Gibraltar Olive Press - Issue 68 by Olive Press Newspaper Spain

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April 11th - April 24th 2018

Ex Gib soldier sends Olive Press his missives from behind bars See page 6

Vol. 3 Issue 68 www.gibraltarolivepress.com April 11th - April 24th 2018

‘You deserve better’ Opposition leader blasts government’s expensive domestic programme and its timetable while ‘splashing out on cocktail parties’

UNDER FIRE: Cifuentes

Faking it THE leader of the PP party in Madrid, Cristina Cifuentes, is being probed over claims she faked a master’s degree qualification. Pressure is mounting for the Madrid regional president to resign after Ciudadanos joined the PSOE and Podemos to demand a vote of no confidence against her. Spain’s public prosecutor and police are now studying evidence presented by King Juan Carlos University, that contradict her claims.

Evidence

Two professors and the dean of the university have been giving evidence in Madrid, after one of them confirmed his signature had been falsified. Despite the furore, Cifuentes, 53, insisted: “I am not going to resign because I have not lied about anything.” News website, El Diario, broke the news that the politician failed to complete a degree in ‘public regional law’ from the university in 2012. When questioned, the reContinues on Page 5

excesses of the current administration. “And public money must be managed prudently and not flashed around at pointless cocktail parties or for entertainment whims.” He also insisted that Gibraltarians be told more about what is being discussed over Brexit before a deal is agreed. “It is not enough for the public to be told that the Government cannot say more,” he told viewers. “We understand that these are delicate discussions but blind faith in politics is a dangerous request.

By Laurence Dollimore

THE leader of the opposition has blasted the government’s excessive spending which will ‘quickly run into the hundreds of millions’. GSD leader Keith Azopardi insisted blind faith in the government was ‘a dangerous’ situation. In particular, he slammed Fabian Picardo’s massive planned spending on education and health and insisted the timetable was ‘unrealistic’. In his first in-depth political broadcast the new opposition leader argued the programme of projects was ‘looking less credible by the day’.

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“Have you noticed how everything announced is scheduled to be done by

2019? Whether it is the new schools or the Lathbury sports facilities or the new primary care centre the magical date of 2019 always appears. “The timetable is not credible. In all these projects unrealistic deadlines and cutting corners will result in high cost and mistakes.” In his public address on GBC, he continued: “The schools project is rushing ahead at a pace where errors are inevitable. This will affect thousands of our children. So again, it is important to slow down and get it right. “There has been no real public debate about the location of schools or the effect on transport or other infrastructure.” He added that the cost of these projects would also be very damaging to the taxpayer, running into the ‘hundreds of millions very

Issues

TICKED OFF: GSD leader Keith Azopardi (top) gives Fabian Picardo a public dressing down

quickly.’ “This is only being managed through debt and borrowing,” he insisted. “That is the reality. Our public finances need to be managed in a way that does not constrain future generations because of the

“In our view the Government can and should be clearer with people – if not now – soon – about what is being contemplated and in exchange for what.” He said his party would be dealing with the more pressing issues that concern Gibraltarians. “People are worried about the quality and delivery of healthcare especially to the vulnerable and elderly, social care, mental health or misuse of drugs. “People are worried about the standard of maintenance of housing or the lack of affordable housing or rental accommodation. People are worried about traffic and parking issues, the environment and the pressures of the urban jungle. People are worried about jobs. “In all these areas people deserve better.”

CRIME

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NEWS IN BRIEF

Walk of shame TWO Gibraltarian men have been extradited from Spain, via the land frontier, after a European Arrest Warrant was issued for GBH last August.

Ganja getaway A DRUG smuggler who rammed a Guardia Civil police car, leaving an officer hospitalised, has been arrested. The 60-yearold from La Linea was caught with 27 bales of cannabis.

Dole dupe SOME 43 people have been identified in a Social Security racket that defrauded more than €15 million. Conspirators were found in Cádiz, Granada, Malaga and Sevilla.

091

Stories and features in this edition of Gibraltar’s original community newspaper

Trial set for exiled Syrian who used Gib companies to invest ‘stolen money’ into Spanish properties THE uncle of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is finally set to face trial following a Europe-wide probe into alleged ill-gotten gains. Dubbed the ‘Butcher of Hama’, Rifaat al-Assad, 80, amassed his fortune in Syria during the 1980s, before allegedly using companies in Gibraltar and Panama to purchase more than 500 properties in Spain and dozens of chateaus in France. Spanish cops raided 15 of

April 11th - April 24th 2018

Washed out his properties in Marbella and Puerto Banus last year after judge Jose de la Mata launched a money laundering investigation. A total of 76 companies and 16 people connected to the property empire, had their accounts frozen. Some €300 million is believed to have been looted

from Syria’s coffers by Rifaat when he was exiled in the 1980s. Rifaat and his relatives are believed to have bought 503 properties, including garages, holiday homes, luxury hotel apartments and country estates. Most of the properties are in the Marbella as well as in

Found in Fuengirola AN Irish expat wanted for the murder of a dissident republican five years ago has been arrested on the Costa del Sol. Dean Evans, from Dublin, is one of three men charged with the murder of fatherof-three Peter Butterfly, who was shot dead in a car park in County Meath in March 2013. Spanish police arrested 27-year-old Evans on Thursday lunchtime in Fuengirola. A European arrest warrant was issued by the Special Criminal Court in Ireland last year, after Evans failed to show up

for his trial and disappeared with his girlfriend. Evans, along with 35-year-old Edward McGrathand and 46-year-old Sharif Kelly, was due to stand trial on charges connected with the murder of 35-year-old Butterfly. Butterfly was found collapsed in a car park after he had been shot at from a car and died shortly after. It was alleged that Evans shot Butterfly while he was sat in the back of the car. McGrath and Kelly were sentenced to life in prison after standing trial without Evans.

‘BUTCHER’: Rifaat France. His largest property in Spain is the 3,000 hectare estate of La Maquina, which takes up a third of the area of Benahavis and is worth a reported €60 million. The total market value of all the family’s properties in Spain is reported to be a whopping €691 million. Last year, €862 million was confiscated by the French authorities, where he is set to go on trial later this year. He may also face charges in Switzerland, where he has been under investigation since 2013 for war crimes allegedly committed in the 1980s. Rifaat’s brother expelled him from Syria in the 80s because he feared he was organising a political coup. An announcement on a trial is expected in the coming weeks.

No bail for Spanish jewel thief A SPANISH thief has been refused bail after being caught with watches and jewellery worth 50,000 pounds. Builder Antonio Miguel Leon Sanchez, from Marbella, has been charged with theft at the property in Cormorant Wharf, where he was undertaking a renovation job. The owners informed police of items missing once the works had been completed. While Sanchez denied the theft forensic analysis matched his DNA to DNA found on the jewellery boxes. The builder argued in court that he had merely moved the boxes and other personal belongings stored in a wardrobe so he could replace flooring.

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Scientific

However this was at odds with his initial police interview when he denied seeing them or touching anything inside the wardrobe. Stipendiary Magistrate Charles Pitto denied bail, insisting his account was at odds with the court’s evidence and the supporting scientific evidence. Sanchez will next appear in court on May 2.

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Poser to yoga

FRIENDS?: Sofia and Letizia

All made up QUEEN Letizia and Sofia were all smiles and affection while visiting Juan Carlos in hospital at the weekend. It comes after an awkward video went viral of Letizia stopping a picture being taken with her children and Sofia. Rumours h a v e swirled since of a rift in the royal family, but a spokesperson dismissed the clip. "She is very committed to taking care of her daughters, with the protection of their image, she worries who takes photos of them, she worries where they come from, who approaches them. It's a very motherly reaction. "It's been silly, it's not a serious issue, nothing has happened." As former king Juan Carlos was recovering from a knee operation in Madrid. Sofia and her granddaughters Leonor and young Sofia posed for pictures outside the building.

AWKWARD: Viral video

LET THE BATTLE COMMENCE: This year’s Miss Gib contestants

Show goes on!

THE Miss Gibraltar pageant will go ahead despite only three contestants signing up. The poor turn out comes despite each entrant getting a £400 cheque from the government. The trio of entrants, legal assistant Lilly Gomez, asset manager Jennifer Munoz and receptionist Star Farrugia, will now go head to head, but the format may change. The competition, which was set to take place on June 30 at John Mackintosh Square, may now take place elsewhere. However, the Ministry of

Miss Gib Pageant will go ahead despite just THREE entrants

Culture confirmed that whatever happened one of the three would be crowned and would attend the annual Miss World pageant. The only time the event was cancelled was in 1967 when only one contestant, Laura Bassadone, entered. She still ended up being crowned Miss Gib and represented the enclave at Miss World. Gibraltar beauty Kaiane Aldorino ended up winning the global crown to become

Leave him alone! JAMES Argent's fans have jumped to his defence after he was bullied for a picture he uploaded from the Costa del Sol. The TOWIE star uploaded a snap with friend and former co-star Ferne McCann as they soaked up the sun with her baby daughter on a boat in Benalmadena. He captioned the picture: "Sailors for the day!!! #boatlife". But a series of comments saw James get called a ‘fat

All made up II KING Felipe VI was in high spirits as he visited a military base in Andalucia this week. Donned in full military regalia, the Spanish monarch toured the El Copero base in Dos Hermanas, Seville. It comes after reports about an ‘uncomfortable’ meeting between his wife Queen Letizia and mother former Queen Sofia earlier this week (above).

April 11th - April 24th 2018

SUPPORT: For Arg clown’ while another said ‘Omg what’s happened to you,’ and another said he needed to get back into the gym. Fans quickly rallied around to give Arg support. One wrote: "Why are people so rude! Lovely piccie! Also lovely couple you and Gemma are Arg. Take no notice of the nasty comments!"

Lucky

ACTION MAN: Felipe

A second wrote: "Nothing better to do than throw out an insult, how sad!" Another fan simply stated James and Ferne were lucky to be away from the horrible British weather. They said: "Lovely picture, how lucky are you to be away from our grey days. Well jel.”

Miss World in 2009. Kayley Mifsud came 24th in 2016.

BRITISH glamour model Casey Batchelor has officially changed career after training to be a yoga instructor in Spain. Batchelor qualified in the country last summer and has posted super-flexible shots on her Instagram ever since. “My modelling days have come to an end – it’s not my priority anymore,” said the 33-yearold, whose first baby is due at the end of May. “I can incorporate yoga into looking after my children, so I absolutely want [teaching] it to be my main job.” “I want to be the yogi queen!” she added.

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www.gibraltarolivepress.com From front page

gional leader claimed she had ‘misplaced’ her thesis, while the university also was unable to release a copy. However, a certificate was soon produced which appeared to show she did in fact have the qualification. After being caught out, Cifuentes admitted she did not attend classes or take exams with other students, due to a private agreement with the university to accommodate her busy schedule.

Embarrassment

It comes as a major embarrassment to the PP party which held its national conference in Sevilla over the weekend. It was announced this week that a vote of noconfidence will be held between April 13 and May 7 in Madrid’s parliament.

Spain will still seek to gain sovereignty of Gibraltar ‘at every opportunity’ TAKING back the Rock is a continuing ‘fundamental objective’ of Spain’s foreign policy, Madrid has announced. The Spanish government revealed it still wants to recover sovereignty over the British territory as it outlined its spending plans for the upcoming financial year. It comes despite foreign secretary Alfonso Dastis promising ‘not to take Gibraltar hostage’ in the complex ongoing Brexit negotiations, last month. In the government’s annual budget statement, it says it wants to ‘lay the foundations’ and ‘drive forward’ the policy of reclaiming Gibral-

Almond Tower works CONSERVATION works on the Almond Tower are set to begin. Initially built during the Islamic period, then expanded upon during subsequent Spanish and English reign, sections will be dismantled and re-constructed using original methods to retain authenticity of design. The medieval Almond Tower, part of the Moorish Castle, gets its name from the Spanish term ‘torre almendrada’ in relation to its shape.

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Coming for you

tar. “Spanish foreign policy maintains as one of its objectives getting support for Spain’s right to recover the sovereignty of Gibraltar, within the doctrine established by the United Nations,” the document said. The claims have angered UK politicians, who believe Spain still plans to hold the UK to ransom by threatening to derail Brexit negotiations by vetoing the final divorce agreement.

Transition

Despite Dastis apparent contradiction, they believe Spain plans to secure concessions on territory and the sovereignty of Gibraltar. “I don’t think the other Member States would take kindly to Spain bringing forward a new set of demands at the 11th hour and threatening to hold up the transition deal,” said Conservative MEP leader Ashley Fox. “However, I still have my suspicions that Spain will

cause trouble as we reach the end of negotiations. I hope Senor Dastis proves me wrong.” He added: “Dastis dismissed growing fears, saying things are ‘progressing well’ so therefore we’d like to be optimistic.” Spain already nearly scuppered the final Brexit transition deal in March after it tabled last-minute demands and concessions on Gibraltar. Among these was a demand for joint access of Gibraltar airport - which has been rejected twice in the past - and

April 11th - April 24th 2018

STUCK: Puigdemont

Staying put GERMAN authorities have doubted they can extradite former leader of Catalunya, Carles Puigdemont, on the second charge of misuse of public funds. It comes after the separatist leader was released on bail from a prison in Neumuenster last week, after a German court dismissed Spain’s charge of rebellion against Puigdemont, following his involvement in the Catalan referendum in October.

Supreme

OPTIMISTIC: Dastis

improved cooperation on tax avoidance. Dastis added: “Our aspiration is that the bilateral agreement with Spain can be signed off the same time as the general agreement.”

German judges have requested further information from the Spanish Supreme Court in order to come to a decision regarding the second charge of misuse of public funds. Authorities said Puigdemont was ‘co-responsible at least politically’ for generating funds to hold the referendum which cost approximately €1.6 million. German judges still have some days to make a decision.

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EXCLUSIVE

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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 Fair shout THERE’S no denying that Keith Azopardi has raised some great points about the current state of the Gibraltar government. On the issue of Brexit, the same could be said for the UK government. It seems no one is any clearer on what is actually happening and what will happen to the millions of expats in the EU, the EU residents in the UK and the 30,000 plus living in Gibraltar. People need more answers and clarity.

Get along IT´S no secret that there is some tension between Spain and the UK over the sovereignty of the Rock, especially during these politically tense times. But Spanish politicians need to understand that Gibraltar voted to stay British and that should be respected. Equally, however the Gibraltarian spirit of inclusion should also be remember and brought to the Brexit table. No-one we have spoken to want relationships between the two countries to turn frosty, in fact it could be said the the opposite is true. As such we feel that politicians need to stop using the Rock as bargaining chip and focus more on getting along. Publisher/ Editor

Jon Clarke jon@theolivepress.es

Newsdesk newsdesk@theolivepress.es Tel: (+34) 665 798 618 News editor

SALES: sales@theolivepress.es Admin (+34) 951 273 575 admin@theolivepress.es

Laurence Dollimore laurence@theolivepress.es

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reporters Joe Wallen joe@theolivepress.es Aleesha Hansel aleesha@theolivepress.es Designer James Partington design@theolivepress.es

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Clarke Media Ltd. Registration number: 113878 Suite 2B, 143 Main Street, Gibraltar Printed by Corporación de Medios de Andalucía S.A. Desposito legal 834-2017

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.

April 11th - April 24th 2018

600 kilos One lost 600 kilos, Another a tonne and a half, Between the Guardia seizing the cargo, And the documents getting to court, Illegal trade feeds endemic corruption, Infecting all political discourse, Stewed reports and outright lying, Keep the prohibition ship on course,

An ode British soldier convicted of murder in Andalucia pens poems to tell his side of the story

Lots of cash and lots of power, We hand it all to them, Supply of a non-toxic, nonaddictive natural remedy, Controlled by criminal men, The ones that benefit mostly, Are the ones that buy the laws, A stick with which to beat us, They twist it in their claws.

T’S not everyday the Olive Press receives mail from an Andalucian prison inmate. At first glance the letter appeared to be a selection of requests, asking if certain people had received his correspondence and if he could have a copy of ‘our esteemed publication’ sent to him. But what was actually contained was a treasure trove of poems, detailing how Nicholas Faulkner, who served on the Rock for much of his life, came to be sentenced to 25 years in an Algeciras prison. Not much has been reported on the case, other than that the former squaddie at the 7th Parachute Regiment Royal Horse Artillery, ran over and killed a young man from La Linea. The tragic event unfolded two years ago outside a strip club in Guadacorte. The court heard how he’d argued with a group of three men, who he then ran over with his van. Two of the men did not sustain serious injuries, with the third - known as Juan Carlos - dying on the spot. The judge in Algeciras also ordered him to pay some €170,000 in compensa-

As more scandal emerges over a leading politician’s faked university degree, Lenox Napier asks: ‘why do

PAIN’S leading political problem is Catalunya, brought about by poor management and policies from Madrid over the years. Barcelona could have been a partner, but instead, it has become a vassal. As the tension built slowly up, and the threat of a unilateral declaration of independence loomed, Madrid came in swinging. Now several Catalan politicians are in prison, without charge. Others are in exile. They are either rebels, or political prisoners, depending on your point of view, and the subject is not going away and feeds upon itself daily, with Madrid mostly being painted as the baddie. Last Thursday turned out to be an interesting day for the courts. The Swiss currently have two Catalan ‘rebels’ that Madrid urgently wants to try in court (that’s to say, they are in exile there peacefully enough), while the Spanish have Herve Falciani, the whistleblower who walked out of HSBC in Geneva in 2008 with a long list of those who had improperly stashed their swag in offshore accounts, including many Spanish politicians and captains of industry here. Thanks to Falciani, who now lives in Spain, the Panama Papers became possible, and all kinds of people were caught with their taxes undeclared or their money laundered. Among the most notable was the Botín (Banco Santander) family

LOCKED UP: Nick Faulkner tion the deceased’s mother and sister. But now, through a selection of poems that can be exclusively revealed by the Olive Press, Faulkner has given his side of the story. In one poem, entitled GHB, he tells the story of the night of the incident that would change his life forever, while Don’t Have to Lie, written a week before his court date, offers an insight into the man on trial for murder, and both are as poignant as they are articulate.

The Chains of Office

and their two billion euro stash in the Swiss bank. Falciani is wanted in Switzerland for leaking official documents, and they want him on trial. How about a deal, one Spanish prosecutor thought, nabbing Falciani off the street in Madrid on Wednesday – just as he was about to give a talk at a university entitled: ‘When telling the truth is a wonderful thing’. The Swiss – who have Falciani pencilled in for five years behind bars for breaking the Helvetian Eleventh Commandment – didn’t have much chance to weigh the advantages of a possible trade before a judge however, defied the prosecutor for misuse of the law, unlocked the cell and said in effect, ‘scram!’, you’re a free man. In Spain, politics sometimes trumps justice. At the same time in Germany, a court decided Carles Puigdemont, the ringleader of the Catalan rebellion, wasn’t a rebel after all, and Puigdemont, who had been arrested on a Spanish judicial order, was politely set free. Meanwhile in Madrid another leading PP politician was somehow holding on to her chains of office with a vice-like grip. Cristina Cifuentes took on the key job as president of the Madrid Region two years ago offering a clean sweep after years of problems. "The corrupt era has come to an end," said Cifuentes as she triumphed

into office. But this has now come to a rather spectacular end, with the news, broken by news site El Diario, that her master’s degree from the King Juan Carlos University was a fake. She couldn’t have been studying there when she claimed and the signatures on the document were false. Other newspapers picked up on the story and provided extra ammunition. The university finally admitted it ‘reconstructed’ the document after ‘the original was destroyed’, but they have now sent all the paperwork to the police and public prosecutor to make a decision. While it all looked very damning, Cifuentes finally came out of hiding, and made a three-hour statement insisting the claims were untrue. But few were convinced and the scandal rumbled on. While the socialists and Podemos demanded a motion of no confidence, Ciudadanos stuck with the ruling PP government and won by a vote. Cifuentes, evidently fearing a return to Civvy Street, remained firm. I’m not leaving, she thundered as the PP-controlled Spanish national television conveniently turned its focus onto another subject more in keeping with their own Masters’ viewpoint. That of the pesky Catalans. On Friday however, all media organisations, even including the PP supporting

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Fe at u re

to chokey H

ere’s a joke, For my nephews in Gib, Into a bar walks uncle Nick,

Near seven hours he just sits there, Had a couple of vodkas, Then sat NOT DRINKING, just stared, Didn’t get noisy or fall down, Piss off the punters or act the clown, Didn’t sing sing sing or show them his ring, Still woke up in a cell, Not knowing a thing! Woke up in a cell, There’s one man dead, Got no memory in my head, The drink they say, It must be true, ‘You’re an alki Nick,’ ‘Look at you,’ I’m an alki yes, But something’s wrong, Where’s the missing nine hours gone?

Each print issue of the Olive Press can be read in its entirety on April 11th - April 24th 2018 www.theolivepress.es And our site is updated daily with the latest news, making it one of Spain’s most visited news websites.

GHB Two years pass accepting my fate, ‘You were drunk and driving, ‘Get on with it mate’, If they had dropped intent, I was happy to stay, Secure in prison, ‘Keep me away’, Mourning the child I killed that night, Gets to the trial, What? There wasn’t a fight!

olive press online October 2015

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Alcohol too low, no stumbling stuff, Agreed with the fiscal, The drink wasn’t enough

OlivePressNewspaper olivepress

Destroyed my defence, But the jury heard, How the doorman recognised my truthful word, DID SHE OR DIDN’T SHE?: Cifuentes holds up ‘fake’ masters degree

olivepressnews +TheolivepressEs

Stuck to my guns, Got 30 years, Thank our lady for that jury, For justice only briefly deferred If I was drinking I would have been weeping lulling about the bar, All alone again without my children, The drunks depressingly familiar moan, Left alone, on of all days my birthday! The staff would have got me home, Would have been in bed by 10 O’clock, Full of sobs, But with my dogs,

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On my own, In anguished heartbreak, But at least I still had jobs, No more money spent, No families rent, Apart by sudden death, If the killers hadn’t drugged my vodka, Juan Carlos would still be alive, I would be working on my gardens, And our parents need never have cried,

The Olive Press

www.allaboutandalucia.com TOP for news in Spain!

All victims of a criminal act Of envy with malicious intent, Because I escaped his evil clutches And wasn’t living in a tent,

ABC newspaper, were reporting up to the ers are loathe to leave office, as they minute on the case. Would Cifuentes sur- have no other skills and quite enjoy the vive the weekend? The answer: ‘Some- perks, after all. Cifuentes is the perfect how she did.’ example, having been in politics since We are left with this question – ‘Why in she was 16. Spain would most politicians rather die Politicians in Spain usually attempt to than resign?’ The answer might be that, stay on in their post, when they should this is all they know. resign, because they are short on moral In other countries, disgraced politicians qualities. blithely return to their previous occupa- Politicians probably think that the public tion... here, well they often have no pre- are fools – and, judging by the way we vious occupation... Whether presidents, pardon their corruption and gross ineptiministers or mayors, many allowed of our leadperhaps they havefreed a point. NO DEAL: The Spanish Falcianitude, out while the Germans Puigdemont

Now it’s suspended, the prosecution, While they investigate the cause, I can hear the little birds tweeting, Echoes around these prison walls, I know who spiked the vodka, Will be no surprise in Jimena town, Everyone will know who done it, As soon as word gets round, How many came before me? Can we find them all?In time. I told Pepe I’d planned a garden for Juan Carlos, We will build a shrine

Don’t miss more poems from the Bard of Belmarsh in our next issue

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rand National Sweepstake, April 14

PICNIC buffet lunch with free flowing cava followed by cream tea during live televised showing of the races. Fundraising Sweepstake taking place at The Lounge Bar.

osom Buddies Cancer Trust Tea Party, April 17

MARY Kay beauticians will be holding a makeup demonstration while you enjoy tea, coffee, soft drinks, sandwiches and cakes. Tickets cost £6 for adults, £3 for children for the event at Calpe Rowing Club.

rt Society Talk Russian Apocalypse, April 18

THIS illustrated talk by Peter Warwick at Garrison Library describes the collapse of Czarist Russia and the murder of Nicholas II and his family using drawings, paintings and photographs.

uided tours of the Botanic Gardens, April 28

TOURS include a complete walk around the Botanic Gardens and highlight plants and features of interest. Tickets cost £5, children free.

ANYONE displaying a Neanderthal skull on their sideboard, or a Roman amphora in their dining room, is being urged to bring it in for inspection. The appeal is part of an amnesty declared by the Gibraltar Museum, which aims to catalogue all antiquities and heritage assets on the Rock. Gibraltarians are being urged to bring in any items that could be of historic interest, so that they can be placed on a new Heritage Environment Record. “Some items may be property which people have inherited. Then there are items which people may have found themselves while walking on the beach and taken them home,” said Heritage Minister Dr

la cultura c ampo

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John Cortes. Museum bosses however, were quick to stress that anything brought in would be recorded and owners given a licence, to take the item home... unless it is of serious interest.

Raise the San Jose A TREASURE ship that both Spain and Colombia claim to own would cost €57.2 million to recover, a new report has revealed. The San Jose galleon, which was carrying among its haul 11 million gold and silver coins, was scuppered by British Pirates on June 8, 1708. Found on December 4, 2015 off Colombia’s Caribbean coast, it was heading from Spain to Cartagena. There is an ownership dispute between the two countries with Spain claiming it was a state-owned vessel, while Colombia argues the treasure is rightfully theirs as it was on its way to the country. However both nations have expressed a readiness to reach an amicable agreement.

news on the go. Items displayed at a press conference announcing the project, included gin bottles bearing the Gibraltar insignia PIONEER: Expat’s work - discovered by divers - and a Roman terracotta figurine found by Dr Cortes himself at Princess Caroline Battery. Locals have until The May 25Olive to Press bring items to The Gibraltar Museum, at 18-20 Bomb AN expat’s artwork has been TOP for news in Spain! House Lane. chosen as the official poster for the famous San Fermin festival this year. Frenchman Loren Pallatier, who lives in Benalmadena, is the first Frenchman commissioned to create the poster for Spain’s most famous festival in Pamplona. Originally from Paris, Pallatier became a bullfighter from the age of 14, before turning his hand to painting. The poster displays a minotaur with his back facing the viewer while he looks across the bullring. Pallatier’s work will join a collection of San Fermin posters BRING YOUR GOODS: To Gib government dating back to 1959.

“Clearly if it is something exceptional, and someone walks in with another Neanderthal skull for example, then it would obviously have to stay in the museum,” said Gibraltar Museum Director Professor Clive Finlayson. “But there will be flexibility and we really want to encourage people to come forward without fear.”

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Mijas

Vol: 12

Issue 289

April 11th - April 24th 2018

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Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a kind of magic

T II April 11th - April 24th 2018 Photo by Jon Clarke

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Visit once and remain enchanted forever, the favourite 1960s package tour excursion still has mountains of charm writes Chloe Glover

SAPPHIRE sea twinkles from far below as lilting Andalucian guitars accompany flamenco dancers in their impassioned dances in the grand plaza. The al fresco fiesta has been a free attraction in Mijas Pueblo every Wednesday at noon since anyone can remember. Everywhere along the flowerpot-adorned streets there are snapshots of typical village life: donkey taxis waiting patiently for their next fare, kids kicking balls, gaggles of elderly gents gently snoozing on shady benches. Only a few kilometres downhill, the villageâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sibling coastal resorts of La Cala, Riviera del Sol and Calahonda create a different buzz with their trendy beach bars, fast improving restaurants and vibrant nightlife, adding up

to a diverse destination with multiple layers of appeal. The local population of 83,000 is equally diverse, swelled by a multicultural potaje of expats who have come to enjoy a new life in the year-round microclimate provided by the towering Sierra de Mijas mountains. Mijas Costa, a 12-kilometre beach strip stretched between the borders of Fuengirola and Marbella, is a magnet for hotel tourists and holiday home owners. Chris Tarrant and Ryan Giggs are frequent visitors, while Victoria Beckham discovered its spice from spending childhood summer holidays in Riviera. Lorraine Kelly and comedian Stan Continues on Page 9

FESTIVAL TIME: Riders enjoy drinks in Mijas pueblo during the annual feria

Mijas

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village in the hills

April 11th - April 24th 2018

STUNNING: Church stands proud in the heart of Mijas pueblo

From Page 10

electric Tuk Tuks, Mijas boasts Spain’s only rectangular bull ring, original works by Picasso and Gaudi and, something no other resort can surely lay claim to, a miniature of the Last Supper painted onto a single grain of rice. Couple that with the friendly welcome from baristas and shopkeepers and if you’ve never visited Mijas before you’ll wonder why not. The beautifully-kept main square of Plaza Virgen de la Pena is a good place to start exploring. A few strides away is the fascinating old village flour mill. Chiselled into the rock face, a faithfully reconstructed workshop with original machinery sits inside.

A few paces down a slope lies the Virgen de la Pena grotto, a rugged little chapel excavated in the rock in 1548. Legend has it that it was here the Virgin Mary appeared to two children, bringing joy to the villagers. And it is impossible to miss the bright yellow building that houses the Carromato de Mijas museum. Once the private collection of hypnotist Juan Elegido Millán, this weird and wonderful treasure trove of miniature items gathered from around the globe makes Ripley’s Believe It or Not seem tame. Take your eye to the magnifying glasses to admire everything from a microscopic version of Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper and a painting of Abe Lin-

DE LAS O D N TE U M

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Boardman also have homes here. But it is the whitewashed village in the hills where most day trippers begin their discovery of Mijas, a village steeped in heritage and culture. Today the ancient Greek and Roman hill fortress welcomes an annual invasion of visitors from all over the world thanks to its timeless charm and enviable location, half an hour from Malaga and a short drive from the major tourist resorts of Fuengirola, Torremolinos and Marbella. Spending just half an hour in its meandering maze of Moorish streets, where terraced restaurants with tiny darkened doorways lead onto expansive sun-filled patios with mountain views, is enough to understand its allure. “There are so many reasons to stay longer,” says Rudi Van Der Zalm, owner of Tuk Tuk Spain whose nippy three-wheel transporters now offer an alternative to the famous donkey taxis. How right he is. As well as the world’s first 100%

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TEL: 952 47 70 50 ARR. DE MIJAS, KM. 4,7, 29651, LAS LAGUNAS DE MIJAS, MÁLAGA

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Mijas by numbers

- Picasso’s ceramic works in the Contemporary Arts Centre Mijas (CAC Mijas), the second most important collection of this kind in the world.

50%

- ratio of male to female residents.

2,920

- hours of sunshine per year (243 days of solid sunshine)

SPANISH FEEL: Religious artefacts, white painted homes and donkeys coln on a pinhead to a ballerina carved into a wooden toothpick. You’ll also feel good to know your €3 entrance fee will go to Afesol, a Costa del Sol charity caring for people with mental health issues. Venture deeper into the village to find the non-conformist bull ring. “There was just no space to give it the traditional circular shape,” explains Rudi who shares the villagers’ pride in the rectangular arena and all the village’s kooky attractions. Mijas is also big on fiestas, both new and traditional. The pretty white Immaculate Conception church is the starting point for the popular Semana Santa religious parades while the open air auditorium opposite hosts al fresco concerts throughout the summer. The brief thigh-burning walk up to the Moorish tower vale la pena, as the Spanish say, for 360 degree coast to mountain views although photogenic vistas can be found at every twist and turn of the village streets. The picture postcard calles were inspired by the north African settlers to keep the heat of the Mediterranean sun at bay and it’s all too easy to lose hours discovering their devious charms. But you haven’t ‘done’ Mijas until you’ve visited its ethnographic museum - a lovingly put-together twofloor exhibition that guides visitors through the village’s past – and the Contemporary Art Centre for those Picassos and Gaudis. factory and shop for miles around - and a fantasti- Even if you’re not tempted to put down roots yourThose who have the energy should also take advanself, you can take a piece of the village away with cally ethical one at that. tage of the numerous walking routes from town that “It’s the most fun job in the world and it’s thanks you from the many delis and speciality shops sellzigzag up to the mountains and down to the coast. to Mijas’s continued appeal that ing everything from exotically-flavoured honeys to “I feel so much pride for my village,” I have it”, said co-founder Jason pretty porcelain plates. says a beaming Rosalia Villatoro Godwin, originally from Glossop, In a more modern and sophisticated way, the Alarcon, an ethnographic museum who shares his passion for choco- scene on the coast is just as eclectic. One of the Not lost that volunteer who has lived her whole late with tours and workshops and most profitable destinations on the Costa del Sol, life in Mijas. neighbourhood Mijas Costa’s swanky seaside urbanisations and claims the Mijas mountain air gives “It has kept its character despite hotels all offer sandy beaches and a great range its growth in popularity and has not feel which makes it it a distinctive flavour. lost that neighbourhood feel which such a friendly and One of his shop staff, Claudia, re- of restaurants and water sports including jet skis, galed us in a brilliant Blackburn ac- waterskiing, wakeboarding, windsurfing and paramakes it such a friendly and enenchanting place cent with the story of how her mum penting. chanting place.” found her forever home in Mijas Las Lagunas on the fringes of Fuengirola offers reMijas is mouthwatering too. Multiafter meeting her Malagueno hus- tail therapy for shopaholics while the small, whitecultural cuisine is served alongside washed fishing village of La Cala has morphed into band. Andalusian specialities in this very “She was a tour guide and met him while he was a popular resort town with over 20,000 residents, international pueblo, where Argentinian and Canaworking on a reception desk of a hotel nearby,” offering a complimentary if strikingly different dian restaurateurs vie for trade with the local Spanish charm to its antique sister pueblo in the hills. says Claudia. spots. “She fell in love with both him and Mijas at the Visit once and remain enchanted forever, Mijas is You can even make your own chocolate at the curistill one of the brightest stars on the Costa del Sol. same time.” ously-named Mayan Monkey Mijas, the only chocolate

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flower pots damaged during road works will be restored.

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Japanese tourists visit Mijas each year.

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Brits are registered as living in Mijas.

1,476

feet above ground - Mijas pueblo’s location ensures hot summers and mild winters.

82,184 tion of Mijas.

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Royal dining WHERE TO EAT

Everyone from Lady Di to Jimmy Carter and the Rolling Stones to Julio Iglesias have tested out the now vibrant Mijas restaurant scene, writes Jon Clarke

tel: 952 00 13 86

Paseo Marítimo Rey de España, 119, 29640 Fuengirola

www.grupopuracepa.com

MEAT-FEAST: At Casa Navarra

Avenida del Compás, 18. Mijas Pueblo

“In the heart of Mijas”

T is one of the most prestigious tables one can imagine. And everyone from Lady Diana to Julio Iglesias have dined there. Welcome to Casa Navarra, where the great and the good have eaten beside the open fire in winter (see right) and the leafy garden in summer. It is a true family affair, open since 1990 and with an amazing collection of wines in its cellar going

Every Tuesday ANY PIZZA FROM OUR MENU

952 59 07 46 Also to take away

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STARRY LUNCHES: Lady Di, Julio Iglesias and the Rolling Stones have eaten here

way beyond that. the coast on Trip Advisor. “We’ve had everyone eating here from Lady Run by Alison and Steve Hyatt, this is a Diana to the Roling Stones and both Julio popular joint, which offers up numerous fish Iglesias and his son dishes - and some excelEnrique on lots of lent wines. occasions,” explains I particularly liked the owner Carlos. clam chowder as a But you are here realstarter, while the Bang ly to try the food and Bang pasta with prawns the real star of the was one of the coast’s restaurant is Carlos’s most original dishes daughter Leire. and a true star. The I particularly loved lemon posset made by her use of vegetaAlison didn’t let the side bles, including chard down. with almonds and This couple became fathistles (cardoons) mous from the TV show with ham, both great A New Life in the Sun dishes. and run a tight ship, if Being a Navarran you’ll excuse the fishy joint it specialised pun, with hundreds of in succulent steaks regulars swearing by cooked over a their place. wood grill, It is not really surpriswhile there ing, given that the pair was some ran restaurants back nice fish in Scotland, while chef too. Steve has worked in The huge many places around changes the world and his famDYNAMOS: Alison and happenily have been running inns Steve at Blue Marlin ing in Mijas as far back as 1760. these days Nearby you might want to seem to be in check out Utopia, where I ate an amazing La Cala, where you’ll find spread of healthy tapas, including hummus, the wonderful Pura Cepa wine bar, as well guacamole and a great burrata of mozza as the amazing Blue Marlin fish restaurant Continues on Page 13 - currently voted the best fish restaurant on

CONCENTRATION: French masterchef Joffrey finishes off a dish

April 11th - April 24th April 11th2018 - April 24th 2018

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Mijas

ll about April 11th - April 24th 2018

NEW ORDER: Hugo at his new joint la Cucine di Nico and its Osso Bucco dish

and panna cotta with passion fruit, I am gorella on a bed of rocket and cherry tomatoes, ing to stick my neck out with shavings of parmesan on top. (as I did last year) and tip The brainchild of Pepe Villalba and Ana him for a future Michelin star. Romero, these two young local Andalusians And there is more at wonderful El Oceano, a are so welcome back on their own terra fir- hotel restaurant right on the beach which is ma, having spent the last six years of veritably glamour personified. the recession living and working Head chef William Squires, 31, abroad in Berlin and Bristol. has worked around the world, “We knew it was time to including four years in Auscome back now the crisis tralia and three years in is easing,” explains Pepe, Ireland, and has built up a who is the whiz in the kitchrave repertoire with Asiatic en. “We found this spot dishes in particular. and built it up from scratch, The beef tartare is his tete brick by brick.” de cuvee, marinated overAnd now what was once a night, then rolled in pepperwaste ground parking lot for cars corns before being seared for 30 is today a lovely hidden garden seconds, then rested in the fridge with a great funky atmosphere. HEALTHY: Burrata before being served. And there’s more, with Joffreys special at Utopia I also liked the tempura prawns with of La Cala well on track to bewasabi, as well as the excellent scalcome one of the true culinary reflops with ham, while my true winner erences on the coast. was the original Manchego Arancini, Classy French chef Joffrey Charles offers up or rice balls seasoned with saffron. a wonderful mix of exciting dishes, such as The restaurant offers front row seats right balls of foie served in a hazelnut crust with on the beach and, after a multi-million euro figs, and scallops served with slices of bacon overhaul, is even more glamorous than beand capers. fore. His bubbly partner Lisa Burgess, who worked The only place that can come near it for style in TV for years, looks after the guests with is Olivia’s, where TV star Elliot Wright has aplomb. invested over three million creating the ultiHaving dipped into his turbot with fennel, mate dining experience. From Page 14

VOTED NO.1 SEAFOOD RESTAURANT IN COSTA DEL SOL ON TRIPADVISOR

EARLY BIRD MENU – BEST QUALITY AND VALUE ON THE COAST Includes a starter and main course with a complimentary glass of wine/small beer or soft drink. Available 6pm - 8pm – 20€ • Early Bird 20€ - 6pm - 8pm • A La Carte Menu

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April 11th - April 24th 2018

CHEERS: Joffrey raises a toast

With fantastic sea views, stunning decor and a menu to match, this is an excellent addition to the Mijas dining scene. And, contrary to popular belief, Elliot is actually a very experienced restaurateur and knows how to deliver. For yet another completely different style, head 400 metres inland to find the fantastic family-style Ole restaurant, where Juan Gomez has been on the go for an incredible 25 years. Juan is a charming host – speaking perfect English – while his son Victor is equally

PURE-BREED: Ronda chef Paco Flores at Pura Sangre made a name for himself with a stunning ‘gazpachuelo’ at Madrid Fusion in 2012. He now divides his time between his La Cala eaterie and a new restaurant, Fabrica, in Fuengirola, which used to be the legendary Toston.

What began as a wine shop is now one of La Cala’s finest places to ‘tapear’ friendly and both put a great emphasis on fresh ingredients, much of it sourced from their finca near Ronda. “I buy all the meat and fish and go shopping every day to the local markets to find the very best ingredients,” explains Juan. “And price/ quality is the key to my success.” Expect to eat fantastic stuffed red peppers, delicious lettuce hearts with anchovies, and great salmon cooked in a spicy dill sauce. Looking for somewhere else new? Why not try the great wine and tapas at Tapavino, which can be found up in Calahonda and is incredibly busy. This is no surprise given that Brit Craig Hyatt and Canadian wife Robynne both have a strong hotel and restaurant background. The pair worked for the Renaissance and Vintage Hotels groups in Canada and were frequently dealing in com-

ELEGANCE: At Pura Sangre

EXCITING: Great wines at Sherry House and Pedro at Bella Coppia (right)

plex and detailed wine lists. You’ll find a good mix of tapas here to go with

dozens of wines by the glass. Sit on the great dining terrace and watch the sun go down if you get here early enough. Last but not least, if credentials were needed to run a wine bar, owning your own vineyard

would certainly help. The owner of Pura Cepa on La Cala high street, 30-year-old Bernardo Diego Pullido (far left), has three, including one nearby in Mijas, Malvajio. What began as a wine shop is now one of La Cala’s finest places to ‘tapear’ and, of course, drink wine. There are always more than 40 wines by the glass and around a dozen fabulous tapas to dip into. There is also an amazing list of gin and tonics, should you decide for something stronger. Even better, nearby in Fuengirola, you need to hunt out Pura Cepa Sherry House, which claims to have the largest selection of sherries (330 of them) in the world. Recently opened, the food is darn good too and there is a decent choice of degustation menus. Up in the pueblo you have an equally exciting range of restaurants and new places seem to open by the month.

TEL: 952 48 50 97 97 CALLE DE LOS CAÑOS 13, MIJAS WWW.RESTAURANTEBELLACOPPIA.COM

Continues on Page 15

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Pueblo revolution EVOCATIVE: A magical surprise awaits diners at the Secret Garden

FAMILY FARE: Juan and Victor at Ole

From Page 16

There are some excellent wine bars and places to eat tapas but few beat La Bodega del Pintor, which has a lovely hidden garden at the back. Welcoming owner Amparo was actually born in this charming spot, which offers visitors the chance to dine in a historic 300-year-old townhouse. Atmospheric in the extreme, the restaurant serves up plenty of wines by the glass to go with its tempting tapas. “I wanted to create the sense that you are dining in someone’s home,” explains Amparo, whose 86-year-old mother still lives upstairs. “The whole family comes and goes and my brother even runs an apartment hotel at the back,” she adds. Another excellent place to visit is La Bella Coppia, an Italian restaurant run by Pedro for nearly three decades which just gets better and better. As well as a great range of pastas and pizzas, the place specialises in steaks and quality meats, grilled to perfection. Make sure Pedro also carves you a few slices of his amazing ham. Also be sure to look out for the oasis known as the Secret Garden, tucked away behind its more typical whitewashed sister restaurant Aroma. It’s a delight to kick back in the beautiful garden in good weather where you can enjoy a nice mix of authentic Iberian dishes alongside Argentinean fare – particularly steaks - thanks to co-owner Hugo German. Part of a group of restaurants owned by Hugo and his business partner Thomas Weller, make sure to look out for their Taberna Meguinez (which means ‘Are you winking at me?’) which has an excellent menu, as well as the fishy delights at Latitud 36. Then there’s Tapintxos, inspired by Thomas’s love of the north of Spain, and his new Italian La Cucine di Nico, where the osso bucco is something very special and the pizzas are probably the best in the village.

A taste of home

IF there was one word to describe The Almond Tree it would be ‘fresh’. From the burgers to the apple crumble, everything in the cafe, based in Sitio de Calahonda, is made anew every day. In an interesting twist of fate the new expat owner, Mandy, had her first Spanish job in the cafe when she arrived 18 years ago. Now she is the owner and passionate to carry on with the tradition of good quality British food, that offers a taste of home away from home. Set on a cobbled courtyard overlooking a water fountain, and with seating available inside and out, The Almond Tree is both child friendly and the perfect place to relax. Why not read one of the complimentary newspapers and enjoy a glass of wine or something stronger from their wide range Mon-Fri: 9am-4pm of liquors and spirits? The cafe is open 9am to 4pm Sat: 9am-3pm Monday to Friday and 9am to Calle de Los Adarves, 3pm on Saturdays.

Breakfast, Lunch & Snacks El Zoco, 29649 Mijas

-final of Spanish TV talent show 3065 views

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ANDALUCIA’S tourism sector is braced for a downturn after the number of foreign visitors dropped for the first time in 33 months. The number of visitors to the region in February fell by 0.3% compared to the same month last year. Rival regions Catalunya and the Canary Islands both saw foreign visitor numbers increase 2.8% Download ourby app now and and 0.8% respectively. Perhaps morebegin worryingly, number of British tourists coming to enjoying the the best Spanish Spain dropped by 5.9% this February compared to 2017. news on the30% go. of the holidaymakers visiting AndaluBrits represent around cia each year. In the first two months of 2018, the number of Brits arriving in the region fell by 3.1%, while the number of French – the region’s third

The Olive Press TOP for news in Spain!

FREED: Falciani

He can stay THE Spanish high court has rejected Switzerland’s request to remand in custody HSBC Swissleaks whistleblower Herve Falciani. It comes after the French national was arrested on a Swiss European arrest warrant last week in Madrid. The former HSBC employee has been released while his extradition is being considered by Spanish authorities on the condition that he does not leave Spain. Falciani was forced to hand over his passport and has been ordered to appear before the high court in Madrid once a week, pending the outcome of the extradition request. Manuel Olle, Falciani’s lawyer, described the court’s measures to keep his client in the country as ‘quite drastic’. The French national is known for exposing the Swissleaks scandal. In 2015 Falciani was convicted in absentia of industrial espionage by a Swiss court, after he leaked documents which alleged that the private branch had helped over 120,000 clients to cover up more than €180 billion ($205.4 billion) from tax authorities. Falciani was sentenced to five years in prison but failed to show up to his trial and has lived in Spain ever since.

No more Netflix and chill BRITISH holidaymakers travelling to Spain will no longer be able to watch Netflix UK or Amazon Video following Brexit. The announcement by the European Commission comes after discussions about digital portability rules. The rules form part of the EU’s Digital Single Market plan, that regulates e-commerce, telecommunications, streaming and online marketing. The EC said: “As of the withdrawal date, persons residing in the United Kingdom will no longer benefit from their digital content subscriptions when travelling to the EU.” Currently Netflix UK offers about 2,500 films, while the German and French versions offer roughly 1,500 and 1,700 movies respectively.

Tourism slows as holidaymakers return to terror-hit countries One minister said he expected a record number of tourists, which would reverse the damage inflicted by the terrorist attacks in several tourist spots in 2015. Travel firms including Thomas Cook and TUI have begun to return to the country three years after the attacks on the beach of Susa, which killed 39 people, and the Bardo National Museum, which killed 21. The silver lining for Andalucia is that although there was a drop in international tourists in the first two months, their spending grew by 11.8% to €664 million.

biggest market – fell by 2.2%. Tourism lobbying firm Exceltur and hotel management chain Cehat have placed part of the blame on the recovery of tourism in rival destinations such as Turkey, Tunisia and Egypt, and a less favourable pound/euro exchange rate. Tunisian recently announced it expects to rake in 25% more profits from tourism this year than in 2017.

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11 April

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lockhead

By Christopher Cousins of Igniteratings.com

Enter S&P, Moody’s and the Photocopy machine In the second part of his new mini-series the CEO of Ignite Ratings, Chris Cousins, will explain why asset ratings are such an integral part of the global financial system IN the 1800s, America’s stock and bond market was starting to take off. The US railroad boom resulted in many bonds being issued by railroad companies. It was impossible to easily analyze all of them, so Moody’s came up with a solution, and the centralized rating agency was born. Back in those days investors paid for ratings reports NOT the issuer, but by the 1970s the photocopy machine changed all that. Moody’s and S&P, feared that the investors would simply make copies of ratings reports, and hand them around, rather than buying them directly. So they made it easy for themselves and started to charge the issuer so they could provide this information for free to the investors. This new “issuer pays” model had a few flaws as it made credit ratings agencies reliant on select clients. Obviously, there are less issuers than investors. This created the incentive for the credit rating companies to simply bump up ratings to keep their customers happy and maintain profitable relationships.

Here comes ENRON

For years no one cared about credit ratings agencies — that was until the Enron Failure of 2001. The bankruptcy court wanted to know how credit rating agencies did not pick up on this fraud! However, for all the SECs wisdom they did nothing to prevent this problem from happening again just a few years later. From 1999 to 2007, the USA experienced a major housing boom, home ownership rose and housing prices went up 125% from 1997 to 2006. To fuel this housing boom, US buyers needed lots of cash and so did the banks. Banks realised they needed tons of liquidity to fuel this market, so they started to securitise residential mortgages in turn making “mortgage backed securities”. Credit rating agencies were used to rate these bonds for the banks so they could then sell them onward, thus increasing their liquidity (and ability to make a quick profit). Guess who certified these bonds as AAA investment grade?… yep, ratings agencies. Clearly the issuer pays model is not working, and yet it still continues today — unchanged. However, the SEC did manage to fine the big three in 2014 — but the billing practice remains unchanged.

FINTECH

April 11th - April April24th 11th2018 - April 24th 2018

Faking it International gang used platforms in Gibraltar to convert bitcoin into dirty money A CYBER-scammer, suspected of stealing around €1 billion, allegedly used financial platforms in Gibraltar to launder money. ‘Denis K’ the suspected leader of a gang behind the Carbanak and Cobalt malware attacks, was arrested in Alicante during a raid in which police also seized jewels worth €500,000 and two luxury cars.

Infiltrated According to Europol, the organised crime group has successfully infiltrated at least 100 financial institutions in 40 countries, with a total loss of around £870m. The gang, believed to be from Russia and the Ukraine, used technology available in Gibraltar to load prepaid cards with bitcoin and then spend them in Spain on cars, homes,

and other goods. In total, the Interior Ministry estimates around 15,000 bitcoin were accumulated after their earnings were converted into the crypto-currency at exchange houses. The Spanish police worked alongside the FBI, Europol, as well as the Romanian and Belarusian authorities, to crack the case. Scammers carried out the cyber attacks by sending bank employees trick ‘spear-phishing’ emails with a corrupt attachment. Once downloaded the criminals were able to access and control the victims’ internal

bank network. ATMs were then instructed to dispense cash, while e-payment networks were used to transfer money. Meanwhile computer databases were hacked into and profits were laundered via cryptocurrencies. Head of Europol’s European Cybercrime Centre (EC3), Steven Wilson, said: “This global operation is a significant success for international police cooperation against a top level cybercriminal organisation. “The arrest of the key figure in this crime group illustrates that cybercriminals can no longer hide behind perceived international anonymity.”

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Property

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Madrid+TheolivepressEs and Palma lead the wayBE as‘APPY! prices grow steadily in strong start to 2018

April 11th - April 24th 2018

Capital gains

PROPERTY prices in Spain have increased Downloadby our 3.8% app nowin and the first quarter of 2018 begin enjoying best Spanish year-on-year, with the Madrid and Palma leading the way. news on the go. The capital saw prices in- far behind, with a 14.7% crease by 17% in the first price increase. three months of this year They were followed by Barcompared to the same pe- celona with a rise of 11%, riod in 2017. and Pamplona with 10.4%. Palma de Mallorca wasn’t Meanwhile, transactions in

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Madrid and Barcelona are at their highest level since the property crash, according to real estate agency Lucas Fox. New homes accounted for

Pipe dreams for tobacco factory

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MAKEOVER: Factory

A FORMER tobacco factory is set for a spruce up. Works at 17 Irish Town will restore characteristics that have been lost, as well as rejuvenate existing features such as the green wooden shutters. The house, which is believed to have been built around 1820, has been in the same family since the early 1900s. Purchased by Moses S Seruya, his great, great granddaughter Sophie Garbarino is overseeing the works to the property, which was a cigarette factory for 30 years. When it was last renovated in 1992 various cannonballs were found underneath the property.

50% of the agency’s total sales in the two cities and transactions across all Lucas Fox’s offices in Spain increased by 39%.

Villas & Fincas is urgently looking for Quality Properties for clients Country Villas – Beach Villas – Equestrian Vineyards – Olive Farms – Cortijos In the area of: La Herradura, La Punta De La Mona, Casares, Estepona, Inland Sotogrande, Gaucin, Ronda, Jimena, El Cuarton, Tarifa, Vejer de la Frontera, Caños de Meca, Atlanterra, Zahara de los Atunes or large cortijos inland Andalucia Bedrooms: 5 Bathrooms: 5 m² Built: 350m² Plot m²: 1.200 Garden: Private Pool: Private

Largest

Asking prices have also risen across the country, including in Andalucia. Madrid saw the largest quarter on quarter asking price rise at 7.8% to €3,540 per square meter and year on year prices are up by 21.3% - but they are still 12.3% down on the market highs of 2008. Prices rose by 5.6% in Granada, by 5.2% in Logrono, while in Malaga they increased by 5%, in Palma by 4.8%, in Valladolid by 3.1%, in Zaragoza by 3% and in Sevilla by 2.2%. Prices fell by 0.3% in Bilbao, by 0.4% in Badajoz and by 0.5% in Oviedo.

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HEALTH

April 11th - April 24th 2018

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April 11th - April 24th 2018

Allergy death AN acupuncture treatment that uses live bees has killed a woman in Spain. The 55-year-old died after suffering an allergic reaction during the apitherapy session, which uses the sting of live bees instead of needles. It is said to relieve stiff OUCH: Bee sting muscles and stress and was once touted by Hollywood actress Gwyneth Paltrow. Paltrow and other proponents claim that insect venom can relieve inflammation, arthritis, generalized pain, scarring, and skin issues.

Weak

But evidence to back those claims is weak and mixed, and numerous medical studies have tallied serious risks and adverse events, including anaphylaxis, stroke, and death. The yet unnamed woman in Spain had been receiving the treatment approximately once a month for two years with no adverse effects until the last session when she experienced a severe reaction. She ‘developed wheezing, dyspnea, and sudden loss of consciousness immediately after a live bee sting,’ according to a report published in the Journal of Investigational Allergology and Clinical Immunology. She was taken to hospital but passed away ‘some weeks later’. The Spaniard’s blood pressure had dropped so low that it caused a ‘massive watershed stroke and permanent coma’, PALTROW leading to multiple organ failure.

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Staff fear for their jobs after hospital contract changes hands

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HOSPITAL staff have been told to go back home after turning up for their shifts at the John Mackintosh elderly residential wing. It comes as providers for the contract changed from Grand Home Care to MedDoc Healthcare. While the new company previously said it would provide employment to all workers, the transfer does not appear to have run smoothly for the 31 carers and 12 nurses turned away. Unite official Gillian Birkett, who the workers consulted with, said: “There are people

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here who haven’t slept for days. They are feeling physically sick with not knowing what’s going to happen.” “At the moment, we don’t know exactly what is going to happen to 40 of our members

who have no jobs to go to.” official, added: “Even though MedDoc Healthcare have said they have guaranteed jobs, that they cannot employ staff some could find themselves until they are released from out of work for a few days betheir contracts with Grand fore another contractor takes The Press Home Care. over.Olive That is unacceptable.” Christian Duo, another Unite Unite have stated that they the root of the probTOPbelieve for news in Spain! lem solely lies with the Gibraltar Government after they changed the contract without consultation or advance notice.

Patiently waiting LESS than 50% of phone calls made to the Primary Care Centre appointment line are answered, it has been revealed. Figures given by the Gibraltar Health Authority show that between 17,000 and 21,000 phone calls are received monthly with just over 40% answered by clerks. However waiting times for

calls that are picked up, has almost been halved due to additional staff members. This news follows an announcement last month in which the government revealed plans to build a new three-story Primary Care Centre and a Paediatric Centre in the surrounding grounds of St Bernard’s Hospital for 2019.

Taking over

“Things have got to be consulted. You just can’t go out there and out of the blue say that one company is taking over without looking at the picture, and that is both the patient and the staff,” said a Unite spokesman. Health Minister Neil Costa will now be hosting a meeting with Unite and representatives to assess the situation.

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In the BE ‘APPY! Rioja

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Critics toast 2015 Spanish wine as ‘one of best on planet’

RIOJA exports increased A SPANISH producer is makby 4% last year, new figures ing the best wine in its category in the world. show. Over 108 million litres were American wine guru James shipped out, with most Suckling has dubbed the wine, Les Tosses, from Catalunya, growth Download seen inour newer marapp now and kets such as Russia, which ‘perhaps the greatest Carinena enjoying the best Spanishin the world’. was upbegin by 40% and China, The former editor of Wine go. which isnews up on bythe 17%. Spectator insists the Priorat However, the growth was not vino - made out of century-old just to emerging markets, vines - is his favourite in Euwith the UK also increasing rope. its importation of Rioja by After tasting nearly 1,200 3.2% on 2016. wines, his company installed

the 2015 vintage in the Top 10 best wines in Spain. Created by the Terroir al Limit The Olive Presswinery, it ranked ninth out of Spain’s top 100 wines this year. The winery was launched in TOP for news in Spain! 2001 by Dominik Huber and

Sales of white and rose grew by 61% and 42.3% by volume respectively in the UK. Rioja makes up 31% of all Spanish DO-labelled wine exports with its average bottle price 49% higher than other Spanish DO wines. In the UK, Rioja accounts for nearly half (49%) of all Spanish wine sold by value with a bottle setting you back on average £6.79, in comparison to the overall average wine price of £5.64.

2121

Vintage vino

winemaker Eben Sadie. Produced using 120-year-old vines, the wine was first released in 2006. The grape, also known as Carignan, is named after the area where it is believed to have originated - Carinena in Aragon. The same winery also saw its Priorat Pedra de Guix 2015 come in at no.19 on the list, while its Garnacha Priorat Les Manyes 2015 securing No. 33.

In the RED

Real de Asua, 2001, La Rioja Alta Rioja Gran Reserva 890, 2005 and Lopez de Heredia’s Vina Tondonia 1996. Spain’s most expensive wine Pingus found itself dropping down to No.16 on the list. His top 100 can be found at www.jamessuckling.com/ wine-tasting-reports/top100-spanish-wines-2017/

Iconic wine Vega Sicilia’s Unico 2006 took the top position. The Ribera del Dueno producer also has its Reserva Especial at number 12 on the list. The second best wine in Spain was voted as Prado Enea Gran Reserva, produced by Muga in Rioja. Meanwhile three of the top 10 wines were made a literal stone’s throw away from each other in Haro, Rioja: CUNE’S

Suckling’s top 20 Spanish wines

1 VEGA SICILIA RIBERA DEL DUERO UNICO 2006 2 MUGA RIOJA PRADO ENEA GRAN RESERVA 2010 3 COMPAÑIA DE VINOS TELMO RODRIGUEZ RIOJA LAS BEATAS 2014 4 ARTADI ALAVA VIÑA EL PISON 2014 5 DESCENDIENTES DE J. PALACIOS BIERZO LA FARAONA 2015 6 CUNE RIOJA REAL DE ASUA 2001 7 LA RIOJA ALTA RIOJA GRAN RESERVA 890 2005 8 LÓPEZ DE HEREDIA RIOJA GRAN RESERVA VIÑA TONDONIA 1996 9 TERROIR AL LIMIT PRIORAT LES TOSSES 2015 10 CONTINO RIOJA GRAN RESERVA 2010 11 GRANJA DE NUESTRA SEÑORA DE REMELLURI RIOJA BLANCO 2014

12 VEGA SICILIA RIBERA DEL DUERO RESERVA ESPECIAL UNICO 13 DESCENDIENTES DE J. PALACIOS BIERZO MONCERBAL 2015 14 DOMINIO DE ES RIBERA DEL DUERO LA DIVA 2015 15 ALVARO PALACIOS PRIORAT L'ERMITA 2015 16 DOMINIO DE PINGUS RIBERA DEL DUERO PINGUS 2015 17 ALVARO PALACIOS PRIORAT DOFI 2015 18 LA RIOJA ALTA RIOJA VIÑA ARDANZA RESERVA ESPECIAL 2001 19 TERROIR AL LIMIT PRIORAT PEDRA DE GUIX 2015 20 GRANJA DE NUESTRA SEÑORA DE REMELLURI RIOJA GRAN RESERVA 2011

SPAIN exported the most red wine in the world last year beating Italy and France by millions of hectolitres. The country sold 22.8 million hectolitres, ahead of Italy with 21 million hectolitres and France with 15 million hectolitres. The only downside however, is that collectively it came in much cheaper than its two main rivals, making just €2.85 billion in revenue,

compared to Italy’s €6 billion and France’s €9 billion. The profits gap comes because Spain sells its wine very cheaply at €1.25 per litre, compared to France’s €6 per litre and Italy’s €2.78. In fact, Spain sells its wine off the cheapest of almost any country, with only South African wines sold at a lower price (€1.23 per litre). Australian wine sells for €3.1 per litre and Chile at €1.89 per litre.

Holy Communion and Confirmation

Breakfast Buffet

Hurrah for salmorejo! WINNING FORMULA: For Finca la Torre oil

Liquid gold! AN Andalucian olive oil company has scooped gold for the fifth time in a prestigious annual competition. Organic producer Finca La Torre, in Bobadilla, near Antequera has produced the ‘best extra virgin oil’ for the fifth time in six years. Awarded by the Ministry of Agriculture, the prestigious Food Awards of Spain recognises the incredible quality of the oil, which is sold abroad in 25 countries, including South Korea, Australia and the Middle East. The Swissowned company, which owns 380

hectares of olive trees, has seen its turnover triple over the past three years. Sales have gone from €400,000 in 2014 to €950,000 in 2017, with the company estimating it will turnover €1.2 million in 2018. The success of the oil is put down to local agronomist Víctor Pérez, who uses only the very best oil from the estate’s 33,000 trees, which include Hojiblanca, Arbequina, Cornicabra and Picudo varities. The estate sits on the site of a 2,000 year old Roman olive farm between the two natural parks of Torcal and Fuente de Piedra.

IT may not be as famous as gazpacho, but Cordoba’s celebrated Salmorejo soup, is getting recognition by the day. It comes after travel bible The Lonely Planet dubbed it one of the world’s top ‘must try’ bowl dishes.

Topped

Concocted with tomatoes, bread, oil and garlic, the soup is served cold and sometimes topped with serrano ham and diced hard-boiled eggs. Not to be confused with its cousin gazpacho, salmorejo is pinkish-orange in colour and much thicker and creamier in texture, due to the inclusion of bread.

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Columnists April 11th - April 24th 2018

Not the BBC A kiss and telly story with lights, camera (when available) and plenty of animal action

T’S 20 years this month since I landed my first job on the Costa del Sol as a presenter on … well, let’s just call it Shoestring TV to avoid a libel writ. My grandiose title was Head of English Programmes – although, having no staff, I was merely head of myself. It was my task to produce a daily news bulletin in English, and a weekly chat show; tall order, given the lack of tools, although only bad workmen are supposed to blame them. I called the show Not the BBC with Belinda Beckett & Co. How apt that turned out to be! There was no autocue and precious-little film footage so I had to talk to camera non-stop. This meant translating into English and memorising a dozen news stories a day.

I bet even the competent Kay Burley of Sky News would have found that a tough call. As the only place quiet enough to learn my lines was the loo, I spent quite a few hours locked inside getting my head round names like ‘Councillor Marie Concepción Palacio de Pil Pil Guiterrez y Bobadilla’, then trying to remember why it was I was even talking about her. When I was more-or-less word perfect we might start the recording; or not. The only functioning camera was often out on location during daylight hours so the ‘rehearsal toilet’ became my second home. Thank heavens it wasn’t live TV, although you had to beg the producer on all fours to do a retake. The chat shows were worse. No make-up, no wardrobe, no Green Room. Guests, when you could sucker them into coming on the show, were forced to buy their own coffee from a very contrary machine, and hang around in the corridor sipping tepid sludge from polystyrene cups until it was time to go on. I always had an animal N my so far rather colourful guest star. At least dumb journalistic career, I’ve had animals don’t complain the opportunity to interview about the facilities. There the good – Rik Mayall was as was the aquarium filled brilliantly funny as you would with piranha fish, the pyexpect – the bad – a certain thon I wore coiled around TV talent judge wouldn’t come my neck, the baby crocodown from his hotel suite on dile I sat on my lap ... The a Sunday morning, after I’d crocodile had its jaws travelled two hours by train to wired up but it should also meet him. have worn a nappy… Needless to say I didn’t come However the highlight of back later that afternoon as my short-lived career unhis frazzled press agent imder the spotlights was also plored me, and the ugly – let’s my last day in the profesjust say my planned interview sion. with bad boys Danny Dyer and ICON: Giles with Picasso Tamer Hussain went on into relative the early hours. I didn’t come away with a story The should explain here but we ended the evening as firm friends...I’m just thankful we that the ‘studio’ was a mudidn’t get tattoos. seum of ball gowns. Yes, But after you have done the cava and cocktail circuit in Marbella we broadcast between for a couple of years and have rubbed shoulders with It-girls, wanthe crinolines and the flanabes, Premiership footballers and most of the cast of TOWIE, you menco dresses to a ‘studio can get a little jaded with it all. audience’of tailors’ dumI even get a little blasé about the invitations to the openings of new mies. And one day, the obbars and restaurants, preferring to spend my evenings up on my vious happened. lake away from the madding and maddening crowds. The risky proximity of But when an invitation to a world premiere screening featuring a scorching spotlights to genuine Hollywood A-Lister drops through my virtual letterbox, then polyester dresses catait’s time to fling on the glad rags. lysed into a wildfire. ‘Genius:Picasso’ is a ten part series by National Geographic TV In the midst of melting about Pablo Picasso, Malaga’s favourite historical son and starring mannequins and acrid Antonio Banderas, Malaga’s contemporary historical son. The comblack smoke, my guests pany decided to premiere the series in Malaga in the week leading and I rose to flee the buildup to Semana Santa, when Antonio makes his annual pilgrimage ing and were promptly orto the city. dered to sit down again bePurely by chance I had arranged to interview the extremely urbane cause Shoestring TV had Olivier Picasso, the great man’s grandson, and he invited me to the no budget for a retake! event at the Teatro Cervantes and the after party. Needless to say, we Banderas may love Malaga, but Malaga loves Banderas more. flouted these orders and When I turned up to the screening a good hour and a half early, the spluttered out to the hardened fans and even more hardened paparazzi were already in safety of the street where place in front of the photo wall, waiting for the man himself. we watched our floor selfInside the theatre was no different, with hundreds of invited guests combust. In my own case, doing their part in the Antonio love in. I was permanently out The only slightly off note was when the CEO of National Geographic on the street, minus my TV decided to rung through an exhaustive list of his films. ‘We know only winter coat and final who he bleeding well is, let him on stage’ you could hear the collecpay cheque – my broadtive murmuring. casting career also up in But when he finally took to the stage, Antonio had us all captivated. smoke. He spoke of his love of Malaga, his love of Picasso and the fact that Today, writing this in my when filming here he had been breathing the same air and feeling office at home, with acthe same sun that the great artist was. He finished by telling us that cess to decent coffee and Picasso’s daughter told him that once she caught Pablo waking minus a mad menagerie from a siesta and smiling “I’ve been in Malaga’ he told her. of pythons, piranhas and You could hear the audience melting after that remark. Banderas incontinent crocodiles, all I isn’t an A-lister for nothing.... can say is ‘thank you, God!’

One night with Pablo

Giles Brown rubs shoulders with the descendants of Malaga’s maestro

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