Gibraltar Olive Press - Issue 80

Est. 1946

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P

The Rock’s only free local paper

Vol. 4 Issue 80 www.gibraltarolivepress.com September 26th - October 9th 2018

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September 2018

the GSD, the Chief Minister was also accused of ‘lying’ to Gibraltarians after he refused to publish the event’s financial expenditures.

The party accused the Rock’s leader of spending taxpayers’ money on a ‘grace and favour

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XXVI

See page XVI

Page VI

Price hike

Taking a stroll around a mountain of bargains

Page IV

Casa or Cave

TRIPLE JOY: Historic internal patio

in Cadiz stunner, while (below) ancient

arches in Sevilla mill and a vineyard/equestrian

Fabulous photo report of Andalucia’s cave-dwellers

estate, near Ronda

Page XX

Famous Guests

Reform of stunning hotel where Virginia Woolf stayed

Page XXV

The top three locations benefiting from the buy-to-let second home boom are the Costa del Sol, international market, the Costa Blanca,which has 4% of the also at 4%, and the Algarve, in Portugal, with 5%.

Back in the 1970s, nine out of 10 second homes purely for themselves.homeowners kept their

Costa del Sol is cashing in on a buy-to-let boom

Even up to 2000 that figure only dropped to eight out of 10 homeowners.

But times are changing with more their holiday home into a nice little buyers hoping to turn survey by Savills and HomeAway. earner, according to a In the early 2000s, only 14% of second purely for rental rather than personal homes were bought But by the time of the credit crunch, use. to 19% and now more than a third this figure had risen of second homes are

bought as investments.

“In a low interest rate environment out income-generating assets,” said investors are seeking director for Savills World Research.Paul Tostevin, associate “Today’s second home buyers want properties to work for them financially and they’re increasingly looking not just to cover costs but to turn a profit.”

He added: “Global tourism continues to grow, with international tourist arrivals up by 7% last year to a record 1.3 billion. At the same time, the rapid expansion of online holiday home platforms such as HomeAway opens up the market to new target groups and makes it much easier for owners to make their properties income-producing.”

Free Willy!

GIBRALTARIANS are to be banned from keeping whales and dolphins in captivity.

It is one of the specific changes to be made to the ‘out of date’ Animals and Birds Act. Under new proposed animal protection laws there will also be tougher penalties for cruelty.

Anyone convicted of committing cruelty to pets faces up to five years in prison.

Under the new Animals Act, as it will be called, officers will be able to confiscate pets left in hot cars, or any other pets in distress.

The changes come after an extensive review carried out by local organisations.

“Our law was very out of date and the powers and penalties at present do not reflect what out 20th century society expects. This is a significant and important piece of legislation,” said Minister for the Environment John Cortes.

Fake advisor

UNDER FIRE: (Inset) Fabian Picardo in war of words with GSD while (right) Rag’n’Bone man performs at MTV festival jamboree’ to entertain friends in an exclusive VVIP area.

“Gibraltar is getting used to Picardo’s spin and lies,” slammed GSD leader Keith Azopardi.

“With refusing to publish a real and complete breakdown of figures on the festival, Mr Picardo has now lied to the people of Gibral-

1

ust an hour or two from the Costa del Sol you’ll find a range of stunning historical gems for sale, many going back to the Roman era and one where Napoleon (right) once stayed.

Is this Spain’s most expensive home?

GSD slams Fabian’s ‘jamboree’ after MTV festival loses millions of ‘taxpayer money’

By Laurence Dollimore & Elisa Menendez

VS

INTERIORS WORLD CUP, PART 2 See page

Little bit pricey

FACE THE MUSIC THE Government has been slammed over losses for its Gibraltar Calling festival to the tune of £9.3 million.

The GSD opposition party accused Fabian Picardo of a lack of transparency and claimed he ran the festival like his own personal ‘jamboree’.

In a damning statement by

September 26th - October 9th 2018

miss our INLAND J Property DREAMING special inside as the section reaches its fourth MNice little earners birthday ORE buyers than ever are snapping homes to rent out - and the Costa delup second second hottest destination of choice. Sol is the According to new research, more than two thirds of owners now rent out their part or all of their costs, reversing second homes to cover the trend of 50 years ago.

46 Irish Town, Gibraltar Tel: +350 200 75188 Email: bia@gibraltar.gi Facebook: GibraltarBIA

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tar by saying that we would increase ticket prices at the festival,” he added.

“Will the Government now publish the list of invitees to its VVIP enclosure?” questioned Azopardi.

The attacks led to a vicious row between the government and the GSD after it emerged that this year’s festival allegedly lost a staggering £3.1 million last year alone.

It also came as ticket sales dipped for this year’s twoday event, organised with MTV alongside Londonbased business Neon Angel Limited.

The GSD claimed that the £3.1 million loss figure for last year was the ‘highest ever’, but this year it could be considerably worse ‘given the diminished list of acts, worse timing of the festival and the undoubted effect on ticket sales’.

In addition, a government claim that around one billion viewers would tune in to watch the festival on TV was scuppered when the Broadcasters Audience Research Board showed only 6,200 people viewed the highlights programme in the UK. Azopardi continued: “The GSD is in favour of organising cultural and entertainment events such as these

but they need to be managed responsibly. This is not the Government’s money – it is the people’s money.”

He added that if the GSD was in power the festival would be put out to open tender.

“We would certainly not have a grace and favour private enclosure for friends, family and party activists. There is no case for the Chief Minister to lord it over the rest of paying customers as is the case every year,” he said.

Tirade

The Chief Minister hit back with a personal tirade at the GSD opposition, slamming their ‘contradictory and hypocritical behaviour’, claiming that many of the MPs had accepted an invitation to the festival.

In particular, he slammed shadow finance minister, Roy Clinton accusing him of being critical as he ‘does not enjoy this kind of music anyway’.

He added: “Heaven forbid that Mr Azopardi is ever in a position to run the festival! It would end up as unexciting and irrelevant as the GSD.” The Government also insisted that to describe the festival as a loss is ‘too simplistic’.

Opinion Page 6

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UP to one in three reviews on Trip Advisor is fake, a new investigation has found.

An analysis of tens of thousands of reviews shows toprated B&Bs have almost twice as many ‘fake’ reviews as lowerranked accommodation.

The Times caught restaurants trying to buy 5-star reviews, as well as negative reviews of rivals.

It comes after the Olive Press exposed a series of Costa del Sol businesses paying for dozens of fake five-star reviews on TripAdvisor in a bid to increase their rankings.

Negative

Despite TripAdvisor stepping in to investigate, the Times investigation insisted enough was not being done to stop the bogus reviews.

Another recent study found that almost nine in ten hospitality businesses have been victims of negative reviews.

Consumer groups say fake reviews are a growing problem and it is believed almost €16 billion a year is spent on travel and hotels following reviews.

Do you know of any businesses selling fake reviews? Or places abusing social media or review sites? Contact newsdesk@theolivepress.es Trick Advisor, page 7

4 www www.theolivepress.es

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CRIME

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NEWS IN BRIEF

Back for good?

THE Cervantes Institute has announced it could be re-opening offices in Gibraltar as part of a wider restructure which will see an increase in funding for the language school.

Bad expectations UK growth in life expectancy has come to a halt, with girls and boys born between 2015 and 2017 to live until 82.9 and 79.2 years respectively, no change from 20142016.

Police problems LACK of manpower, workloads, bullying and health and safety concerns are all contributing to lower morale among the RGP, a new staff survey has revealed.

Failbook FACEBOOK Spain has declared €1m in losses, while EU says its ‘losing patience’ with the company’s tacts to avoid paying taxes.

September 26th - October 9th 2018

Find him!

Mother makes heartfelt plea to Olive Press readers for the killer of her son believed to be in Malaga

A DESPERATE mother has made a heartfelt appeal for expats to keep their eyes peeled for the man, suspected of killing her son.

Tracey Hanson’s plea comes three years since her only son Josh, 21, was allegedly killed by tattooed Irish gym fanatic Shane O’Brien.

On the third anniversary of his death, she believes O’Brien is ‘very likely’ to be immersed in an expat community like the Costa del Sol. Her views are backed up by a recent Metropolitan Police report - and reward offer of €50,000 - which claims he may be living around the Marbella area.

Spotted

“He was definitely spotted in Gibraltar and we have had lots of expats in Spain contact us since the Crimestoppers appeal two years ago.

“I really believe he could be lying low and hiding in somewhere like Mijas or Estepona,” she added.

Josh was stabbed in the neck in a crowded bar, in West London, on the October 11, 2015, in what witnesses de-

EXCLUSIVE

scribe as a random and motiveless attack.

Immediately after the incident O’Brien, 30, from London, the chief suspect in the investigation, managed to flee the UK on a private plane.

He was later arrested for GBH, while living in Prague the following year.

However, tragically, police were unable to link him to the UK murder as he was arrested under the false name of Enzo Mellonceli and released on bail. He quickly fled.

Since then he is reported to have been seen in the Netherlands, Nice and Gibraltar, although despite efforts from the RGP, they were unable to find further evidence.

“I am in the worst kind of pain imaginable”, Tracey told the Olive Press, this week.

“He was an innocent boy.

We need a trial and a sentence, and most importantly we need an opportunity for Josh’s voice to be heard.”

O’Brien - who has a menacing tattoo on his back of an eagle holding a skull - is now one

SOUGHT: O’Brien while (right) Tracey with Josh of Europe’s most wanted criminals with a sum of £50,000 offered for any information leading to his arrest.

“If it wasn’t for the public, Josh’s campaign wouldn’t be out there”, his mother continued.

“We’ve had an extraordinary response on social media and I’ve even had people take O’Brien’s ‘Wanted’ posters on holiday and put up in some of the remotest places around the world.

“We can’t let what took place in Prague happen again!”

The Met continues to encourage the public to stay vigilant, especially if abroad, and urges anyone who thinks they might recognize O’Brien to

No foul play A BRITISH national arrested on suspicion of murdering Aaron Buckley has been released.

The RGP have ruled out any foul play in the death of the 25-year-old who plunged to his death from Eurotowers on September 9.

The Brit, 43, arrested in the initial stages of the investigation, is now helping local police with further inquiries.

The conclusion follows extensive investigations by the RGP including forensic medical examinations and a post mortem carried out by a UK Home Office pathologist.

Mystery body DISTINCTIVE: Tattoo contact local police immediately.

He was last noted to have shoulder length dark hair, a full beard and is known to frequent gyms, boxing clubs and nightclubs.

HIs distinctive back tattoo covers a previous tattoo, ‘Shannon 15-04-06’.

AN investigation is underway after a body was found floating in a communal pool on the Costa del Sol. The lifeless man was pulled out of the water in the Bonita Hill urbanisation in Mijas.

The police were able to confirm if the nationality was British, or any more information.

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NEWS

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RIP Sergeant ALIENS actor Al Matthews has died in his home in Spain.

The 75-year-old, who played Sergeant Apone in James Cameron’s 1986 sequel to Alien, was found dead at his house in Orihuela Costa, Alicante, by a neighbour.

Matthews, who moved to Spain in 2005, also starred in Superman III (1983), The Fifth Element (1997) and Tomorrow Never Dies (1997).

The actor and singer was a former marine who served in the Vietnam war.

His last film role was in The Price of Death, a 2018 western by director Chip Baker that is currently in post-production.

Cross country MICHELLE Obama is a keen hiker.

The former US president’s wife steps out for walks on her trips around Spain.

Her enjoyment of hiking has come out, thanks to a new book written by former US ambassador to Spain James Costos.

In the book, El amigo americano, he reveals how he took Michelle on one long mountain stroll in Mallorca.

Known as the Old Postman’s route, the 8km hike, in the north of the island, takes around two-and-a-half hours.

“We have taken Michelle from Esporles to Banyalbufar, one of our favourite excursions,” he explained in an interview with a local magazine.

He added: “Something special we have also done with Michelle is to anchor right in front of the cathedral at night, it’s magical!”

HIKER: Obama with queen Sofia

September 26th - October 9th 2018

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Going platinum JULIO Iglesias has celebrated his 75th birthday as the most successful latin artist in the world.

The Spanish icon has produced more than 80 albums in 14 languages and has sold more than 350 million copies worldwide.

The singing legend is also STILL touring after performing more than 5,000 concerts across all five continents.

Ryan and Claire steal the show, alongside Judi and Danny in San Sebastian

But he has not played in his home country since 2016, with rumours suggesting he doesn’t make enough money here.

His current agenda is being limited to a brief concert tour that started in Tashkent (Uzbekistan) on September 10 and which, next month takes him to Dubai, Tel Aviv and Moscow.

WELCOME: For Ryan and Claire

Seeing stars CAPTION

AWARD: For Judi Dench A SPRINKLING of Hollywood stardust dropped on Spain this week.

A string of American and British actors were on hand to make it one of the most starstudded San Sebastian film festivals yet.

Ryan Gosling, was joined by Claire Foy, as well as Judi Dench and Danny Devito at the most prestigious film event in Spain.

Gosling and Foy were in the Basque city to promote their new movie First Man, about the Apollo XI space mission in 1969.

Thousands of fans went wild as the La La Land heartthrob Gosling posed for selfies and greeted officials at the festival.

Dressed in a red leather jacket, the 37-year-old Drive star was only upstaged by his co-star Claire, who recently won an Emmy for her part in Netflix’ award-winning series The Crown.

Yorkshire-born star Judi Dench, 82, meanwhile was in town to receive a coveted lifetime achievement award, the Premio Donostia, along with

Spin it to win it HE plays the part of a DJ trying to relaunch his career, while working as a nanny.

And this, of course, shouldn’t be difficult for British star Idris Elba, who has been in Ibiza this summer with a regular residency as a DJ. Turn Up Charlie however has mostly been filmed in Mallorca, with the new Netflix series set to come out next year.

The eight-part comedy sees Elba - tipped to be the next James Bond - playing a struggling DJ desperately trying to make a living.

It was mostly filmed around Cala Serena, in Cala d’or, as well as nearby in Felanitx. The Wire star stayed in a stunning mansion nearby with his wife Sabrina Dhowre and daughter Isan.

A total of 50 local Mallorquin locals star in the film, while one scene saw 300 locals contracted for a big party scene.

Batman Returns star, Danny Devito.

The seven-time Oscar nominee has received countless accolades for her performances in Shakespeare in Love, Mrs Brown and for playing character M in the James Bond series.

Past winners of the prestigious award have included Antonio Banderas, Meryl Streep and Robert De Niro.

In 1898 Hollywood’s golden age jewel, Bette Davis famously took home the accolade. It would become her last ever public appearance before she died two weeks later.

It comes as San Sebastian has become the sixth major film festival to sign a pledge on gender parity, following in the steps of its European rivals Cannes, Locarno and Venice.

It promises to review the number of movie submissions by women against the number programmed at the festival, in a bid to obtain real data on female representation in cinema.

Cruz-ing with style PENELOPE Cruz kept things chic at an Emmy Awards after party.

The Spanish actress, 44, looked effortless wearing the black feathered dress from Alexandre Vauthier.

The Oscar-winning actress was attending the awards in Los Angeles for her hit show The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story.

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NEWS

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OUCH: Mosquitos

Not going anywhere THE aggressive daytimebiting tiger mosquito is ‘here to stay’ - and will be biting more - warn Gibraltar health officials.

Originally from Southeast Asia, the black and white striped pest which is larger and more vicious than other species, has become firmly established on the Rock.

Its first sightings alerted the GHA, last year, when it feared the mosquito could be carrying diseases such as the Zika virus and Dengue fever.

However, at present, ‘the discovery does not pose any health risks in Gibraltar’.

More money needed for new cycling lanes, says government

By Laurence Dollimore

THE Government wants more time to make its new green cycle lane policy work.

The Minister for Transport has insisted calls to shut the new ‘out-of-hours’ cycle lanes should be ignored, while more money could be spent on enforcement.

Paul Balban believes that the new initiative is vital in Gibraltar’s battle for better air quality.

It comes after the Environmental Safety Group (ESG) criticised the lanes, introduced in August, and which operate along a designated route southbound via Main street and northbound along Irish Town.

The group insists that neither cyclists or pedestrians are re-

September 26th - October 9th 2018

No back peddling! specting the new lanes, which is compromising safety for both.

The new cycle lanes form part of the Government’s Sustain-

Coffee for cancer THE Rock’s ‘biggest ever’ coffee morning has taken place at the Calpe Rowing Club.

The event, which saw hundreds of people, was raising money in aid of Cancer Relief, which supports up to 80 people each week.

The breakfast saw an impressive turnout which included the Minister for Health, Neil Costa.

Cancer Relief Gibraltar relies heavily on donations in order to continue offering the invaluable service it provides to the community.

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able, Traffic, Transport and Parking Plan.

They were brought in after feedback revealed that people in Gibraltar would choose cycling as

their prefered mode of transport if safer facilities were put into place.

Paul Balban, Minister for Traffic, said that “no change worth making is ever going to happen without some resistance or challenge.” He added: “I believe that it is important that we stay the course on this initiative, which is commonplace in other cities, and that we focus more resources on enforcement of the cycle lanes and cycling discipline.

The Highway Code places obligations on cyclists in much the same way as it does on motorists and it is important that we do not forget the importance of enforcing the law in this regard.”

Peddle power 4

Green steps A GROUP of environmentalists are set to visit schools around the Rock, as part of an initiative to lower their carbon footprints.

The EU-funded ClimACT group will be hosting meetings and visits to encourage environmentally sustainable activities, such as recycling, gardening and the preservation of local biodiversity.

LEGEND: Dean

Expat hero A KIND-hearted expat has made an incredible donation to a Costa del Sol dog home in need.

Dean Bateson-Payas donated a massive300 tins of food to long-standing and well-loved dog home, ADANA. It comes after the Esteponabased shelter made an urgent plea for tinned food, following a deluge of new, seriously undernourished animals.

With the help of fellow Manilva expats, Bateson-Payas rounded up hundreds of donations and dropped them off the next day.

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With a topography as suited to cycling as Gibraltar, it's a crying shame that the ESG has called for the removal of Gibraltar’s recently implemented cycle lanes.

Thousands of commuters already rely on cycling as a convenient and quick method of transport. And with its glowingly green credentials, surely we should be actively encouraging the safe practise of cycling on the Rock as opposed to restricting it.

Although the government made an environmentally-positive step forward by introducing these lanes, we would like to see cycling 14 fire bosses routes made availableSOME at all times so that thosehave wishing to cycle to beenofarrested allegedly work, school or as a form exercise, for are given the opportunity to embezzling €7 million in do so in a safe manner. public funds.

The Policia Nacional found that the Consortium of Bomberos Cadiz took out A HOTEL is to be knocked mass early retirement insurdown for not having enough ance policies. class!

But when their employees Benalmadena’s Hotel Vista retired early, chiefs siphoned de Rey must be demolished off the money from the paywithin three months, a court outs. has ruled, Authorities also found disAndalucia’s Superior Court crepancies in the consorof Justice ruled that the hotium’s training courses. tel falls short of its four-star Large sums were paid to a requirement. company to provide training courses, but no evidence has been found that these courses Probing took place.

It began probing the three Meanwhile, irregularities star hotel and apartment were also found in grants and block in 2011 after it was desubsidies, which cops believe nounced over planning rules were used to pay for private which set aside the plot for a trips. four star hotel only.

The irregularities date back According to the PGOU town to 2008 and cops believe at plan an apartment block was least €7 million has been stonot permitted and it also len by those at the top.

Hot water

Pipe ban FRUIT growers in the Axarquia are facing a 60% reduction in water use from the La Vinuela reservoir with no solution in sight.

The Junta has decided to limit its use as the reservoir is already at 22.7% capacity and could drop even lower if the dry weather keeps up.

Costa del Sol hotel has three months to fight decision before it is demolished

breached rules by being over 700 square meters bigger

No en sta

DOOMED: Costa

SMUGGLER POLICE officers have formed a human wall along a beach in La Linea to ensure that the construction of a beach wall went ahead.

The wall, between the church of Nuestra Senora del Carmen and the perimeter wall of the fishing port of La Atunara, hopes to

det as Ac loc fea an

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September 26th - October 9th 2018

Sign up today at sofi.gi Premier League Showing live

The Premier League season is here!

You can watch it in HD on Sofi, Gibraltar’s digital entertainment service. High quality TV in your living room and on the move.

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www.gibraltarolivepress.com The Rock’s only investigative

local newspaper

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 Out of tune THE Two Door Cinema Club sums up perfectly how many people are feeling about the government this week.

It is one door in and one door out for Fabian Picardo and his cronies, if they continue to run the Rock as their personal fiefdom… wasting millions of taxpayers money as part of the equation.

A festival as big and as important as Gibraltar Calling has indeed been relegated to a ‘personal jamboree’ for the Chief Minister and his pals.

That is those in the hilariously-named VVIP section.

The once excellent two-day event, which starred the Kings of León and Kaiser Chiefs and Steve Aoki and Fatboy Slim in previous years, this year got a far poorer billing.

And the public, quite clearly, voted with its feet, many thousands less turning up that in previous years.

There will be many excuses and the exact statistics will be hard to come by, such is the transparency record of this government, but the truth was there for all to see.

“The magic has gone,” said a payment booth employee, explaining the massive drop in numbers.

More than anything, the way the Gibraltar Olive Press was treated over this year’s festival sums up the way it is now being run.

Despite working closely with organisers when it began four years ago, writing reams of copy both online and in the paper, plus double page reviews following on, we were not given accreditation to cover this year’s event.

Indeed it was only three days before that we were handed a couple of tickets, which were actually hard to give away.

And before you ask, no they weren’t VVIP… nor even VIP. They don’t want the likes of us asking any uncomfortable questions...

Publisher/ Editor

Jon Clarke jon@theolivepress.es SALES Sam Adams (+34) 634 611 836 sam@theolivepress.es

Newsdesk newsdesk@theolivepress.es Tel: (+34) 665 798 618 Laurence Dollimore laurence@theolivepress.es Elisa Menendez elisa@theolivepress.es Pablo Balbontin pablo@theolivepress.es

Tina (+34) 647 078 775 tina@theolivepress.es Office manager Héctor Santaella (+34) 658 750 424 accounts@theolivepress.es

Designer Keith Franks

FEATURE

trickadvisor True review or cooked up for cash? It’s hard to tell but many things don’t add up on Trip Advisor, where an estimated one in three reviews is fake. Pablo Balbontin runs the checks

I

N a follow-up to our front page expose on fake reviews on Trip Advisor, last month, we decided to take a closer look at how the online portal worked.Following our scoop on a Benalmadena-based company CGI Global, which was brazenly offering 50 five-star reviews for €400 and had ‘dozens’ of clients, we ran some Best Restaurant listings in Andalucia and the Balearic Islands through our truth detector. The results are food for thought...

Curry-on Manilva #1 of 10

Could someone be currying favour in our hometown where an incredible THREE Indian restaurants sit in Manilva’s Top Five? Don’t get us wrong, we love our tikka masalas, but with all the wide choice of restaurants here, this seems a little odd!

More curious still, the top restaurant slot is scooped by an ice cream parlour. A gelatería - Getoutahere!

AWARDS

2016/2017 Best expat paper in Spain and the second best in the world. The Expat Survey Consumer Awards.

2012 - 2017

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

BEST

What have Hitler, Gandhi and Ferdinand the bull got in common?

Elitist users #5 of 10

Page 12

just cheating’

FAKING IT

Our link to the Ivy League

An ox-tale

We’re not sure how globe-trotting Spanish supermodel Jon Kortajarena (right) gets time off from his busy schedule to dine in Manilva. Yet his profile picture appears in one local restaurant review and he gives it a glowing four-star rating.

It sounds like a clear case of identity theft, but stranger things have happened.

(Free or paid for)

Vol. 12 Issue 299 www.theolivepress.e s August 29th - September 11th 2018

‘You can’t get prosecuted… it’s

Page 6

Model review #4 of 10

FREE

WITH RESERVATION

BUSINESSES in Andalucia are paying to post dozens of FAKE five-star reviews on TripAdvisor in a bid to increase their rankings.

An Olive Press investigation has unearthed companies offering packages of 50 glowing reviews for just €400.

Restaurants, hotels and garages have utilised the services of Malaga-based company GCI Global, which promises ‘genuine reviews’ that will be ‘tailored to your business’.

We can reveal that one of its clients, a Malaga restaurateur, managed to get to number one in his town on TripAdvisor after ‘purchasing’ dozens of ‘excellent’ reviews over just two months.

In total, 99% of the comments for his restaurant - which we are not naming for legal reasons - are ‘excellent’ 5/5 with only one ‘very good’.

“The restaurant was over 100

launches probe, as a Costa del Sol business ‘selling’Olive Press exposes reviews on to the global giant’s fake customer website EXCLUSIVE

By Laurence Dollimore and Elisa Menendez

(in the list) but look at it now,” GCI boss Ben Fisher boasted to the Olive Press.

“It doesn’t matter if (the reviewers) eat there or not, although if you want to pay a bit more we can actually send someone,” added Fisher, who lives in Al- proached by an angry reader, haurin de la Torre. who had been targeted by “In fact if you pay we can send unsolicited email from GCI an last four people to share one pizza. month.

Then we spread the reviews out The advert read: “We offer taiover a few days. “I have dozens lor made professional review of clients.” packages giving your business The Olive Press probe was a boost and the edge over your launched after we were ap- competitors.”

Please forgive us!

In an open letter to Spain, the Olive Press apologises for our unruly tourists

WE’RE SORRY Dear Spain, WE ARE SORRY.

W

E ask that you judge us Brits not by the sinverguenzas who choose to poo over your balconies or perform oral services for a free cocktail, but by the majority of respectful expats who are privileged to call your beautiful country home.

Seriously though, how did we get here?

Brits used to be famed for their polite manners and punctuality. Now we are better known for our excessive drinking and outrageous party antics compounded by the senseless alcohol-fuelled sport of ‘balconing’.

Some 46 patients were treated for injuries after falling or deliberately jumping from balconies between 2010 and 2015 - and 60% were Brits.

The last two years have seen this number grow, with almost 10 Brits dying this year alone (CHECK).

And that’s only one example from a whole catalogue of outrageous behaviour that has seen holiday high jinks sink to a shocking new low.

Just this week we were sent a video from Benidorm which showed a British reveller putting his penis in the mouth of a passed-out compatriot.

And who can forget the brazen British girl who performed oral sex on 24 men for a free drink in 2016, or the man who fell from a balcony in Mallorca last month while trying to defecate over the edge.

Closer to home, beach club brawls and stabbings at Costa del Sol haunts dominated the headlines last summer.

Two rival gangs’ fight spilled onto the streets of Puerto Banus and ended with one member trying to run over his rivals.

Is it any wonder that some of Spain’s biggest resorts are starting to resist tourists?

‘Tourists go home’ and ‘Tourist, you are the terrorist,’ are just some of the messages that have been graffitied across tourism hotspots in the past few years.

Just because resorts make a killing from visiting Brits every year, it doesn’t mean they have to put up with such antics.

We hope you will bear this in mind the next time you roll your eyes in disgust at yet another story about a British reveller behaving badly, and accept our apology on behalf of the whole damned lot.

Posing

Posing as potential clients with a holiday rental business in Marbella, our reporters were told by Fisher that the reviews would be ‘from real people’.

“The reviews are from real people on the Costa del Sol, it’s not a bunch of fake accounts putting reviews on,” said Fisher, from Hull.

“A potential customer doesn’t know if they are real or fake. It

is not illegal. You can’t get prosecuted... it’s just cheating.”

Describing himself as a ‘web marketing specialist’, he explained how if our reporters bought 50 reviews, our new business would receive two five-star reviews per day from his network of users consisting of ‘friends and family friends’.

He offered to do 20 reviews for €150 or the 50 reviews for €400 - with payments made by cash or PayPal. So confident was he that it would boost our business ranking he offered a 100% satisfaction or a ‘money-back guarantee’. “You’re paying for direct marketing - the higher you go on TripAdvisor the more you pop up as recommended and the more business you get,” he insisted. Sadly, the process is

Trust

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not new. TripAdvisor has been caught out before, including a famous stunt pulled off by VICE website in which an undercover reporter set up a fake restaurant, The Shed at Dulwich, and made it the number one restaurant in London.

Just this week a simple Google search unearthed a US-based company, Reviews that Stick, offering packages on the global supersite from $69 per month.

“We can provide TripAdvisor reviews that would help your hotel or restaurant to improve its reputation and increase its number of customers,” it offered.

Local hoteliers and restaurateurs were quick to support out investigation.

“I’m sure it is very common with restaurants here,” said Mark Wardell, manager of the Sunset Beach Club hotel, in Benalmadena.

“TripAdvisor is particularly very open to manipulation and fake reviews.

“You often see these small places pop up with phenomenal reviews that quickly sink without trace,” he added.

Restaurateur Robert Grimmond, of well-established El Jardin restaurant in Frigiliana, added he had been aware of this practice for years.

“It’s disappointing that businesses on the coast are still buying reviews in this way,” he added.

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“If you really want to know if a restaurant is good or not, ask someone you trust or go yourself!”

Last night TripAdvisor thanked the Olive Press and confirmed it was ‘investigating the case’.

“We strongly oppose any attempt to manipulate a business’

ranking,” said a spokeswoman, adding that its investigations team was ‘proactive and effective’ at catching anyone who attempts to market paid review services. “We take serious steps to penalize any properties caught using their services,” she added. After revealing ourselves as journalists, Fisher told the Olive Press: “People pay for direct traffic, people purchase the reviews, then a team of four will go into the premises, share food and leave a review on their experience… it’s a service that is genuine and helps everybody… the reason my clients pay is to cover the cost of the food purchased by each customer!”

Can a salad bar really be the best restaurant in Malaga, a city blessed Hot water with almost 2,000 eateries? It probably serves very fine salads but we’re not so green to really trust that a bar specialising in garden leaves deserves to be in this food capital.

Meanwhile there are three pasta joints in the Top Ten and two Pipe fast ban food franchises in the Top 20. Fishy?

Lettuce know what you think!

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SOME 14 fire bosses have been arrested for allegedly embezzling €7 million in public funds.

The Policia Nacional found that the Consortium of Bomberos Cadiz took out mass early retirement insurance policies.

But when their employees retired early, chiefs siphoned off the money from the payouts.

Authorities also found discrepancies in the consortium’s training courses.

Large sums were paid to a company to provide training courses, but no evidence has been found that these courses took place.

Meanwhile, irregularities were also found in grants and subsidies, which cops believe were used to pay for private trips.

The irregularities date back to 2008 and cops believe at least €7 million has been stolen by those at the top.

FRUIT growers in the Axarquia are facing a 60% reduction in water use from the La Vinuela reservoir with no solution in sight.

The Junta has decided to limit its use as the reservoir is already at 22.7% capacity and could drop even lower if the dry weather keeps up.

We are concerned about the huge number of people who contribute just one restaurant review - usually giving it five stars - and wrting things such as ‘great restaurant, the food was delicious’ - with no other details.

Highly suspicious, we’ve noticed reviews like this in Nerja and Estepona but you’ll certainly find them everywhere.

Costa del Sol hotel has three months to fight decision before it is demolished A HOTEL is to be knocked down for not having enough class!

Benalmadena’s Hotel Vista de Rey must be demolished within three months, a court has ruled, Andalucia’s Superior Court of Justice ruled that the hotel falls short of its four-star

requirement.

N

No eno sta

Probing

It began probing the three star hotel and apartment block in 2011 after it was denounced over planning rules which set aside the plot for a four star hotel only.

According to the PGOU town plan an apartment block was not permitted and it also breached rules by being over 700 square meters bigger

DOOMED: Costa hotel

SMUGGLERS’

POLICE officers have formed a human wall along a beach in La Linea to ensure construction of a beach wall went that the The wall, between the church ahead. of Nuestra Senora del Carmen and the perimeter wall of the fishing port of La Atunara, hopes to

deter drug as a drop o A combine local and n fears grew and disrup

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Eroski billboard.indd 1

ARTWORK SETUP TO 25% OF ACTUAL ARTWO

Marketing monkeys #6 of 10

Missing in Marbella #2 of 10 He may be Andalucia’s top chef on paper with two hard-earned Michelin stars and a string of awards, but Dani Garcia (below) doesn’t even star in his home town of Marbella’s Top Ten, nor for the matter Top 20, even Top 100. In fact, his eponymous eaterie at the Hotel Puente Romano comes in at 129th. Sure, we know not everyone can afford his prices but the Marbelli have deeper pockets than most. We’re nonplussed that this talented celebrity chef is a no-show in town while a pasta franchise, a curry house and a pizzaria all make the top ten.

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September 26th - October 9th 2018

Lazy reviews #3 of 10 Sometimes it’s hard to tell whether a review is genuine or written by the restaurateurs best friend/wife or mother - but not always. In Cadiz, one reviewer actually awarded five stars to a bar after it was no longer open! And plenty of those leaving the worst reviews, such as many at Dani Garcia don’t leave real names and merely put up a photo of a beach or the moon.

The Olive Press investigation into fake Trip Advisor reviews in August revealed how some Costa del Sol restaurateurs paid cheats CGI Global €400 a throw to post a set of 50 fake five-star ratings on the website. Immediately after putting our findings to TripAdvisor, one of his clients - a restaurant in Benalmadena, only open for six weeks - dropped 80 places from Number One. And this foodie corruption has gone global. A couple of weeks ago a man was jailed in Italy for nine months for trying to sell more than 1,000 fake reviews.

Yo-yo ratings #7 of 10

Too good to be true #10 of 10 Last but not least, a common factor of Trip Advisor Top 10s is the questionable ratio of rave reviews to rubbish ones. Nobody’s perfect so when a restaurant has over 200 ‘Excellent’ ratings but less than 10 critical comments it defies the law of probability.

And when the negative feedback includes comments like ‘not as good as other people say’ it confirms our suspicions.

The aforementioned Benalmadena restaurant isn’t the only example of how a restaurant’s ratings can rise and fall overnight.

While you’re reading this, some towns’ lists will have completely changed.

In Port de Soller, Mall o r c a , three small restaurants specialising in fresh local p ro d u c e mysteriously vanished from the Top 10 in one day, including one that was placed second in the list. How come?

The same reason, as above.

OPINION

Impossible to use IT is becoming almost impossible to find good places to eat in the big cities and resorts like Manilva and Marbella these days.

That is if you trust sites like TripAdvisor.

On a recent weekend trip to Malaga, we struggled to work out where to eat for lunch or dinner, attempting to follow the suspect lists on TripAdvisor.

Having not visited the city for a while I was

happy to go to a few favourite old haunts, I wanted to try a couple of new places.

It was quite clear that TripAdvisor was actually hindering our search and we ended up finding a place simply wandering around and spotted a Michelin sticker and found a menu that looked inspiring.

It proved to be exactly that.

Jon Clarke

www.gibraltarolivepress.com

FEATURE

WEBSITE September 26th - October 9thprint 2018 Each issue of the

7

SPECIAL REPORT

olive press online

Drug dealer lifts the lid on police bribery in southern Spain and how the cartels get paid A SEASONED drug trafficker has revealed how 30% of his gang’s profits are spent on bribing Guardia Civil agents and port workers.

In an alarming expose, the narco insisted corruption is ‘essential’ to his cartel’s business and that ‘everyone has a price.’

“Customs officers, Guardia Civil and businessmen laundering money, everyone has a price,” the Madrid-based trafficker, known as Zape, revealed in a no-holds bar interview.

“Without corruption there is no business.”

His claims come as it emerged the cocaine trade in Spain made more than €2 billion in profits in 2015, according to the Intelligence Centre against Trafficking and Organised Crime (CITCO).

And according to Zape, a large chunk of this is thanks to people working on the inside of the law.

Although mules, fishing boats and sailboats are used to move drugs, the cartels still favour using freight companies to shift large quantities of their goods.

The most popular ports are Valencia and in particular Algeciras - the busiest shipping container port in Spain and one of the most important in Europe.

“Customs have to tell us which companies are clean so we know which ones to work with to go undetected,” explained Zape to El Espanol newspaper.

“Or we create a company and collaborate with an exporting company from a Latin American country.

“We have to know which container can be relied upon to carry a huge amount of cocaine, from 500 to 2,000 kilos.”

The career-criminal, who has been in the business for two decades, explains how usually several customs officers have to be bribed to ensure the container is not registered.

“Then we bribe Guardia Civil agents and finally some of the dockworkers, otherwise it would not leave the port,” he added.

Incredibly, he claims, plenty of small loads (around 100 kilos or less) are actually taken out of the port by dock workers and even police.

Once the product has been removed from the containers, it will be officially re-sealed to look as though it hadn’t been opened.

If there are more than 1,000 kilos, the container will have to leave the port on a truck.

This means customs cannot investigate the container and Guardia Civil must allow it to leave.

It then gets taken abroad before being put on

HOTSPOT: Algeciras port

Olive Press can be read in its entirety on www.theolivepress.es And our site is updated daily with the latest news, making it one of Spain’s most visited news and Gibraltar’s best English websites. daily news website

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DATES: September 11 - September 25 Most read this

Blow By blow

REVELATIONS: Guardia Civil take the most bribes, says trafficker

September 27th - October 10th 2018 a ship and the drugs are divided up. cartel in Colombia.

“In total 30% of profits are spent on bribes,” explains Zape, “The Guardia Civil take most of it, around 16 or 17%.

“If we shift 1,000 kilos, 300 are gone in bribes.”

One kilo of cocaine costs around €24,000 in Spain.

It means one shipment of 300 kilos will produce around €7.2 million in profits.

And the price is worth paying, says Zape.

“They always take their kilos and sell them, usually to local drug gangs,” he continued.

“But their help is essential otherwise our product would not leave the ports.

“It only needs a few of them to be corrupted.

Money is very sweet.”

Is it any wonder, numerous restaurants, kiosks and other businesses are ‘part-owned’ by police in Spain.

Some 32,795 kilos of cocaine were seized in Spain last year, and the numbers of officials involved are damning.

This April saw Policia Nacional interrupt the biggest ever haul in Europe when 8,740 kilos were seized, with a Guardia Civil agent among the 11 arrested.

On July 4, the Central Operation Unit (UCO) arrested 21 people. Ten of them were workers from the port of Algeciras. They were part of a network that introduced large quantities of cocaine and other drugs through containers to deliver them ‘to drug traffickers all over Europe.’

But once the drugs make it into Spain and into the hands of dealers, how is it paid for?

One method is ‘mirror payments’, explains Zape.

Let’s say a Spanish drug trafficker - who has imported cocaine - needs to pay €40 million to a

He will contact a Spanish businessman with large financial interests in South America such as a real estate company in Colombia, or an import business in Brazil.

The trafficker asks the businessman to make the €40 million payment and, in return, he will be reimbursed 17% of the total transferred.

The businessman will then send it to another company in Colombia which has been chosen by the cartel.

This company will then deliver the €40 million to the cartel through highly complex financial manoeuvres.

A recent study by the Colombian Observatory of Organized Crime said: "[The narcos] They never touch a kilo of drugs, much less a pistol.

“Their weapons are an encrypted mobile phone, a varied portfolio of legally established businesses and an intimate knowledge of the world of finance.”

Another payment method, albeit much slower, is the ‘conejitas’ - or ‘little rabbits’.

It sees Spanish gangs bringing young Latin American women to Spain for several days.

They usually make them travel in groups of ten spread across different flights and landing at different airports - some are passed off as lesbian couples and brought together.

But before returning home, they place €100,000 in €500 bills inside a condom or special tube and insert them inside various orifices.

If you owed €40 million, you would have to use 10 girls a total of 20 times until you paid your debt.

The women are paid €6,000 for each trip, a huge payment for them.

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

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- WATCH: Flash floods hit south of Spain as cars washedaway (11,102) Costa del Sol on weather alert with dropping temperatures and

- EXPAT ALARM: Getmore yourself registered, rain - 4616 views warns Spain ambassador in open Brexit letter (7,641)

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heavy continues - 4604 - Another weekend of as rain onrain Spain’s Cosviews ta del Sol but temperatures to remain high (7,472)

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- Three armed men rob on Costa Sol of thebank key figures past anddel present and take off withthe€200,000 (5,941) Costa del Crime - 3872 views

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-final of Spanish TV talent show -

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September 26th - October 9th 2018

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September 26th - October 9th 2018

Send your information to newsdesk@theolivepress.es

My roots

what’s on

PABLO Picasso’s passion for flamenco has been one of the painter’s least explored interests, but a collaboration between an artist and a journalist explores the Cubist master’s relationship with the Spanish art form.

Illustrations, stories and music merge to form a body of work titled Y Picasso recordaba el flamenco (And Picasso remembered flamenco) which debuted last week at the Alliance Française de Málaga.

The innovative and interdisciplinary artwork imagines Picasso’s real life encounters with El Piyayo, La Trini and Juan Breva - famous, and sometimes controversial, figures in flamenco and across Spain who would go on to inspire some of his important canvases.

Miss Glamour THE beauty pageant for girls aged between 16-21 at the John Mackintosh hall on October 12 from 8.30pm.

Contact 54 000 377.

Flower power Practical hands on workshop on dried flower arranging on October 18 from 6.30pm to 8pm at the John Mackintosh hall.

Participants will take home arrangements. Contact ghsmember@ outlook.com

Cold reading TWO psychics at one event at the Star Bar on October 12 from 7pm to 8.30pm. Reservations call +350 200 75924

INSPIRED

Snapped Over 300 celluloid images are set to lighten up the Rock this month at the annual Photography Exhibition.

Taking place at the Gustavo Bacarisas Gallery in Casemates, the exhibition is being displayed on the walls of

the gallery’s five vaults with another 100 exhibited digitally.

This year's judges are husband and wife team Chrissie and Colin Westgate.

Both renowned photographers from the Royal Photographic Society in the UK,

they have won numerous accolades between them and exhibited internationally on subjects such as landscape and evocative portraiture.

The exhibition runs until October 5 from 10am and 5pm.

Artist Emmanuel Lafont’s illustrations, coupled with texts by journalist and curator of the exhibition, Francis Marmol, examine Picasso’s lifelong connection with flamenco in 18 chapters. The first part of the story begins in his hometown of Malaga and is inspired by events he is thought to have experienced during his childhood in the late 19th century, while the second part follows his adult life and builds on more established facts and documentary evidence as Picasso’s fame and fortunes grew.

Marmol said the idea behind the work was to have the striking black and white drawings by Lafont create a ‘parallel story’ to the fictional and semi-fictional texts.

Y Picasso recordaba el flamenco will be open to the public until December 21.

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Madid chic

be Ma s m t p laga ag ro ’s az pe in rty e

September 2018

September 26th - October 9th 2018

9

VS INTERIORS WORLD CUP, PART 2

Inland dreaming

See page VIII

J

ust an hour or two from the Costa del Sol you’ll find a range of stunning historical gems for sale, many going back to the Roman era and one where Napoleon (right) once stayed.

See page VI

Is this Spain’s coolest home?

Page III

Famous Guests Reform of stunning hotel where Virginia Woolf stayed

Page IV

TRIPLE JOY: Historic internal patio in Cadiz stunner, while (below) ancient arches in Sevilla mill and a vineyard/equestrian estate, near Ronda

Rock rep The Gibraltar estate agents making the Rock proud

Page V

Nice little earners

M

ORE buyers than ever are snapping up second homes to rent out - and the Costa del Sol is the second hottest destination of choice.

According to new research, more than two thirds of owners now rent out their second homes to cover part or all of their costs, reversing the trend of 50 years ago.

The top three locations benefiting from the buy-to-let second home boom are the Costa del Sol, which has 4% of the international market, the Costa Blanca, also at 4%, and the Algarve, in Portugal, with 5%.

Back in the 1970s, nine out of 10 homeowners kept their second homes purely for themselves.

Costa del Sol is cashing in on a buy-to-let boom

Even up to 2000 that figure only dropped to eight out of 10 homeowners.

But times are changing with more buyers hoping to turn their holiday home into a nice little earner, according to a survey by Savills and HomeAway.

In the early 2000s, only 14% of second homes were bought purely for rental rather than personal use.

But by the time of the credit crunch, this figure had risen to 19% and now more than a third of second homes are

bought as investments.

“In a low interest rate environment investors are seeking out income-generating assets,” said Paul Tostevin, associate director for Savills World Research.

“Today’s second home buyers want properties to work for them financially and they’re increasingly looking not just to cover costs but to turn a profit.”

He added: “Global tourism continues to grow, with international tourist arrivals up by 7% last year to a record 1.3 billion. At the same time, the rapid expansion of online holiday home platforms such as HomeAway opens up the market to new target groups and makes it much easier for owners to make their properties income-producing.”

II10

PROPERTY

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September 2018

or in this case THEY say good things come in threes, 300! with In our fitting 300th issue we are packed than ANY other exclusives and original content - more English paper in Spain.

TripAdvisor Aside from the news and our ongoingculinary delights probe, we have food features on the on how an of the Basque region, as well as a missive UK’s literacy rates Andalucian weed helped boost the in Victorian times.

Valley of the Plus our in-depth dispatch from the with exhumed, be to Fallen, where Franco is soon Spain’s leading exclusive commentary from three of and Giles Hispanists, Paul Preston, Ian Gibson Tremlett. our 300th issue, And in a special supplement to mark came to be we tell the story of how the Olive Press currently reporters former our and where many of work, with some in Russia and America. grab a coffee Yes, there is a lot inside. So sit back, your with relax and wine of glass or reach for your favourite fortnightly newspaper.

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GIVE IT BACK WITH RESERVATION

EXPATS may have lost millions over the suspicious collapse of a foreign exchange firm being probed over ‘criminal activity’.

Dozens of victims have lost up to €400,000 each after Premier FX Limited was forced into administration by the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

It comes after the firm - which operated from Mallorca, Portugal and London - suddenly stopped trading on July 27, following the death of director Peter Rexstrew.

Since then, hundreds of clients, many of them expats,

Expats demand the return of millions after FX company collapses amid fraud probe have been left completely in the dark and unable to access their funds.

The group have now formed an action group with nearly 200 members demanding immediate answers.

One British expat, based in Mallorca, told the Olive Press she has no idea what has happened to the €30,000 she was holding with Premier FX. “I had used them for many

EXCLUSIVE

By Elisa Menendez

years and there were never any problems,” explained the 69-year-old, who asked to remain anonymous.

“I had transferred the money and was waiting for the exchange rate to improve.

“The next thing I knew, the money was gone. I feel sick

Mosquito Screens

Call Nick 647 072 861 See page 35

www.mosquitonick.ws nick@mosquitonick.ws

about it,” added the pensioner, based in Palma.

Another entrepreneur told the Olive Press she is missing a staggering €400,000. businessUK-based The woman, who previously lived in Portugal for ten years, has made three monthly transactions with Premier FX for 12 years.

Despite knowing former director Rexstrew, who also lived in the Algarve, she was given no warning.

“I tried to make a transaction but no one would answer the phone. I then emailed and I

received this automatic reply saying they had ceased trad- EXPAT: Andrew Jones ing and there’d be no further transactions.

“I immediately smelt a rat,” she added.

When she called Action Fraud, EXCLUSIVE an operator explained he knew nothing about it.

A GAY couple have denounced “I’ve been stuck for two months a Guardia Civil officer after he without that money and have allegedly assaulted them. no idea whether I’ll get it back.

Expats Andrew Jones, 36, from “It’s not just affecting people London, and Mario Dieni, 39, buying holiday homes, it is also from Argentina, claim they affecting business owners, who were ‘pushed and grabbed’ for can’t pay staff or clients.” no reason.

Both victims had been prom- The couple have called in the ised by Premier FX that their British embassy and filed an ‘segin held being was money official denuncia over the inregated, personal accounts’ cident, which took place near with Barclays, but administra- Torrox, at the weekend. tors now think this was not the Jones, who has bipolar discase. order, told the Olive Press he The FCA has since discovered was ‘really shaken up’ by the that the company, set up in alleged assault, which came af2006, was operating without ter they were routinely stopped full authorisation. at 1am.

It was forced into administra-

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Continues on page 8

Unfair cop

Aggressive

“He was immediately aggressive. We are gay and he saw us together, perhaps it is discrimination. I don’t know,” he said.

The British expat, who works in marketing, had been driving home having picked up his partner from work at a hotel in Nerja.

“He went absolutely berserk, pushing me so hard that the officer behind had to catch me,” added Jones. “He then grabbed Mario and tossed him to one side.”

Eventually the officer was moved away by colleagues, who then gave the couple his badge number, so they could file a complaint. A Guardia Civil spokesperson confirmed the incident was ‘being investigated’.

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T was upsetting to read about the expats caught up in the ‘brokers muddle’ on the front page of the last issue of the Olive Press.

Hopefully administrators unravelling the ‘company book’ of Premier FX will not be delivering further bad news… and can soon throw out some life buoys to those customers left in choppy waters.

It’s the very least we’d expect for an established financial company trusted with clients’ money. And given the UK’s very strict Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is now going through the foreign exchange company’s affairs I’d hope for a good outcome.

So how do you recognize a good broker?

Before I answer that question I went to Wikipedia, which defined ‘a broker’ as follows:

September 26th - October 9th 2018

Key exchanges

Cashback?

By FX trader Mark Rickard

No guarantee for victims of Premier FX, but authorities will help get money returned, writes specialist Mark Rickard * A broker is an Independent party, whose services are used extensively in some industries. A broker’s prime responsibility is to bring buyers and sellers together and thus is the third party facilitator between a buyer and seller. An estate agent or stockbroker are familiar examples.

Regulation plays a key role in the financial sector, therefore watch for the FCA membership number on any FX company’s website and any correspondence their representatives send to you when engaging in business.

Never be scared to ask representatives about their company’s regulatory status and safety of your funds: Good companies are always happy to answer, and should be definitive

in their response.

Safety of your funds should be paramount when making large foreign payments, and all good FX companies segregate client monies in a ring-fenced account, so it does not form part the brokers profits or losses.

Lawyers have similar segregated accounts as well, by the way, known as Clients Trust Accounts.

Documentation to prevent money laundering is very strict in recent times, and getting stricter, as brokers understandably want to know who you are, before acting on your behalf.

Therefore, the registration criteria will usually be thorough!

This protects you and the broker alike...and if the registration process is not detailed, loose or slack, you should perhaps wonder why?

Lastly, and the most commonly asked question to brokers, and actually it’s the justification for their very existence is ‘the price’! The one you get for euros, dollars, yen, whatever.

Brokers will always give you a better price than banks, as they have commercial terms with the principle party (they buy wholesale amounts of currency), unlike individuals or even companies.

Also they will go to more than one bank to get better prices, hence offering you a better quote.

Beware

Probably the most hazardous sign to watch out for is when a broker offers a better price than ‘the market’ known as the ‘interbank rate’, because it will

mean they are likely to be taking risks themselves.

They should be buying currency at the moment you buy your currency…it is a back to back transaction which has NO RISK. They should not be waiting for better exchange rates. That is gambling with YOUR money.

I have been working in the financial industry for nearly 20 years, and there has never been more protection for clients what with the FCA, Her Majesty’s Customs and Excise, and of course the Government itself. There are also internal compliance departments to police activities.

Please feel free to contact me at Key Currency if you have any questions regarding choosing you foreign exchange broker. www.keycurrency.co.uk • Call +44 (0)1872 487 500

However, there will always be feral and rogue institutions, company directors who behave improperly.

And usually, in my experience the person most affected is the man on the street.

I sincerely hope this sad chapter in FX history, is quickly brought to a close.

And I hope to be writing a more cheerful story in my next column in October.

www.gibraltarolivepress.com

September 26th - October 9th 2018

September 2018

Clause to celebrate

Circle of life

Fair bnb?

A THIRD of Airbnb’s Spanish rentals are run by big business - developers or companies which hold more than five properties.

The largest agency, Villafinca, has around 854 properties listed on its website.

The 10 most influential Airbnb ‘landlords’ have more than 4,000 properties in the major cities and tourist hotspots.

According to research company, DataHippo, this undermines the idea of Airbnb as a service that can help hardpressed homeowners to pocket a little more cash.

A spokesman said: “The level of transparency of these platforms is almost zero and many researchers and groups told us that they lacked data to be able to analyse further.”

A NEW way of communal living is being launched on the Costa del Sol. The development combining orchards, communal green spaces and sustainable architecture are the key aspects of this exciting new project.

Introducing a so-called ‘circular economy’, the Be Lagom scheme, in Benahavis, aims to encourage a more collaborative community and a shared responsibility to protect natural resources.

The project of 13 luxury villas in the La Alqueria is combining natural materials with contemporary design and has already received the international ‘Breeam’ sustainability mark.

Be Lagom, which means ‘the right amount’, promises to be one of the most exclusive and innovative residential projects on the coast.

SUSTAINABLE: The Be Lagom scheme

Day of reckoning THE Junta is set to rule on the fate of 40,000 illegally-built homes around Andalucia.

A crucial vote this week will decide whether or not these homes can be classed as ‘AFOs’, which would grant them partly-legal status.

It would mean owners scattered around the region would

III 11

Crucial vote could see tens of thousands of illegal homes legalised this week be able to get services more quickly, as well as getting greater legal certainty.

Under the new plans, new urban areas, known as ‘asentamientos’ will be created to allow

needs the support of political party Podemos, which has until now abstained from supporting the change, much like the PSOE, which has repeatedly declared its opposition.

Despite largely causing much of the mess.

Campaigner Gerardo Vazquez, representing the families, said: “I do not know why it is so difficult to solve a problem that could easily be solved with political will.

“The houses need regulation now, so that they can stop damaging the environment with uncontrolled emissions of waste, so that corrective measures can be applied and also so that a short-term solution is given to provide some form of legal certainty and that they can connect to basic services, as a matter of humanity.

“The amendment will allow this for many thousands of these houses, allowing them to come out of the legal limbo in which they currently exist".

AFO stands for Asimilación fuera de ordenación.

the homes to be legalised.

The groups of illegal houses, represented by the Andalusian Confederation of associations and federations, are scattered through the Axarquia, in Malaga, and areas such as Almeria and Cadiz.

A large number are owned by expats and many of them will join others from the group, known as A MADRID apartment CALU, to has been transformed into make their an art deco haven. demands Interior design firms heard in Gancedo and Rue Vintage Sevilla this 74 collaborated on the week. project, incorporating bold The vote colours and unique staple furniture pieces from the 19th century.

From cacti made from esparto - a weed grown in DOUBLE the number of building licences Andalucia - to huge goldhave been issued in Marbella this year. plated palm trees and pineA total of 528 licences have been handed out apple wallpaper, the work - valued at €143.2 million - since the PP mayhas been praised by the oress Angeles Munoz came to power last year. likes of design magazines The previous 12 months saw only 272 licences Radar and AD. awarded, worth €70.2 million.

Smaller works have also increased, by 30%.

Art deco haven

Double bubble

QUIRKY: A sumptuous feast in Madrid

MORE than 97% of floor clause victims have won their battles in court, new figures have revealed.

It comes 15 months after 54 courts were set up to deal specifically with around 40,000 cases of mortgage abuse clauses utilized illegally by banks.

According to the courts, 17,485 cases were resolved between April and June this year, with 97.3% being won by the claimants.

But while the cases are being dealt with at a quicker rate, the backlog has soared after 50,000 new claims were brought before the specialised courts over the same period.

The hidden floor clauses tied the homeowners to minimum monthly repayments of around 2%, even when interest rates went much lower. It meant they were forced to pay hundreds of euros extra per month.

Empty homes law SPAIN is planning to punish owners of empty homes.

The government has drafted a set of initiatives that would affect homes owned by investment firms, banks and private citizens.

There are more than 3.4 million homes lying empty in Spain and new laws could see sanctions for their owners if they remain unoccupied.

It comes after some regional authorities started to fine owners, as well as forcing them to rent and even temporarily expropriating their properties in some cases.

In some areas only banks holding repossessed homes can be sanctioned while in other regions private individuals are also being targeted.

PSOE Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is trying to get agreement across all parties before introducing the bill.

Marbella office now open Marbella Centro Plaza Local 1.

Avda.

Manollete 1.

29660 Nueva Andalucia.

MIJAS COSTA

C.CCentro Atalayas

Comercial C/Viento del Sur s/n 29649 Mijas costa

+34 952 930 532 / +34 670 673 472, Mijas@fineandcountry.com, www.fineandcountry.com

Ema

IV 12

PROPERTY

www.gibraltarolivepress.com

September 2018

September 26th - October 9th 2018

Reviving a legacy

Favourite of Matisse and Virginia Woolf, Madrid’s oldest luxury hotel checks in for another heyday

T

HE fast Edwardian set’s favourite Madrid hotel is back in business with a brand new look for a new century.

The Gran Hotel Ingles was a reference point for high class hospitality in Spain when it opened in 1886, boasting luxuries unheard of for the times - lifts, lighting, steam heating and bathrooms on every floor.

It quickly became the haunt of wellheeled travellers, socialites, intellectuals and artists like author Virginia Woolf (left) and French painter Henri Matisse (above).

Some 130 years later, after falling into a state of disrepair, this neglected

ELEGANT: The new rooms at the Gran Hotel in Madrid

CLASSIC: But the €17 million refurb has brought the Gran Hotel Ingles back to life

grand dame in the Barrio de las Letras has been reborn as an Art Deco boutique hotel after a $20 million (€17 million) refit by the Rockwell Group.

Bringing the capital’s oldest luxury hotel into the 21st century was not

without its challenges, including reducing the room count from 72 to 48, but many of the original features have been wittily reused in the new design.

Old wall mouldings were deconstructed and extended across the ceiling to create a pattern resembling electric

circuits; time-faded photographs of guests decorate the walls; and wardrobes are lined with wallpaper copies of the hotel’s vintage postcards.

There’s even a 1920’s Great Gatsbystyle library where guests can choose from over 600 books.

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Gibraltar property specialists EFPG raineinternational are back in Britain promoting the Rock as the perfect place to invest and live

September 26th - October 9th 2018

Back

September 2018

Blighty

F

ollowing the success of their attendance at A Place in the Sun Live earlier this year, the team at EFPG raine-international are back in Blighty again.

They have been promoting the joys of the Rock from their stand at The National Exhibition Centre, in Birmingham this month.

Now merged with long-established UK agent Raine International, they have been promoting the Gibraltar lifestyle and showcasing some of the new developments currently on offer.

EFPG raine-international was formed by a merger of the UK and Gibraltar companies which currently have offices in both countries.

EFPG Estate Agents have been serving Gibraltar with both property sales, lettings, commercial and property management for many years.

The team, based in Irish Town Gibraltar, have extensive experience and knowledge of the local area and marketplace.

Raine and Co, meanwhile, have been selling property both in the UK and overseas for many years, opening their first office in Hertfordshire in 1991.

They have since become one of the largest and most respected inde-

PROUD: Gibraltar has a lot to offer when it comes to property and investment, say EFPG raine-international

pendent agencies in the south of England with a network of modern offices throughout the region.

EFPG raine-international Estate Agents is perfectly placed in Gibraltar and with offices and sales agents in many other countries, making them a truly international company.

The company is also unique on the

Rock as being the only Gibraltarbased property agents that exhibits at overseas international property exhibitions.

At the National Exhibition Centre, in Birmingham this month they have been joined on their stand by members of the Gibraltar Tourist Board who will help to share the many ben-

13V

efits of property ownership and life in Gibraltar.

More than just an Estate Agent EFPG raine-international will also help their clients find suitable properties to buy or rent and offer advice on selling to achieve the best possible price.

They are also specialists in relocation, helping smooth the journey

for people coming from overseas or looking to relocate to Spain.

With their sister company, the European Financial Planning Group, they can offer customized financial solutions and investment advice along with top-flight tax planning services.

Chairman Tom Fraser, says: “At EFPG raine-international we strive to be at the forefront of the market and our staff put an emphasis on high levels of service, communication, honesty, friendliness and a reputation to be proud of.

“We have passion and energy to deliver first class service along with building long standing relationships’.

Should you be thinking of selling or buying a property in Gibraltar or the surrounding area then now would be the perfect time to get in touch with EFPG raine-international. There are several upcoming events planned for the winter and they are introducing an ‘Inspection Visit’ programme bringing qualified potential buyers to view property in Gibraltar and the surrounding area over the coming months.

Visit our office at 15A Irish Town Gibraltar, visit our website at www.efpg-raine.com or call +350 200 65065 for further information and contact details.

VI 14

PROPERTY

www.gibraltarolivepress.com

September 2018

September 26th - October 9th 2018

Fortress €7.5m

I can only describe this as a ‘masterpiece’ and aside from winning architectural prizes, this fortress, near Alcala del Valle, between Ronda and Olvera, once owned by a Marquez, has Roman origins and a 120,000m2 plot, with its own olive plantation, chapel and no less than 10 bedrooms and nine bathrooms.

Country Mill

Gateway to HOMESELLERS REPORT

He is one of the best travelled agents in Andalucia… and few people know the inland region like Oscar Ernstsen (right), writes Jon Clarke

€295,000

L

OOKING for a castle? He’s got a few. Looking for a palace? That’s easy. Want a vineyard or an olive estate? What grape or olive variety do you prefer?

Welcome to the wonderful world of Oscar Ernstsen at Villas & Fincas, Andalucia’s most travelled estate agent.

While most Costa del Sol agents spend the majority of their time, scouring the many urbanisations between Mijas and Marbella, this Dutchman looks inland.

Aside from a series of charming country properties near Estepona and Casares, where he is based, his beat is very much rustic dreams.

But not of your ordinary kind.

Take a look around his company’s re-

This resorted olive mill on the outskirts of one of inland Malaga’s most charming small villages, is a complete bargain. Completely restored, it sits on the edge of the cultured artist village of Genalguacil, just 30 minutes from Estepona and Ronda! With 1.4 hectares of land providing 1500 kgs of olives and 300 litres of oil, it’s the very epitome of the Good Life. A bargain for an artist or writer!

Horses and wines €1.15m

This amazing equestrian property sits in the middle of top class vineyards (near Federico Schatz bodega) in Ronda, with the most amazing views to the Grazalema Natural Park.

cently-relaunched website (below left) and you will find dozens of Andalucia’s most stunning estates.

Scattered across seven provinces of Andalucia, they include hunting estates, equestrian properties, with vineyards, fortresses, with 12-foot high walls and 20-bed cortijos with Roman foundations.

“I cover almost all of the region and as a rule of thumb, they have to be between a three and four hour drive from my office for me to consider them,” he explains.

“And something three-and-ahalf hours away will have to be something pretty nice.”

He particularly likes the Aracena region, of Huelva, with its rolling countryside, as well as the Natural Park of the Sierra Norte de Sevilla, which butts onto Extremadura.

“I have just sold a wonderful olive estate to an American couple from New York there, as well as a vineyard near Ronda. They have all the bases covered,” he explains.

He is a massive fan of the Serrania de Ronda area in general and ‘will never get bored of the amazing drive between Gaucin and Ronda’.

And he also loves the Hornachuelos area, north of Cordoba and the south of Jaen.

“I spend a lot of my week driving around inland Andalucia, which is easily one of the most beautiful areas of the world,” he explains. “I’ve got to know the region well over the last two decades and there are so many stunning places to live.”

Luckily, his office in Casares, near Estepona, is manned around the clock by his wife and business partner Anita and a team of four employees, so he never misses a call, or client. Currently they have 250 properties on their books, all with exclusive photos and videos on their new website, which has taken a year to create.

“There is something for everyone and if, like me, you appreciate the local Andalucian architecture, you will love having a browse,” he adds.

Here are six picks from his current crop of dream places to buy: Visit www.villasfincas.com

www.gibraltarolivepress.com

September 26th - October 9th 2018

VII 15

September 2018

Roman beauty €899,000

I love this historical hacienda with Roman origins, near Antequera. It features some amazing nooks and crannies and plenty of space… and check this amazing

archaeological masterpiece from the first century that was found in the grounds.

It’s called the ‘Efebo’ and it sits in Antequera’s town museum.

to dreams Heart-stoppingly romantic €700,000 Few places can take you back in time like this. Oozing history, it was once a monastery and features incredible arches and some of the nicest original features I have ever

Napoleon’s garret €1.55m

You will struggle to beat this award-winning restoration project, sitting inside the UNESCOprotected Sierra Norte de Sevilla Natural park. It was formerly

an ice factory, and later a farm for classic Jamon Iberico…Today it is a rural country hotel.

Oh and by the way, Napoleon (right) once stayed here!

come across on my travels. It even has an old bodega and sits near the idyllic mountain village of Cazalla de la Sierra where famous designers Vic-

torio y Lucchino have a home, as well as the daughter of former dictator Franco… and price wise just €700,000.

VIII 16

PROPERTY

www.gibraltarolivepress.com

September 2018

In the latest round of the Design World Cup, Nest Estepona’s Lotti Ander pits Germany against Spain

I

T seems all Europeans have their own unique DNA when it comes to interior styles, like stripes that never go away.

In our last property magazine, I explained how I could tell with near 100% accuracy where the owners of a home were from depending on their interiors.

Kicking off the Design World Cup, I pitted the furniture-loving Brits against the minimalist Swedes.

This edition I take a look at the precision-loving Germans and colourmad Spaniards.

September 26th - October 9th 2018

Clinical vs Colour GERMANY

Order, grunge and gemütlichkeit!

G

ermans have a long history with industrial craftsmanship, producing designs systematically and methodically with a rigorous and refined approach to quality. Bauhaus, BMW and beer are all products of this ‘mit Präzision’ mentality! And when it comes to their way of living (Germans have a problem with voluptuous and fussy interiors) you can easily see their love for clean, staight lines. They tend to focus on one statement piece of furniture at a time rather than an overall concept, and they do it themselves - hiring an interior designer is a no-no! Seeing the home as an arena for self-expression is a completely outlandish idea to orderly German minds!

Please follow the instructions below to give your home the Deutsch touch: •

• •

In every self-respecting German home there should be a brown leather sofa, preferably a 1960s Conseta model.

No IKEA-wannabes please!

Alternatively, opt for a very complicated module sofa, one that’s hell to hoover underneath and impossible to get up from!

Bare brickwork walls and concrete ‘bunker style’ are popular design themes.

Organise your home with floor-to-ceiling modular

ORDERED: Clean, tidy and organised in a German home shelves and containers. There should be no clutter.

•

Gemütlischkeit demands plenty of throws, cushions and carpets. If you want to enhance the arty crafty feel, throw in a lambskin.

•

A square fireplace (no frills or mantelpiece) is a must, accessorised with honey candle lights and a wooden floor - zehr naturlisch!

•

For the finishing touch, something olde worlde. Why not a cuckoo clock?

SPAIN

Color, color y mas color!

H CAPTION

ow can I describe the art of Spanish interior design in just a few words? It’s virtually impossible because minimalistic they are not. Their motto is ‘more is more’ - and the more furniture/colours/objets d’art, the better!

Also alien to the Spanish homeowner is the concept common in this age of over-consumption that when something is out of fashion, it gets chucked out and replaced by something more modish. This does not work for a Spaniard but honestly - why should it? We humans are all hamster hoarders at heart, but we have a problem admitting it.

Spaniards don’t. Therefore you may have difficulty navigating a Spanish home because of the hulking medieval cupboards, sideboards, bookcases and chiffoniers blocking your way to the bathroom. It’s like an adventure into the Amazon jungle without a map.

However, for those who are anal about organisation (like the Germans), the Spanish interior style is utterly liberating! If you want your home to be vibrant, full of life and furniture and with a colour scheme that will have paint supply companies laughing all the way to the bank, you should do as follows: •

Choose distinct, strong colours for your walls. To achieve this psychedelic

schizophrenic look, every room must be different, from the porch to the garage and even the dog kennel house! Think fuchsia, neon-carrot, toxin green, bubblegum pink and custard sauce yellow.

•

Buy chunky, heavy dark brown furniture and let no space come between them when you line them up along the walls. Olé!

•

Install double lines of curtains. And awnings. And blinds. And blackouts. And use the electricity sparingly. Think dark side of the moon, then you are on the right path.

•

Why be practical when you can run with wet laundry up two staircases instead? Always keep the washing machine in the kitchen/basement - that way, you get your daily exercise without thinking of it!

•

Stash all your 101 cleaning products - the exterminate-everything-includingyourself stuff - in one of your many wardrobes. Not space enough ? Buy a bigger house, hombre!

BUSINESS

www.gibraltarolivepress.com

EU can’t have everything!

SPAIN has put forward a set of fresh demands over Gibraltar, amid heated Brexit negotiations.

Madrid wants the EU to pen a new chapter about the Rock, as part of the controversial Withdrawal Agreement which is believed to be around 85% settled.

The Spanish government is seeking a special Brexit deal over long-standing issues such as tax evasion, environmental concerns, smuggling and cross-border workers.

Pushing

It comes after EU chief negotiator, Michel Barnier, met with Spanish prime minister Pedro Sanchez to offer ‘all his support to Spain’ regarding its new requirements.

In return Spain has promised to stop pushing for sovereignty over Gibraltar for the rest of the Brexit talks.

Madrid hopes EU chiefs will produce an annex to the Brexit deal including tighter regulations that stop companies and individuals from tax evasion by seeking residency on the Rock, reported El Pais.

Gibraltar MEP Ashley Fox:

Child hackers, cyber detectives and Google scientists are part of this year’s Cyber Summit

By Yvonne Pardo

CYBER-Security, blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI) are the key issues to be tackled at this year’s Gibraltar Cyber Summit.

A more ‘colourful and creative’ experience is being promised for the hundreds of attendees at the conference this Wednesday.

Taking place at Gibraltar University, the summit, held in association with the RGP, is looking at cyber’s changing landscape and the many

September 26th - October 9th 2018

17 17

September 26th - October 9th 2018

Believe the Hypo

Into Cyberspace advancements in online security.

Now in its second year, it will also be looking at artificial intelligence ‘which constantly needs examination’.

As well as the main Ted Talk

MEP: Liam Fox while (right) Michel Barnier

Stage, there will be performances, talks and panels from some of the most influential experts in the cyber field.

These include Google’s Chief Decision Scientist Cassie Ko“So long as talks continue in goodwill and respect the Rock’s sovereignty we can reach a deal on time that will benefit both Spain and Gibraltar.”

MPs are also looking to clamp down on tobacco smuggling by raising prices in the British territory to match Spanish prices.

Some 600,000 cigarette packets were seized in Spain last year marking a 158% year on year increase.

A TEAM of students from the University of Malaga have won a prestigious prize for their invention designed to stop the poaching and trafficking of animals.

The ‘Hypochip’, developed by biology, engineering and electronics boffins, allows for zoo and other captive animals to be chipped and monitored in order to prevent trafficking.

Combat

zyrkov, as well as internationally acclaimed 12-yearold child hacking sensation and security expert Reuben Paul.

Other highlights include the ‘Philosopher of Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence’, Nell Watson, Brown University robotics specialist Peter Hass and former Detective Superintendent Charlie McMurdie, who built the UK’s world class cyber crime and enforcement body.

With network hubs and courtyard chats set up, the event will allow delegates and speakers an exclusive insight into the online world, as well as the perfect environment to connect and ask questions.

M

MATHSTONE

The University’s team also participated in the global stage of the Zoohackathon competition held in Delhi, India, which aims to highlight technological solutions to combat the illegal trafficking and poaching of animals.

TEAM: Hypochip

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18

BUSINESS Retirement abroad: Don’t wing it, plan it 18

www.gibraltarolivepress.com

September 26th - October 9th 2018

Expect calm waters from our insurance cover.

September 26th - October 9th 2018

The earlier you plan for retirement, the better the result you’ll achieve, writes Woodbrook CEO Michael Doherty

R

20 Line Wall Road, Gibraltar Tel +350 200 40850 info@capurroinsurance.com www.capurroinsurance.com Regulated and authorised by the Financial Services Commission, Gibraltar 04/2018

ETIRING abroad has been the dream of many a British worker - sipping cool drinks under the shade of a palm tree, eating out at a fraction of UK prices, enjoying the sunshine without the need to make hay.

Those who are already expats will take a more realistic view of what the future may hold and are more likely to have planned for their retirement BOSS: Michael Doherty in the sun.

But even the best-laid plans have been rocked by Brexit, lier you start, the better result so now is the time to go over you are likely to achieve. Ask it all again and if you are in yourself these questions: any way uncertain, take ad- At what age do you want to retire? vice from an expert.

As far as the UK state pension What standard of living do is concerned, the situation is you expect? clear, at least for now. Britons Are you planning to retire moving to countries within abroad, or in the UK? the European Economic Area If you are an expat and plan (the EU27 plus Switzerland to retire in the UK, you must and Gibraltar) will continue to think about the most tax-effibenefit from the UK govern- cient way to get back onshore ment’s “triple lock”, so their the money you have saved. state pension will keep pace Offshore investment funds are often the cheapest and with inflation.

But it is important to get ad- most flexible way for expats to save for revice if you are tirement. If you considering a are in a tax-free move overseas because the More than a third j u r i s d i c t i o n , then you will tax position of expats have have, in effect, depends not benefit of a just on where misplaced their the full tax rebate you live, but pension pots on contribuwhere you are tions. Charges domiciled. For on these are instance, HM likely to be lowRevenue and Customs may still consider er than an offshore pension, you to be liable for UK tax if which will help boost returns. you have a British property, You should always take indeor if it is clear you intend to pendent financial advice if you are unsure. Woodbrook return.

Even if you do not intend to Group are experts in this retire any time soon, it is im- field. We offer a free pension portant to plan for it. The ear- review, helping clients plan

for the future. We can help you understand your options, how to address your income needs in retirement and how much wealth you will need to support it.

Proper advice is particularly important for expats since they are likely to have worked for employers in several countries, making it harder to keep track of pensions.

Research shows that more than a third of expats have misplaced their pension pots. If you are in that unfortunate position you should consult an independent financial adviser with cross-border knowledge.

Preparation is the key to a happy retirement. Don’t wing it, plan it. And never hesitate to take advice.

*For more information, contact our team at the Woodbrook Group Office in Marbella: Av. Ricardo Soriano, 72 Edificio Golden Portal B, 1ª Planta 29601 Marbella, Málaga, Spain.

Telephone: +34 952768471 • Email: officemarbella@woodbrookgroup.com • Woodbrook Group is regulated by CySEC.

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with DINING SECRETS of ANDALUCIA.com

Ecce Vino THE iconic botched restoration painting of ‘Potato Jesus’, Ecce Homo, has hit headlines again but this time for inspiring an award-winning wine.

The most famous failed paint job in history has become a tourism attraction in the town of Borja, Zaragoza. The legendary image sells t-shirts and trinkets and now a wine after social media users likened the Son of God to a ‘potato’ or ‘monkey’.

Chocolate

The vino, aptly named Ecce Homo (behold the man), is made by Campo de Borjabased producer Bodegas Aragonesas.

Priced at €4 a bottle, it is a blend of old vine Garnacha, Tempranillo, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon with cherry aromas and a hint of chocolate. It has even been awarded a silver medal at the Mundus Vini Grand International Wine Award.

Thousands have made the pilgrimage to see the 1930 fresco at the Santuario de Misericordia church and the amateur painter, 81-year-old Cecilia Gimenez, has become a local celebrity.

The winemakers say 51% percent of sales are donated to charity, while the remaining 49% go to Gimenez to care for her son who has cerebral palsy.

Legacy lives on

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September 26th - October 9th 2018

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September 26th October 9th 2018

Anthony Bourdain’s highly anticipated final TV series features an emotional episode in Spain

FINAL episodes of the late Anthony Bourdain’s eponymous Parts Unknown series are set to feature a trip to northern Spain.

The legendary celebrity chef was filming series nine of the critically acclaimed foodtravel show when he was found dead in a hotel room in France having tragically killed himself, aged 61.

Incredibly emotional and full of classic Bourdain no-nonsense humour, the colourful final six parts include an episode on Asturias, while the first - a tour to Kenya - premiered last weekend.

Joined by Asturian chef and humanitarian Jose Andres, the pair hike to a remote vil-

lage in the mountains to try a traditional fabada (bean stew), search ocean cliffs for rare percebes (gooseneck barnacles) and get lost in the region’s famous secret cheese caves.

Honour

The novelist and TV personality also tucks into a pitu de caleya (chicken stew) with local musician Pablo Und Destruktion and learns about Asturias’ miners and their working class movement.

The show won six accolades at the Creative Arts Emmy Awards, including Bourdain’s ‘long-coveted’ honour for an outstanding short form

RIP: Legendary chef Bourdain

Emerald celebration AN iconic Andalucian restaurant has celebrated its 20th anniversary.

Renowned for launching the food and drink scene in Vejer de la Frontera, Restaurante Trafalgar has been attracting locals and tourists alike since

CONGRATS: Trafalgar restaurant

two Madrilenos, Pedro Pardo and Javier Duenas, opened up shop in the late 1990s.

Kicking off with live music from local acts and an enviable lunch, the quaint eatery - which has become a reference point for cuisine in the area - commemorated 20 years of gastronomy excellence.

A typical Andalucian building with wrought iron balconies, with views of Plaza de Espana, the restaurant takes visitors on a culinary journey across the mediterranean serving everything from Portuguese bacalao dourada, to Cordoba salmorejo and Catalan arroz negro.

With a well-deserved spot in the Michelin Guide for the last decade, the restaurant’s name references the Battle of Trafalgar battle fought nearby in 1805.

nonfiction or reality series something he had been nominated for numerous times.

“It had always eluded him, the one he had always coveted, so it is with tremendous bittersweetness that I accept it on his behalf,” said producer Lydia Tenaglia at the ceremony.

The father-of-one travelled to Spain and Catalunya multiple times, with an episode in Andalucia among critics’ favourites where he falls in love with Granada’s tapas, Alhambra and gitano culture during Semana Santa.

He said: “Any reasonable, sentient person who looks to Spain, comes to Spain, eats in Spain, drinks in Spain, they’re gonna fall in love.

Otherwise, there’s something deeply wrong with you.”

Open Tuesday to Sunday. until 22.00 Closed 12.00 until mid February

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FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL

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September 26th - October 9th 2018

Why Bilbao is one of Europe’s best gems and how to enjoy the city in 72 hours, writes Elisa Menendez

September 26th - October 9th 2018

Basque love story

A

S I sat at a computer on my first day of work experience on a local newspaper, my phone buzzed.

An email appeared reading ‘British Council Language Teaching Assistant Placement’.

It was an email I had waited on for months to find out which school I’d be working at and where I would live during my university Erasmus year abroad. All hopes pinned on my first choice of Valencia, I opened the email crossing my fingers.

Sestao. What? Where on earth is that?

A Google search showed an overcast industrial town in the Basque Country, with cranes and run down grey buildings. My heart sank. Hardly the sangria on the beach experience I’d hoped for.

A disappointed 21-year-old went home in tears fearing I’d spend the year stuck in a miserable town with no friends.

Thankfully it was 40 minutes from Bilbao on the metro but the relatively unexplored city’s reviews back then were not as glowing as they are now. I read of constant rain, ETA terrorism, the cold nature of Basque people, heavy metal independence music and language barriers. The only saving grace, it seemed, was the cuisine.

“Well it can’t rain as much as Manchester does,” said my mum in a bid to cheer me up as rain battered on the windows.

So off we went, my life packed in two

VIEWS: Elisa overlooks the centre of Bilbao and (right) typical street

suitcases and mum ever supportively in tow.

But neither of us were prepared for the breathtaking beauty and quirkiness my new home offered - and the fabulous bargain Zara jackets.

We immediately fell in love with the boho shops and the 18th century architecture of the old town, drinking cafe con leche on the sparkling riverfront, befriending local waiters in an art deco bar, stuffing our faces with raw seafood pintxos and snapping pictures

with the Guggenheim’s 40-foot flowered guard dog, Puppy.

And it was third time lucky when I bagged a room in the heart of the Casco Viejo, in an iconic red building which features on many of Bilbao’s postcards, with Zara visible from my balcony. Gold.

The luck continued when I met my flatmates, a hilarious mix of Spanish and English students, with whom I spent the year travelling across Spain.

In a city surrounded by mountains, di-

vided by a river, where old architecture meets modern, and a stone’s throw away from charming medieval towns, it’s not hard to see why Bilbao was awarded Best European City 2018.

No Bilbao travel list can start without a trip to Frank Gehry’s Guggenheim Museum. To truly appreciate the 33,000 titanium sheets that make up the architectural masterpiece, take a walk around the outside of the building, closely guarded by Mama the steel spider, a silver bubble tree, and Puppy, whose 37,000 flowers are changed by hand twice a year. I recommend taking a scenic walk alongside the Nervion River, before taking the lift up the bold Arcos Rojos bridge where the views are

Real bandwidth

Our amazing successes

Costa del Sol-based cognitive therapists star on UK television special

RADICAL CHANGE:

H

olly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield have talked with Martin and Marion Shirran about their Gastric Mind Band® permanent weight loss treatment on the This Morning TV Show.

The Costa del Sol is acknowledged around the world for a number of reasons, but for a few in the know, including a growing number of celebrities, it remains the Go-To destination for those wishing to achieve Permanent Weight Loss.

The incredible story around the Gastric Mind Band® treatment goes back to 2012 when it was developed at a small clinic in Fuengirola, by Martin and Marion Shirran. Shortly afterwards Claudia Connell (left) of the Daily Mail, travelled to Spain to meet the developers and experience the treatment for herself. Two weeks later she wrote a two-page feature in the Daily Mail newspaper dePRIME TIME: Marion and Martin with Phillip Schofield and tailing her treatment that literally got the whole Holly Willoughby on This Morning world talking. Martin and Marion were then flown to New York to be featured in a Good Morning ment is evidence based. There’s no smoke and mirrors, no diet America TV special regarding their approach; resulting in them plan, and no exercise regimes to follow. establishing a number of licensed clinics around the world.

“Helping people to successfully, and permanently lose weight is Following the TV appearances they signed a multi-title publisha complex task, requiring a careful fusion of empirically proven ing contract with leading Mind Body publishers interventions. The treatment incorporates CogniHay House in New York, and were then invited to tive Behaviour Therapy, Neuro-Linguistic Programshare details of their work at two leading EuroHelping people ming and the clinic’s own registered, TactileCBT pean psychology conferences at universities in with Mindfulness Techniques, each underlose weight is along Portugal and Poland. pinned as and when required by Hypnotherapy.

They were recently invited to appear on the This a complex task The treatment has been further enhanced followMorning show to talk about the treatment and its ing the new and exciting research in the field of development, you can see the full interview on requiring various Neuroplasticity. the clinics web site – www.gmband.com.

Various past clients have been interviewed in the techniques The revolutionary treatment which can be commedia and on TV worldwide. One Sara Price, lost pleted over either three or four days delivers what half her body weight following her treatment, Kais surely Utopia for dieters... Permanent Weight tie Drew, went on to lose over 100 pounds. Kaye Loss using a range of proven psychological interventions. Today Lindley, a past client was interviewed by Lorraine Kelly on GMTV the Gastric Mind Band® is regarded by many as the gold stanBreakfast show after losing 105 pounds and reversing her diadard in permanent non-surgical weight loss treatments. betes.

The unique approach has been refined during a decade of research and extensive client trials. Every element of the treatRead their stories at www.gmband.com

Expat cognitive therapists Martin & Marion Shirran’s highly-esteemed work has been featured in Vogue, Marie Claire, The Times, Telegraph and The Daily Mail

spectacular.

Check out Art After Dark - a cool monthly event held at the museum where you can party alongside exhibitions to Spain’s biggest house DJs. If you still can’t get enough of the Gugg, sample a variety of tasting menus at Josean Alija’s iconic one Michelin star restaurant, Nerua, housed downstairs.

Another high class culinary option is the award-winning Yandiola, housed on the roof of impressive cultural hub, Alhondiga - try their bacalao al pil pil which won Best Cod in 2004 or enjoy the views with a cocktail from the swanky rooftop bar.

But don’t forget the 110-year-old Museo de Bellas Artes with master-

Sara Price lost half her body weight, thanks to Gastric Mind Band

TRANSFORMATION: Katie

Drew lost 100 pounds

Gastric Mind Band Therapy Elite Clinic, Fuengirola +34 951 311 591 • mail@gmband.com www.gmband.com • www.pausebuttontherapy.com

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with DINING SECRETS of ANDALUCIA.com

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September 26th - October 9th 2018

September 26th - October 9th 2018

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LAUGHS: Elisa with Bilbao pals and (below) Puppy

STUNNING: The snaking river running through Bilbao pieces by Goya, El Greco and Sorolla.

From there stroll through plush Parque Casilda Iturrizar, dubbed ‘Parque de los Patos’, and spot ducks, swans and peacocks roaming the classic carousel and fountains.

Next head down to the stunning Casco Viejo and pintxo hop around Plaza Unamuno and Plaza Nueva. Head to Sorginzulo, a cave-like bar for some of Bilbao’s most innovative pintxos, try famous calamares at Cafe Bar Bilbao, or try Bizkaia’s Best Pintxo 2015 - the Sopa de Idiazabal, cheese, egg and mushroom soup at Gure Toki.

To work off the calories, take the steps to Parque Etxebarria and watch the sun set over the city.

Spend a day wandering the streets of the old town and stumble across the stunning Bilbao Cathedral, get lost down Siete Calles, enjoy fresh produce and live music on a Friday night at the Mercado de la Ribera, and pintxo hop and glug Kalimotxo (red wine and coke)

before exploring hippy shops until the early hours on Calle Somera.

For just €3.25 and the best views of Bilbao, head up the Funicular de Artxanda (cable car) for panoramic mountain views and head to the cosy Restaurante Txakoli, a former shepherd and mountaineer hub, or to Kate Zaharra where you can sample over 1,000 wines from its bodega or try rare percebes (gooseneck barnacles) and lobster platters.

Book tickets to see the Basque Country’s famous Athletic Bilbao football team in action at San Mames stadium before walking to Calle Pozas - a latenight drinking and pintxo street - and tuck into every variation of tortilla imaginable at Zaharra.

If the weather permits (trust me it doesn’t rain all the time) take the metro to Playa de Plentzia, an untouched beach near the mouth of the Ibaizabal estuary. Then catch the metro to the UNESCO-protected 1893 Vizcaya Bridge - the first bridge in the world to

carry people and traffic on a high suspended gondola, or marvel at the timewarp of old white sailor cottages in Getxo’s Puerto Viejo.

And if you’ve got extra time, hop on a bus to nearby gems San Sebastian, Pamplona, La Rioja or make the epic 241-stepped hike up to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe (‘castle rock’ in Basque) and ring the bell three times to make a wish. Legend has it

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the famous Game of Thrones filming location once welcomed witches, knights and even John the Baptist.

Looking back on my anxiety at the thought of moving to Bilbao is laughable - a place that has become one of my favourite cities in the world and inspired my brother to move there after I left.

Yes it does rain, but like my mum said, not as much as Manchester.

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GIBRALTAR CALLING SPECIAL

PARTY ON THE ROCK PICTURE SPECIAL: (Clockwise from top left), revellers pose in huge selfie-friendly chair, crowds gather in front of the impressive stage before the kick off, Chase & Status get the crowds pumped, young Gibraltarian sings along to Rita Ora on her dad’s shoulders, reveller poses in full festival get up, Rita Ora wows the crowd in multi-coloured catsuit, music fans wave as the crowds go back as far as the eye can see, and Two Door Cinema Club perform a medley of hits

September 26th - October 9th 2018

SPORT

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

www.gibraltarolivepress.com

OPTIMIST: Rafa Nadal

I’ll be back RAFAEL Nadal has promised he will recover from yet another knee problem.

It comes after the Mallorquin suffered a recurrence of an old knee injury when he was among the favourites to win the US Open earlier this month.

The 32-year-old was forced to retire during his semifinal clash with Juan Martin del Potro at Flushing Meadows, New York, meaning he missed out on potential battle with Novak Djokovic in the final.

“I would have liked to end the US Open in a different way, but this knee injury and everything got interrupted,” he said at a Banco Sabadell event last week.

Croat crowned best male player of the year by FIFA REAL Madrid’s Luka Modric has been named the best male player at the Best Fifa Football Awards in London.

The 33-year-old midfielder beat out former team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo and Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah.

It comes after the Croat won his third Champions League title with Los Blancos in a row in May and guided his home country to their first World Cup final in the summer.

September 26th - October 9th 2018

Mad for Modric

No US matches LUIS Rubiales has blasted the idea of holding a La Liga match in the US. The Spanish FA president wrote to his La Liga counterpart Javier Tebas to express his strong opposition to holding a Girona V Barcelona fixture in Miami on January 26.

According to Spanish sport outlet Marca, there is a ‘zero per cent’ chance the match will take place.

However Tebas remains confident that it will.

He said: “Obviously [the Spanish FA] aren't excited about [a match in Miami]," Tebas told reporters. "They are not saying no, they are just requesting more information. I have been talking about this for some time now, so I am optimistic.”

Selected

Voting for the player and coach categories was conducted by national team captains and managers, selected journalists and, for the first time, an online poll of fans. Each accounted for 25% of the total.

Modric said: "This award is not just mine. It is my teammates from Real Madrid and Croatia. “Without my coaches, I would not have won this and without my family I would not be the player I am today.”

Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic said: “Luka Modric is the captain of my team, he's the best player in my team and in the

MAN OF THE MOMENT: Luka Modric world, and he deserves this award.”

Modric made 56 appearances for club and country as he won the Champions League and reached the World Cup final - beating England in the semi-final - in what he admitted before the ceremony was his ‘best season ever’.

And even England manager Gareth Southgate agreed, having voted for Modric to win the Fifa award.

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September 26th - October 9th 2018

This is the third edition of the Best Fifa Football Awards, set up after football's world governing body ended its association with the Ballon d'Or award.

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Predict

“This is an important part of the year for me, I play for many important things but you cannot predict injuries.

It’s important to learn from mistakes and know when to stop in order to avoid more serious thing.

“I am sportsman and the goal is to reach the limit in all the aspects, and the limit between being able and not be able is split by a very soft line during which you can make a mistake.

“This year I had a very cautious schedule and despite it I suffered two hard injuries.”

Nadal vowed to be back on tour in ‘as little time as possible’.

Fifa top 11

David De Gea, Dani Alves, Marcelo, Sergio Ramos, Raphael Varane, Eden Hazard, N’Golo Kante, Luka Modric, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi.

Out of action ISCO has undergone surgery for appendicitis.

The Real Madrid player has been ruled out for the next few matches although it is not yet known when he will be back on the pitch.

The Spanish playmaker started against both Roma and Espanyol but will now be out of action for at least a month.

Dani Carvajal didn't train either and is unlikely to face Sevilla.

October on GBC TV includes: ‘City Pulse’ ‘Viewpoint’ ‘The Sports Locker’ ‘Rock Explorers’ ‘Your Sound’ ‘Saturday 10pm Movie’ GBC TELEVISION

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Referendum II

FINAL WORDS

THE UK’s Labour party has said it will back a second Brexit referendum if PM Theresa May fails to get a deal through parliament.

Backtrack SPAIN’S central bank has changed its growth forecast from 2.7% to 2.6% for this year, citing a slowdown in the country’s export markets and concerns over trade wars involving the US.

On the rise UBER has announced it will be expanding further across Andalucia, launching its service uberX in Sevilla this week.

Build a wall!

September 26th - October 9th 2018

The Rock’s only free and local paper

Vol. 4 Issue 80 www.gibraltarolivepress.com September 26th - October 9th 2018

Amateur hour Armchair archaeologist finds historic site by studying Google maps

AN amateur archeologist has unearthed an unknown site of huge historical interest near Cordoba by using Google maps.

Jose Broch, a civil servant from Castellon, located a ‘man-made structure’ by following the course of the Guadalquivir River until he found ‘straight lines’.

The exciting discovery, near Almodovar del Rio, could be the lost city of Medina Al-Zahira which was built more than 1,000 years ago, but officials in Cordoba think it may be an

A BRITISH couple have moved to Spain for a year to save up for a flat deposit in London - because it’s much cheaper than renting in the UK capital.

Ryan Crabbe, 33, and his wife Kiera, 36, are saving around £1,200 on living costs every month by ditching their rented property in Kensington.

Funds

EUREKA!: Site of ancient settlement discovered

outlying area of the Arabic city of Madinat Qurtuba or even a Roman villa.

“I was reading a report about the lost city of Medina Al-Zahira and couldn’t believe it had never been found,” said Broch. “I thought I would take a closer look and see what I could

Desperate measures

discover.”

Medina Al-Zahira was an ancient fortress town built on the outskirts of Cordoba under the dynasty of Almanzor.

Blockbuster TV series Game of Thrones was partly filmed at Almodovar del Rio.

They are instead leasing a two-bed flat in Mallorca.

The freelance finance consultants have managed to put aside £48,000 but decided to take another year to top up their funds to make their mortgage as small as possible.

DONALD Trump has suggested Spain should build a wall across the Sahara desert in a bid to bring migrant numbers down.

According to foreign minister Josep Borrell, the US president insisted the barrier would help tackle Europe’s migrant crisis.

Borrell did not reveal when the leader floated the idea, but sources suggest it was in June, when Borrell visited Washington during the White House visit of King Felipe and Queen Letizia.

Popular

He ‘made it clear’ that he disagreed with Trump's diagnosis but insisted a policy was needed to deal with the fact that Africa would double its population in the next 20 years.

Spain is now the most popular entry point for migrants in the EU, accounting for 6,500 arrivals out of 12,500 in August.

Most arriving in the country came from Morocco, Guinea and Mali.

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