies has announced it will invest €300,000 into its tourism industry. Juzcar, in the Serrania de Ronda, was first painted blue in 2011 after producers for the film selected the typically Andalucian pueblo blanco for the launch of their first installment. The modest town of 250 people, now known as the Pueblo Pitufo (Smurf Village), received a much needed boost to its local economy and has now decided to market itself as a tourist destination. The provincial government has announced a €300,000 scheme which includes creating more parking and better signage. Other installments will include an app that users can spot hidden Smurfs around the village with - similar to Pokemon Go - as well as a zip wire and urban aerial adventure park for children and adults. Júzcar was once a weekend destination for lovers of rural tourism, hiking and other activities such as climbing and ravining. The town now receives around 250 tourists per day from all over the world. The latest installment of the film franchise which was filmed in the town, Smurfs: The Lost Village, is penned for release next summer.

Roman revelation The Old Bank, 17-21 Cannon Lane, Gibraltar, P.O. Box 1418 T: +350 200 48532 E: info@npestates.com www.npestates.com

A ROMAN coin has revealed that one of Spain’s most emblematic monuments is younger than originally thought. The Segovia Aqueduct - a UNESCO World Heritage site - is now believed to have been built between 112 and 116 AD and not the previously thought 98 AD. The new date was confirmed after a minted coin from the same period was discovered during an analysis of archeological materials removed from an excavation carried out in 1998.

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November 9th 22nd 2016 November 9th- -November November 22nd 2016

13 III 13

NEW MAN - TRADITIONAL VALUES Luisandro Moreno takes the helm at real estate agency giant Century 21

ENTURY 21 has a new director at the helm, but its core principles remain rock steady. Luisandro Moreno has been appointed as the company’s new director, overseeing Gibraltar’s arm of the world’s largest residential real estate agency. Prior to taking on this role, he was Century 21’s lead sales negotiator for the past decade. Luisandro will continue to partner with clients who can leverage his knowledge and expertise of the local market while also committing to successfully growing Century 21’s business in Gibraltar. With a second office opening at Ocean Village before Christmas and a new website redesigned to showcase Century 21’s global property portfolio while also introducing online client portals, Gibraltarian Luisandro is looking to the future. His clients remain the focus of the business. Luisandro said: “Winning the trust and respect of clients and conducting business in an ethical and professional manner is vital as is helping to maintain and build upon brand awareness. “Reputation in Gibraltar is crucial and I think that’s the key to Century 21’s success over the years. “New developments in Ocean Spa Plaza, Imperial Ocean Plaza, Quay 29 and Midtown have been a huge success and are all high in demand.” He added: “We invite new developers to talk to us at Century 21; we are constantly looking for new ventures and can advise clients the best way forward to become a property developer whatever the size of the project. “Additionally, Brexit has proven to boost local sales as we’re seeing an increasing number of Europeans looking to invest in Gibraltar due to the depreciation of the pound.

How financially strong is your town hall?

11+

“We are now looking at moving into facilities management and commercial ventures in Gibraltar, with Century 21’s U.K arm already providing maintenance for 3,000 apartments. “There is a new dimension we want to bring to the company and take advantage of the experience we have from our UK offices. “It’s an exciting time for all at Century 21 Gibraltar, we’re expanding with the intent to make our business more accessible locally and internationally, building on our success while continuing to provide the highest standard of service to our clients.

CENTURY 21 GIBRALTAR – OPENING DOORS TO THE WORLD Contact details:+350 200 51020 Luisandro: +350 5652 3000 Linda: +350 5600 2622 Century 21 Gibraltar info@century21gibraltar.com www.century21gibraltar com

years experience in

ALL PROPERTY MATTERS

RICS SURVEYORS & VALUERS BY BUILDING CAMPBELL FERGUSON

For peace of mind follow

these property buying rules Why sussing out local authorities is vital before buying HE decision to buy a house is not just down to the attractiveness of the rooms, garden, location or general surroundings. Consider the financial strength of the town hall, because if we compare Benahavís with Estepona, we get very different pictures. Benahavís is reportedly one of the richest municipalities in Spain, though it doesn’t have a coastline. How can that be? It’s because it contains so much natural advantages in south-facing slopes, treecovered mountainsides, extensive views along the coastline and the mountain ranges towards Ronda. Los Arqueros, La Quinta, Monte Mayor, La Heredia, El Madroñal and La Zagaleta contribute significantly to the town’s wealth and the village is very picturesque. For residents of Benahavís there are a great many free sports, leisure and other facilities on offer. The town hall also supports Malaga football club and organises free bus trips for residents of the municipality to all home games. The money from building licence fees and taxes is a constant source of funding for these services. So, buying a house in Benahavís municipality is a good idea, giving confidence for continued support. Estepona appears to be different entirely. Reportedly heavily in debt and with a history of past municipal corruption trials, this town appears to be squandering its natural assets. The long coastline with fine beaches and tree clad mountainsides provides fine views and secluded residences. The town is bigger than Benahavís and has better shopping and other commercial outlets. The residents have made very successful efforts

“I’m looking forward to this new challenge and the impact Century 21 will have in the property market.”

to beautify the town in providing permanent flower Find Your Property displays all along the traditional streets. The recently created orchid house, right in the centre, is a spectacular and attractive building. Many plain building facades have been decorated with imagiInstruct Instruct native murals, all combining make it a pleasant BuildingtoSurveyor Lawyer place to visit and walk around. However, away from the town centre and beaches, everything is not so pretty, as the town hall cannot afford sufficient employees for the municipal Buy with Knowledgework required and has paid those they have on an ir& Confidence regular basis. Income should be coming in from building licensing, but it appears that there is an illogical mind+34 952 923 520 with us! set in not taking advantage of the natural Connect assets admin@surveyspain.com that they have. A prime example of this is to be surveyspain.com found in the Guadalmansa valley, inland from the high-quality Cabo Bermeja development and Las Dunas Hotel. There are many areas zoned for prime residential development, hotels and all that is required to create another prosperous ‘Nueva Andalucía’ type area. But the councillors of the municipality appear to be supporting the installation of a compost factory right in the centre of it. That is not a good neighbour and who is going to want to live anywhere near it, and who is going to finance and carry out these developments? A councillor’s life is not an easy one, but a decision such as this, supporting the ambition of one small factory in the wrong place, cannot be seen in any way as financially logical for the town and its citizens as a whole. So, in addition to checking the building condition and the history of the urbanisation, the prudent buyer should look to the medium-term to see how the Municipality itself is run.

Contact Campbell and the team on +34 952 923 520 or email info@surveyspain.com

‘A fantastic buy-to-let investment opportunity. This spacious two (originally three) bedroom apartment is rented until 01/11/17 at £1,000 pcm, producing a 5% yield and a steady capital growth. Nicely furnished throughout, with a bright and large living area, fitted kitchen, balcony and is just a stone’s throw from one of Gibraltar’s most beautiful beaches’

£ 230,000

www.century21gibraltar.com Century21 202-204 Main Street gibraltar

tele: 00 350 200 51020 Mob: 00 350 565 23000 info@century21gibraltar.com

SaleS · RentalS · PRoPeRty ManageMent

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From as little as €50, Housers crowdfunding platform can create and manage your own property portfolio - with ‘interesting’ results 1. What is crowdfunding? Crowdfunding is a way of raising finance by asking a large number of people for small amounts of money. Until recently, financing a business, project or venture involved asking a few people for large sums of money. Crowdfunding switches this idea around, using the internet to talk to thousands – if not millions – of potential funders. Typically, those seeking funds will set up a profile of their project on a website, such as those run by our members. They can then use social media, alongside traditional networks of friends, family and work acquaintances, to raise money.

Safe as Housers

just €50, and in up to as many properties as they like.

4. How do you choose the properties? We carefully check each property for

profitability, rentability and revaluation perspective.

5. Why should people choose this way to invest? It allows them to diversify their investment, thus reducing the risks.

3. In what way is real estate crowdfunding and Housers different? In

CROWDED HOUSE: Fighting fund

regular real-estate investment, your money is invested in either one or a very few properties and you need large amounts to be able to participate in this market. Via Housers, everybody can participate in the real estate market for a minimum investment of

Nothing. Signing up is free, as is your Housers account. This is a segregated account in an independent financial institution, ensuring that your money is safe while waiting to be invested in the properties published on our web. 8. How do people make money? Housers make money every month when dividends are paid, based on the rental income of each property; or, when the projected sales price is reached, they also share in the capital gains that the property has generated.

9. Please share with us anything that you think has contributed to the success of Housers: Making available to

2. What or who led you to real estate crowdfunding? The changing real estate

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Business

Motoring on

been adopted into the reforms. A spokesperson said: “The Chamber believes that any future disputes between an employee and employer will be able to be dealt with in a more efficient and even-handed manner without being unnecessarily costly. “The aspect of offering compulsory mediation to settle any dispute before resorting to trial is a welcome introduction.” They added: “Chamber board members

TWO Gibraltar-based firms are set to enter Ireland’s motor insurTHE Gibraltar FinananceThe industry, has Oliveit Press cial Services Commission been reported. (GFSC) is launching a maAlwyn and TOPInsurance for news in Spain!jor investigation into the Watford Insurance ‘unprecedented’ £96 milare poised to enter the lion collapse of a major market following the motor insurance firm. collapse of Enterprise The GFSC says it was ‘sigInsurance. nificantly and consistently Patrona Underwritmisled’ about Enterprise ing, an agent for inInsurance’s finances prisurers based abroad, or to its collapse in July, said it had reached a deal with Alwyn which left 14,000 policyInsurance with the holders stranded. Irish Times reportLast week, the liquidator ing Wrightway, part appointed to Enterprise of Zurich Insurance, Insurance claimed it had working on a similar uncovered regulatory deal with Watford Inbreaches. surance. The Rock’s financial

watchdog is now demand-

UNDER FIRE: Enterprise

GFSC ‘misled’

ing Enterprise’s former directors stand down from positions they hold with

Property AGONY ANT YOUR LEGAL PROBLEMS ADDRESSED BY ANTONIO FLORES

Is it legal for the same lawyer to represent more than one party in a dispute?

have spent considerable time and resources working with the Ministry of Business and Employment and with Minister Costa over the last couple of years to ensure that the interests of its members, as well as those of all local employers, are upheld in as balanced a manner as possible and also to ensure that these reforms do not impose an unnecessary burden on them in terms of time and money.”

Probe launched into ‘shocking’ £96 million collapse of insurance firm

Conflicts of interest

HIS question often arises in our office when parties to a legal matter decide to use the same lawyer. Typically, one will encounter property conveyancing transactions or rental agreements, company formations by several investors, mutually agreed divorce settlements etc. In some jurisdictions, the law considers that parties to a legal process are generally adversarial –in other words, it’s one party and the legal representative versus everyone else involved in the transaction- and therefore, each party has to be represented separately. In England, the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has stated that acting for both buyer and seller on a transfer of land for value is ‘indicative’ of a potential conflict of interest. The Code of Conduct for Lawyers in the European Union states that lawyers may not advise, represent or act on behalf of two or more clients in the same matter if there is a conflict, or a significant risk of

a conflict, between the interests of those clients. In Spain -barring any conflict of interest- the Lawyers’ code does allow one lawyer to act for two parties, under the following terms: Art. 13.4: The lawyer cannot act for two parties with conflicting interests. In case of conflict of interest between parties represented by the same lawyer, the latter will cease to act for both unless expressly authorized by both parties to act for one. Notwithstanding, the Lawyer can act on behalf of all parties as a mediator or in the preparation and drafting of contractual documents, having in each case to observe strict impartiality. This applies to the law firm but also to member lawyers that work in or are associated to the law firm (Art. 13.7). These lawyers will not be considered, individually, as independent representatives of each client but as one single representative and will fall under the scope of article 13.4 above.

Email Antonio at aflores@lawbird.es

other companies while the probe is ongoing. GFSC Director of Legal

1115

November 9th - November 22nd 2016

Chamber hails tribunal system

THE Gibraltar Chamber of Commerce has welcomed the government’s employment tribunals BE ‘APPY! changes. A Chamber spokesperson said members had spent ‘considerable time and resources’ working with Ministry of Business and Employment and Minister Neil Costa to uphold their members’ interests. The trade body said it was ‘particularly grateful’now that detailed guidance on compensation had Download our app and begin enjoying the best Spanish news on the go.

November 9th - November 22nd 2016

Enforcement and Policy Peter Taylor said: “The GFSC is shocked by the extent of the collapse of Enterprise. “Given the magnitude of the debt reported by the Provisional Liquidator and his view as to the serious contraventions by the company, we have major questions of the Enterprise board.” He added: “We consider it is critical for the reputation of Gibraltar to determine the extent to which any of the directors need to be held to account for what has occurred.” Enterprise Insurance was placed into liquidation in July after the Gibraltar Supreme Court ruled it was ‘hopelessly insolvent’. The GFSC will announce what action will be taken following the conclusion of their confidential investigation.

NEWS IN BRIEF

Unpopular move SPAIN’S Banco Popular is to spend €375 million on job cuts after announcing it is letting 2,592 employees go.

Expanding CARREFOUR Spain will have opened 500 of its Express stores and employed 3,000 Spaniards by the end of 2016.

Cashing in MERCADONA sold €9,145 worth of products per square metre in 2015, making it the most profitable supermarket chain per square metre in the country.

Turn around SPANISH oil giant Repsol has announced it swung back to profit in the third quarter after cutting down on costs to account for a slump in oil prices.

12 16

BUSINESS

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‘Remarkable interest’ in Rock’s online gaming industry

November 9th - November 22nd 2016

Game on

CHIEF Minister Fabian Picardo is adamant Gibraltar can emerge ‘stronger than we might have imagined’ post-Brexit. Speaking at Monday’s Financial Services lunch, Picardo pointed to growth in financial services and online gaming. UK International Trade Secretary Liam Fox attended the event, the first time a secretary of state had done so. Picardo said: “In online gaming we are continuing to see remarkable interest in Gibraltar as well as real and actual growth. “Additionally, in the financial services industry we are seeing new applications for licences to set up in Gibraltar. “That is a testament to the strength of the regulatory covenant we enjoy in Gibraltar.” Praising Gibraltar’s ‘entrepreneurial spirit’, Picardo said the Rock could adapt well to any post-Brexit aftershocks. “A small economy like Gibraltar has less moving parts and is therefore able to steady itself and reposition itself more easily than most,” he said.

Jobless rate down

OPTIMISTIC: Fabian Picardo at luncheon

Bale Scoring big time

BIG EARNER: Bale

GARETH BALE’S new Real Madrid contract has secured his position as one of the highest paid footballers of all time. The Welshman’s new deal will see him net well in excess of €115 million per year as the Spanish giants bet on the 27-year-old to lead another glorious era at the

Santiago Bernabeu. After tax, he is estimated to be taking home around €390,000 a week, the equivalent of €55,000 a day, or a staggering €2,300 an hour. When quizzed on his new income, Bale said, smiling: “That’s for me to know and no one else

to find out, sorry.” The father-of-two, who has won two Champions League titles for the Spanish club, added: “It’s Real Madrid, it is the biggest club in the world, when an opportunity to play for Real Madrid comes up, you don’t turn it down.”

UNEMPLOYMENT has fallen to a six-year low in Spain following a surge in services jobs. The jobless rate fell to 18.9% from July through September, down from 20% in the second quarter. The number of Spaniards without a job has now fallen from crisis levels of 6 million in 2013 to 4.3 million in September 2016. Although it may provide a boost for Rajoy as he takes power for a second term, his country still has the secondhighest unemployment rate in the EU after Greece, and he will face pressures to promote better quality hiring and more long-term contracts.

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BREXIT Bulletin

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November 9th - November 22nd 2016

Sterling stronger THE British pound strengthend after the UK High Court ruled that parliament must vote on whether or not to trigger Article 50. It ruled that Prime Minister Theresa May could not begin the process of leaving the EU – as outlined in the Lisbon Treaty – without gaining parliamentary approval. The pound rose 0.8% immediately after the ruling, and went higher again at midday when the Bank of England’s monetary policy committee announced a unanimous vote to leave interest rates and quantitative easing unchanged in November. Analysts predict further volatility for the currency as the decision is to be appealed in court and, should that fail, parliamentary debates will begin, maintaining uncertainty.

Derailed

HERESA MAY is ‘confident’ her government can get its way on Brexit in the Supreme Court after Britain’s top judges ruled that Parliament

must vote on triggering Article 50. Downing Street has insisted that its appeal to overturn the High Court ruling and grant May the

Brief By Charles Gomez

How the economies of the UK and Gibraltar are coping

Business as usual?

Hague’s Gib fears

Courts ruling that Parliament must vote on triggering Article 50 to be challenged by government

ow many angels can dance on the head of a pin?" is said to have been the subject of scholastic debate in the Middle Ages and has since been used to denote wasteful discussion. In these articles I have tried to be as evenhanded as possible and last week I put the spotlight on the monumental legal implications of removing European citizenship from 63,764,710 (plus 30,001 in Gibraltar) British nationals. Frankly, I do not see how it can be done. Still, I also think that the UK will leave the EU. So what wasteful discussion do I want to talk about? To quote Hillary Clinton’s husband “It’s the economy, stupid”. The apocalyptic shrieks of the losing side in the June 23 referendum that the UK and Gibraltar economies would collapse have so far not materialised. The UK still has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the EU (after Gibraltar) and consumer confidence remains high – things which cannot be said of much the rest of the EU. I am not saying that the situation might not deteriorate and the Private Frazer doommongers might eventually be proved right, but I personally do not think so. So, what has the EU done for Gibraltar and how has the Brexit referendum result affected this Britain in the Sun so far? Bearing in mind that we joined the then European Community in 1973, Brussels’ impact on Gibraltar was often negligible and sometimes negative. Thus, residents of Gibraltar were only able to vote in EU elections after Miss Denise Matthews took out court proceedings in 1998. There has always been a strong suspicion that Spanish commissioners and MEP’s have used the European institutions to harass Gibraltar. Whether this is true or not, is not for me to say openly (although I have my own views), but the behaviour of the until recently EU Commissioner responsible for Economic and Monetary Affairs, Joaquin Almunia and the MEP Ramon Jauregui should be noted. Particularly so given the sharp focus on Gibraltar whilst the EU has

cheerfully given clean bills of health to jurisdictions including Dublin, Luxembourg and Andorra. I for one believe that the strategy of the Spanish Foreign Ministry was to use the EU institutions as a rod for Gibraltar’s back and that the referendum result may have caught the Palacio de Santa Cruz by surprise for more reasons than one. Scouring for economic data to see how things are going in Gibraltar I have spoken to many who, despite their worries, seem to back up the analysis that there is life after Brexit. Indeed, the threat to Gibraltar’s economy and that of the entire Campo de Gibraltar in Spain may have little to do with a Brexit and very much to do with whether the new incumbent at the Spanish Foreign Ministry thinks that he or she can make use Britain’s perceived weakness to make the umpteenth attempt since 1704 to take over Gibraltar. So, could the UK and Gibraltar continue to be havens from the gales that are buffeting parts of the EU? Only time will tell. The Prophets of Doom gleefully point at the claims that London based banks have drawn up contingency plans to leave the metropolis in case of something called a “hard Brexit”. Of course, all companies are always making contingency plans – that is what competent company directors are paid for. I spoke to a respected operator in the financial services industry in Gibraltar the other day. He says that whilst he is of course concerned about the uncertainty going forward, he is even more worried about the over exuberant anti-Brexit narrative which could end up as a self-fulfilling prophecy. I have had similar reports from people involved in tourism and real property. As at early November 2016 therefore all indicators continue to point to business as usual and whilst over optimism is not recommended, neither is excessive pessimism. In economic matters more than most, nobody can predict the future and regrettably, because we all crave for certainty, much of the current debate is speculative.

Readers of the Olive Press are invited to discuss this or any other legal matter with Charles Gomez by emailing charles@gomezco.gi

power to Brexit will go ahead and will be won. The Prime Minister’s spokesman said: “We are very confident we will win in the Supreme Court. “We remain of the firm belief that we have strong legal arguments ahead of the case which will be moving to the Supreme Court next month.” But the concluding statements in the High Court ruling said that the government’s arguments to forbid MPs from voting on Brexit had been contrary to ‘fundamental constitutional principles of the sovereignty of Parliament’. The judges said: “The court

does not accept the argument put forward by the government. There is nothing in the text of the 1972 Act [to join the EU] to support it.” Legal commentators have predicted that the Government will lose again in the Supreme Court – a case pencilled in for December 7, with a judgement due in January. The case will be scrutinised by a panel of 12 justices, headed by Lord David Neuberger of Abbotsbury, its President. It is not yet known if the government will change its arguments or try a different strategy.

All aboard!

BORIS JOHNSON has said the UK will make a ‘Titanic success of Brexit’. The foreign secretary made the comment as he accepted his award for ‘comeback of the year’ at the Spectator Awards. He said: “We are taking the machete of freedom to the brambles of EU regulation. “And we are in the process of creating something immensely positive for both sides of the channel, a new European partnership between a strong UK and a strong EU. Believe me, that’s what people of this great continent want to achieve.” He added that he believed Europe was coming to terms with the UK’s departure. “In the words of our great prime minister, they understand that Brexit means Brexit and we are going to make a Titanic success of it.” Former chancellor George Osborne, who was presenting the award, was quick to remind Johnson of the iconic ship’s fate “It sank,” he said. “Well, the Titantic exhibition in Northern Ireland is the single most popular attraction in the province,” Johnson replied, “We are going to make a colossal success of Brexit.”

WILLIAM Hague has warned that Spain could hold the UK 'hostage' over Gibraltar in any post-Brexit trade talks. Speaking at London’s Royal Society, the former foreign secretary and Conservative leader suggested Mariano Rajoy’s PP government may aim for 'joint sovereignty over Gibraltar'. The peer revealed his fears that Spain could use its veto to block any Brexit deal, with

CONCERNED: Hague

foreign secretary Jose Manuel Garcia Margallo demanding joint sovereignty over the Rock. Hague said: "The UK has to assume the negotiations will end in two years because it could be held hostage by the demands of one member state refusing to extend the negotiations." Hague told an audience of manufacturers it would be 'a miracle if everything could be wrapped up in two years' and that 'transitional arrangements will become increasingly important for the UK and the rest of the EU as well'. If no trade agreement is struck between the U.K and the EU by 2019, Britain will revert to World Trade Organisation (WTO) terms.

Going off BREXIT is threatening to disrupt Spain’s food industry. Exports of fruit and veg could plummet following Brexit, according to industry experts. Food exports to the UK grew by 60% between 2006-2015 and was worth around €2 billion last year, but that is expected to grind to a halt. Experts now predict exports to drop by 10-15% in a year, as British supermarkets opt for local produce instead.

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Food for thought BRITISH goods in Spain are always sold at extortionate prices (Bargain border, issue 30). Suppliers and retailers say the higher costs are because of the logistics of transporting many of these items, this is simply not true! For example: Heinz Tomato soup is distributed by Heinz foods Spain, Alfaro, La Rioja, as is Heinz Baked Beans! Both these items cost only cents to produce and yet are a fortune when they make it to the shelf. I guess is there are many more items similar to the above.

Do you know the way to ban Jose?

David Bulloch, La Linea

Cruise ships in Visitors: xxxxxxxx Most read this port fortnight Most readon this Arrival

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WELL done to the Olive Press and to expat Danny Reid for tracking down and weeding out the most wanted paedophile (Gotcha, issue 30). We don’t need Brits like that giving the rest of us a bad name on the coast! Keep going Olive Press, if anyone can catch the rest of these crooks it is you guys… keep it up, if I see any of them I’ll be straight on the phone to you.

 Gangsters’ paradise: A look at Fri 18 Nov paradise: STARA look LEG at of theGangsters’ key figures past and present END the key figures past and present of 08:00/13:00 the Costa del Crime - 3872 views

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Margallo memo My father recently passed away, and he would have asked, as an old hack at the Daily Telegraph in the 1950 and 60s, if you’ve sent a copy of your piece about Jose Manuel Garcia Margallo (Margallo makes his move, issue 30) to both the Daily Telegraph and the Times news desks to publicise the turmoil the expats and Gibraltar are now experiencing. Both newspapers are very receptive to information from Spain regarding our position and the possible fallout for us and Gibraltar. With very best wishes, from another old, retired journo living in Estepona. Annie Rhee, Estepona

ED: We did but they’d already covered it although nowhere near as well!

lucia’sbiggest biggestshopping shoppingand andleisure leisure lucia’s

Sat 19 Nov MARINA centre 3122views views centre --3122 09:00/ 17:00

Margallo’s a mug

Sat 19 Nov HAMBURG  Gibraltar Gibraltarschoolgirl schoolgirl reachessemi semi  reaches 09:30/21:00

MARGALLO may as well talk to the birds than offer joint sovereignty to Gibraltar. It’s just not going to happen. Gibraltarians will never, ever go for it. He should concentrate on fixing the problems in his own country rather than fixating on his next door neighbours. There is a word Mr Margallo clearly needs to acquaint himself with a little more. It’s called democracy.

Tue Nov 306522 views 3065 views

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November 9th - November 22nd 2016

How to get through every writer’s worst nightmare

Block head

I There is a whole new way to discover Andalucia @allaboutandalucia @aboutandalucia @allaboutandalucia All about Andalucia

’VE been suffering from a bad case of writer’s block recently. It’s the one thing that all writers dread and, without sounding like one of those public information leafets on mumps, measles and other unexpected diseases, it can strike without warning. The late, great Douglas Adams, he of the Hitchikers Guide to the Galaxy fame had the luxury of quoting “I love deadlines. I love the whoosing sound as they fly past”. But for normal writers (and if that’s not an oxymoron then I don’t know what is) the ominous distant rumble of a fast approaching deadline and a sudden inability to put pen to paper, can produce more fear than the prospect of yet another Marbs reality TV show. There is nothing more frustrating than staring at a blank computer screen, willing the words to magically appear. You can, of course, adopt the

JD Salinger approach, write one era-defining novel and then majestically fade into the background. Writers with bills to pay and food for the cat to be purchased, however, cannot af- Which is somewhat of an extreme way to combat the afford this luxury. And all the time the blank fliction. page before you grows to the Deciding against the gun size of a tablecloth. The grey cabinet option (and the Rum laptop screen seems to hum option as well), I decided to google ‘writwith malignity. er’s block’. Don’t panic, A variety of however, as Hemingway probably options premany of histried to cure his sented themtory’s most famalady with rum as selves, among mous authors them, ‘going suffered temhe did with most for a walk’ – porary writer’s things not an option block: Leo Tolafter dark as stoy, Virginia I spotted a Woolf, Ernest Hemingway and Joseph Con- large boar on the track last week. Having run over and rad. Although Hemingway prob- killed one a few years back I ably tried to cure his malady really don’t fancy venturing with rum as he did with most out and becoming a victim of things before finally blowing boar karma. his brains out with a shotgun. The other piece of advice was

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to go through your books and magazines for inspiration. If you have a library like mine this is very bad advice as you’ll find yourself wasting the afternoon pouring over an article you wrote in the mid 90s about the Sony Playstation or Oasis. Other options are - keep a notebook, write as though sending a letter to a friend, go to the gym, eat apples in the bath (Agatha Christie’s recommendation for kick-starting the imagination) and start writing in the middle of your story. None has been proved to work. Of course, the easy option to conquer writer’s block, is to write an article about writer’s block. But that displays a singular lack of imagination. Oh, hang on....

What do Jamie Oliver’s paella fiasco and Brexit have in common?

By Malcolm Dick

WAS fascinated to read about Jamie Oliver’s take on paella, or rather the reaction to it. Picked up by papers both in the UK and here in The Olive Press, it highlights the Spanish backlash to his inclusion of chorizo in the dish, prompting comments ranging from the diplomatic to the downright venomous. I am both disappointed and pleased. With some trepidation I now turn to the Brexit issue (bear with me). Having followed the campaign with great interest and more than a tad of nationalistic feeling, I can’t help but see a similarity between the two events (Polemical Paella and Brexit Backlash). The Spanish are, in my view, quite rightly cheesed off – they do make some excellent cheeses too of course – at someone from another country messing around with one of their national dishes. And why shouldn’t they be? They have a dish recognised and revered around the world – a ubiquitous symbol of Spanish cuisine – and some Essex upstart gets a hold of it and promptly chucks in (you know how he works) a pile of pig and paprika! Of course, the business of meat in paella is nothing new but to a Valenciano or a paella purist, it’s not hard to imagine the hackles rising. And of course, from the Brexit point of view, tens of millions of Brits stood up

and said ‘Hey! Stop mucking around with our… our… well, with us!’ They were fed up with having their laws, their society, their ability to be themselves, shaped and dictated by dogma from afar. Why would anyone be less than annoyed at an outsider messing with their national interests? Clearly paella and membership of the EU are on different levels… although wait a minute; what if an unelected body from another country were to tell the Valencianos that their authentic paella dish could no longer be described as such, and that all paella recipes were to be treated the same? It doesn’t take much imagination to see the next round of tweets… and I would be in full support.

Anyway, back to the original point and to summarise; I understand and support the mini nationalistic uprising over paella. Because, despite the differences in scale between high politics and haute cuisine, isn’t it all just about protecting what’s dear to you? As for venomous tweets, which come from all directions on all subjects, to me it’s a bit like sniping a high powered rifle at distance… I’m sure they’d be much kinder, face to face. Here’s hoping all the countries of Europe work hard to maintain their national identities, customs and traditions so that we can all continue to enjoy these crossborder curiosities. Isn’t that what takes us there in the first place?

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November 9th - November 22nd 2016

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Churros and seaweed

Chewed and screwed!

Diners scarper from Little Bay restaurant leaving £84 bill

FOUR dodgy diners have done a runner from popular Indian restaurant Little Bay leaving an unpaid bill of £84. The two men and two women, believed to be Gibraltarians in their 50s, wolfed down chicken dishes, rice and naans from the Ocean Village eatery, washed down with alcoholic drinks. But despite polishing off everything they ordered, the group complained to Little Bay owner Bob Kumar’s staff about the food and refused to pay.

EXCLUSIVE

“They said, ‘This is not authentic food. Your chefs are not from India’,” Kumar told the Olive Press. “They complained about the food, but they ate and drank heartily and finished everything.” When the bill came the card server went down briefly, but the diners brazenly left without paying in cash. To add salt to the wound, one of

the group used a fake Facebook profile to post a one-star review of the meal a few hours later. CCTV footage of the group was unclear, but Kumar hopes Ocean Village’s security cameras will give police a better idea of their identities. “It's happened, but we can always expose it further so others don't get done,” he said. This weekend, Little Bay provided catering for 200 guests at the Sunborn Hotel’s Diwali Ball.

CHURROS are going down a treat with Brits, new statistics reveal. The Spanish breakfast treat has been named as a big mover in the UK supermarket’s annual Food and Drink Report. In fact, sales of churros have tripled in 2016, with Brits ditching the cornflakes. So-called health foods such as seaweed and cactus water have also grown in popularity over the last year, while chia seeds and coconut flour particularly went down a hit with British buyers. Meat consumption is on the decline with the vegan diet growing in popularity. Consumer experts predict polynesian products will be popular in 2017, with sushi and Hawaiian poke expected to take the UK by storm.

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November 9th - November 22nd 2016

Food revolution has arrived

GRILLING: Jon with Ferran Adria

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HE food revolution that made Spain famous around the world has well and truly come south. With the country topping the world restaurant lists these days it was perhaps inevitable that Andalucia would finally catch up. While some distance from the creative heartland of Catalonia and the Basque region, Andalucia is the home of most of Spain’s best ingredients. It is no wonder the Moors described the region as ‘a paradise’ on conquering al-Andalus in the 8th century. And their legacy still lives on today in the water courses (acequias) they dug and the terraces they created to grow crops and trees. There is little doubt, as long as there is rain you can grow almost anything in Andalucia. From mangoes to avocados and from artichokes to oranges, the quality is unbeatable. And then we have the best ham in the world – the celebrated Jamon Iberico – from Aracena. Not to mention some of Spain’s best cheeses from Ronda and Grazalema. And what about vino? Aside from the amazing sherries from Jerez - probably the world’s best fortified wines - you have muscatels from Malaga, and amazing reds in Granada and Ronda. Having written about the region for two decades, I have seen some huge changes. While I used to struggle to find a handful of good places to eat, there is now somewhere decent in almost every town. Even some of the most remote villages – such as Algarinejo, in Granada, and Linares de la Sierra, in Huelva – have top class eateries. And Gibraltar is represented too! The change has been so fast that the mainstream guides, such as Michelin or Gourmetour, have struggled to keep up. The less said about TripAdvisor the better..

It was slow to get going but the transformation of restaurants in Andalucia is at full pace, writes Dining Secrets of Andalucia editor Jon Clarke

ive act r e Int map

Well you know, ice cream parlours coming top, anonymous competitors slamming rivals, etc etc. It is for this reason that I decided to launch this website, a nearly five-year trawl of Andalucia, aiming to get an even spread across the whole region. While the bulk of restaurants are in Malaga province reflecting where the the majority of tourists flock, the whole of Andalucia is one big dining room these days. If you know where to look. Refusing to copy styles from up north, most of the region’s chefs have remained defiantly Andaluz, using local ingredients and adapting clas-

Review

Castillo de Monda

ake a pinch of history, a splash of mountain views and a dash of Dutch talent and you’ve got the perfect ingredients for an exciting inland gem. And that is certainly the case at the reborn Castillo de Monda. Lording over the inland town that sits between Marbella and the Guadalhorce Valley, you could not ask for a better location. But this stunning hotel also has a star chef Jaap Schaafsma, 31, who wouldn’t be out of place in Marbella and indeed spent many years cooking in some of the best restaurants back home in Holland. It is definitely a welcome return for the friendly Dutchman, who previously cooked up a storm at the popular nearby

Santa Fe, in Coin, before heading home to the Netherlands for a few years. He has definitely come back stronger and his small but talented team is creating one of the most exciting menus I have tried in Andalucia. Combining a range of styles from around the world, there is a fabulous take on cerviche, with seabass, coriander and grapefruit and a TOP DISH: The steak tartare with croutons, superb Salmon lukewarm mayonnaise with Raz-el-Hanout sauce sashimi. was a splendid and fun way to kick off a meal Doffing his hat at local dishes too TOP TIPPLE: I always love the Gran Bazan al- there are quails barino, which is good value at 26 euros in bacon, chives and honey and a TOP DOLLAR: Around 30 euros a head in- rack of lamb with aubergine and cluding wine tarragon. TOP TIP: Stay the night and be sure to build up But also expect your appetite with a great one hour circular walk plenty of vegetarian dishes and from the hotel

Calle de la Villeta 6, 29110 Monda

+34 952 45 98 36

sic local dishes such as ajo blanco, porra and rabo de toro. As Marbella’s leading chef Dani Garcia, told me: “Things are changing so fast in Andalucia. Of course we have all learnt a lot from Ferran Adria and Arzak, but we have developed our very own style. Confidence is high and in Andalucia we have everything we need to have the best restaurants in the world.” What is clear is how hard chefs are working to source quality ingredients the customer is now demanding. They now accept that green vegetables, and salads – with more than just tinned asparagus and sweetcorn – are the norm. I know one restauranteur, who takes a two-hour journey practically every day to personally select his fish from Cadiz, while others have their own vegetable gardens. At El Faro in El Puerto de Santa Maria, chef Fernando Cordoba is so enthusiastic about his prize artichokes he insisted on taking me on a personal tour of his wonderful vegetable garden, that at various times of the year provides up to half his ingredients. Nearby at Aponiente, one of Spain’s best fish restaurant, genius Angel Leon discovered that the only way to land the unfashionable, unendangered fish he wanted – having stopped buying tuna and cod – was to lease his own fishing boat. Also exciting is the huge growth salads and there are three local of the organic sector, with thoubreads from the village. sands of organic producers, I absolutely loved the steak tarwho understand the importare starter, while the ‘picanton’ tance of pesticide-free produce. wild chicken with panceta pork Going mostly on the quality of belly and lots of winter veg was food, diningsecretsofandalucia. a real dive-in classic winter smorcom also however looks out for gasbord of joy. those places that had a certain But that is not all. You sit in a je ne sais quoi? fabulous light chapel-like dining Whether in terms of ambience, room, with stain glass windows brilliant wines, al fresco dining, and amazing photos on the wall we have found loads. from around the nearby Sierra de Even a number of cheap lolas Nieves. cal ‘ventas’, as they are called, Meanwhile, the staff are relaxed, make it in. much thanks to the co-owner And that is the beauty of this Maryn’s brother who designed site. It has no bounds and we the uniforms. personally check, select and vet The wine list was surprisingly in the restaurants that go in. depth (Roda 1, Contino Reserva) Log in and use it with your tablet, and there are a decent number of smart phone or laptop. Try the wines by the glass, most at just 3 interactive map, enjoy the areuros. ticles and reviews… and, above The Chateau Violet Lamothe, all, write your own reviews and from Sauterne, was as pleasing send us your feedback and tips. as the vanilla creme brulee with orange sorbet to finish. www.diningsecretsofandalucia.com info@castillodemonda.com

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Sport

www.gibraltarolivepress.com OlivePressNewspaper olivepress olivepressnews +TheolivepressEs Cyprus showdown BE ‘APPY!

JEFF Wood has announced his 28-man squad for Gibraltar's World Cup qualifier with Cyprus on November 13. The manager's provisional squad will be cut to 23 once the players start training next week our appHnow and aheadDownload of the Group Nicosia showdown. begin enjoying the best Spanish Kenneth newsChipolina, on the go. Leon Clinton, Andrew Hernandez, Sykes Garro and Max Cottrell earn their first callups. Lincoln Red Imps skipper Roy Chipolina is also named despite missing the champions' last three games through injury. Gibraltar are still looking for their first point of the campaign.

Messi moments Europa Point FC’s Uday Arora aims to build on Argentine experience

TOP for news in Spain!

GIBRALTARIAN Amanda Carreras has lost the Oslo final of the ITF tour in straight sets. The 26 year old had been the top seed, but failed to deliver against a confident Jacqueline Cabaj Awad. The Swedish 20 year old, ranked 550 to Carreras’ 285, dispatched her opponent with a swift 6-3 6-3 victory. After winning the $10,000 event, Awad said she has her sights set on higher category tournaments.

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November 9th - November 22nd 2016

The Olive Press

Unlucky stroke

BY: November 9th - SPONSORED November 22nd 2016

DREAM COME TRUE: For Arora and (right) Messi

A GIBRALTAR-BASED footballer was given the chance of a lifetime to play with Argentina’s national side. Europa Point’s teenage attacking midfielder Uday Arora took to the field to train with the likes of Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero and Angel Di Maria. During a trip to South America, Europa’s Point’s star was ‘over the moon’ when he was invited to join in training. Following his spell in South America, Arora, 19, signed for newly promoted Europa Point in July, with the lure of possible Champions League qualifiers a factor in his decision. “It was an amazing experience for me, as it was my first time playing in Argentina,” he said. “It further enhanced my skills and stamina along with my technical capabilities. “I took this opportunity to learn more and utilise all this time to become a better and a skilled player.” Last season, Europa Point went unbeaten as they swept to the Second Division title.

AT FIFA: Gib party

On tour A GIBRALTAR FA delegation has made its first trip to the home of FIFA since its admission into the footballing body. Meetings with various heads of department, including President Gianni Infantino and General Secretary Fatma Samoura took place behind closed doors in Switzerland. The visit was marked by a ceremony at the FIFA museum where Gibraltar’s national shirt was placed alongside the 210 other FIFA members.

PROUD: Gib lads break record

Tries and jubilation A RECORD-BREAKING result saw Gibraltar’s rugby side run out 55-7 winners against Montenegro. In Gibraltar’s largest ever victory, the men in red and white ran in nine tries in Tivat. In just their eighth recognised test match, Gibraltar went in 38-0 up at half time, thanks to tries from Reyes, Sacarello, Chrico, M. Isola, A. Isola and C. Cruz. Debutant Tom Lovelace grabbed two tries after the break and Aidan Beazley went over to complete the rout. A late consolation try for the homeside spoiled Gibraltar’s clean sheet but was merely a minor blot on a nearperfect result. Gibraltar are pushing to be admitted into Rugby Europe after failing to secure sufficient votes to join at a general assembly in Stockholm in 2013.

Chess champ chomping at the bit AN 11-year-old chess champion is eyeing up a trip to Gibraltar. Indian prodigy Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa is considering entering the Tradewise Gibraltar chess tournament in January. Determined to become the youngest ever Grandmaster (GM), Praggnanandhaa is already the youngster international master. And his drive is clear to see, as demonstrated in his reaction to winning in the Isle of Man last month. “I would have liked to have won by another point or so to put me closer to becoming a GM,” he said. “I think I should be there in about a year.”

If you have a sports story, contact newsdesk@theolivepress.es or call 0034 951 273 575

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FINAL WORDS

AWARD-winning Associated Press photographer Marcos Moreno gave a talk photojournalism at the John Mackintosh Hall.

Holiday season CHRISTMASthemed fairground rides are set to be installed in John Mackintosh square from November 26 to January 8.

Be aware THE Diabetes Awareness Campaign has been launched in Gibraltar by by Diabetes Gibraltar, who set up an information stand on Main Street to mark the launch. HomeINS-A4.pdf 1 06/06/2013 15:34:32

CELEBRATING: Girls in traditional dress

Sunborn Sarees

THE Hindu Community celebrated Diwali in style with a ball at the Sunborn hotel. Around 170 guests, many in traditional Indian attire, partied FREE Vol. 2 Issue 31 www.gibraltarolivepress.com Nov 9th - Nov 22nd 2016 the night away, with a live band performing Indian music. President Haresh Budhrani led the celebrations which marked the culmination of the week-long religious festival. “It’s a traditional Indian event in a modern western surrounding,” he told the Olive Press. “Our community is around 650 strong. I’ve been president for nearly 25 years. “I was born in India, but my parents came here in Gibraltar in 1965.” were heard in Vistabella. A HOMELESS man had He managed to get in de- Traditional Indian food was providto be removed from a bin spite the container’s tilt- ed by Little Bay, with the party going in Spain after becoming ing door mechanism to on until well after midnight.

Rubbish container forced open to save man trapped inside

Bin raider

trapped inside. The 48-year-old Romanian, who lives on the streets in Murcia, had climbed in after mistakenly thinking it contained clothing destined for recycling. Police were called after his cries from inside the bin

stop people from raiding them, a practice that has increased during Spain’s economic crisis.

Crisis

TRAPPED: Man struggles to escape from bin

Young truckers steal in TWO teenagers were found hiding under a truck in an attempt to enter Spain illegally. The two boys, aged 15 and 16, were trying to cross from Ceuta to Algeciras by clinging onto the bottom of the vehicle as it boarded a ferry.

The Moroccan teens were rumbled by police who performed a routine search of the vehicle. They were in good health and did not have to seek medical treatment before being returned to Morocco.

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“We just don’t know how he managed to climb in there,” explained a local policeman, who was unable to open the bin and had to call in council workers. He was freed after half an hour without injury. An estimate 31% of people in Murcia are at risk of poverty, making it one of the poorest regions in the country.

Big hit bye bye!

A VIDEO celebrating Jose Manuel Garcia Margallo’s sacking has become a YouTube hit. Hundreds of Gibraltarians have tuned in to watch No Way Jose following the exit of Spain’s foreign minister. The song, which was uploaded by El Pepe, mixes footage of General Franco and Margallo along with Pathe newsreels showing Sir Joshua Hassan and the border. It was shared on Facebook and Twitter as the Rock popped the champagne corks. Margallo was axed by Spanish prime minister Mariano Rajoy on Friday.

Photo by Joe Duggan