Olive Press Gibraltar Newspaper - Issue 21 by Olive Press Newspaper Spain

A day to remember

The Rock’s only investigative

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ll about

Issue 21

local newspaper

the Gibraltar Olive Press

A special 8 - page com-October 1st - 14th memorative guide

istoric PM visit

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June 22nd - July 5th 2016

A dAte with dAve 47 years since last PM visit

T exactly 4.15pm on June 17 a new chapter in Gibraltar’s history was written. As Prime Minister David Cameron’s private jet touched down at North Front airport, Chief Minister Fabian Picardo waited with great anticipation to greet him. And understandably, with Cameron being the first serving PM to visit the British territory since Harold Wilson, some 47 years ago. With just a week to go until the European referendum, Cameron wanted the people of Gibraltar that Leave or Remain, the UK will support them. to show He also wanted to urge them to vote Remain, but that opportunity denied as British MP Jo Cox was horrifically murdered by a right-wingwas sadly maniac, leading to a 48-hour moratorium on campaigning. Despite the sad outcome of the day, optimism rang out through Gibraltar as Cameron’s visit brought thousands of Gibraltarians together under the ‘Stronger IN’ banner. And nobody can take away from the historic significance of the visit.

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UNITED: Gibraltarians are all speaking as one

Day of Destiny Gibraltar takes deep breath ahead of key EU poll

IT’S been dubbed the ‘decision of a generation’ and this week’s vote on Britain’s EU membership is the most important political choice most Gibraltarians will ever make.

A vote for Brexit will affect the Rock far more than any other part of Britain. Vote Leave, and we face economic turmoil and the prospect of further political tension with Spain.

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Vote Remain, and the solid bedrock on which Gibraltar has built its economy will remain firm and our excellent standard of living intact. This has been a deeply divi-

sive campaign. The Leave group’s scare tactics reached their nadir with Nigel Farage’s poster showing a thick line of brownskinned people fleeing wartorn Syria.

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The poster sums up the non-truths peddled by Farage and his ilk. The EU isn’t to blame for the Middle East’s humanitarian crisis. The very day Farage’s hateful poster was unveiled, David Cameron’s historic visit to the Rock was overshadowed by the brutal killing of MP Jo Cox.

Far-right

Who would doubt that the poisonous anti-immigrant rhetoric hasn’t contributed to the vile acts of murder suspect Thomas Mair, a supporter of far-right group Britain First? A vote to Remain is not only a vote for economic security. It is a hand of friendship offered to our Spanish neighbours and allies. It is vital for the sake of future generations that we vote Remain on Thursday.

Into the crystal ball See Page 6

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NEWS IN BRIEF

Stand still PSOE leader Pedro Sanchez rejected ideas of a coalition with either PP or Podemos ahead of this week’s elections.

Closing in THE pound and European bond markets show diminishing concern for Brexit by investors.

Strait across NEW Zealander David Blackmore swam across the Strait of Gibraltar last week in a little over four hours. He believes he is the fourth Kiwi to complete the 20km swim.

Flying high SOLAR Impulse, a solar powered plane circumnavigating the globe, left New York on Monday for Sevilla.

Pricey plane THE deadlock over Gibraltar’s inclusion in EU aviation agreements could be costing Europe as much as €400 million annually in lost business opportunities, the EC has revealed.

June 22nd - July 5th 2016

Fire away as arsonist fails to show

AN arrest warrant has been issued for a suspected Gibraltarian arsonist after she failed to show up in court. Aydee Macias was due to appear at the Gibraltar Supreme

Court to face one count of attempted arson and one count of arson. Her defence asked for a new date to be set, claiming she was not well and that she had been

unreachable all morning. Judge Karen Ramagge insisted she was in breach of court and issued a warrant for her arrest. A trial is hoped to take place by the end of October.

Find them! By Laurence Dollimore

A FATHER has spoken out after the attempted abduction of his eight-year-old son. Bus driver Joseph Zarb, 37, says the whole family is still in shock after four men allegedly tried to kidnap his son Jensen from outside their home on Glacis estate.

Dad reveals boy is too scared to go outside after ‘attempted abduction’ outside home The boy suffered cuts and bruises in the incident and needed hospital treatment. “He is really scared and doesn’t want to go outside anymore,” Joseph told the Olive Press, last night. “We are still in shock and dread to think what would

French fried A FRENCH businessman has appeared in court charged with stealing almost £60,000 from his previous company. The man, 38, pleaded not guilty to theft of £59,249 from the Gibraltar firm. Both crimes allegedly took place between July 2014 and February 2016. While an affiliate manager of a local company, the defendant allegedly authorised payments contrary to the financial well-being of the company.

have happened if they had taken him. We must find the people who did this.” Police are investigating the incident on June 15 and are scouring CCTV cameras in a bid to spot the assailants. They are also appealing for witnesses who may have seen a blue Kia Picanto with Spanish number plates.

Struggle

Jensen’s mum described the alleged ordeal on Facebook as ‘a struggle’. “One man got out of the car and followed my son and once out of sight tried to abduct him as he struggled to run home,” she recalled.

“The man grabbed my son by the arm and tried to take him, my son started to shout and in the struggle managed to free himself and started to run but fell and hit himself on a pillar. “As the man came towards him to grab him again the car was waiting with the door open.” She added that he arrived home ‘covered in blood’. Jensen had to have stitches above his eye and treat cuts to his elbow. “We can confirm that we are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, whereby an eight-year-old child felt distressed after being allegedly harassed by an unknown male,” a police spokesman confirmed. He added the suspect may have been under the influence of alcohol.

FLAG: As seen from Spain

Staking a claim

A SPANISH flag laid out on the upper Rock on Monday has enraged Gibraltarians. Police quickly removed the red and yellow ‘rojigualda’ and are looking for the culprit.

Angry

Numerous photos were uploaded to social media with an outpouring of angry comments and one user described it as ‘an act of war’.

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Ron’s red-hot rocket HE may be firing blanks on the field, but off the pitch Cristiano Ronaldo can’t stop scoring. The Real Madrid striker’s new girlfriend Elisa de Panicis , 23, flaunted her figure in this sizzling-hot photograph. Ronaldo met the Italian reality TV star at an exclusive Ibiza yacht party last month. He is yet to score at this month’s Euro 2016, missing a penalty and having a goal disallowed against Austria on June 18.

HAPPY FAMILY: The Obamas

MICHELLE Obama is bringing her teenage daughters to Spain again. The First Lady will travel with daughters Malia and Sasha to Madrid, Morocco and Liberia this month to promote education for girls, the White House has revealed. They will visit a Peace corps training center and school in Liberia to talk to young women about the challenges they face in trying to stay in school. They will then join British actress Meryl Streep in Morocco to discuss commitments made by the US and Morocco to help girls to go to school. Finally they will land in Madrid at the end of the month, where Michelle will lecture on her Let Girls Learn initiative, which promotes education for girls.

Ne-Yo Rocks on

R’n’B star to headline Saturday night at Gibraltar Music festival

AMERICAN R’n’B star Ne-Yo is the final headliner at the Gibraltar Music Festival. The three-times Grammy Award winner is the latest headline act to be announced for the event, which takes place on September 3 and 4. It will be Ne-Yo’s only British concert this summer ahead of his much-anticipated seventh studio album, which is set to be released this summer. Last week, the Las Vegas record producer released his new track Two. Ne-Yo, who has written songs for Rihanna, Beyonce, Usher, Jay-Z and Celine Dion, has scored three numberone albums. Stereophonics, All Saints, Bryan Ferry, Jess Glynne, Rosario, The Vamps and KT Tunstall have also been confirmed for the festival. Children under the age of 12 can attend the festival for free if accompanied by a parent or adult guardian with a ticket.

BRITAIN’S Got Talent star Jonathan Lutwyche is helping to host a summer camp for aspiring dancers. Gibraltar’s ballet boy will take the Deb’s Artistic Gymnastic Club classes at Sotogrande International School from August 1 to 27. The classes are open for children aged four and up, with British gymnastics coach Deborah Boden joining Jonathan as a teacher.

Status: ill

Dance chance

Ladies on tour

STUNNER: Panicis

June 22nd - July 5th 2016

HELPING HAND: Lutwyche to guide budding dancers

Following his success on the reality TV show, Jonathan joined the world-renowned Joffrey Ballet School last September.

COSTA rocker Rick Parfitt has suffered a heart attack after a show in Turkey. Status Quo’s lead guitarist, who lives between Marbella and Alhaurin, has had a number of health scares in the past, including another heart attack in 2011. Parfitt had to be airlifted back to London for treatment, where he is said to be making a full recovery.

RECOVERING: Parfitt

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NEWS IN BRIEF

Overload FOUR container ships carrying 6,000 containers had to be diverted from Algeciras to Malaga due to an unexpected boost in ship activity.

Busted ALGECIRAS police have arrested four people in Estepona who were planning to smuggle 12 kilos of hashish to Portugal.

Connected THE telecommunications firm Avatel & Wikiker has announced plans to extend its fibre optic broadband lines to Los Barrios this year.

Takeover CARREFOUR is expected to buy all the Eroski supermarkets in Algeciras as part of a €205m takeover.

La Linea strangler

A LA LINEA man charged with attempting to strangle a woman has claimed he was defending himself. Miguel Raul Perez Porto, representing himself at the Gibraltar Magistrates court, shrugged off the photos of the alleged victim’s injuries before claiming he was ‘merely defending himself’.

Punching

He is accused of punching and slapping the woman’s face and body before attempting to strangle her and threatening to kill her. The court heard how she coughed up blood repeatedly. Mr Porto has been remanded in custody and the trial will move on to the Supreme Court.

C AM P O D E G I BR A LTA R

Fat chance Spain’s most obese man hoping to turn life around with surgery SPAIN’S most obese man has undergone drastic surgery in a bid to reduce his weight by 440lbs. Juan Manuel Heredia, from Algeciras, underwent a gastric laparoscopic bypass surgery at a Granada hospital. He weighed 660lbs prior to his operation and is expecting to lose around 440 over the next 18 to 24 months. “I cannot do anything,” he confessed at a press conference, “I want to live a normal life.”

Doctor’s had to use a specialised table and surgical equipments in the operating theatre due to his size. He was given a double-wide bed and had to be moved using a crane due to his weight. The heaviest man in Spain suffers from extreme morbidity with sleep apnea, diabetes, incipient hypertension, severe fatty liver, respiratory difficulties and deformed joints caused by excessive weight and pressure. The surgical team used a technique that sees the majority of

Taken to the cleaners

A MONEY laundering ring operating in the Campo has been busted. Nine gang members laundered more than €2m of drug money by buying up real estate, luxury cars and other exclusive products. One of the gang leaders, who was arrested in Campamento, was found carrying €8,000 in cash, which he claimed was to cover his daily expenses. DIRTY CASH: Gang busted

JUAN’S HOPE: Surgery for Algeciras man the patient’s stomach cut off, meaning they can only absorb a small amount of food. Juan has started on a programme to help him lose 33lbs

THE Cross-Frontier Group insists Brexit would be a disaster for the Campo. Angel Serrano, president of the group and the UGT regional secretary, warned the result would cause an ‘economic and social rift’ between Gibraltar and Spain, while posing a substantial risk to employment on both sides of the border. Serrano said: “At a time when neighbours on either side of the border are trying to build links for the greater prosperity of the region as a whole, it would be a step backwards.” The Cross-Frontier Group brings together unions, business organisations and public entities from Gibraltar and Spain through cross-border projects.

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a month incorporating diet and exercise, and slowly reducing the pace of his weight loss to nine or 11 pounds every four weeks.

Disaster!

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June 22nd - July 5th 2016

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June 22nd - July 5th 2016

Rock solidarity THE Rock’s Moorish Castle has been lit up with rainbow colours to show solidarity with the victims of the tragic Orlando shooting.

Omar Mateen killed 49 people and wounded 53 others when he opened fire with an assault rifle in gay nightclub Pulse in Florida.

Chief Minister Fabian Picardo said he was ‘sickened’ by the murders and asked: “How can someone’s sexuality make them so hated?”

Airport underpass works to finally start

WORK is finally set to resume on the £24 million airport tunnel after a bitter courtroom battle over its construction was resolved. The government has now reached a settle-

Tunnel vision

ment with Spanish firm Obrascon Huerte Lain SA (OHL) to complete the runway tunnel by November 2018. The 1.24 km four-lane dual carriageway will link Devil’s Tower Road with the Spanish border. And, if the work isn’t completed on time, OHL will be hit with financial penalties. Chief Minister Fabian Picardo hailed the ‘new climate of cooperation’ with OHL. “Although it may come as a surprise to many, our priority has been to ensure that work on the tunnel is going to be completed as soon as possible,” he said. The original 2008 budget of £30 million has been reduced to reflect costs incurred by the government since it terminated its contract with OHL in August 2011. GRILLING: Fox probed by OHL subsequently demanded £20 million in damages for OP reporter Rob Horgan breach of contract, despite retary Jose Manuel Garcia- having already received £14 Margallo who recently stat- million. ed that closing the border The company lost its UK High would be ‘perfectly possible’ Court case and had a Court of in law if the UK was outside Appeal bid to have the case the EU. heard at the Supreme Court thrown out in 2015.

Fox: We’re better out of the EU! BRITISH MP Liam Fox claims Gibraltar would be ‘better off’ outside the EU. The former defence secretary insisted ‘all aspects of Gibraltar’s economy’ would benefit from Brexit. Despite being a self-confessed ‘lover of Gibraltar’, he told the Olive Press, that it has ‘nothing to fear’ in the EU referendum and rubbished claims that Spain would shut the border. “It is just an empty threat,” Fox told the Olive Press while staying at The Rock Hotel. “There is no chance of the border being shut, that just wouldn’t be allowed.” A staunch supporter of the Leave campaign, Fox also said that ‘everything about

EXCLUSIVE By Rob Horgan Gibraltar’s economy would benefit from an independent, free market’. “The gaming industry, the port and tourism would all benefit from being outside the EU,” he said. “I love Gibraltar and wouldn’t be backing the Leave campaign unless I thought it was in the best interest of Gibraltar and the rest of Britain,” he said. The MP has visited the Rock four times in the past 12 months, and revealed that he had even spent Christmas Day at the Caleta hotel. His views however, fly in the face of Spain’s foreign sec-

FE AT U R E

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OPINION Rock to Remain IT is impossible to overstate the importance of Thursday’s referendum vote. General elections come and go. This time, a cross on a ballot paper will shape Gibraltar for generations to come. The question needs to be asked: when the massed weight of expert opinion says we should vote Remain, why on earth risk our economic future by voting for Leave’s lies? Michael Gove’s lunatic assertion that ‘people have had enough of experts’ says it all. Nigel Farage has pandered to people’s most base fears about immigration. Boris Johnson has opportunistically thrown his lot in with the side he hopes will deliver him to Number 10. Theirs has been an ugly campaign of cobbled-together non-truths. Britain deserves better than their vision of our future. It deserves to Remain.

Welcome to the Rock IT may not have been a public visit in the end. But David Cameron’s fleeting trip to Gibraltar on June 16 was momentous nonetheless. The tragic circumstances of Jo Cox’s death were ultimately to prevent locals from seeing their own Prime Minister, but we respect the politicians from holding off campaigns for the day. But we can be truly grateful that Cameron decided to show his respect, support and allegiance to the Rock - and spent four hours in a plane to prove it. Politicians welcomed him warmly and we only wish the whole Rock had the opportunity to do the same. The Rock’s only investigative

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A campaigning, community newspaper, the Gibraltar Olive Press represents the local and expatriate communities working or living on the Rock with 10,000 copies distributed fortnightly on a Wednesday. Clarke Media Ltd. Registration number: 113878 Suite 2B, 143 Main Street Gibraltar Printed by Corporación de Medios de Andalucía S.A.

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With the polls neck-and-neck, Marbella lawyer Alex Radford takes a look at what a Brexit will mean in the days, months and years following an out vote:

Day 1

June 22nd - July 5th 2016

Into the crystal ball

The UK and Europe wake to the reality that Brexit is on. The world is in shock! Brexiteers are still partying. The Remain campaigners are nowhere to be seen. European stock markets open and immediately crash. The pound falls by more than 20 cents against the euro. In Spain, expats and locals are still recovering from their San Juan hangovers. Summer has arrived, or has it? Expat estate agents begin to receive calls from worried Brits who question whether they can afford their Spanish property purchase, after all, due to the slump of the pound. Spanish mortgage brokers are inundated with calls to rearrange terms… it’s better, after all, to take a euro mortgage rather than lose deposits paid.

ficult as there will be no free movement of labour and agreements in place between the countries for healthcare and pensions will be reviewed. David Cameron sends formal letter to European Union and the two-year exit process commences.

Day 30 The pound has recovered against the euro, but by just two cents. It becomes clear that this will be a complicated and long drawn out process. The UK has two years to negotiate its exit so nothing will happen until then. The EU will not make the negotiation process easy. Spain has a new Coalition Government and leader. Helping the Brits left in Spain is at the bottom of his list.

Day 183

Day 7 Hundreds of law firms are instructed to invoke their Brexit clause and cancel their property purchase contracts. Currency companies have one of their best trading days as Brits who sold their Spanish property buy sterling. The acting Spanish prime minister warns Brits living in Spain that life will become dif-

Hundreds of foreign owned estate agents in Spain have closed as demand from British buyers has dried up entirely and the UK is officially now in recession. Talks are ongoing between the EU and the UK regarding the provision of healthcare. Pensioners living in Spain are worried they may

not be able to afford private health cover, if a deal is not done. The pound has slumped, can they afford to stay in Spain or should they return to the UK? Thousands have already made the decision to leave. Brits living in Spain permanently now have to apply to Spain for a two-year residency visa. It is a complicated proceedure. Spain will treat Brits living here in Spain for more than 183 days as Spanish tax residents. Anyone living in Spain for less time will pay more tax.

Day 250

Inheritance tax allowances for non-tax resident Brits inheriting Spanish property are to be abolished. More capital gains tax will be payable when non-Spanish tax residents sell their property, with increase likely to be at least 5%. That’s a lot of money. New Spanish Government recognises important economic effects of Brits visiting, working and living in Spain. Promises to protect their interests. But can they be trusted?

Day 365

And a plea from three key voices: Richard Branson: I don’t call Brexit sovereignty “THE UK faces a decision where the risks are great. My reputation is of being a risk-taker – the cat with nine lives – but leaving the European Union is not a risk I would want to take. Not as an investor, not as an en entrepreneur and certainly not as a father and grandfather concerned about the world we leave to the next generation… Brexit would deal a devastating blow to the UK’s economy, killing many jobs and hitting the strength of the pound. Some say leaving is about sovereignty. Well, if the goal is to stay in Europe’s Economic Area and to recap the benefits of free trade, the UK would still have to play by the same rules and pay into the pot. Yet, the Government would not have a seat at the table when the rules are made. That’s not what I’d call sovereignty. That’s a bad idea.” J.K. Rowling: I want to keep peace and stability

Andrew Lloyd Webber: Moderate voice of Britain must be heard “WE need to think back further than last year’s migrant crisis. My generation have been the lucky ones. Our parents and grandparents tended to view Europe through their generation’s experiences of Ypres or the Normandy beaches on D-Day. My generation tends to see it as a holiday destination, a trading partner, somewhere to work or live… Happily, today Germany and Britain are not at each other’s throats. But the Putin-fuelled refugee crisis has undermined Angela Merkel, once the most powerful and stable politician

“I don’t want to leave a union that has brought more peace and stability to the region. Just so we are all clear, this may well decide the fate of two unions, not one.”

in Europe, and the German far-Right is back in business. Never has it been more important for the moderating voice of Britain to be heard loud and clear the heart of Europe. Within Europe we can influence. Outside we cannot.”

Healthcare deal agreed. Brits living in Europe can access healthcare, but again it means a lot of form filling. British Pensioners living in Spain breathe a sigh of relief. UK still in recession, even though the pound has recovered slightly against the euro and stands at 1.13. Lack of demand from Brits means property prices in Spain have not recovered as expected. .

Day 730

The UK has left the EU and the European Court of Justice. Brits living in Spain fear that Spain will take advantage of lack of protection from the European Court of Justice. After all it was the EU Commission, not Britain, who took Spain to the ECJ for discriminating against foreigners for inheritance tax, capital gains tax and non residents income tax. Who will protect them now? David Cameron resigns and is replaced by a new leader. Who?

Day 1000 Lawyers receive unprecedented number of calls to assist with new Spanish wills to mitigate inheritance tax, assistance with new Spanish visa application process and clients seeking litigation advice to enforce contracts. Clients sell their property in order to pay inheritance tax. The days of the British diaspora in Spain being the biggest and one of the healthiest in the world are well and truly over.

June 23 could make Europe a sideshow, writes Costa surveyor Campbell Ferguson June 23, 2016 will become a key date in British history like 1066 or 1812 and remembered for centuries. Leaving the EU will immediately lead to massive financial speculation causing major movements worldwide in currencies, stocks and government bonds and the value of all things dependent upon them. Some will make fortunes, but the majority in the UK and gradually in Europe will be poorer,

eventually seeing that they will have little hope of regaining their once healthy economic situation. The EU will be poorer without the UK and will have received a huge blow to its confidence and that of the other trading economies of the world, from which it will stagger and may even collapse financially. It too will spend months and years trying to recover its balance, losing productivity due to that and becoming poorer compared to the rest of

the world. The world economy is also not in a strong state so the major change that will have occurred could lead to another worldwide recession as everyone else works to analyse and then gain advantage from the changes that have occurred. So the inexorable transfer of global power will speed ever quicker eastwards, bit by bit turning Europe into a sideshow of squabbling, oncegreat arrogant nations.

FE AT U R E

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October 2015

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Second time’s a

T is the rematch that nobody wanted. With the Brexit referendum at the forefront of most people’s minds, the run-up to the Spanish general election has almost slipped under the radar. But it is upon us and if Britain votes to Leave the EU on Thursday, then the future of hundreds-ofthousands of expats and Gibraltarians will rest on who gets voted in on Sunday. The ruling PP party has already threatened to pounce on Gibraltar ‘the day after a vote for Brexit’. Meanwhile acting Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has warned that British expats could lose the right to live and work in Spain, should Britain opt out. (However, Rajoy has thrown his weight behind the Remain campaign, tweeting his support for Britain to stay in the EU on the very same day that David Cameron touched down in Gibraltar.) There is no doubt t h a t the outcome of the referendum will - and already has - had an impact on the campaign

charm

strategies of Spain’s politicians. Calls for Gibraltar’s sovereignty and threats to the expat population drum up patriotic support for the PP politicians who are willing to replace manifesto pledges with knee-jerk rhetoric to drum up votes. And if Britain votes Leave on June 23, then those same threats will be ramped up in the three days before Spain goes to the polls. But how likely is it that a re-run of December’s election will produce a government? Well, not very likely, but slightly more so than before. For much of the six months since the initial election took place, the country's four main parties have been locked in a political stalemate. The main change took place last month, with new kids on the block Podemos teaming up with Izquierda Unida to breathe new life into Pablo Iglesias, the forgotten man of Spain’s political makeup. Under the new name of Unidos Podemos, the alli-

Groups intentending to vote for each party in %,

Biggest supporters: PP

27,5

65 and over

25,9

Uneducated

PSOE

Unidos podemos

19,4

65 and over

Not interested: PP

35 to 44 years Higher education

12 11,7

Unidos podemos

Uneducated

25 a 34 years

10,6

65 and over

4,9 4,3

CIUDADANOS

PSOE Higher education

17,4

18 to 24 years

35 to 44 years

18,2

25 to 34 years

CIUDADANOS 29

Uneducated

10,7 9,3

olive press online

The ballot boxes are being wheeled out again as Spain attempts to form a government. Rob Horgan explores what has changed in the six months since the first go

DEADLOCKED: The faces of the political stalemate, Sanchez (PSOE, top left), Iglesias (Podemos, top right), Rajoy (PP, middle), Rivera (Ciudadanos, bottom)

Each print issue of the Olive Press can be read in its entirety on www.theolivepress.es And our site is updated June 22nd - Julydaily 5th 2016 with the latest news, making it one of Spain’s most visited news websites.

65 and over

3,4

Uneducated

2,7

INTEREST: The majority of PP and PSOE voters are over 65 or uneducated, while Unidos Podemos’ support is largely made up of those under 35. Youngsters appear to have no interset in Mariano Rajoy, and Ciudadanos are largely supported by middle-aged voters

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ance has also garnered the support of several other minor left-leaning parties. And, according to the latest polls, the pact is popular with Unidos Podemos standing to get around 25% of the vote - a whopping 5% more than the Pedro Sanchez-led PSOE which stands to take 20-21%. The PP still looks on track to take the majority of votes but is even less likely to be accepted into a pact after the election - which is almost certain to throw up another split vote. A full body triple assault on the acting Prime Minister was witnessed by the nation as the country’s first ever four-way political debate played out on TV last week. Pablo Iglesias, Pedro Sanchez, and Albert Rivera of Podemos, PSOE and Ciudadanos, respectively, attacked Rajoy on the country’s rampant corruption and the stagnant economy. Rajoy contended that the problems Spain faces are ‘easily seen, but not easily solved’ but his whipish defence would largely have fallen on deaf ears considering the obscene number of corruption scandals laid at his party’s feet. In the six months since the last election, the PP has been dragged through the mud.

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Corruption

In January, it became the first Spanish party to ever be judicially charged in a corruption case, being accused of destroying disgraced politician Luis Barcenas’ hard drives which allegedly contained information on illegal party funding. The same day, a staff member of deputy PM Soraya Saenz de Santamaria resigned after being linked with the fraudulent awarding of public contracts. By February, the scandal spread to Madrid after the Guardia Civil was sent to register the PP headquarters as part of the ongoing investigation which involved illegal financing and kickbacks. Esperanza Aguirre, former President of Madrid from 2003–2012, resigned as regional leader on February 14. The Panama Papers further shamed the party with Industry Minister Jose Soria forced to hang up his expenses book in April. The attack on corruption within the political sphere has been spearheaded by pony-tailed Podemos leader Pablo Iglesias for the best part of two years. A man inspired by cultural icons, the contents of his office says as much about him as you need to know. A Che Guevara poster, a painting of Khaleesi from Game of Thrones and a biography of Latin American independence hero Simon Bolivar point to a man inspired by fighting corruption. However, whether or not the PSOE and Unidos Podemos can come together after the June 26 election and form what would essentially be a three-way government remains to be seen. It certainly didn’t happen last time, but unless Ciudadanos make an unlikely u-turn and get in bed with Rajoy and co it is the only likely outcome for a ‘stable’ government. What are the odds on a third election?

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Brexit bumbler I USED to respect Gove, but this Brexit campaign has shown him to be at best a naive fool and at worst a blatant liar (Get lost Gove, issue 20). The acting foreign minister has already said that in the event of a Leave vote Spain will come after Gibraltar, now that doesn’t mean forcefully but I’m sure it will mean closing the border and using the status of Gibraltar in any negotiations with the UK on trade agreements. Johnson, Gove, IDS and Farage are hell bent on taking us to a very uncertain future, but, no doubt, when all goes tits up they will be alright. Zoe Foxman, Madrid

Born lucky THE migrant baby born on board the Gibraltarian ship has to be the luckiest baby alive (Water baby, issue 20). Not only is he lucky to be alive after his parents were pulled from a sinking dinghy but he now has the opportunity to register with the greatest country in the world: Gibraltar. No doubt Gibraltarians would welcome baby Alex and his family with open arms. I would love to see the fairytale go on. Christine Vazquez, Gibraltar

Perfect tonic WELL done to Eva Carneiro (Doctor’s orders, issue 20). Her victory over Jose Mourinho is a perfect example of David taking on Goliath and winning. Mourinho can be very ashamed of

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Dismount! UNELECTED Rajoy better get off his high horse and stop threatening the UK (British expats could lose right to live and work in Spain after Brexit vote, Rajoy warns, online). His statement is a bid to win votes in his own election campaign conveniently placed just three days after the Brexit vote. Trust me Rajoy and Spain have a lot more to lose than the UK on this issue. In the event of a trade war it will not end well for our Spanish amigos. Peter Hayes, Marbella

Empty threats

WHY would anyone assume we are safe here in Spain? The economy, trade and Gibraltarian relations could all fly out of the window if the Spanish government take it personally. And why wouldn’t they? Most other countries will also view us badly if we are the key that breaks up the club. Vote Remain!

RAJOY is not only crazy, he is a liar. There are well over 100,000 Spanish ‘working’ in the UK and a lot signing on as well. There are at least 400,000 British ‘living’ in Spain and at the most 20,000 actually ‘working’. The overwhelming majority are retired. I don’t know of any that are signing on. Spain will have at least 120,000 more people claiming benefits. It may come as a surprise to Rajoy but his nasty hubris is going to cost Spain an awful lot of money. Are you sure you want to do this, tonto?

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himself, he covered himself in no glory throughout the proceedings, even turning up with a smug smile on the day they settled. And he definitely had something to hide. £5 million for an insult? Yeah, alright Jose. There’s more to this story and Eva has been hushed up for now. I am sure the whole truth will come out one day. Tony Wood, Marbella

Priest’s sermon MAXI Priest should be given Freedom of Gibraltar after yet another cracking performance at St Michael’s Cave. I have seen Maxi countless times now and his love for the people of Gibraltar is inspiring. The fact that his latest song is called Gibraltar is a fitting tribute from him. Now Gibraltar should give something back to the man who has given so many Gibraltarians so many great memories. Anon, Gibraltar

Letters should be emailed to letters@theolivepress.es. The writer’s name and address should be provided. Opinions are not necessarily those of the Editor.

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Circle of life REGGAE band Inner Circle will play a gig on the Sunborn this summer. The Jamaican group, known for hits Bad Boys and Sweat (A La La la La Long) will play the 400-capacity Aurora Ballroom on August 20. The Olive Press

June 22nd - July 5th 2016

Corelli’s sweet Sounds of music summer Smash author Louis de Bernieres to headline Gibraltar Literary Festival

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HIS seminal novel Captain Corelli’s Mandolin took the world by storm in 1994. Made into a film starring Nicolas Cage, it has sold over two million copies around the world. Now its author Louis de Bernieres is to make waves at this year’s Gibunco Gibraltar International Literary Festival. The British novelist will appear alongside a stellar cast of writers and speakers at the world-famous festi-

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ROCK STAR: Novelist Louis de Bernieres

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A COSTA del Sol cancer survivor who has painted Bryan Ferry, Madness and Duran Duran hopes to raise thousands for charity with his new Seal portraits. Retired expat Edward Wall made a full recovery after being diagnosed with throat cancer in 2003. Following his brush with death, Edward, 57, decided to put his artistic talent to good use. Since 2012, the Manilva-based music fan has been sketching pop stars playing live in Gibraltar and Spain before auctioning them off for charity. This summer, the Sheffield native has written to Kaiser Chiefs, Simply Red and Seal ahead of their gigs on the coast. He said: “I was lucky in that after extensive treatment I was cured. This is one way I could think of to give some-

thing back for the chance I was given - not everyone is so lucky. “It started when Bryan Ferry came to Marbella and signed some drawings. “I was also lucky with Bananarama, Kid Creole and the Coconuts, Madness, Mica Paris, Sister Sledge, Johnny Marr, the Pet Shop Boys and Duran Duran.” In total, the drawings have made €4,000 for his hometown’s Weston Park cancer hospital, the Rhys Davies Trust and local charity the Duquesa Charitable Society of St George. Visit Edward’s Lets Kick Cancer Facebook page.

val, now in its fourth year. Others already confirmed for the event in October include award-winning journalist Boyd Tonkin, BBC food critic Jonathan Meades and Admiral Alan West, who served as a security advisor under Gordon Brown’s government. As the success of the festival continues to grow, Her Royal Highness, Princess Anne will be the patron of this year’s event. It is not known yet if she will be flying over to attend the festival. The Minister for Culture Samantha Sacramento said: “Our festival is so different as it is in such a unique location.” Appropriately, with the festival taking place during the weekend to commemorate the Battle of Trafalgar, Dr Matthias Strohn will launch his new military history book, The Royal Gibraltar Regiment 1939-2014. More acts are to be announced shortly.

RIGHT NOTE: St Michael’s

GIBRALTAR hosts its annual world music festival this Thursday at St Michael’s Cave. Named ‘Obrigado’, this year the festival is focussing on Portuguesespeaking countries and will include music, workshops and ‘a big street party’. This year’s lineup includes the Cape Verde singer Carmen Souza, the Brazilian bossa nova musician Marcio Faraco and the Portuguese singer Carminho. Tickets are £30 for adults and £25 for children and seniors. The festival is running bus shuttles from the coach park to the cave from 19.00.

Learned governor GIBRALTAR Governor Edward Davis and his wife have visited the Gibraltar National Archives. Archivist Anthony Pitaluga showed them around the site which has records dating back to 1704, when the Rock only had 41 census entries.

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As the Rock celebrates its 54th beauty Queen, Rob Horgan tries not to stare as he learns about the prestigious crown from the newly crowned Miss Gibraltar

STUNNING: Mifsud

1959

The British Queens of beauty

Jessica Palao

Melissa Berllaque

Jessica went on to win ‘Miss Congeniality’ at the Miss Universe pageant a year after winning Gibraltarian hearts in a sparkling silver outfit aged just 18.

The youngest ever Miss Gibraltar fought off her more experienced competitors with a sparkling white outfit to take the crown at the age of just 17, one month and 20 days.

With blonde hair, green eyes and an elegant white dress, Dominique was victorious on the Rock before winning the ‘Miss Personality’ title at the worldwide pageant later that year.

Jessica Baldachino Clad in an extravagant green and beige dress, Jessica topped the competition to be crowned the tallest ever Miss Gibraltar – measuring a neckaching 1.83cm.

Kaiane Aldorino

Dominque Martinez

The first ever Miss Gibraltar contest was organised by Vox newspaper and held at a dance organised at the CFCA hall on Main Street. The then 23-year-old stole the show with a black and silver number.

HEN a tearful Kayley Mifsud was named Miss Gibraltar 2016 she joined an elite club of Gibraltar’s most beautiful women. A health and safety coordinator at Gib Oil, the glamorous 24-year-old became the 54th beauty queen in the pageant’s glistening history. And as outgoing queen Hannah Bado planted the prestigious crown on her head, history was again written. Much like her predecessor, Kayley is determined to use the role to work with charities close to the Rock. “Fundraising is the main aim for the year ahead,” she tells

2009

1986

Viola Abudarham

June 22nd - July 5th 2016

1994

All the fame in the world couldn’t harm Kaiane’s adoration for her home. The former hospital administrator has now married her long-term boyfriend, who works on a cruise ship.

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the Olive Press over coffee at Verde Verde in Casemates Square. “My dad spent some time in Calpe House last year when he was recovering from prostate cancer so raising money for that cause is something particularly close to my heart.” She adds: “I was unsure about whether or not to enter Miss Gibraltar but when I heard that the contestants would be raising money for Calpe House I had to get involved.” Britishness Registering for the pageant with barely an hour to spare before the cut-off date, Kayley - along with the eight other contestants - has already taken part in many fundraising events, including recording charity single ‘Our Home’ with local artist Tim Garcia. She also plans to organise a 5-a-side football tournament at Victoria Stadium but Kayley insists she will not be following in the footsteps of Miss Gibraltar 2014 Shyanne Azzopardi by shaving her head.

“There is no chance of me shaving my head,” she says. “Shyanne looks great with short hair but I don’t think I’d look quite as good. I’d probably scare people walking down Main Street.” She adds: “The amount of charity work both Shyanne and Hannah undertook is something that really inspires me. “I have spoken to them both, as well as former M i s s World K a i ane Aldorino, and will definitely be asking for advice before heading off to Miss World in Washington in December.” Kayley recalls watching the pageant with her grandparents as a six-year-old. Involved in a number of previous shows as a dancer, she initially thought about applying at 18. However, following a lot of encouragement from friends and family she finally entered after returning to the Rock following five years in the UK where she studied at Cardiff university. A diary date on all Gibraltar-

Tuning in

Summer sounds W

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ians’ calendars, the Rock is as proud of its beauty queens as its Britishness: a traditional red phone box and a giant poster of the first and only Gibraltarian Miss World are the first two things you see as you cross the border. Kaiane Aldorino (right), w h o turns 30 next month, is too young to be called a national t r e a sure. But 2009’s Miss Gibraltar and Miss World enjoys the Freedom of the City and is also Deputy Mayor, an appointment underlining the high esteem in which she’s held. After winning the crown in South Africa, she embarked on a global tour before her rapturous

with Gary Beaumont

Local bands, a ‘70s disco star and a dead man walking to liven up the coming weeks

ELL this summer’s festival In fact that first weekend in July is season is officially underway, proving to be a busy one with the Torwith events like Barcelona’s remolinos Funky Town festival on the Primavera Sound setting the scene for Friday, featuring disco star George the coming months. McCrae, best known for his 1974 hit There have already been a few mis- Rock Your Baby. haps though. The very promising The following day, Saturday 2, sees the Trafalgar Festival fell victim to some start of the two-day Fuengirola Blues dodgy municipal deciFestival at Sohail Cassions, having its venue tle. Over the past year at Barbate gazumped we have seen the tragic We have seen by the more established and unexpected loss of Cabo de Plata Festival, too many of our musical the tragic and which had to move from heroes, giants such as unexpected loss David Bowie, Lemmie its original Tarifa site. It appears the local au- of too many of our and Prince. But there thorities are back to is one star who actually their usual tricks. should be dead by now, musical heroes Never mind, let’s look having been diagnosed forward to the good in 2012 with terminal stuff, beginning with pancreatic cancer, but the Ojeando Festival in Ojen on the continues to perform and will be headfirst weekend of July. This is a must lining on the Sunday. I am of course for those interested in the local indie referring to Wilko Johnson, former scene, with a great lineup of bands guitarist with Doctor Feelgood who, playing on the festival’s three stages along with his band which includes over two days. Bands include Super- former Blockheads Norman Watt-Roy submarina, Trepat, León Benavente, and Dylan Howe, will be rounding off a Full, Delorentos, Hungry Butterfly and great weekend of blues. Flaming Dolls. Many of the shows are That’s it for this edition, don’t forget to free entry, while for the headliners a get out there and keep music live by two-day pass is a mere €20. supporting local venues and festivals!

June 22nd - July 5th 2016

Family affair

what’s on

Twice in the competition’s history has one winner given birth to another, but only one family can boast three separate winners Grace Valverde – 1966 After dazzling her way to the title in a silver dress, Grace – then just 17 – developed a taste for success. But she caused controversy at the World pageant in London that year, after Miss Spain refused to accept Gibraltar’s presence in the competition, and promptly withdrew. Michelle Torres - 1992 Undeterred by her mother’s political strife, Michelle stole to the title 26 years later in a multi-coloured dress, also aged 17. Melanie Chipolina – 2005 Inspired by the family success, Grace’s niece Melanie made it a hat trick when she won with a green dress, at the older age of 23.

homecoming, with 15,000 people cheering her up Main Street. In an interview with the Olive Press in 2010, she praised the ‘totally unique, really special’ place she still calls home. “There is nothing like the amazing views from the top, to Africa and into Spain,” she said. “I also love the beaches, the lighthouse and the people are so friendly.” Other Miss Gibraltars have won s p e c i a l awards at international pag-

eants three times, an incredible achievement for such a small nation. There is no doubt Kayley will have the entire backing of Gibraltar when she heads off to Miss World later this year. And if the judges fall for her beauty and charm like Gibraltar has, there could just be another poster going up next to Kaiane’s before long.

ine Art THE fine Arts Summer Show from June 27 to August 23 at the Fine Arts Gallery on Casemates Square.

oyal party A CONCERT on June 30 to celebrate the Queen’s 90th birthday with the Philharmonic Society at the Convent Ballroom.

ribute THE Ultimate Tribute Night at the Elliot Hotel will feature a three course buffet dinner and live show on July 9.

ummer lovin’ A FIVE week programme including music, dancing, singing and activities like bouncy castles. July 9 - August 13.

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HILE Brits glue themselves to the TV to await their nation’s fate, Spaniards will take to the beaches to leap over burning piles of wood. That’s right, the EU referendum falls on the same night as San Juan, when all burning questions will be answered. Will you be happy, will you be rich, will Britain be IN or OUT? As date clashes go, bonfires and Brexit (or hopefully not) add up to a cracker of a night. Burning pyres, fireworks and a dash of paganism make this torchlit beach party one of the most exciting Spanish fiestas. Think Guy Fawkes on acid. Taking place in every major town and city along Spain’s coastline, hoards of revellers eat, drink and dance the night away in celebration of midsummer night. Last year was my first taste of ‘the festival of fire’ in Casares Costa and the extraordinary evening was an eye-opener. I watched from Playa Ancha as the night got underway with a massive bonfire which saw wooden huts yield to 10 foot flames. Effigies representing Judas Iscariot are also committed to the fire. The ritual’s rules and traditions are what make San Juan such an iconic night on Spain’s summer calendar. Although the religious relevance of the festival now plays second fiddle to having a splashing good time and a midnight dip is high on the agenda. In the midst of the burning fires, scores of fiesta-goers strip to their undies and take the plunge in the name of tradition. Legend states that after midnight, people must wash their faces and feet three times in the sea to be granted three wishes, wash away evil spirits and enjoy

June 22nd - July 5th 2016

Twisted firestarter As Spain gears up for its annual beach party-cum-bonfire bonanza, let’s hope no UK flags are thrown on the flames this San Juan, writes Rob Horgan

FIERY: Bonfires, swimmers and effigies a happy year ahead. The first of my three dips last year was refreshing, but the second and third took all the courage my goose-pimpled body could muster in the chill midnight air. But if an almost skinny-dip in la madrugada leaves you cold (and it will) then what follows will rekindle your enthusiasm. With the bonfires dying down, smaller

piles of wood are pulled to one side for jumping over. Everyone’s hot to trot because if you vault the bonfire three times your problems (if not your panties) will disappear in a puff of smoke. With these traditions satisfied, it’s time to party. A feast of musical acts took to the temporary stage on Casares’ beach last year,

and similar entertainments are laid on at beaches nationwide. This year, things kick off in Casares at 8.30 pm with children’s entertainment followed by a flamenco and ballet performance. Bonfires or Brexit - no contest, I know which gets my vote. And anyway, when you roll home in the small hours they’ll still be counting ballot papers.

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HISTORIC: Cameron and Picardo shake hands on the UK PM’s arrival on June 16 and (right) flags go up in Casemates Square

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A date with Dave 47 years since last PM visit

T exactly 4.15pm on June 16 a new chapter in Gibraltar’s history was written. As Prime Minister David Cameron’s private jet touched down at Gibraltar International airport, Chief Minister Fabian Picardo waited with great anticipation to greet him. And understandably, so with Cameron being the first serving PM to visit the British territory since Harold Wilson, some 47 years ago. With just a week to go until the European referendum, Cameron wanted to show the people of Gibraltar that Leave or Remain, the UK will support them. He also wanted to urge them to vote Remain, but that opportunity was sadly denied as British MP Jo Cox was horrifically murdered by a right-wing fanatic, leading to a 48-hour moratorium on campaigning. Despite the sad outcome of the day, optimism rang out through Gibraltar as Cameron’s visit brought thousands of Gibraltarians together under the ‘Stronger IN’ banner. And nobody can take away from the historic significance of the visit.

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What a day Teresa Benbunan, retired: “I got here three hours early just to say I was here when the Prime Minister spoke to Gibraltar. Having him here is essential to reassure us that the UK will take care of Gibraltar - Leave or Remain.” Alex Martin, retail manager at The Cellar “It is wonderful to welcome David Cameron today. It is a historic event for us all and we are really hoping the British people will not make that decision to Leave.” Serika Garcia, Mrs Gibraltar: “I normally do not get involved in politics, but having David Cameron here really brings home how important it is for all Gibraltarians to vote to Remain in the European Union. It is not just for our future but for the future generations of this great country.”

In full bloom istoric PM visit

On the first visit to Gibraltar by a British Prime Minister for half a century, David Cameron was amazed at how the enclave had ‘blossomed’ since he visited as a teenager, writes Rob Horgan

N the marble-floored 1930s dining room of the emblematic Rock Hotel, Prime Minister David Cameron raised a glass and toasted Gibraltar. Amid a tight-knit group of 30 hand-picked dignitaries the British prime minister insisted how ‘proud’ he was to be in Gibraltar,

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MEETING POINT: Cameron spoke to a private group at The Rock Hotel despite the sad circumstances of the day. In the totally private gathering with no press allowed - he spoke for around 10 minutes about the enclave and revealed how he had actually visited once before, as a teenager, after his A-levels. Talking ‘openly and honestly’ and with clear emotion, following the tragic death of his ‘friend’ MP Jo Cox, he recalled his first visit to the Rock in the early 1980s. Addressing a group of politicians, businessmen and distinguished guests, Cameron said he was ‘very proud’ to see how Gibraltar had ‘blossomed’ and was amazed at the changes he saw. Back then, he would have walked up a scruffy high street, seen the Wimpy and Horseshoe pub and certainly saw the top of the Rock and the monkeys. In contrast today, he flew in to see the modern tower blocks of Ocean Village, the Sunborn hotel and witnessed how gleaming and well protected all the old historic monuments are. Indeed, one of the main thrusts of his short talk was to explain his surprise at how modern the enclave had become and how much commerce the small territory was creating. Speaking unscripted, Cameron insisted he was ‘disappointed’ not to see more of Gibraltar this time around, and was ‘sad’ he was unable to address a planned rally in Casemates Square.

‘Forever part of our history’

IT was an act of savagery that outraged the world. Jo Cox’s murder in her Yorkshire constituency united Britain’s left and right as politicians of all stripes paid tribute to the Labour MP. Cox, 41, (right) was shot and stabbed on the steps of her constituency surgery. 52-year-old Tommy Mair has been charged with her murder and eyewitBut he insisted - despite being unable to campaign as a mark of respect for Jo Cox - that whatever happened in the Brexit Referendum, Britain would continue to staunchly support Gibraltar. Arriving shortly after 4pm, he had been quickly whisked up to The Rock Hotel where he firstly held a short scheduled meeting with Chief Minister Fabian Picardo and his deputy Joseph Garcia. In the meeting, he pledged his commitment to the Rock whatever the referendum outcome, and insisted any joint-sovereignty issue would be repelled by the British government.

IN IT TOGETHER: Picardo and Cameron

nesses have reported he was shouting ‘Britain First’. In Gibraltar, the killing overshadowed the joyous occasion of David Cameron’s trip to the Rock. But as Chief Minister Fabian Picardo said in a touching message, the mother of two is ‘someone we may not have heard of before but who is now, forever, part of our history’. “His visit was a historic one, albeit not a public one,” Picardo explained. “We engaged in lengthy discussions both as diplomats and also on a personal level. “David Cameron has always been a strong supporter of British Gibraltar and of the Gibraltarians as a people. “It is clear to both of us that the relationship between the UK and Gibraltar is stronger, closer and more resolute now than ever before.” The announcement that Cameron was arriving - just the night before - took everyone on the Rock by surprise.

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June 22nd - July 5th 2016 June 22nd - July 5th 2016

What a day

It led to one of the most frenetic displays of togetherness and organisation, that has come to exemplify our territory. Over just 12 short hours Gibraltar’s infrastructure swung into action as stages and big screens were erected around Casemates Square and special forces and local police scoured the surrounding streets for any potential issues. As Cameron’s Legacy 650 private jet touched down on the runway at exactly 4.15pm, two big screens had been put up, two stages had been erected and crowd control barriers were in place. The crowds had begun to gather soon after midday - many also planning to watch the Wales V England football game being shown at many places around the square - while dozens of Union Jack and Gibraltar flags were unfurled from every available space. The excitement was palpable, as everyone arrived with the anticipation of seeing the first serving British leader to arrive since 1968… many desperate to get the best seats in the house. And with British, Spanish and Gibraltarian camera crews setting up in force, there was a real sense that something historic was about to take place. The atmosphere was equally as

excitable in the pubs and bars around the square as England and Wales did battle in the Euros. In the Lord Nelson pub the focus was very much on the football but many whispers over beer glasses were about Cameron’s visit. As Wayne Rooney and co took to the field, a chorus of God Save the Queen boomed out as loud and proud as in any pub in London, Manchester or Birmingham. Sporting red-and-white feathered headgear with three lions proudly displayed on their chests, the patrons as British as Nelson himself cheered on Roy’s men with true vigour. Even Gareth Bale’s 30-yard screamer did little to dampen spirits. However mid-way through the second half, with England back on level terms and pushing for a winner, news began to spread that the rally had been cancelled. With the full time whistle blown and Daniel Sturridge stealing a last-gasp winner for England, the punters poured out into Casemates Square where an announcer explained twice that the rally had been cancelled due to an ‘attack’ on a British MP. Meanwhile, back at The Rock Hotel, a ‘forlorn-looking’ David Cameron paid tribute to his ‘friend’ Jo, who he described as a ‘popular member of Parliament, liked on

PROUD: Gibraltarian in Casemates Square

BUZZING: (From top left)Crowds gathered in anticipation, an England fan, a flag goes up and (below) lads watch the game

Alistair Locke (left), owner of Cafe Solo: “It has brought a bit of a buzz to the place. We have all been under a cloud for the last few weeks with everyone quite pessimistic and this is a lift. It’s great to see history in the making.” Neil Hayes: “What a great day. I was here last time the border was shut and there is no doubt the Spaniards would try to shut it again if we leave the EU. It split my family up last time, we would shout through the fence to each other, we can’t go through that again.” Samira Alwani, owner of Saffron restaurant and tapas bar: “Cameron’s visit is historic and we Gibraltarians are going to give him a huge welcome. Announcement of the visit was totally unexpected and we are grateful he came to show us his support.”

both sides of the bench’. Sources at the meeting told the Olive Press that Cameron ‘was visibly shaken’ about Cox and delivered a moving speech about the mother-of-two whose life was snatched away so cruelly. It was quite clear that the rally had to be cancelled. What was supposed to be a day of national celebration had been replaced by horror and despair. But despite anger and disappointment, people on Main Street were positive about Cameron’s visit. The general feeling was that Cameron being on the Rock - the first serving Prime Minister to do so since Harold Wilson, 47 years ago - was AS significant as whatever he was going to say. It later emerged that he had, in fact, found out about Cox’s murder aboard his private jet and was given the choice to turn back but insisted on arrival nonetheless. With the rally cancelled, journalists, camera crews and the general public began to congregate outside The Rock Hotel for a glimpse of the Prime Minister. Some waiting up to two hours to see him for less than a second. Clad in a black suit, white shirt and clutching a leather briefcase, Cameron departed the 84-yearold hotel from a side door at around 6pm surrounded by the smartly-dressed politicians and dignitaries. Disappearing into a blacked-out Range Rover, Cameron gave a brief wave to the crowd from the back seat as he was given a police escort to the airport. On the tarmac, with the Rock standing proud in the backdrop, Picardo shook hands with Cameron - and posed for an official, emblematic photo - bringing a close to a momentous day in Gibraltar’s history. It may not have gone as planned... but the day the British prime minister visited Gibraltar will live long in the memory.

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ll about

How the action unfolded in the heart of Gibraltar on June 16, the day of David Cameron’s visit, a minute by minute timeline recalled by Iona Napier

10pm the night before Newsflash

Champagne corks are popped across Gibraltar after the Olive Press breaks the news that PM David Cameron will be dropping in for a last-minute Remain rally the following day.Fabian Picardo labels it a ‘coup’ for the Rock.

istoric PM visit

Tracking h

8am

Morning glory

The sun is barely up but Casemates Square is already buzzing in anticipation of the day which will see history in the making. This is no dawn raid - with excitement building to rival snow on Christmas morning, thousands of Gibraltarians are gearing up for the first visit from an acting prime minister in almost five decades.

10am

12.30pm

Hack attack Olive Press reporters arrive on the scene. Publisher Jon Clarke and Head of Sales Chris Birkett land in Gibraltar to work with reporters Rob Horgan and Iona Napier who are live tweeting. The team chats to shopkeepers, restaurateurs, business owners and locals who – regardless of political orientation – are keyed up for Cameron’s visit.

Boys with toy

Jack the lads with hard hats busy assemb arrange viewing platforms so everyone can the big man. As news teams assemble came fridges, the square starts to fill up with dinin slice of the action. The big screens are alre red, resolute ‘I’M IN’ and Gibraltarian Teresa her mobility scooter to bag a good view.

4.29pm

4.32pm

News breaks

Chinese whispers

Rumours spread in Casemates Square that the rally is off following the shooting of a UK MP. It is not yet clear whether Jo Cox is dead and people mill around waiting for more information.

4.30pm

Cameron tweets soon after his arrival that he ‘won’t go ahead with tonight’s rally in Gibraltar, it’s right that all campaigning has been stopped after the terrible attack on Jo Cox’.

Rock solid relationship Chief and prime ministers meet for private talks in The Rock Hotel before Cameron addresses an audience of 30 of Gibraltar dignitaries.

4.50pm 4.45pm

Speaker time

A man stands on the podium David Cameron would have stood at to announce the rally is cancelled and both campaigns will suspend action for 24 hours. People continue to pour into the square hoping for a view of the PM.

Final whistle

Daniel Sturridge steals victory for the Three Lions, the Lord Nelson erupts and the final whistle blows. Punters pour out into the square to the scene of police dismantling barriers, the screen switched off and camera crews packing up their bags.

5:55pm Out of his tree

Reporter Rob Horgan is ordered by Royal Gibraltar Police to climb down from the upper branches of a tree near The Rock Hotel as he tries to snap David Cameron leaving the premises.

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history

What a day Albert Danino, Stronger IN board member: “It is just as important that Cameron came here as what he had planned to say. I was lucky enough to hear him talk at the Rock Hotel and he was very supportive of Gibraltar, he only had good things to say about our country.”

Singalong

Patrick SheppardCapurro, managing director of Capurro Insurance: “It is great that Cameron is here but we wish he had come sooner. It is very necessary for us to remain and I hope that all Gibraltarians turn up on the day and make a mark on the piece of paper to express that opinion.”

Gibraltarians in Lord Nelson’s Pub belt out God Save the Queen as Wayne Rooney leads the England team on to the pitch in France.

1.48pm

Tragic death

bling scaffolding and n get a good view of meras the size of small ng punters keen for a eady up screaming a a Benbunan arrives in

The news will not be public for several hours, but Labour MP and mother-oftwo Jo Cox is pronounced dead after being shot and stabbed several times in her West Yorkshire constituency.

3pm Kickoff

3.42pm Heartbreaker

4.15pm

Touchdown

Soon after 4pm, David Cameron’s private jet touches down on the tarmac at Gibraltar airport. He slaps on the sunblock and dons shades, delighted after a week of rain in London. On hand to extend a warm welcome, Chief Minister Fabian Picardo is waiting on the tarmac and they stop for an historic snap before jumping in a Range Rover bound for The Rock Hotel.

June 22nd - July 5th 2016

2.58pm

Groans ring out across Gibraltar as Joe Hart fumbles a 30-yard thunderbolt from Gareth Bale into England’s net. Patrons of the Lord Nelson pub sink their pints in despondent union as halftime beckons.

Pre-PM hype meets football fever as England and Wales fans watch the countries’ second game in Euro 2016. Following an unsatisfactory draw against Russia on Saturday and hooliganism in France, spectators here are friendly and passionate.

Moses Benamor, owner of Benamor LTD: “I am thrilled that Cameron is here. My family has been here for 300 years and we do not want to go anywhere. For business it is extremely important to stay in the EU. Nobody knows for sure what will happen, but a vote for Leave is bad news for Gibraltar.” Neil Samtani, manager at Cadenza: “It is vital that we stay in Europe. Having Cameron here is great in order to drum up support of staying in. It shows that he and the UK government care about us here in Gibraltar.”

6:45pm Last goodbye

Back on the tarmac less than three hours after he touched down, David Cameron shakes Fabian Picardo’s hand and boards the private jet bound for London after a police escort from The Rock Hotel.

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istoric PM visit

Memory lane

www.gibraltarolivepress.com June 22nd - July 5th 2016

Last Prime Ministerial visit came in 1968 with Harold Wilson over the crucial issue of ‘Rhodesia’, writes Joe Duggan

HE last time a British Prime Minister visited the Rock, man had not even visited the moon. Indeed, you have to go back to the Paris riots, the start of the Vietnam war and the first interracial kiss on American television to find the year that British Prime Minister Harold Wilson touched down in Gibraltar.

MONKEY TALK: Churchill

Indeed, it was in October 1968 that the Labour leader landed at Gibraltar airport, for his second visit in just two years. Over the course of six days, he held a series of high-level meetings aboard the HMS Fearless, over the key issue of Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe. While Cameron’s visit this week concerned the thorny issue of Brexit, Wilson was locking horns with Rhodesia’s then leader Ian Smith over the issue of white-minority rule and apartheid. They became known as ‘The Tiger Talks’, after an earlier round of discussions aboard the ship HMS Tiger, two years earlier in 1966. They came after the African colony had declared independence from Britain in 1965, but Wilson was determined it should return to direct rule. The meetings were mostly held on the two ships in the bay and the leaders’ exchanges were as stormy as the October sea, according to one Rhodesian witness. “We came into the Admiral’s day cabin to find Mr Wilson in an absolute fury,” recalled Jack Howman. “I have never seen a man exhibit such malevolence.” Perhaps unsurprisingly, the talks failed.

ALL ABOARD: HMS Tiger and (left) Wilson with pipe A more joyous visit came in 1954 is holding its party in a hostile land,” when the newly-crowned Queen Eliz- said the Herald. abeth met the adoring Gibraltarian The bunting was out again in 1964 public. when Sir Joshua Hassan and Peter A report from that week’s Sydney Isola returned to heroes’ welcomes Morning Herald described Gibraltar at John Mackintosh Square after adas ‘drenched in bundressing the UN. ting, encrusted with The two leaders loyal symbols and bubhad defended GiFranco’s promise bling with a patriotic braltar from Spanexcitement that is alish claims over the of ‘a splendid most a frenzy’. Rock, which had economic future’ But the monarch’s 15recently gained selfhour visit didn’t meet determination. with Spain was with universal approvFranco’s promise of al. General Franco saw ‘a splendid economfirmly declined the Union Jack flags ic future’ with Spain as an ‘insult’, with his was firmly declined. Falangist supporters Earlier, Winston making threats on the Queen’s life. Churchill was a visitor to Gibral“There is a coronation air, but you tar during World War Two, with the never lose the sense that Gibraltar Rock’s strategic importance playing

a crucial role in the fight against Hitler. Churchill also replenished the dwindling supply of Barbary Macaques, dispatching a troop transporter to Northern Africa for more apes. Of course, it’s not always heads of state paying a visit. Beatles star John Lennon and Yoko Ono famously tied the knot here in 1969. Lennon described Gibraltar as ‘a sunny dream’. (In March, wedding photographer David Nutter told the Olive Press how Ono spoke on the private jet from Gibraltar abuot ‘doing an exhibition of people covered in chocolate and watching it melt’ as the couple quaffed champagne). So it may be small, but the Rock has welcomed some giant historical figures. Perhaps next time the Queen?

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LABYRINTH: Gibraltar’s tunnels

THIS year marks the 300th anniversary of the Royal Engineers AKA the Sappers. The first group of this engineering corp of the British army was created in Gibraltar, where they built one of the most intricate archeological feats in the world - the Rock’s tunnel system. Constructed over 200 years, the 34 mile network housed ammunition, guns, hangars, ammunition stores, barracks and hospitals, and is almost twice the length of Gibraltar’s

entire road network. The tunnels were extended massively during the war-torn 20th century, when the Rock became a huge underground fortress capable of holding 16,000 men along with enough supplies, ammunition and

Prior plans PRIOR Park School is holding an event for parents whose children are joining this September. The June 27 meeting will be held by headmaster Peter Watts and school governors, who will update parents on the school’s refurbishment progress. Further development plans will also be discussed at the event, which takes place from 6pm. As the school is still a building site, anyone attending is advised to wear appropriate footwear.

equipment to withstand a prolonged siege. Since then, they have been turned over to the Government, while some areas have been sealed off entirely. It is now a tourist destination with tours available throughout the year.

Barracks battle

old Police Barracks is suing the project’s developers, claiming it is owed £500,000. Decor Construction Limited was awarded the contract to build 40 new apartments for The Arches Opco Limited. Work began at the site in July 2015, but The Arches terminated the contract in March this year in a row over the work being carried out, claiming Decor did not fulfill the terms of the contract. Lawyers acting on behalf of Decor filed a suit before the Supreme Court seeking specific performance of a settlement agreement, which they say both Decor and The Arches entered in to resolve the dispute.

Binding

But the Arches say a binding settlement agreement between the pair never existed. A statement from Arches said it was their belief “the development at Police Barracks shall continue as planned.” They said: “It is correct that there are on-going legal proceedings in the Supreme Court of Gibraltar in relation to this development. The Arches OPCO Limited is confident in its position in such proceedings. It is also the Arches OPCO Limited’s position that the development at Police Barracks shall continue as planned.” Decor is now suing for breach of contract and claims it is owed £500,000 for the work already carried out.

UNDER REPAIR: The old Police Barracks

Going mobile

A MAJOR Gibraltar property company has launched a new mobile friendly website. GM International Homes Ltd’s site allows you to immediately scroll what’s on offer instead of having to keep clicking and tapping to access more information. Managing director Vanessa Palmero said: “We’ve been working with Piranha Designs who are top website designers and the product’s looking great.” The group has also turned its attention to social media, withaccounts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. The new site, www.gmihomes.com, was launched in June.

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FULLY STOCKED: Olsson’s Marbella mansion

A SWEDISH skier who made headlines when he drove a Lamborghini up a glacier for Top Gear has revealed his extravagant Marbella home. Black, white and grey Casa Camo, in the hills above the resort with views to La Concha and the ocean, is the joint project of Jon Olsson and his fashion blogger girlfriend Janni Deler. In the adrenaline junkie’s ‘Cribs’-style Youtube vlog, the couple show viewers around the lavish threebedroom open plan house,

Costa cribs

with terraces galore and a sizeable pool and garden. They chose to buy a luxury home on the Costa del Sol several years ago as Deler’s father already had a property in Marbella. “I knew I had to invest in a property otherwise I would just keep buying racing cars,” joked Olsson, 33, who is also a keen golfer. “The sitting room’s a little small, maybe I should have

gone for a cinema room – but I am proud of the ten days I spent assembling closets for my girlfriend’s huge walk-in wardrobe.” “We love it here,” added Deler. They arranged for the house to be painted camouflage at the Swedish fashionista’s request and her other passion – shoes – is materialised in a high-heel-shaped pink chair in the master bedroom.

June 22nd - July 5th 2016

Sapper’s legacy

The Islands are performing Building firm suing for alleged best followed by regional TOPand for news Spain!breach of contract over police capitals large in cities, where, in May, prices were barracks redevelopment 3.5% higher than the same month last year. A GIBRALTAR building firm given the contract to renovate the

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Defined Benefit Schemes - “a ticking time bomb”? - by Tim Govaerts / Regional Manager Costa del Sol

were accumulated when the number of employees was growing and most were young. Unaffordable promises have been exposed by contraction, low returns on capital and increasing life expectancy. This problem is widespread as it is estimated that the UK private sector pension schemes have combined liabilities of £1.6 trillion which is about the same as the market capitalisation of the FTSE 100 constituents today. Ten years ago there were a total of around 7,000 Defined Benefit schemes in the UK, with an average funding (able to meet liabilities) of around 90%. Today there are less than 6,000 schemes with an average funding of around 80%. It is clear that there is a problem.

Following the news that no new buyer was interested in BHS and its £571M pension deficit, a number of our clients with a working history in BHS got in touch with us to find out their position and options with regards to their future pensions. Unfortunately, too late as the window had closed. The BHS scheme got into the Pension Protection Fund, a statutory fund in the U.K., intended to protect pensioners if their pension fund becomes insolvent. What this means is that they are now locked in without any possibility of looking at alternatives and transfer out. For deferred members, this means a potential reduction in pension income as the PPF only compensates 90% of the income up to a certain cap. A similar story goes for Tata Steel UK and its pension deficit which currently stands at around £700M. The company believes that separating the scheme from Tata Steel UK is necessary because otherwise it would be “highly unlikely” that a purchaser would take it on. Changes in legislation are currently considered to reduce the long term liabilities towards its 130,000 members by billions of pounds. This move however would set a serious precedent for other troubled schemes. What both Tata Steel UK and BHS have in common, apart from not being able to make a profit, is that their pension liabilities

Pension risk may well be one of the main risks for FTSE 100 companies with legacy defined benefit pension schemes. Since January 2005, it is estimated that the total pension liability of FTSE 100 companies has almost doubled. So how serious is it and “who’s next”? Based on the information in existing accounting disclosures, BAE Systems, BT Group, International Airlines Group (British Airways), Sainsbury’s and RSA Insurance Group are companies that all may be running significant levels of pension risk relative to the size of their business. The average FTSE 100 pension liability was 35% of market capitalisation, but for example, International Airlines Group’s accounting liabilities were more than double the size of its market capitalisation. As Michael O’Leary already quoted back in 2009: “British Airways is just a pension deficit with wings”.

Field has launched an inquiry into Defined Benefit pensions to find “radical solutions” to the increasing pressures on retirement savings posed by rising life expectancy and stubbornly low investment returns. The Work and Pensions Select Committee Chair said unsustainable promises made to scheme members were being “stacked up against” the jobs of younger generations. Without urgent action, “the impact on millions of people’s living standards from intergenerational tradeoffs of income and wealth are brutal”, he said. Although not clear what “radical solutions” mean, it is to be expected that they will include reductions in member benefits. Then are the Defined Contribution schemes. Since April 2015, defined contribution schemes have become more attractive as individuals can access their pension savings with much greater flexibility than previously, the so called “flexible access”. People can pass on capital to spouse and next generations. Add this flexibility to the massive problems final salary schemes are facing and you can ask yourself when it would be a good time to have a look at yours. As a member of a final salary scheme (“Defined Benefit Scheme”), you have options. Make sure you look at yours to make an informed decision whilst you still can. The clock is ticking… Call us now for a consultation to discuss your situation on 685 976 471 or email: tim.govaerts@blacktowerfm.com

So this raises the next question: will anyone allow companies the size of the above, to become bankrupt or bailed out? Of course not. It becomes very clear that promises made in the past are only as viable as the reality allows it to be. There are simply not enough people working to fund these payments. So who will suffer? The FT published last week that MP Frank

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the registered unemployed. While they have sought to comply with their obligation, would-be employees have been turning down offers or not turning up to interviews.

No-shows

Employment Minister Neil Costa says his department arranged interviews for 109 people and that companies had made 113 positions available, but a handful of people were either no-shows or said no to job offers. He fears employers may begin to feel that those sent by the Government are not interested in working, advising would-be employees to think very carefully about what they do.

June 22nd - July 5th 2016

New route

A PAIR of high-flying siblings have hand-picked Gibraltar as their top travel destination. Monarch Air stewards Download our app nowJames and and Chloe Lynch put sibling ribegin enjoying best Spanish valry aside and sawtheeye-to-eye on thenews best on place the to go.land. Showcased as the poster girl and boy of Monarch Airlines, NORTHERN ROCK: Manchester flights the pair recently conducted an interview for the inflight magazine where they sang the Rock’s praises loud and clear. “I haven’t done many flights yet, but so far my favourite has been Gibraltar,” Chloe said. “You Olive Press THE Gibraltar government has opened a list of meet a The lot of lovely people who unemployed people who turn down job offers. are genuinely interested in your job and lovefor to have a chat TOP news in durSpain! The move comes almost a month after urging employers to make sure they giving opportunities to ing the flight.

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GIBRALTAR is set for an influx of Mancunians after budget airline Easyjet begins its new flight route between the Rock and Manchester. The orange airline has assigned two flights per week starting July 3 and is expecting 30,000 passengers a year on the route. “We’re pleased to expand our destinations from Manchester. It’s safe to say we are seeing significant growth at the airport,” said commercial manager Ali Gayward. “Gibraltar is a firm British favourite and we expect it to be especially popular among holidaymakers.” Easyjet will base two more aircraft at Manchester to cater for the growth, upping its total number of jets at the airport to 11.

Name and shame

NEWS IN BRIEF Dirty money SPANISH builder and service provider ACS is to sell its waste management arm Urbaser to Chinese companies for €2.5bn.

Avoca-go! MERCADONA increased its purchase of avocados by 33% between December and May after purchasing €520m worth last year.

Pricey FRENCH regulator CRE has said the proposed Midcat gas pipeline between France and Spain could raise gas prices.

Good start SPANISH startup Jobandtalent, which matches jobs with candidates, has raised €37m in a funding round.

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CEO Chris Pitaluga commented, “We have been contemplating entering the pension market for some time and are delighted to launch the Prosperity QROPS, our first QROPS under the Abacus branding.” He further commented, “Abacus is committed to Gibraltar as a jurisdiction and we aim to attract the highest quality introducers as part of our long term plan.” Our Prosperity QROPS could be of benefit to you if you currently have a UK Registered Pension scheme and are living abroad or intend to do so. Deciding on the right pension plan is a fundamental part of retirement planning and will have a significant impact on your retirement lifestyle. Why not benefit from the following? • Increased tax efficiency. • Wider investment control. • Increased flexibility. • Exemption from the UK Lifetime Allowance test. • Pass on your pension fund to future generations. • The simplicity of consolidating all your UK pensions into one QROPS. If you, or your independent financial adviser, feel that a QROPS may be the right solution for you to achieve your retirement aspirations, please contact us. We are here to help.

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AGONY ANT Property YOUR LEGAL PROBLEMS ADDRESSED BY ANTONIO FLORES

ITH the Costa del Sol property market on the rebound, many owners have now chosen to maximise the return on their bricks and mortar investments and are actively listing their properties with literally hundreds of new (and old) real estate agencies. The sequence is pretty well known: an owner approaches a real estate agency who, upon basic verification of the property paperwork, lists the property for a convened asking price. Unfortunately but predictably, the long list of requirements set out in the famous Decree 218/2005 (necessary to put a property up for sale) is rarely met. Generally though, the information provided tends to satisfy all parties and safeguards agencies in case of unwanted inspectors turning up. But what Decree 218/2005 did not envisage is how to deal properties that are partly or insufficiently recorded with the land registry, a legal contingency that’s causing many deals to collapse where searches reveal those discrepancies. In our experience, we have

Measure up Get your numbers right to successfully sell a property noted that many proprietors of detached dwellings, and occasionally town houses and semidetached units, actually own more square metres than they officially declare. In other words, there is an excess of built area which may not always be legal. This may be due to unregistered extensions, guest houses, conservatories, porches, barbecues, terraces, walls, basements or pools, all of which have to be ‘normalised’ if one wishes to avoid losing a potential sale. Currently, there are two possible scenarios: that the excess built area complies with existing regulations or that it does not. To find out, we always suggest hiring an architect or surveyor

to measure up the property and compare it with the legal documentation and applicable laws and regulations. This way a vendor will be able to rectify potential inconsistencies that buyers will – nowadays - invariably detect, and object to, when carrying out searches. Legalising those improvements, extensions or alterations is then a matter of local laws and passing of time. If they conform to local (at times regional) laws, a retrospective planning application will suffice. But if they don’t and yet six years have passed since the erection of the offending construction, statute of limitations will make it immune to legal action, under certain circumstances. The latter is case is known as they AFO (Asimilado a Fuera de Ordenacion), which is a legal term to designate those properties that while illegal, are tolerated by the government because you can… legalise them. More on AFO in my next column!

Email Antonio at aflores@lawbird.es

Under-fire British billionaire’s lover splashes the cash DISGRACED British businessman Mike Ashley has let off steam at a €1.5 million birthday bash for his lover at her Spanish villa. The party took place at the €15 million bolthole just days after the under-fire Newcastle United owner admitted to paying staff at his Sports Direct stores below the minimum wage. An army of workers were drafted in to decorate the Mallorca villa with flowers and flat screen TVs so Ashley and his pals could watch England take on Russia at Euro 2016. A fleet of yachts also docked in the port as Ashley’s millionaire chums joined him to celebrate his ex-wife Linda’s 50th birthday. The Ashleys divorced in 2002, with Linda walking away with a £50 million settlement. But the duo have since rekindled their love. A member of staff at the party said ‘the finest champagne, wine and food’ had been laid on as ‘no expense was spared’. Ashley - worth around €4 billion - was grilled by MPs over allegations including inadequate pay for staff at Sports Direct, poor conditions and compulsory frisk searches for all members of staff.

June 22nd - July 5th 2016

Flash Ash birthday bash

FAT CATS: Mike and Linda Ashley During questioning it emerged that a woman gave birth in a toilet because she was ‘too scared’ to ask for time off. In response, Ashley said he

The Brexit tussle is almost over but how will Gibraltar cope with what comes after?

would make improvements but added ‘I am not Father Christmas’. Linda also owns a nightclub and a second villa in Mallorca.

Le Breton’s Briefing

Global residents B Y the time you read this, the UK’s EU Referendum tussle will be almost over. We will await the result of Thursday’s vote with great interest. I use the term ‘tussle’ advisedly because, instead of a rational, well-thought out discussion, we have been subjected to a slanging match that seemed to be more about the personalities involved than the real issues. Nevertheless, one of the most enduring themes of the referendum was the attention paid to tiny Gibraltar, despite our population on a par with a small English town. Among a host of other issues, the impact of a Brexit – or indeed a ‘Remain’ – vote on local property prices has been a matter of keen debate on the Rock. There seem to be two schools of thought in the event of an exit. On the one hand, we were told the negative effects of Brexit would be certain to depress prices. Conversely, increased demand by those who need to live here would lead to a significant rise in housing costs. One thing is for sure, whatever the final outcome, supply is limited and Gibraltar is not going to double in size overnight. Such thoughts have led me to consider the whole question of residency abroad. Around the world, specific programmes have been put in place in various countries to attract well-heeled mobile people, or highly skilled professionals, to their shores. For many years, Gibraltar has operated a ‘high net worth’ residency programme – known colloquially as ‘Cat 2’ in deference to the relevant clause in the rules. The principal benefit of the scheme is that income tax is limited to just under £30,000 p.a. True, applicants must demonstrate a net worth of at least £2 million but all is not lost for the rest of us. Gibraltar still offers straightforward and

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speedy opportunities for individuals that are keen to take up residence here. Of course citizenship (i.e. a passport) takes considerably longer. Gibraltar is not alone. For me, one of the most advantageous residence schemes in the world is not a scheme at all but simply the right afforded all EU citizens to live in any one of the 28 member states. Several EU countries have enacted special rules that allow the wealthy (or well qualified) to apply for residency. Malta and Cyprus are just two examples. Further afield, some jurisdictions go a lot, lot further. For example, several Caribbean countries have sought to diversify their economies by offering Citizenship-by-Investment programmes. These can relate to property acquisition, investment in a business or in some cases simply a donation to the host country’s exchequer. In many cases, citizenship with a passport is available – often in double quick time. This ‘second passport’ option is particularly attractive for citizens whose home country might be politically unstable or perhaps in dire economic straits. Almost like a form of insurance. A further advantage offered by those former British territories is that their passports allow visa free travel to many countries; this is most advantageous to today’s ‘global citizen’. As always, several important issues can arise. Taxation in both one’s home and adopted country must be considered and, of course, there’s the language, healthcare, education, legal system and accessibility to consider. And not just for the applicant but for all their dependants too. Simply upping sticks and moving to a new country is certainly not something to be taken lightly but options are available across the world and, given the right advice, the rewards can be well worth the effort. I hope that Gibraltar remains one of the best expat alternatives.

Columnists

www.gibraltarolivepress.com

the Gibraltar 25 Olive Press October 1st - 14th

June 22nd - July 5th 2016

E warned gentle reader. My column should carry an explicit content warning. It’s coming up to 10pm on a Monday evening in early June and I’m writing naked. No, it’s not that the editor of the Olive Press has sent me on an undercover report on the skullduggery in nudist camps (I’ve been begging to go on that assignment for years, but he always refuses). The reason for my current state of undress is the weather.

Warped

Summer has arrived early in Andalucia and the temperatures are soaring. Social Media is ablaze with posts about the heat, with photos of car dashboard temperature gauges reading 40C and upwards. Even Laurence Dollimore, the Olive Press’ very own rugged Bear Grylls, sent out an anguished plea on Facebook “It’s 39C. Send help!” Of course, people with a warped or infantile sense of humour like myself take great pleasure reading posts such as ‘It was so hot in my bedroom that my boyfriend had to take a swim to cool down’. Cue Kenneth Williams “Ooooh, Matron” style innuendo. Others posted that the hot

Some like it hot SEXY BEAST: Spain sizzles in summer heat

The wise among us stick close to the pool or fridge at this time of year

weather was akin to walking into a hair dryer. Alas with my lack of hair,

hair dryers are a dim and distant memory and I have to take great care not get

Together apart OP blogger Luke Andrews copes with the loneliness of the long-distance romance

O your significant other has decided to head for the hills, zooming off to some far flung land while you to stay behind to keep the home fires of passion burning. Yikes! I won’t pretend to be a great authority on a subject that involves different strokes for different folks. All relationships are different but there are some common problems I draw on from my own student romance, when one of us went abroad for a year and the other kept the faith at home, allegedly... That’s the disclaimer out the way. After bidding your loved one a fond farewell at the airport, hopefully brandishing a suitable handkerchief to dab at the tears streaming down your face, the first problem you will encounter is the physical separation. You were probably used to hanging out together every day. This can no longer happen. You are living completely separate lives. You will make friends your ‘other half’ will never meet, and they will too. (So who exactly is this Benedict?) They will start to do stuff you will never be able to join in, and you will too. (I know you’d love kite-sur fing if you tried it.) Your lover is reduced to a ping on your phone, indicating the arrival of a new message. And some nights, just writing back ‘hug’ doesn’t cut it. The best way to get through this is to book an appointment to see them. That doesn’t mean every few days – some space is advisable – but having a meetup date is helpful. As separation sad-

ness kicks in, having something to look forward to is all-important. The meets will also tell you if the relationship is worth pursuing. During my own time of significant-otherlessness (exciting new word there), I did wonder whether staying ‘together apart’ was a good idea, due to the pain, the missing, the hearing about things from which you are now excluded by dint of geography. What kept me going was knowing how happy we had been, so however hard things got I didn’t want to end it. Secondly, having an end-date to the separation was important. It meant we had a common goal, with something to plan for afterwards. If you’re trying both of these suggestions and you’re still unhappy – send a present! Who doesn’t love flowers? Or, if they suffer from hay fever, send champagne, caviar, perfume, a disgustingly-expensive item of jeweller y … A gift can be more effective than a pleading Facebook message and speaks volumes about how much you care. Going through a long distance relationship is hard, I won’t lie to you, and there is no magic formula to get through it. Long distance has a habit of temporarily obscuring everything good about the relationship. It’s the occasional meetups and expressions of affection that get you through. At the end of the day, the overriding emotion is one of love … she loves you or she loves you not. Only time will tell...

my bald pate burnt. While living in London, I was sent over to cover the European Grand Prix in Jerez. Bits of my head that had been covered in hair when I first lived in Spain were now bald, and unused to the fierce Andalucian sun. I badly burnt my temples on both sides, which was bad enough, but on my return to London the sunburn scabbed over, making it look as if I’d had a pair of devilish horns removed... If you always thought that complaining about the weather was a British trait, you’d be wrong. The Spanish complain about it as well. In the summer months you will be greeted with sighs of ‘Que calor’, while winter brings equally soulfelt sighs of ‘Que frio’. You would have thought that they would have got used to it by now. One of the many things that I love about Spain is there are now half measures with the weather. I’m from Stoke, where we have 11 months of miserable drizzle and a two-week hosepipe ban in what passes for summer. In Spain the weather is more dramatic - pelting with rain, knee deep in snow up on the sierras or scorchingly hot in summer. Plus the hot weather resulted in one of Spain’s greatest contributions to world culture – the siesta! Enjoy the summer and take my advice and stay by the pool or the beer fridge. I’m off now to go and stick my head in my lake!

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Gibraltar hosts 10th annual Calentita food and drink festival

27 27

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Sweet like chocolate

CHOCOHOLICS get excited! To celebrate opening in Gibraltar, Hotel Chocolat is giving one lucky Olive Press reader a delicious chocolatier's table worth £65.

IF last year is anything to go by, the opening night of Roman Oasis Download will be the the our night app nowofand year. The class Manilva eatery is begin the best Spanish opening up enjoying for its 34th summer of business and night news on the opening go. July 1 is already fully booked. Tucked away on a leafy Manilva By Lance Rutkin hillside, there’s a sumptuous buffet fit for royalty and an a la DELICIOUS and exotic foods carte menu every night, not to abounded at lst weekend’s Calentita mention a warm welcome. food and drink festival. With al fresco dining through- The Gibraltar Ministry once again out the balmy summer months hosted this year’s festival, now in its of July and August from 10th rendition. Olive Press Since its inception in 2007, the festi7.30pm,The it’s always an electric atmosphere with delicious food val aimed to become more than just including a daily barbecue. TOP for news in Spain!a food festival, increasingly incorBritish expat owner Paul Hick- porating local artists of all different ling is gearing up for a busy disciplines. summer. This year the Ministry set up three Visit www.romanoasismanil- stages at Casemates: one for cookva.com or call 952892380 ing events, another for dance performances and one for musicians. But that’s not to say the festival isn’t first and foremost, a food festival. The main stage had five different cooking demonstrations and three cooking competitions, one for the festival’s namesake calentita, the other for torta and dessert. At the end of the night, the newlycrowned and stunning Miss Gibraltar, Kayley Mifsud, handed out awards to the cooking competition winners. CHEERS: Paul Hickling

For you chance to win answer the following: Name one of the co- founders of Hotel Chocolat? Send answers to newsdesk@theolivepress.es

GOOD EATS

Photo by Manilva Life

BUSTLING: Casemates Gibraltarian chef and author of the cookbook Mama Lotties Justin Bautista attended the festival for a

second time this year. He’s a big fan of Calentita, calling it ‘a really good ambience to be around.’

CHAMP: Italian Francescana

Food fight!

A SPANISH eatery has lost its ‘Best Restaurant in the World’ title to an Italian rival. Osteria Francescana, based in Modena, Italy, which was runner-up on last year's list, swapped the top spot with the 2015 winner El Celler de Can Roca in Girona, coming second. The organisers of the list said of Osteria’s chefowner Massimo Bottura: “The chef’s ambitious creations perfectly balance the demands of honoring heritage while embracing modernity.” They awarded the restaurant first place for its inventive twist on traditional Italian dishes. It is the first time an Italian restaurant has won the award. Bottura said: “We did something epic!” While Spain didn’t claim the top spot - hopefully through no fault of the Olive Press editor Jon Clarke's 'Whine and dine' review (see website) it still had the highest amount of restaurants in the top 10. Other than that, runner-up Mugaritz in San Sebastian nabbed 7th place while Asador Etxebarri based near Bilbao, came tenth. Third place went to Eleven Madison Park in New York City, whose chef/co-owner recently visited Marbella to attend the star-studded A Cuatro Manos event. The list is created by Restaurant magazine and has gained in prominence among chefs.

the Gibraltar Olive Press October 1st - 14th

Food, drink & travel

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TEAM: At Horizon and (right) romantic Luna Beach

Super meals

Benalmadena has some great places to eat when you know where to look, writes Jon Clarke

N the bustling tourist hub that is Benalmadena you could be forgiven for failing to find anywhere genu-

inely decent to eat. With mass tourism the norm, hundreds of average Fish Alley-style establishments bash out bog-standard fodder, whether it be in the port, sea front or up in Arroyo de la Miel. There are, of course, exceptions, but your best bet is to head up to the pueblo, where there are a decent number of excellent places to eat. One of the best is easily Italian Pala d’oro, which is set around a patio and with cool, stylish interior. Hosts Sandro, Alessandro and chef Matteo Manzato, from Venice, have a great repertoire and you will love the gnocchi stuffed with courgette and a natural goats cheese Asiago, especially imported from Italy, while the speck ham with rocket and walnuts and a balsamic sauce had just the right bal-

IDYLLIC: Incredible Blankko and (below) prawns at Luna Beach

ance. A stunning dish of pappardelle with truffle (top, right) comes highly recommended, while the wine list is appropriately angled towards top Italian vineyards, and appropriately the owners are soon to open a wine bar in Malaga city, not to mention a sister restaurant. If modern tapas is more your thing, make a beeline to superb La Tajea, an unbelievably hip new spot in a backstreet of the casco historico. Set up by four local friends, it aches with stylish touches, in particular its lighting and upside down garden on the ceiling. But the food is also excellent - and superb value - with such chestnuts as blue fin tuna chops, which were delicious and tasty on the wallet at just €4.50. A beetroot ‘porra Antequerana’ soup was very original and almost as good as the CREATIVE: A variation on ‘porra’ at La Tajea

ajo blanco, with pine nuts, grapes and cherry tomatoes, while the artichokes with jamon iberico and foie was rich and delicious. For steak lovers there is only really one place: Longhorn, in the village (see article right). Down on the coast, it is well worth seeking out the recentlyopened Horizon, which is easily missed sitting in a line of restaurants, near the McDonalds. Standing out like a sore thumb, this place counts on the very able pair of Olivier and Nicola Lewin, who have worked around the world for dignitaries including Lord Mcalpine, the Duke of Edinburgh and French legend Paul Bocuse. The place was set up out of a friendship between another co-owner Nick, who met Olivier, while running a restaurant/bar a decade ago in the quaint Costa Brava village of Roses, most famous as the home of El Bulli. You can tell the quality from the door, where a fridge shows off a fantastic array of produce, including the freshest fish and some deliciouslooking meats. The place is normally packed at night, so you need to book, and the wine list is equally alluring, with a decent choice. Also on the coast, nearby is the amazing chiringuito Luna Beach, run by the nearby hotel Sunset Beach. You literally couldn’t ask for a more romantic spot, right by the water with the waves lapping at your feet. Subtly-lit, this natural spot

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VENECIAN STYLE: Tasting wine at Palo d’oro and (top) the team

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It sits under an old defensive fort in Torremuelle with views up and down the coast while the brochette of chicken and salmon looked great too. A starter of veggie spring rolls were excellent in sweet chili relish, while a rack of lamb is available for the more hearty eaters. A wine list includes the excellent Payoya Negra from Ronda, as well as the good

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value Habla de Silencio from Extremadura, at €22. Also on a romantic tip, you definitely cannot beat the incredible Blankko, which sits under an old defensive fort in Torremuelle with views up and down the coast. Set up by a pair of capable

Iranian businessmen, you sit overlooking the sea, with stylish white tables and an exciting menu. There are plenty of creative flourishes, such as the caesar salad served in a crunchy case and a delicious squid salad with fennel.

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the Gibraltar Olive Press October 1st - 14th

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Bend and snap By Rob Horgan GIBRALTAR strong boy Leon de Roeck has been smashing world records again. Stepping up to the 16-17 age group at the European Championships, Leon smashed five world records and equalled another. Matching the world squat record with a 220kg squat, Leon went on to beat the bench press record with a 170kg lift before recording an incredible 270kg world record lift in the deadlift on the first day of competing. With a combined weight of 660kg across all three disciplines, Leon also claimed the world record

Sport

31 June 22nd - July 5th 2016

Glamour tie awaits

LINCOLN Red Imps will face Celtic in the Champions League if they can get past Estonian outfit Flora Tallinn. The Imps line up against Tallinn in the first qualifying round of the Champions League, due to take place at the end of June. If they are successful then they will set up a glamour tie with the Scottish champions. New Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers will be familiar with the Gibraltarian champions, having owned a home in Sotogrande for the past four years. Meanwhile, Europa FC will face Armenian side Pyunik in the Europa League.

The ‘strongest boy in the world’ Leon de Roeck smashes more world records at European Championships

INBOUND: Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic could face Imps

for combined powerlifting, smashing the existing record by 60kg. “I always knew I could do it,” Leon told the Olive Press. “I will be the world’s strongest man one day, now it is on to the World Championships.” Last year, Leon announced himself to the weightlifting world by setting six world records at the under 16 World Championships. A joint sponsorship deal with the Gibraltar government and Grand Home Care is funding Leon’s latest training camp run by Ed Coan, who is recognised as the best pound-for-pound powerlifter in history. He will be competing at the World Championships in Louisiana, USA in November.

World Cup group drawn GIBRALTAR have drawn with Bosnia-Herzegovina, Belgium, Greece, Cyprus and Estonia in their World Cup qualifying group. Jeff Wood’s team were parachuted into Group H after the Rock won its bid for FIFA membership. The first round of fixtures are due to take place on the weekend of September 4 and 5.

Good sports KEEPING kids occupied over the summer can be a job in itself. But the Summer Sports and Leisure Programme, organised by the Gibraltar Sports & Leisure Authority and sponsored by Natwest, is here to help. The programme launches at NatWest on Line Wall Road on June 28 at 11am.

Put your hands together... HOME COMFORT: Victoria Stadium

Let us play at home THE GFA is ‘pushing very hard’ for permission to play World Cup qualifiers at Victoria Stadium. FIFA has tasked UEFA with inspecting Victoria Stadium’s facilities after Gibraltar was admitted into the world footballing body last month. Gibraltar has previously not been allowed to play competitive matches on the Rock due to health and safety regulations. Last year, Gibraltar’s European Championship qualifiers were played in El Faro, in Portugal. Several grounds in England have also been mooted to host Gibraltar’s World Cup qualifying campaign which begins in September 2016.

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

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Fight night

FINAL WORDS

THE first boxing night at the new Tercentenary Sports Hall will take place on Saturday June 25 from 7pm with Gibraltar Boxing Club taking on a Yorkshire selection team.

Wall of sound

DJ Alex Lethalness has been chosen to spin the discs at the Great Wall of China as part of September’s YinYang Music Festival.

Vol. 2 Issue 21

www.gibraltarolivepress.com

June 22nd - July 5th 2016

Difficult riders

Camping out

A 17-YEAR-OLD Gibraltarian, Aysha Panter, is volunteering at a children’s summer camp for La Linea charity Hogar Betania to help vulnerable children get three meals a day. MarineA4.pdf 1 02/10/2012 08:58:04

Jam on the beach

Expats cycle from Gibraltar to the UK in aid of children’s charity A BRITISH expat is cycling from Gibraltar to the UK to raise money for a children’s hospice. Chris Sams, 34, will spend his summer pedalling almost 2,000km in a marathon ride with Brazilian girlfriend Catarina Stigliano. The expats, who live in La Linea, will camp every night of their month-long trip starting in July. They are fundraising for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices and have already raised almost £200 of their £1000 goal. “We both know this will be a painful trip, with plenty of ups and downs – excuse the pun – but knowing we are doing this in aid of sick kids will push us on during the darker days,” said Chris, who has been working as a designer in Gibraltar for the last six months. “It won’t be easy as the ride climbs more than 20,000 metres. “Neither of us are professional riders so this trip will really be a test of our mental and physical strength.” Visit www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/Chris-SAMS3

INNOVATIVE: It was a case of being resourceful, as bassist from rock band Guadalupe Plata, utilisas an upturned metal tub to play at a concert at Sonora in Estepona last weekend

HERITAGE AWARDS

ACCLAIM: Last year’s winners THE Gibraltar Heritage Trust is now accepting nominations for the Annual Heritage Awards. The Heritage Awards recognise outstanding sensitivity or contribution to Gibraltar’s heritage. The trust has established four award categories: Junior, Individual, Group, and Special Commemoration.

Nobel visit NOBEL prize winner Professor Ada Yonath is helping to promote the University of Gibraltar. The 2009 Chemistry Nobel Prize winner was shown around the university by education minister Gilbert Licudi. The first Nobel Laureate to visit the university, Yonath described her visit as ‘inspiring’ and said she expects Gibraltar’s university to ‘strive’.

CMY

HANGING ON: The new bridge

View from the bridge THE new suspension bridge has been declared open. Chief Minister Fabian Picardo was on hand to cut the ribbon for the 71-me-

tre bridge, which is set to become a new tourist attraction for the Rock with stunning views over the surrounding area.

BEACH BONANZA

Regulated and authorised by the Gibraltar Financial Services Comission, to conduct insurance mediation. 10/2012

GIBRALTAR’S beaches will host three nights of local shopping, arts, and entertainment throughout the summer. The events aim to capitalise on the refreshing summer evening weather and bring the Gibraltarian community closer together.

The ‘market extravaganzas’ will be held on June 23 on Camp Bay, July 20 on Eastern Beach and August 17 on Catalan Bay. Minister for Tourism Samantha Sacramento called the events ‘a wonderful idea to create community spirit.’