Olive Press Gibraltar Newspaper Issue 17 by Olive Press Newspaper Spain

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Brexit Baracking BARACK Obama has warned a crucial American trade deal with the UK could take a decade to arrange in the event of a Brexit. In a boost to the In campaign, the US president claimed the UK would be ‘at the back of the queue’ for trade deals with Washington. On a three-day visit to Britain, he also defended his right to voice an opinion on the June 23 referendum. “It could be five years from now, 10 years from now before we’re actually able to get something done,” said Obama. “I don’t anticipate that anything I’ve said will change the position of those who are leading the campaigns in one direction or the other. “But for ordinary voters I thought it would be relevant to hear what the president of the United States, who loves the British people and cares deeply about this relationship, has to say.”

Jobs safe at BHS EXCLUSIVE NO jobs will be lost in Gibraltar, after huge British retailer BHS went into administration. Both BHS stores will remain ‘open as normal’ despite the UK company set to shed 11,000 jobs. “We are going to be trading as normal and there will be no job losses in Gibraltar,” IFL director George Russo told the Olive Press. BHS has been run by International Franchises Limited (IFL) for 30 years on the Rock “We will be trading as usual and our opening hours will be the same,” Russo said. BHS owner Dominic Chappell told staff in the UK that the retailer would go into administration this week with the closure of 164 stores.

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Vol. 1 Issue 17

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April 27th - May 10th 2016

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Barclays bashed THE government has slammed Barclays as a ‘failure’ after the bank announced it is pulling out of Gibraltar. In a strongly worded statement, the government insisted the bank had ‘let down’ employees. “Barclays is principally letting them [the workers] and their families down after many of them will have decided or been forced to stay with the bank at the time of its withdrawal from the retail banking sector in Gibraltar,” it said.

Vital

Hands off! WE WILL FIGHT THEM ON THE BEACHES: Idyllic Catalan Bay and (inset) disgruntled Jackson

HUNDREDS of Gibraltar residents are battling plans for 24 new apartments in the heart of Catalan Bay. Nearly a thousand people have signed a petition to oppose two proposals put forward to knock down the historic buildings. They are concerned that four storeys of flats with terrace extensions are to be built on the site, known locally as The Village Inn, as well as an adjacent, dilapidated cottage. The Save Catalan Bay Village From the Developers petition on Change.org has so far gained 952 signatures.

Catalan Bay residents fight back against development plans that would ‘ruin character’ of historic village EXCLUSIVE By Joe Duggan

Catalan Bay resident Mike Jackson started the petition and insists the new buildings would ruin the area’s charm. “I think they will spoil the village and take away something

of its magic,” expat Jackson, 50, told the Olive Press. “This is a very unique place that should be protected. There is not much left of the village’s history, but the narrative is still there where you can see the connection to the old fishing village. You don’t want to lose that.

Top chefs grilled

Olive Press meets worlds best cooks including Ferran Adria (left) and Daniel Humm

Turn to Page 7

“The developers seem detached and on another planet. Why just wipe away these echoes of history and put up these modern apartments?” Lifelong resident Gerald Lopez added: “It’s going to spoil the character of the place. “We live a very quiet life here, and for somebody to come here just to earn money and spoil our lives here, I won’t stand it.” The part-time boatmaker continued: “We are not objecting to the buildings being fixed, but in a more tasteful way.” Town planning notices at the site name Catalan Tropical Limited and AKS Architects and Engineers as the companies applying for planning permission, although AKS insists it is not the developer. A spokesman refused to comment further. Both applications are scheduled to be considered by Gibraltar’s Development and Planning Commission on May 24. “We are not against change, but the petition has shown people have a great affection for the place,” said Mr Jackson, 50. “A development, if done correctly, could enhance the place and make it even more exciting for tourists and locals. “It’s these old buildings that give Catalan Bay a flavour and make it special.”

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Chief Minister Fabian Picardo has now pledged to work hard to find all 16 employees jobs, alongside local trade union Unite. "We care about the Barclays employees who didn't take or were not allowed to take redundancy packages two years ago,” he said. Barclays insisted it would continue to service its customers in Gibraltar from the UK, describing the move as part of ‘a continuing drive for simplification’. However local Unite representative Dominick Hook said: “If Barclays proceeds with this plan Gibraltar’s residents and businesses will be left high and dry. “The loss of vital experience and specialist knowledge built up by local staff over many years simply cannot be replicated remotely from London.”

April 27th - May 10th 2016

Licence to shoot GUN enthusiasts will be told whether they can travel around Europe with their firearms. Members of the Gibraltar Target Shooting Association have applied to the European Court of Justice for a licence to allow them to travel with firearms. The licence - available to shooters and hunters in Europe - has previously excluded Gibraltar. A preliminary hearing took place in Luxembourg last week and a decision will be made in the European Court of Justice.

NEWS

Standing firm Picardo defends Gibraltar’s honour and integrity following links with Panama papers scandal

WITHOUT A PRAYER: Rato

more than €3.6 million in 2013. The allegations may be the tip of the iceberg for the ex-Bankia boss as he is believed to have links to 26 Gibraltar-based companies, two of which he owned. He is already being probed for money laundering and was ordered to cough up €3 million to Bankia last year due to ‘mismanagement’ and his role in the ‘black cards’ credit card scandal. Meanwhile, Gibraltar law firm Hassans was named as legal representatives for Israeli billionaire, diamond dealer Dan Gertler, whose name reportedly appears more than 200 times in the Panama Papers. Hassans has ‘strenuously A BRITISH man who was redenied’ that it protected cently released from jail was Gertler’s assets. arrested in Marbella at the The ex-girlfriend of former wheel of his dodgy Bentley. Spanish king Juan Carlos, Police stopped John DisGerman princess Corinna ley, 49, over suspicions of zu sayn-Wittgenstein, has his strange number plates, also been connected to the which read 81G-J, or ‘Big J’. Panama papers. Disley, AKA the ‘King of MarThe Princess allegedly atbella’, had recently been retempted to transfer shares leased from jail after his fourfrom USA to the British and-a-half-year sentence for Virgin Islands via a Gibralalleged fraud was quashed. tar-registered company in Disley was returning to the UK 2003. but was quickly de-throned Despite the new leaks, Picarwhen police impounded his do stressed that Gibraltar Phantom, seized the plates has a ‘stringent regulatory and threw him in jail. environment’ for reputable He was released on bail but business and ‘standards of remains at the centre of an professionalism’. ongoing court investigation.

CHIEF Minister Fabian Picardo has supported the integrity of Gibraltar’s businesses after new connections emerged between the Rock and the Panama papers leak. It comes after allegations that former Spanish finance minister Rodrigo Rato employed Gibraltarian trust company Finsbury Trust and Corporate Services which instructed Mossack Fonseca to close two offshore companies. It allowed the ex-IMF chief to empty them of

King dethroned

Chased down A 36-YEAR-OLD Spaniard has been charged with making threats to kill after an alleged domestic violence incident. Ruben Becerra Vasquez was also charged with dangerous driving, common assault and resisting police following Saturday’s high-speed chase. Police pursued Vasquez after he allegedly fled in a van with his two children, aged three and 18 months old, finally locating him in the Upper Rock Nature Reserve. Vasquez allegedly drove in a dangerous manner up The Upper Rock and into the Up-

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CORNERED: Police nab Vasquez per Town before officers de- Neither child was hurt and tained him at the junction Vasquez remained in custody of Willis’s Road and Castle until Monday’s appearance at the magistrates’ court. Road.

MISSING: Lisa Brown

Cutting ties AWOL Simon Corner has been dubbed a ‘clown’ by the legal advisor who was formerly advising him. Fixer Jason Coghlan has officially distanced himself from the Liverpudlian yacht dealer now being hunted in Europe over the disappearance of his girlfriend, British expat Lisa Brown. Coghlan, a former armed robber, wrote online: “For clarity, that clown is not represented by me!” He continued: “All I can say is, what goes around goes around… and he has made an enemy out of me.” He originally claimed his client had ‘nothing to hide’ but has now severed ties with the suspect. It is thought that Corner, who is subject of a European arrest warrant, was spotted in Thailand earlier this month. Brown went missing in November last year, sparking a huge manhunt, led by an indepth Olive Press investigation and our naming of Corner as being a suspect.

NEWS

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Marc in Marbella MARC Anthony is coming to Marbella to perform this summer. The former JLo lover will perform at the San Pedro Municipal Stadium as part of his European tour.

April 27th - May 10th 2016

UPWARDLY MOBILE! Bilingual road sweeper to sweep up votes for mayor

EXCLUSIVE By Laurence Dollimore A ROAD sweeper training to be a lawyer also has his sights set on becoming his town’s mayor. Multi-lingual Rodriguez Sendra - who has been sweeping the streets of Manilva for seven years - is set to graduate from Cadiz University in July. The 55-year-old, who is also a qualified priest, is hoping to get a full-time post at law firm Savier Avila, in Algeciras, be-

Hey now, Haenow BEN Haenow is topping the bill at the Rock’s May Day celebrations. The X-Factor winner is the star attraction at Casemates Square on May 1, which will feature a full day of activities. A kid’s fun day will kick off festivities from 11am to 6pm, with bouncy castles, face painting, arts and crafts activities and disney characters. From 11am to 12.30 pm, there will be live performances from Mediterranean Dance School, Stylos dance studios and Kristian Celecia. Omnibus, The Kubes, Karma 13, Shot Break and The Undesirables 141 are onstage just before the Gibraltar Youth Choir before Ben Haenow’s headlining show.

FOR SALE: Prince’s old pad

Purple gain PRINCE may be dead but any fan with a deep pocket has the perfect opportunity to get through the mourning process by buying his former Marbella house. The enormous 13-bedroom palace in Paraiso Alto appropriately comes with a recording studio and impeccable manicured gardens. Prince, who died last week, fell in love with the Costa del Sol after performing in Marbella in 1990 and is thought to have written many of his inspirational songs here. The wedding gift from the famous singer to his wife Mayte Garcia in 1998 also counts a gym, pool and tennis court. A Dutchman who bought it in 2004 after the couple divorced has now put it back on the market for €5.25 million, understood to be making a reasonable profit, with agents Engel and Volkers.

BRUSH STROKES: Road sweeper aims high fore going into politics. Currently undertaking work

Russell ‘ratarsed’ on Red Bull

experience at the firm, he had to reign in his hopes and get a job as a road sweeper when the recession kicked in. “It was the best way to make money when the recession started seven years ago,” he told the Olive Press. “It’s a stable job and it pays the rent.” The Pastor at the Church of England's Christian Brethren Assembly, in Algeciras, added that it had paid his way through his seven-year degree.

Mayor

KANEING IT: Ibiza bevvies for Russell BRITISH comedian Russell Kane has become a Spanish party regular after revealing he visits Ibiza four times a year. But with a six-month baby the TV funny man suspects his wife Lindsey may not let him continue the tradition. The I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here host described the party island as a ‘place that has loomed large in my life for many years’. “The celeb element is a bit cringy, but I love that you can be rat-arsed on a vodka Red Bull, dancing next to a 70-year-old and a 17-year-old, and no one bats an eyelid,” he said.

The Spaniard, who is a chessmaster and speaks English, Portuguese and French says he now wants to become a lawyer to help people. “I want to help the local expats, the British, South American and French communities!” When asked if he will run for mayor he laughed: “Well I know the mayor well so that could be awkward, but yes, maybe in five years’ time!”

MIne’s a large one!

GOOD SERVICE: Contestants pose at Biancas

MISS Gibraltar contestants became waitresses in aid of charity on Saturday. Visitors to Biancas on Marina Bay square had a welcome surprise as all nine of the hopefuls were at hand to serve them their breakfasts. The girls are raising funds for Calpe House as part of the awareness campaign leading up to the Miss Gibraltar pageant. The competition will be held at the John Mackintosh Hall on June 4.

CHEERS: Girls celebrate after drawing pagent numbers

NEWS

April 27th - May 10th 2016

Fab neighbours

NEWS IN BRIEF

Panama crackdown

CHIEF Minister Fabian Picardo told political counterparts in Cadiz that he was ‘optimistic’ Britain would not vote to leave Europe. During the official trip, Picardo also held a meeting with the PSOE’s regional president Irene Garcia regarding a raft of moves to link the two communities. A commission has now been set up to explore joint education, culture and business initiatives between the two neighbours. Picardo stressed the importance of ‘understanding the ties that unite us’.

GIBRALTAR has joined the ‘G5 initiative’, committing to provide automatic exchange of information on the ‘beneficial ownership’ of businesses.

Bay watch

THREE Spaniards arrested in Catalan Bay have been charged after a boat chase in which a cargo of drugs was allegedly jettisoned in Spanish waters.

Super marina THE £24m marina project on Coaling Island opened yesterday. The two-year project has built 700 small berths and 600 metres for commercial activity, specifically for superyachts.

Mobile records GIBRALTAR Health Authority staff will now be able to access patient records on mobile devices during home visits, following agreement at a GHA board meeting.

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Rusty old barge - dubbed ‘The Shame of Gibraltar’ sparks resident backlash

Brexit would be ‘disastrous’ COSY: Picardo with Garcia in Cadiz

Argy bargy

EXCLUSIVE By Rob Horgan HOMEOWNERS in Queensway Quay are fighting for the removal of a rusty old barge ‘dumped’ in the marina. The vessel - dubbed the Shame of Gibraltar - has rotted in the marina since work was completed at the site six years ago. And while its owner, Dutch marine company Van Oord, insists it is looking for an alternative mooring, local residents fear the ‘eyesore’ is already polluting the water and is at risk of sinking. “The barge is completely out of place in this high-end residential setting,” said Dietar Wood, of the Queensway Quay Appre-

EYESORE: Barge moored in Queensway Quay Marina

ciation Society. “We have a beautiful marina and it is being spoilt by this monstrosity.” He added: “We are appealing for the immediate removal of

the barge before it sinks and the problem escalates.” The barge was used to reclaim land and construct high-end residential developments - worth up to £1.5 million - in 2010.

Despite being moored with the permission of the Gibraltar Port Authority, a spokesman for Van Oord told the Olive Press that the mooring is ‘temporary’ and that it will be moved to a more appropriate location shortly. “The barge is certainly not abandoned, nor is it sinking,” he said. The Port Authority itself has refused to accommodate the barge in the harbour, as requested by Wood. Pleas to the owner of Queensway Quay marina Paul Butler have also fallen on deaf ears, as he insisted to the Olive Press it was a matter between Wood and Van Oord. A Facebook group set up in the society’s name has received the support of over 100 people in a matter of days.

IT would be ‘disastrous’ for Gibraltar if the UK left the EU, claims the Self Determination for Gibraltar Group (SDGG). Backing the ‘Gibraltar Stronger In Europe’ campaign, the group insisted that ‘freedom of movement’ was vital for the enclave. “An exit from the EU would have disastrous consequences,” explained a spokesman. “Gibraltar derives benefits from our membership of the EU including freedom of movement, goods and people, passporting into the EU and funding for certain projects, all of which help to keep our economy buoyant. “With a high turnout and a massive ‘IN’ vote we will demonstrate to the UK that Gibraltar wishes to remain a part of the European Union. “At the very least this should strengthen our position with the UK in the event of a Brexit.” SDGG was founded in 1992 to campaign for the recognition of the right of Gibraltarians to self-determination.

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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 and flexibility. • Income withdrawals from age 55. • 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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March16th- March 29th 2016

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E S TAT E A G E N T S

April 27th - May 10th 2016

OPINION Managing change CHANGE often unnerves people. And when it comes to people’s local neighbourhoods, those fears are perfectly understandable. The Change.Org Catalan Bay development petition is just one of several currently attracting strong support from Gibraltarians objecting to proposed construction developments. Those voices need to be heard, and the Rock’s beauty spots should be preserved. On the other hand, new developments bring employment, generate investment and provide vital housing. Development is not a dirty word. The trick is striking the balance between necessity and respecting local heritage.

Total bankers CHIEF Minister Fabian Picardo hit the nail on the head when he slammed Barclays bank as a ‘failure’. For a major UK bank to pull out of Gibraltar, leaving its staff in limbo for two years is unscrupulous, immoral and thoroughly unprofessional. It is reassuring to see Picardo promise ex-Barclays staff a new job, but it shouldn’t be his mess to sort out. The reality is that Picardo’s comments will bounce back off Barclays’ chiefs and the world will continue in its futile search for moral banking.

BREXIT - Your vote matters

FEATURE

Strategic Straits

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Trade, terrorism, and self-interest collide at one of the world’s most strategically significant straits, writes Laurence Dollimore

ORE than 50 of Vladimir Putin's warships have docked in Ceuta since 2011, bringing €1m a year to its economy and making the Spanish exclave a de facto Russian base. While the Gibraltar government called it a ‘matter of concern’, the news should come as little surprise. Domination of the Straits of Gibraltar has long seduced world leaders. The Second World War saw Adolf Hitler and Franco of Spain’s failed plot to take the Rock in what was known as ‘Operation Felix’. It is no surprise, with the 14km-wide body of water being the only entry point from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean, making it the world's second busiest shipping route, and one of its most vital. It’s no wonder the status of Gibraltar continues to be a source of contention between the UK and Spain. The Straits of Gibraltar too remains one of the most militarily strategic assets for big players on the global stage. The strait allows Putin’s fleet access to their strategic port in Syria, where Russian efforts have helped maintain the Assad regime. The Russian President’s de facto base in Ceuta also allows him

to refuel his fleets and ruffle the feathers of his western counterparts. For the British, Gibraltar and the Straits have been a strategic gem since the first world war. It may only be 2.6 square miles, but the Rock’s naval base acted as a key point in anti-submarine campaigns. Today it proves essential for collecting intelligence on cross-border illegal activity as well as the growing terrorist threat from North Africa - the two of which go hand in hand. The world’s policeman - the United States - has increased its presence around the Straits, all too aware that there’s just a few kilometres separation between Europe and an increasingly unstable North African littoral a region whose growing Islamic extremism and terrorist activity threatens to spill over into Europe. Spain and Morocco are among the others who have set up shop along the choppy waters, where trade, terrorism, crime and selfinterest collide. Below we take a look at the key bases around the region.

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MORON AIR BASE

Register You will need to know you National Insurance number and date of birth, and have your passport to hand if you have one. If you don’t have a National Insurance number you can still register, but may have to supply more information to show who you are. You have until May 16 to register.

Declare You have to sign an annual declaration once you have registered to renew your registration every year. So if you were registered to vote for the 2015 General Elections you will have to renew your registration with your local Electoral Registration Officer in the UK or register again.

Vote You can choose how you wish to vote. You can vote by post, by proxy (voting by appointing someone you trust to vote on your behalf ), or even in person at your polling station.

ROTA The naval base at Rota provides a strategic location for US and NATO forces. The 6,100 acre base provides cargo, fuel and logistics. It is also vital for Spanish forces, allowing it to project military power, with US backing, into the Mediterranean, North Africa and the Middle East.

America put Moron at the centre of NATO operations after the devastating 9/11 attacks. In a bid to combat jihadist groups that use countries bordering the Sahara as a base, the US now has Spain's permission to station up to 3,000 marines here. The convenient location allows Washington to fly troops to anywhere in Africa where radical Islam may need stamping out.

The Spanish foreign legion, which was raised to serve as part of Spain’s Army of Africa in 1920, still maintains its Ronda and Almeria bases. When they’re not performing their traditional marches with goats, the 5,000 troops are mostly operating in NATO peacekeeping missions, but there are also garrisons in Ceuta and Melilla, where the highly trained elites can be activated if conflict erupts.

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Covering Gibraltar with 10,000 copies

Tel: (+34) 951 273 575 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. Editor Jon Clarke jon@theolivepress.es Newsdesk newsdesk@theolivepress.es Tel: (+34) 665 798 618 Rob Horgan rob@theolivepress.es Iona Napier iona@theolivepress.es Joe Duggan joe@theolivepress.es Laurence Dollimore laurence@theolivepress.es Designer James Partington design@theolivepress.es Admin & Accounts (+34) 951 273 575 Mirian Moreno – General Manager admin@theolivepress.es

Maria González accounts@theolivepress.es (+34) 658 750 424 Héctor Santaella hector@theolivepress.es Distribution Graham Warters distribution@theolivepress.es SALES TEAM: sales@theolivepress.es Chris Birkett - Head of Sales chris@theolivepress.es (+34) 652 512 956 Amanda Bennett amanda@theolivepress.es (+34) 692 725 475 Spanish Sales Juanjo Gonzalez juanjo@theolivepress.es (+34) 678 096 765

Gibraltar

Ksar Sghir In a bid to have more influence in the Straits of Gibraltar, Morocco’s King Mohammed VI modernised his naval forces and built this new base about 15km from Tarifa. As one of the best economically performing countries in North Africa, Morocco will be wanting to carry more weight in the Straits to reflect its economic growth. Morocco continues to be an important partner in the fight against terrorism, with Western states like France and Belgium seeking to increase intelligence sharing.

CEUTA Other than docking and refuelling in Ceuta, the Russian’s use the straits as a direct path to its strategic base and interests in Syria - as well as the occasional show of strength to the West. Some fear their unofficial Ceuta base also allows them to spy on Gibraltar and support separatist efforts in Ukraine.

Gibraltar itself is occupied by a UK military and naval base, both essential for stopovers and nuclear submarine repairs. They act as an intelligence base for illegal activity from drugs to terrorism. Its location brings UK forces 1000 miles closer to the Islamic extremist threat in North Africa and the Middle East.

FEATURE

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August 6thApril - August 2015 www.theolivepress.es 27th 19th - May 10th 2016

How I blagged a Dani Garcia… Mcdonalds burger

MAKING FRIENDS: Editor Jon Clarke chats to Daniel Humm

Marbella eclipses the world as dozens of Michelinstarred chefs hit town for a four-day extravaganza

By Laurence Dollimore

STARS ALIGN: Superstar chefs pose with Marbella Mayor Jose Bernal

Starry nights WITH an incredible 71 Michelin stars clustered together under one roof, the A Cuatro Manos opening

gastronomical four-day event saw the likes of Ferran Adria, Daniel Humm and Sebastian Frank come TASTY: Top Jamon laid out for chefs, including Ramon Freixa together to pay homage to the great French chef Joel Robuchon. Guests including the Mayor of Marbella Jose Bernal were treated to rounds of curious cocktails while the world’s top culinary alchemists mingled with the crowds. Superstar Daniel Humm, whose Eleven Madison Park restaurant in New York is rated number five in GRILLING: Ferran answers questions the world, told the Olive Press: “If you want to be relevant today in food you have to experience Spain, Spain is so important to gastronomy today.” On the event’s guest of honour, the legendary Joel Robuchon, Humm added: “There are only a few chefs in history who have really made such an impact and Robugrandhis es emerg it where south, it, particularly the chon is definitely one of ’D made a point of arriving an hour before the al- mother is from. them.” lotted time for the culinary love-in when two dozen “I love it down here, particularly as Andalucia is in The opening night Michelin-starred chefs descended on Marbella my blood, with my grandmother coming from Huercal saw the chefs prepare world. the from around a menu of 20 of the Overa, in Almeria,” he explains. Being a seasoned food and travel writer - spanning “The region really is extraordinar y now and just keeps French maestro’s most nBurgu on nearly two decades, since my first article iconic dishes at Puente getting better and better. miss to going not was I 1998 in Mail Daily the for dy Romano’s Dani Garcia at least five or six really amazing restau are “There Adria, Ferran es genius ry culina meet the chance to restaurant. not exist a decade ago and credid that here rants room. same the in all hon, Joan Roca and Joel Robuc John Thomson, food fore, with some talthe at much very now is ativity ar two-st ’s I soon found myself chatting to Madrid and beverages manager .” Garcia Dani like chefs young ented tian chef Ramon Freixa and friendly German Sebas for the Puente Romano Hacien at , Sevilla near rant restau sister his at It was group said: “It is incredFrank, from Horvath, in Berlin, who was as happy as da Benazuza, that I was first introduced to the greatOlive last the of 49 page ible, this is the most jamon to see his face on ness of Ferran, some 10 years ago. amount of Michelin Press. discov I , r-class maste rse 25-cou ur, four-ho a Over had stars that have ever been After catching up with Rodrigo de la Calle, who I being as d credite now are chefs h Spanis why ered under one roof in Spain, reviewed in Madrid last year, I had a laugh with Daniel the most creative in the world, having easily overand possibly in Europe! Humm, the world’s Number Five chef, from New York taken the French. It’s pretty unprecedentrestaurant Eleven Madison Park, who was as excited It was mind-blowingly original, but not just that, it . ed and the event seems heroes ry culina his of some g meetin be to me as was sumptuous and tasty, unlike some of the more to be growing each year.” not They were here for Dani Garcia’s A Cuatro Manos

night was never going to be anything less than fabulous. Stellar Malaga chef Dani Garcia’s

‘There’s a whole world past Michelin’

an Adria Olive Press editor Jon Clarke meets Spanish superchef Ferr

event and they were all in their classic white (or black) tunics, including Robuchon himself, who I chatted to in pidgin French, while holding court in the dining room. Well all but one! For prowling around the premises with nervous energy and a distinct glint in his eye, was one super-chef who didn’t need to wear a uniform. In a buttoned cardigan and slacks, he was immediately recognisable as THE chef of the 21st centur y. Having held the World’s Best spot in Restaurant magazine’s annual awards for El Bulli from 2002 to 2009 (coming second twice), Ferran Adria, 53, can also rightfully claim to be Spain’s best cook of all time. But, as he explained to me, he isn’t fussed about awards or stars one bit these days, leaving that to his younger brother Albert, from Barcelona’s Tickets (who was also at the event by the way). These days running cookery schools and trying to encourage youngsters to be creative, he travels around as a kind of Spanish food ambassador… and he loves

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modern, over-the-top creative geniuses, I prefer to name. It was my first three-Michelin starred meal in Spain and it did not disappoint. “But there is a whole world out there past Michelin stars,” insisted Ferran. “People need to inspire and create and not worry about awards and what people think and say. “Just keep forging away and working hard and you will get there in the end.” There have never been truer words said… and it was one of the reasons I launched my book and website DiningSecretsofAndalucia.com six years ago… to locate, track down and encourage new and up-andcoming chefs around the region, which the Michelin guide never got anywher near. It is true to this day that dozens, even hundreds, of brilliant restaurants in Andalucia are not even getting a look in from the so-called French food bible. So hopefully I am helping to make a difference. Visit www.diningsecretsofandalucia.com

NE of the perks of being a journalist is being able to talk your way into exclusive events way outside your pay grade. I was set the task of blagging a ticket for the €350-a-head meal on the opening night of A Cuatro Manos. 'Confidence is key,' I told myself as I approached the clipboard-clutching hostess. ‘Laurence from the Olive Press,’ I said. She ran her pen over her list with a growing look of perplexity. “Your name isn't on here.” "How strange," I replied. She ushered over a colleague and after a few minutes of Spanish back and forth, I was allowed to enter. I picked up a glass of congratulatory champagne, only to bump into my editor, Jon Clarke, who informed me I had only got into the pre-event press junket. Still, all good practice I guess. While much of the Spanish press waited dutifully for the world-famous chefs to come down from the enclosed bar, we muscled our way into their stronghold - or rather, sleuthed in, fully aware that we may have been overstepping the mark. Through Jon's broken French we managed to talk to the famous Joel Robuchon, star of the show. "I first came to Marbella three years ago to eat at Dani's restaurant," he told us, "and the chefs here just keep getting better and better." The French maestro, who has restaurants on four continents, added that he owns a house in Calpe which he adores. But as I snapped some pics of Jon and Robuchon we were rumbled. As we were ushered out I grabbed an expensive slice of jamon that had been laid out for the chefs - tasty! Back in the press zone, cocktails were making the rounds. I tried all four of them, for journalistic purposes of course. 'Hot Lips' was the house favourite - a creamy tequila concoction with a splash of chilli. I was soon talking to John Thomson, the Puente Romano’s food and beverages manager, figuring if anyone could it would be him to get me into the banquet. We chatted about our shared Glaswegian heritage before he gave me a tour of the new bar and Le Suite nightclub. He offered me a free meal at the restaurant and a night out at the club in return for coverage. I was getting there. But just as my charm was making inroads, the crowds of paying guests were ushered into the main event, where the host of chefs were preparing 20 courses inspired by Robuchon. John wished me all the best as he sauntered in for the meal of the decade. I watched enviously and with the single slice of jamon in my belly headed to a nearby McDonalds where with one key consolation I ate a burger created by... no less than Dani Garcia himself!

TRIBUTE: Iconic chef Joel Robuchon (right)

CAMPO DE GIBRALTAR

April 27th - May 10th 2016

NEWS IN BRIEF

Big decision on bullring LOS Barrios residents have been called to decide the future of their bullring in the first referendum for the 16,000-strong town.

Day trip MAYOR of Algeciras, Jose Landaluce, is set to visit Morocco to boost economic and commercial ties with the North African country.

Eco-war GREEN group Verdemar-Ecologistas en Accion has slammed Iran for its Algeciras Bay oil refinery plans and spoken out about the risk of ‘enormous public health problems’.

Setting sail MAERSK shipping has launched its first direct route from Algeciras to Dublin. Its 14,000 tonne ‘Antwerp’ container offers a seven-day transit time.

www.theolivepress. www.gibraltarolive-

ISIS pair seized

€100,000 gypsy ‘Wedding of the century’ held in Spanish town with 46% unemployment

Big fat gypsy wedding IT has been dubbed the ‘wedding of the century’. No it is not the tying of the knot between Wills and Kate. Posh and Becks? Guess again. Even Katie Price’s ‘fairytale’ wedding to Peter Andre falls short in comparison.

Bunk off

A DERELICT army bunker in La Linea has been closed to the public after residents complained about people spending the night and taking drugs there. The town hall took action after residents living near the Avenida Ejercito site complained about the site becoming a dirty hotspot for drug users. The relic from the Second World War, built under Franco’s rule, has now been locked up until further notice.

HAPPY COUPLE: In after-party ensembles

It is, in fact, the gypsy wedding of Ana and Jose Luis in La Linea. With 400 guests, five photographers and three live music acts, the happy couple wed in La Linea. Officially, home to Spain’s second highest unemployment rate (46%, be-

hind just Sanlucar de Barrameda), the total is estimated to be around €100,000. The ceremony took place in the Iglesia de la Inmaculada, the town’s biggest church. Both part of the large Romany gypsy family known as the Ramones, Ana was led in by one of her brothers as her parents both died a year ago. Sporting a 10-metre train, Ana’s bridesmaids, clad in bright red dresses followed her into the church. Meanwhile, groom Jose Luis also wore white with a matching cane. On the wedding invites, the couple had labeled the ceremony as ‘the biggest wedding of the century’. The after-party was just as impressive. With 32 tables, guests enjoyed kilos of seafood served up in old fishing boats. Eighteen hours of dancing then ensued with gypsy dance troop Farruquito and singers Sinai and Parrita leading the celebrations. Over the course of the evening, the bride changed outfits five times. BLUSHING BRIDE: Led In Spain there are an estimatinto La Linea church by ed 450,000 gypsies. Of these, her brother 350,000 live in Andalucia.

A COUPLE suspected of being Islamic State sympathisers have been arrested in Algeciras. A Moroccan man and a Spanish woman along with their young son were seized by Guardia Civil at the port as they attempted to cross over to Morocco. It is believed the pair had links with Islamic State and intended to travel to Syria, where the man’s brother is thought to have died in a recent suicide bombing. Police raided the couple’s flat in Granada and their child has been taken into care. It comes as police arrested a chef in Mallorca, suspected of being an ISIS recruiter.

Green light THE Ministry for Development put €11.46 million towards improving the Campo de Gibraltar’s motorways. The Official State Bulletin (BOE) specified that there are six parts of the N-340, which connects the Costa del Sol with Tarifa, Vejer, Conil and Cadiz, that need urgent conservation work. Companies can bid to carry out the work until the tender closing date of June 1 at 11am. Areas in particular need of work include the sections of road near Vejer de la Frontera, San Roque, Tarifa and Algeciras.

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April 27th - May 10th 2016

Big wins

Children’s writer raises cancer awareness with epic poem challenge

DUO: David (left) with Hadley

Rockin’ together

IT’S said that if all Gibraltar’s musicians were to hold hands next to each other they would fill half the Rock. And from the Gibraltar Philharmonic to a vibrant rock circuit, it’s no wonder Gibraltar Live Music Society (GLMS)’s promoter David Diaz loves his job. Formerly known as Music.gi, GLMS’s team of five dedicates itself to covering the gig scene with interviews, reviews and photography. “We just want to support local talent and keep local music alive,” said David. “Who is to say we don't have the next Journey or Ed Sheeran?” Music is certainly in David’s blood, with his father Derek a member of Gibraltar’s Music Centre orchestra in the 1970s. And his uncle Louis Diaz was a member of Los Trovadores, whose La Virgencita de Europa anthem is still guaranteed to ignite Gibraltarian pride. “There is always so much going on, starting at Rock on The Rock then Casemates Square, Chatham Counterguard and Ocean Village,” said David.

Words of wisdom

CHILDREN’S writer Anna Bogie was just 34 years old when she got the news everyone dreads. The Gibraltar-based mother-of-three discovered she was suffering from melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, during

By Joe Duggan

a routine check-up last year. Fortunately, the melanoma was caught early enough by GHA staff, who were able

Rock on the Wall

GREAT CHANCE: For Gib DJ

PROUD MOTHER: Anna with kids

IT’S a long way from the Rock to the Great Wall of China. But one Gibraltar DJ is being offered the chance to spin the decks in the shadow of the world’s most iconic construction. The YinYang festival is reserving one spot for a Gibraltar DJ at the threeday festival set deep in the north China region of Tianjin. Gibraltar music promoters J2 Productions have teamed up with YinYang festival organiser Mansion Shanghai, who have kept the DJ slot open. Anybody interested is advised to contact Jay Callejon of J2 Productions at Jaycallejon@gmail.com

to remove it from her leg. The terrifying experience has prompted Anna to raise awareness for the British Skin Foundation by publishing a poem a day for 100 days on the theme Mothers, Mottos, Mantras & Mutterings. “It was shocking,” recalls Anna. “I had just had a baby and it makes you realise how much you want to live your life. “It could happen to anyone. The damage was done when I was younger on holiday, but I was never a sun worshipper. “I tried to come up with an idea to raise awareness that would feel marathon-esque to me. She added: “The poems are about motherhood and parenting and aim to provide a bit of light relief, but are meant to raise awareness of sun safety.” Anna, originally from Thorpe St Andrew near Norwich, is about to complete her fourth in a series of children’s books called Happy Hooves. “My audience is people with young children. And a lot of damage can be done to children’s skin,” she said. “I don’t know if there is enough awareness of how critical it is to find it in time.” To donate visit www.justgiving.com/it7-abogie-56d6c0574e379

WITH a special performance from the Bootleg Beatles, Chief Minister Fabian Picardo boogying in his seat and a British winner, the seventh Gibraltar International Song Festival was a night to remember. UK ballad singer Brandon Cook came first while in second place was Spanish funk artist Sera Mayo and Marbella Brit, Zoe Louise, came third. Cook won £4,000 while Mayo pocketed £2,000 for her song, ‘Good Vibes’ and the third prize was a generous £1,000. The panel of judges had their work cut out choosing between 14 international acts over four hours and 15-year-old Gibraltarian Tiffany Ferrary was given a special interpretation prize of £500.

St Michael’s sermon REGGAE star Maxi Priest is heading to the Rock for his birthday celebration gig this summer. The singer will take the stage at St Michael's Cave on June 10, his birthday, less than a year after his Gibraltar National Day gig. The London-born superstar is a self-declared huge fan of Gibraltar, and wowed crowds at the 2014 Gibraltar National Day. He will be joined by US rapper Beniton the Menace, who recorded a music video on the Rock last National Day.

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Summer’s here Sweet 2016 is playing out to be the best year ever for Spanish rock festivals music to the ears all summer long

PAIN has become a hugely popular destination for British festival-goers. More than sun, sea and sangria, it’s sound that’s luring a new generation of live music lovers to its shores. The advent of cheap air fares has dovetailed neatly with the explosion of interest in festivals, and intrepid aficionados seeking an alternative to rain-sodden British fields are jetting to Spain’s sunny plains to enjoy Glastonbury vibes in the Med, rather than the mud. From Bilbao to Barcelona and Murcia to Madrid - and this year, Andalucia too - foreign music fans know they are guaranteed good weather, cheap beer and exotic surroundings. The bands aren’t too shabby either, with this summer shaping up to be Spain’s strongest festival lineup ever.

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a rabbleThe Manic Street Preachers (below) have grown from ine act. The rousing group of anarcho-punks into a giant headl and will be Welsh band top the bill at Murcia’s SOS festival Must Go celebrating the 20th anniversary of their Everything album by playing all the tracks in full. ed Youth, The Libertines’ 2015 album, Anthem for the Doom t times. recen of backs come ly unlike most the of marked one Pete Doherty (above) and Carl Barat’s combustible relationship is a fascinating backdrop to the Libs’ energetic live show. Meanwhile sleek Glaswegian electro outfit Chvrches will have punters pirouetting to their synth-laden pop hooks. Catalan group Love of Lesbian, Blonde Redhead and Mew are other standout acts on an impressive bill.

Primavera Sound, Barcelona: June 1-5 Once again, Primavera has arranged a world-class roster of talent. Booking James Murphy’s LCD Soundsystem is a real coup, with the New York group’s Friends surely the perfect summer festival tune. Radiohead’s (above) return for their first live dates since 2013 is another huge draw, but there is so much more to Primavera than its headliners. Air, Brian Wilson (performing Pet Sounds), PJ Harvey, Sigur Ros, Beach House, Dinosaur Jr and Deerhunter are just some of the bands heading to Barcelona for what is always the summer’s standout festival.

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Mad Cool Festival, Madrid: June 16-18 The absence of a festival in Madrid to rival Barcelona’s Primavera is finally addressed with Mad Cool’s heavyweight lineup. The Who, Neil Young and The Prodigy are headline acts that signal Mad Cool’s intent . Local heroes Vetusta Morla precede Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend on the opening night to give the main stage a Spanish flavour. Elsewhere, The Kills, Jane’s Addiction, Editors and Caribou are part of the stellar line-up for this three-day extravaganza.

Sonar, Barcelona: June 16-18 The same weekend as Mad Cool hits the summer circuit, dance fans can get their groove on at Sonar. The festival’s By Day and By Night tickets offer roundthe-clock access to various Barcelona venues hosting the electronic music festival. Fatboy Slim, New Order (above) and John Grant join over 150 diverse

acts. Anohni, Anthony and the Johnsons’s collaboration with Oneohtrix Point Never and Hudson Mohawke, is a fascinating prospect. Richie Hawtin’s minimal techno, Santigold’s blissful funk and 2013 Mercury Prize winner James Blake will ensure the party goes on all night.

Festival de Trafalgar, Barbate: June 24-25 There will be a defiantly British feel at this decidedly Spanish setting. Certainly it’s unlikely that Costa de la Luz music fans have ever heard anything quite like Sleaford Mods (left). The duo’s pared-down rap invective, enunciated in a Nottingham accent as broad as the Trent, is a hybrid of The Streets and The Fall in all their splenetic glory. The Buzzcocks’ timeless melodies of teenage angst will strike a more familiar chord, and the beatboxing Beardyman is another British one-off on the weekend’s roster. Headliners Crystal Fighters are the perfect feel-good act to round off a sun-kissed weekend.

11 April 27th - May 10th 2016

and the time is right

Dreambeach, Almeria: August 11-14

BBK Live, Bilbao: July 7-9

FIB 2016, Benicassim: July 14-17 Benicassim is the number one choice for British music lovers heading to Spain. Over the weekend, the town’s festival campsites and bars reverberate with English voices. The heat certainly isn’t Blightyesque, but campers can take a cooling dip in the Mediterranean and sprawl out on the beach to sleep off the previous night’s excesses. They will need to. Like all Spanish festivals, the music goes on all night at Benicassim - and it lasts four days. Chemical Brothers, Muse and Kendrick Lamar are huge headliners, with a special appearance by Bristol trip-hop masters Massive Attack a particular treat.

The cream of dance music’s DJ crop will be spinning the discs at Spain’s Dreambeach festival this August. Carl Cox (below), Claptone and John Digweed are just some of the star names performing at the electronic music festival from August 11-14. Sunday’s closing party at the Villaricos site will be staged by Elrow.

New Order would be the headline act at any ordinary festival but this year’s BBK is no ordinary gig. The presence of the majestic Arcade Fire has relegated the Manchester band into sub-headline slot on an eyecatchingly brilliant opening night. The following night, Pixies (right) and Underworld are two stalwart groups whose infectious music retains its relevance years on. Canadian songstress Grimes, psychedelic Aussie rockers Tame Impala and British band Foals offer a strong variety of sounds. Father John Misty’s 60s-inflected melodies will sound sweet on a Basque summer night.

what’s on

pring Festival, May 1 This year’s festival kicks off with May Day celebrations from 11am-midnight on Casemates square, featuring X Factor winner Ben Haenow, stylos dance studios and more. Info: 350 20067236

illa Vasquez, May 4 An exhibition by the Gibraltan artist will open at the Fine Arts Gallery on Casemates Square until May 18. Info: 350 20052126

D Gibraltar Electronic Music Festival, Victoria Stadium: August 6 Since it started in 2013, the GEMF has stamped itself firmly as Gibraltar’s premier electronic music festival. Although this year’s full lineup hasn’t yet been released, acts confirmed so far include Lady Waks (left), Vulgarythm, Re-Sorted, Plata 44 and Nu-Era. International and local artists from emerging electronic music trends will hit the stage, with the festival promising massive change and growth this year. Meanwhile, the Gibraltar Music Festival lineup is still to be announced, with rumours that Stereophonics and Satana could be headlining.

arts Trophy, May 6-8 See some of the World’s best darts players live at the Tercentenary Sports Hall in the Victoria Stadium. Info: 350 200 47592

ummer Party, May 7 The Top Deck Summer Party at Ocean Village’s Sunborn Hotel will host live drums, violin and a DJ, with more to be announced. Info: 350 20016939

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LETTERS

April 27th - May 10th 2016

POTTED POINTERS EMERGENCIES Police 199 Medical service 190 Fire 190 EURO EXCHANGE RATES 1 euro is worth 1.13 American dollars 0.78 British pounds 1.43 Canadian dollars 7.44 Danish kroner 8.74 H Kong dollars 9.23 Norwegian kroner 1.52 Singapore dollars ANDALUCIA RESERVOIR LEVELS This week: 63.21% Same week last year: 81.37% Same week in 2005: 65.51% AIRPORTS Gibraltar 00350 22073026 Granada-Jaen 958 245 200 Jerez - 956 150 000 Malaga - 952 048 844* *For English press 9 Sevilla - 954 449 000 HomeINS-A4.pdf 1 06/06/2013 15:34:32

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

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Better together

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Fear factor

DEAR OP, IT’S great to see Eva Carneiro back in Gibraltar. She will always have a warm welcome from everyone back on the Rock. What she has achieved in football is truly phenomenal and an inspiration to us all. There are too few women involved in the beautiful game at all levels, from spectators in the stands to executives in the boardroom. For Eva to have risen to the post of doctor at Premier League champions Chelsea is a testament to the skill, dedication and professionalism. I wish her all her best in her future endeavours. Welcome back, Eva!

AS a proud Gibraltarian who left the Rock as a youngster to live in England, I would like to add my wholehearted support to the Gibraltar Stronger in Europe campaign (They Stayed At Home, Issue 16). Like the UK, Gibraltar has everything to gain and nothing to fear by voting to remain in the EU. The status and prosperity which Gibraltar endures today would. in my opinion, be jeopardised by voting out. There is no clear plan by the out campaign and all their views are based on fear.

CAN I just make it clear what an incredible job staff at the GHA and St Bernard’s do (Stub it out, Issue 16)? Smoking is not a crime, and I think it is a shame that all their good work was slightly overshadowed by the fact it is still allowed on hospital premises. I know so many people who have been treated at St Bernard’s and the care, patience and skill of all who work there is a credit to Gibraltar. Just last week, hundreds of people were screened for cancer by GHA staff on Skin Awareness Day. You really couldn’t be in bet-

best Visitors:English xxxxxxxx daily news website Most read this fortnight on www.theolivepress.es

Fed up!

 Costa del Sol on weather alert

I’M not sure why the Grassroots Out campaign bothered coming to Gibraltar. It should have been obvious to them which way the Rock is going to vote. Their offer of an MP for Gibraltar if - heaven forbid - Britain votes to leave the EU, nothing more than a publicity stunt. From Barack Obama to the IMF, the signal is clear: leaving the EU would be disastrous for British people, and would hit Gibraltar hard. We must fight, campaign and - most importantly - vote to ensure it doesn’t happen. Anon, Gibraltar

Karl Arnez, Fuengirola

EU alarm

Smoked out

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I CAN understand the large support for the UK remaining in the EU. Like many others that have property in Spain, I will most likely vote to remain in. But if I had no investment in Spain and used it purely as a holiday destination I would definitely vote out. I doubt many expats would support voting in if they had no property in Spain. I am fed up with Britain being consistently taken for a ride. Not one suggestion, one amendment, one alteration has been heeded by the unelected few at the top table. There is no democracy, no yearly accounts and no voting rights of the people as to who should have control.Yet, they love taking our money - the second highest contributors to the coffers - and I agree with everything that the Leave campaign is fighting for.

Ernest Tavares, England

Paul Ross, La Linea

October 2015

ter hands and I salute each and every one of them. Scott McRae, La Linea

Making waves Russian stop-offs by its navy bring around €1 million a year to Ceuta’s economy. Spain making money from selling fuel to Russia should surprise no one (Hidden

agenda, Issue 15). Whilst the Battle of Trafalgar was happening, Andalucian oak was being sold to the British Navy. Stuart Crawford, Coin

Correction LEO Olivero is in no way connected to the group Defenders of Gibraltar and never has been. The Olive Press apologises for the misunderstanding.

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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April 27th - May 10th 2016

From its potted geraniums and cultivated orchids to its seafaring virgin and its Banksystyle outdoor art gallery, it’s sweet to live in Estepona, writes Iona Napier

COULD have sworn I saw the huge, ornate effigy of the Virgin Mary wink at me as she was hoisted down to the sea on the shoulders of a bunch of strapping sailors last summer. As the sun dipped below the horizon on the most electric night of the year, she was launched out to sea in a dinghy to be greeted by a flotilla of lamp-lit boats laden to their plimsoll lines with revellers, while others waded into the water to get a better look. This was Estepona on the night of the Virgen del Carmen, a festival that brings expats, Spanish families and holidaymakers down to the water’s edge en masse to watch the proceedings agog. It’s surely Malaga’s answer to the Oxford-Cambridge boat race, as feisty and Spanish as the UK event is uptight and British. For many, Estepona is the last bastion of ‘big resort’ charm on the Costa del Sol. The town has ramped up its appeal with a ‘hanging garden’ of geraniums sprouting from multicoloured pots on every wall of every street, not to mention the colourful murals which can be spotted across town. And it has gone one better than the plantpots with its exotic glass-domed orchidarium. The futuristic greenhouse with more than 8,000 species of orchids and three waterfalls has welcomed more than 250,000 people over the last 12 months and they continue to arrive by the coach load.

IMPRESSIVE: Estepona has cleaned up its act with beautiful street art and (top left) geranium-lined streets Sandwiched between the ocean and the high sierras of Bermeja, Estepona does surf and turf in style. And just like the old ditty about Jack Sprat and his wife, between the traditional old town and the bustling modern port which prop up either end of the promenade, there’s something

for everyone. First, grab a fistful of maps from the Plaza de Flores tourist office in the old town’s prettiest square (or the other office in the marina). With two walking tours, an art walk and a poetry route, the best way to see Estepona is on foot.

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From Page 19

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the historic centre. The outskirts are modern, residential and more likely to offer up wacky murals. Thanks to Banksy, graffiti has gained worldwide acceptance as an art form and Estepona has been quick to respond, turning 24 of its own wall paintings into an al fresco art gallery, marketed as the ‘mural route’. The writing’s also on the wall for literature lovers. They can tour the town on a poetry treasure hunt via 22 ditties daubed in different languages. It’s also kind to your wallet. Expect to pay no more than €1.50 for a café con leche as you while away the afternoon in the winding backstreets where the locals carry on the daily grind to the pattering of fountains. While the old town’s twisting uphill streets offer a glimpse of life as it used to be in Es-

Estepona

Garden of the Costa

QUAINT: Streets and plazas of the Old Town while (top) Calle Real statues tepona, the promenade brings you right back to the present with its lycra-clad joggers, giant chess sets and sand sculptors. But scratch the cosmopolitan surface and you’ll find a lady with a past who has been flirting with civilisation and repelling invaders since neolithic

times. Her story is told through a scattering of watchtowers built to ward off the Moorish invaders, the Arab-built clock tower and 16th century castle ruins. Disney may only have discovered her in the early 1990s – the town was the original choice for Eurodisney but was

pipped to the post by Paris – but ‘Estebbuna’ was founded during the golden age of the Caliphate of Cordoba in the 10th century. Destroyed by the conquering Christians in the 15th century and rebuilt by Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand almost a century later, King Philip V

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Estepona

15 April 27th - May 10th 2016

BUZZING: Estepona port granted the town a charter for 600 families in 1728… Compare that to the 60,000-plus residents today – a figure that more than triples in summer months. The high tourist numbers are unsurprising, and not only because of Estepona’s 325 days of sunshine a year, 21km of coastline, 17 beaches, dozens of chiringuitos, eight golf courses and more spa hotels than you can shake a fluffy white towel at. Fresh air fiends can sail in the port, go horse-riding, do high ropes at Selwo Adventure park, play padel in the poligono or kick back with a cocktail and their toes in the sand at one of its glorified beach shacks. The main players are the town beach, Playa de la Rada, 1.5km of sand dotted with chiringuitos and Playa del Cristo, a sheltered bay with two pleasant watering holes. In fact, the fishy fare served by these ramshackle beach huts is surprisingly good. In town you can find everything from five-star grub at the beachfront fish joint Palm Beach to the formerly bestkept seafood secret in the old town, Bar Simon, (Avenida Juan Carlos), which is always packed. After supper, pick up an ice cream on Calle Real or hit the bars: Louie Louie’s is always guaranteed for a good boogie or if you prefer to watch, El Patio puts on a colourful feast of flamenco on Friday nights for €20. But the marina is the main port of call for Estepona’s bright young things who flock there to see and be seen on

HANDSOME: Clock tower and (top left) mural of fishing day weekends. Several lively bars and clubs freehand pour drinks according to ye old Spanish ‘say when’ system (hic) and will only turf revellers out towards 6am. After that you can freshen up with a quick swim before breakfast, then face up to a long hot day of paying for the night before - face down on a beach towel. Alternatively, if you went to bed on time, there are four excellent markets to get up for. Three are held on Sunday mornings: one at the port (9am-2pm), a rastro in the bullring (10am-3pm), and an artisan market in Plaza ABC

FUTURISTIC: Orquidarium

(10am-2pm). On Wednesday mornings (9am-2pm) Avenida Puerta del Mar market is the place to be. Alongside with a large retired population – 30% of Estepona’s residents are from overseas – many 20 and and 30-somethings find their way here and just can’t seem to leave. “I love wandering through the sunlit streets on my 15-minute commute to a local language academy - there’s always a buzz and plenty to see and hear,” says 23-yearold Ed Lloyd from Devon, who has lived here for almost two years. “Estepona has got under my skin. Tomorrow’s lunch is still swimming in the sea

and, high or low season, your euros go so far with fine wine and quality local food.” He adds: “There also seems to be a team of ‘round-the-clock’ Alan Titchmarshes pruning Estepona’s streets into a floral paradise – I love it here.” While armies of gardeners keep the town spruce, the town is kept safe by an aboveaverage quota of crime-fighters, as Estepona is a police training HQ. As an Esteponian of one-year standing I have never witnessed any crime and there is a distinct feeling of year-round holiday vibe as Inma, my welcoming Spanish landlady, confirms. “What I most like about Estepona is the easy-going life,” she says. “In some ways, even when working, it is like being on a permanent holiday: nice weather, nice people, good restaurants... What else can you ask for?” Different nationalities mingle happily together in the resort and the cosmopolitan melting pot gets an extra stir with twiceweekly English/Spanish exchanges and a French conversation group on Friday evenings. Hazel Hale, 73, who has been living in Estepona for 12 years, helps organise the exchanges. They average 12 people a time and she is keen to keep the tradition afloat. “We have opened the Spanish/ English exchange to all levels and it’s very

sociable and enjoyable,” she tells me. Polyglots abound and young Spaniards come from as far away as Barcelona in search of one of Spain’s finest Flamenco guitar teachers, Paco Javier Jimeno, who has won no less than seven national awards and also performs live. A quality lifestyle is certainly attainable in this Spanish town conveniently equidistant to Malaga and Gibraltar airports, 20 minutes by car from glitzy Marbella and swanky Sotogrande and under an hour from vertiginous Ronda. And in case visitors are not convinced, to prove the point the town hall is pumping more money in with a new 42-bed hotel in the main square and 100 new underground parking spaces costing just €1 per day. Once the new development is completed, the old town will boast over 3,000 tourist beds. But whether that’s a king-sized bed in fivestar luxury, bunk beds in a hostel or the sofa in my own crash pad, you will be welcomed as an honorary Esteponian with a free and open invitation to join the locals in all their joyous fiestas: the Virgen del Carmen (wet and wild) the Semana Santa processions (solemn and moving) or San Juan Night (completely crazy), when we all leap over beach bonfires and bathe three times for luck. So come on in, the water’s fine, and join the party!

trazado GIB final ABRIL 2015 anuncio essential doble pagina central 544 x 342 mm.indd 1

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Estepona

Melting pot! Estepona has a great mix of places to eat, writes Dining Secrets of Andalucia editor Jon Clarke

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T is a hard act to follow but Estepona is slowly developing a food culture to rival that of nearby Marbella. Little by little, more exciting places are opening up around the town and along the nearby coast, with everything from Japanese to Goan. Take excellent chiringuito Palm Beach, one of the best beach restaurants on the coast for quality. Set up by former Dutch broker Erwin Vanderdonck, he and business partner Aart produce some stunning dishes including prawn pil pil samosas and crab spring rolls, which are melt-in-the-mouth amazing. It is a similar story at Restaurante Alexandre, where Belgium talent Alexandre is currently producing some of the best quality food on the coast today (see side bar, right). One of the most stylish spots is Tanino, a riot of colours and cool interior decor, in Benamara, which has an Asiatic fusion menu, with a distinct depth of quality. Open 365 days a year, it has an international wine list and plenty of cocktails, plus a great outdoor terrace. Another long term favourite is Kokomo, where former Savoy chef Simon Taylor-Lane, gets busier as the years go on. And now in

SPECIAL SERVICE: Asiatic influence at Palm Beach and (top, left) a dish a brand new venue, up in Nueva He and wife Sally run a tight ship and it is incredible how busy their Atalaya. Having also trained with Marco place gets. Pierre White, he has the classic Up in the heart of Estepona there knack of creating culinary clas- has been a quiet revolution with a sics and, best of all, an amazing string of new and stylish terrace restaurants opening of late. value set lunch.

MOVING Up a gear

HEN it comes to gearboxes, nobody is boxing Robert and James Sutcliffe into a corner. And now the gearbox specialists at Transmatic are celebrating their quarter century in Estepona with some brand new signs and logos. Former in 1991, the company is the Costa del Sol’s leading specialist in gear boxes, specialising in the repair and service of gearboxes for all makes

of car. Says Robert: “While most drivers understand they need to regularly service their car to keep it on the road few realise the gearbox can suffer from high amounts of wear and tear.” In many cases, he insists, even main dealers fail to change the oil and filter during servicing as they lack the knowledge and tools for the specialist job Email info@transmatic.es or call 952796166

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19 April 27th - May 10th 2016

Fit for a King

FRESH: Rincon Toscana, while (right) David at Lola’s and (above) his profiteroles Pick of the bunch is easily Casa del Rey, where there are no less than 70 wines by the glass and resident sommelier Farran Pacheco, who used

ON THE MOVE: Juan at Sur

to work at Harrods, gives out some excellent wine pairing tips with tapas (see panel, right). Nearby, you must look out for Lola’s, run by a French couple from Paris, who are always coming up with new dishes and specials, including beef bourguignon and snails, while their fantastic spring rolls (nems) and very own invention, ‘rajaos’, which means ‘something broken’, are excellent. You must also check out Argentinian Sur, where well-travelled owner Juan is never standing still, always trying new things in terms of decor, wines and dishes. A classic family affair, you often find father, wife, son and daughter, not to mention son-in-law serving up juicy empanadas, lamb tagines and, of course, the best steaks imaginable. If it is a good Italian you are after few places come as good as Rincon Toscana, run by Uri, who previously ran a b&b near Siena. As well as great Italian wines, you will eat the freshest

pasta and the best pizzas around. Just across the square is easily one of the best ‘hang-outs’, or meeting points, in the town. Tolone, run by cultured American Kristi, is now an institution and famous for its breakfasts, juices, cakes - including an amazing Amaretto-soaked cherry cheesecake, and snacks. Up in the port look out for Plan B, where owners Veronika and Oscar serve up exciting Goan gastronomy, as well as amazing fresh juices, smoothies and mouthwatering cocktails. The decor is quirky, the atmosphere welcoming and all of the dishes homemade. Another great spot is De la Mar, where Dutch owners Helene and Pim have opted for fine dining, having previously run a pub. With a distinct international feel, there is some excellent fresh fish and grilled meats, as well as a selection

Olé for Alex

t is literally beautiful food, some of the prettiest served up on the coast… With classic Michelin star panache Belgian Master chef Alexandre is a creative genius in the kitchen. After a decade on the coast at the likes of Casanis and Casa Mono, he set up stunning Restaurant Alexandre - all contemporary lines and hip decorations - nearly two years ago. Changing the menu by the day and working as seasonally as possible, it is only a matter of time before he wins some plaudits.

A largely undiscovered gem, hidden in a back-street in the hinterland between Estepona and Marbella, expect dishes like scallop carpaccio with seaweed and truffle sauce or poached egg with spinach and chanterelle mushrooms. His turbot was in a word ‘wow’, while vitello tonnato with white veal and tuna with capers, gherghins, radishes and parmesan shavings was a delight. There are some great French wines to match and some local chestnuts too. One to watch out for.

Working on the Costa del Sol since 1990

of Scandinavian dishes. Run by father and son team Mike and Tom, Limonera focuses on seasonal, locally-sourced food and offers an inspired menu. While there why not visit Caesar’s: an intimate dining space, which is the perfect spot for a special occasion or private function. While in the port make sure to look out for Healy Macs, which was previously the Irish Fiddler and has undergone a stunning conversion, with a decent mix of dishes and a great outdoor terrace. Voted ‘best Irish pub’ outside Ireland, by the Irish Times and Diagio, dishes include great chicken liver pate, paella croquettes and an amazing Aberdeen Angus steak. Last but not least, just outside the port, up on the ‘secret’ Playa del Cristo look out for chiringuito Lolailo, where a friendly team serves up the freshest fish that one would expect from a good beach restaurant.

T completely changed the fabric of Estepona old town centre when it opened four years ago. With its fantastic collection of 70 wines by the glass, separated into easy to understand price brackets, Casa del Rey brought a new style of diner to the centre. Gourmets keen to experiment with wines and tapas love the stylish high-ceiling ambience and attractive tables outside, always full on warm evenings. Its sommelier Farran Pacheco (pictured) lives and breathes wine and now offers regular wine tasting courses at the recently opened Wine Room next door. Part of the Reinaldo group of businesses, which includes Reinaldo in the port and a new spot Bar Don Reinaldo in Calle Real, it is well run and offers quality.

’ LOLA S

Tel: 951 50 85 65

BAR & TAPAS

•

ESTEPONA

Do you like to eat?

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the Gibraltar Olive Press October 1st - 14th

the Olive Press June 25th - July 9th 2015

April 27th - May 10th 2016

Midtown on the move TWO new buildings at Midtown Development have been approved for planning permission. But the Development and Planning Commission (DPC) rejected a request to extend building times at the

site from 8pm to 10pm. The DPC also turned down an application for four houses at Lower Poca Roca in the Upper Rock Nature Reserve and an eight-storey building on Eastern Beach Road.

FEARS: Home worries

POLICE ROW: GSD plans queried

Cop shop shock

Brexit blow? A BREXIT would be ‘bad news’ for British homeowners in Spain, property experts have warned. A report from Spanish Property Insight highlights the fact the pound could fall further if Britain votes to leave the EU on June 23. The pound has fallen around 10% against the Euro since last summer. “If the referendum ends in a Brexit result (vote to leave the EU), it will be bad news for the Spanish property market and British owners of property in Spain,” the report states.

Surge

“The implications of a Brexit are complicated for expats and holiday-home owners, and the pound might fall even further, given what the currency markets are already saying about even the possibility of a Brexit. “None of which would be good for British demand for property in Spain.” The report also said that a vote to remain in the EU would see the pound rally and a surge in demand for housing in Spain from British buyers. “If the British vote to stay in the EU, then all the uncertainty holding back demand could evaporate on the day of the referendum,” the report said. “It could be a great second half of the year for home sales in areas popular with British buyers.” THE widely criticised restoration of the Matrera castle ruins in Cadiz has won an international architecture prize. A Spanish heritage body had called the refurbishment of the 1,000-yearold fortress 'lamentable', but in April it won the popular vote in the architecture and preservation category of the Architize A+ awards. The projects leading architect Carlos Quevedo, will travel to New York in May to collect the award. He said: "We are very happy, I am proud of the work we've done and we want to celebrate. It is very important for us because it is a recognition for all the work we have done over five years." He added that those who

NELSON: Lord’s house for sale

£12 million mansion awarded to Admiral Nelson’s family after Battle of Trafalgar hits the market

Up for grabs A SPECTACULAR country retreat given to Admiral Nelson’s family by the government after he died in the Battle of Trafalgar is on sale for £12 million. The family remained in the Wiltshire mansion - renamed Trafalgar Park after the 1805 battle near the Strait of Gibraltar - until 1946. Passing through a number of owners since, current resident Michael Wade has spent the best part of 20 years renovating the property’s 100 rooms. With 33 acres of land, the Grade I listed building has a baroque hall, library and over 33 acres of gardens. Business executive Wade said his restoration project has been a ‘labour of love’. “Trafalgar Park is a wonderful family home, and its ongoing architectural restoration has been a labour of love,” he said. “During my tenure we have enjoyed and recorded opera and instrumentalists in the Baroque Hall, had the Globe Theatre Company perform Shakespeare - not to mention film stars and zombies for the films made at Trafalgar Park.” The setting of blockbuster films 28 Days Later and Sense and Sensibility, the property is now on the market with Savills. Following the Battle of Trafalgar, Nelson’s body was initially brought to Gibraltar in a cask of brandy before being transferred to England. In fact, some of those who died in the battle are buried in Trafalgar cemetery at the top of Main Street.

THE government has called the timing of GSD plans for the former Central Police Station ‘surprising’. 3 An Opposition statement said the ‘iconic and beautiful’ Irish Town building should be retained as a central hub for all tribunals, including the Industrial Tribunal and Social Security Tribunal. The GSD believes using the police station in this way with a permanent tribunal chairman would improve the service for Gibraltar’s citizens. However, a government statement was quick to highlight that almost a year has passed since expressions of interest were invited for the Central Police Station building. “The deadline for submissions THE Alameda Gardens has was 31 July 2015,” said a spokescelebrated its 200th anniman. versary with the opening of “It is therefore surprising that a new glasshouse, Bicentethe Opposition have waited all nary House. this time before putting forThe glasshouse contains a ward ideas of their own for its tropical section for growuse, although the timing and ing rainforest species, as substance is clearly a matter for well as a desert-like zone. them.” The new attraction took The government also said the two years to build and was scheme under consideration will opened to the public last feature a public space to be used week. for police or cultural exhibitions.

Birthday bash

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AWARD-WINNING CASTLE: In Cadiz criticised the work were upset by change. Cultural heritage campaigners Hispania Nostra said the project was 'truly

lamentable'. "No words are needed, you just need to look at the photographs," it said.

The Old Bank, 17-21 Cannon Lane, Gibraltar, P.O. Box 1418 T: +350 200 48532 F: +350 200 62050 E: info@npestates.com www.npestates.com

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the Gibraltar Olive Press October 1st - 14th

A state of Uncertain Uncertainty (Or “that” man waiting round the corner with the spade...) - By Quentin Sellar / International Financial Adviser Costa del Sol

don’t like uncertainty; its makes them very jittery and that in turn causes high volatility. In turn, this can cause investors to behave in different ways. My colleagues and I recently attended a Conference hosted by FEIFA (Federation of European Independent Financial Advisors) where we listened to a presentation by one of the world’s largest Fund Managers regarding Investor Behaviour. Using a research tool developed in conjunction with the University of Cambridge and with a sample size of over 2000 people they found 9 types of behaviour biases. I want to focus on the top 3:

• Projection Bias • Present Bias • Herdism Thank you I wrote an article in this paper 4 weeks ago reminding people about their obligations and deadlines regarding Fiscal Residency and Modelo 720 submissions and also the potential impact of Spanish Inheritance tax if a person’s estate is not structured properly. I would like to personally thank you for the tremendous response we had to that article and my colleagues and I are delighted we could help – it’s what we do best. Uncertain Uncertainty A very good friend of mine told me the story that just when you think everything is working well for you, “that” man with the spade pops out from his hiding place and smacks you right in the face with his spade. Now I’m not talking about what happens in Glasgow when you’re walking home from the pub on a Saturday night (and I’m Glaswegian so I’m allowed to joke about things like that); I’m talking about 2016 and what faces each and every one of us this year – Uncertainty. In fact, it could almost be classed as “uncertain uncertainty”. The key issue for British expats is obviously the UK referendum on 23rd June when the vote will be taken as to whether or not the UK stay in the European Union. So how do retail investors react in these conditions of uncertainty and what should you actually do? Now we all know that the Financial Markets

Projection Bias is defined as “the tendency to falsely project current feelings onto future events Present Bias is defined as “the tendency to prefer immediate gains over larger future gains” Herdism is defined as “the tendency to do something because many other people do the same” Now think. How many people do you know that tried to cash in on the property boom here in Spain in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s looking to build a property portfolio for their future (Projection Bias and Herdism)? Then we have the collapse in the property market and people were left in an “asset rich but cash poor” position. What happened next? Well there were a lot of people who completely cashed in their Pensions by transferring to a QROPS jurisdiction that allowed you to do so at an earlier age then in the UK (Herdism and Present Bias). And then what happened? They had cash in the bank but a massive impact on their future income when they stopped working.

over a cup of coffee we can:

• Clearly establish your current financial situation

• Discuss the reasons that you want or need to invest

• Explore your future plans and goals and not just take your stated needs at face value

• Ensure that your investment goals are

consistent with your future income or estate planning needs • Help you understand potential future returns in tangible terms in accordance to your attitude to risk • Remind you that your needs are individual and may be different to other people • But also benchmark your needs against similar people at later ages or life stages Providing a suit of armour against “that man with the spade” We can then prepare and present a solution that will ensure that your wealth is properly diversified and not reliant on a few sectors. There are lots of things happening in the world at the moment that are impacting the financial markets. And the reality is I think that for the foreseeable future we are going to be in a constant state of change and hence volatility. So once you become a client of Blacktower, through careful consultation and regular reviews we will continue to support you and monitor performance, adjusting your portfolio where necessary. If you have any questions, or concerns then please do not hesitate to contact me.

To contact Quentin Sellar call +34 952 816 443 or email quentin.sellar@blacktowerfm.com

These are just two examples on how investor behaviour can be influenced by bias and the long term impact of decisions that are made without careful planning and consideration. What YOU need to do NOW Quite simply come and talk to us. By having a simple and relaxed but structured conversation

Blacktower Financial Management (International) Ltd is licensed by the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission Licence 00805B and with the DGS and CNMV in Spain.

Looking for peace of mind? • Expert wealth management • Effective tax planning • Tailored investments • International Pension Transfers • Private Banking • Discretionary Fund Management Contact the Marbella or Gibraltar Office: O T +34 952 816 443 | +350 200 42353 E info@blacktowerfm.com Blacktower Financial Management (International) Limited is licensed by the Gibraltar FSC Licence 00805B and registered with the DGS in Spain. Blacktower Financial Management Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the UK.

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Top Dollar

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Ship shape MINISTER for shipping Albert Isola has led a major financial delegation to Singapore and Hong Kong. Around 50 senior representatives from Hong Kong’s shipping community attended a reception at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club on April 11. Captain of the Port, Bob Sanguinetti also attended the event, with Isola holding meetings with senior executives from one of Hong Kong’s biggest shipowners. Isola said: “This trade mission to both significant strategic hubs serves to reinforce Gibraltar’s reputation as a centre of maritime excellence, and allows us to better understand the needs of the maritime community.”

Innovation nation AN online software building company has won the Gibraltar Federation of Small Businesses’ Innovation Awards. Easy Payment Gateway (EPG)’s CEO, Alex Capurro, picked up £2,000 worth of IT and telecommunications equipment. EPG offers any online merchant multiple payment solutions in order to process digital transactions.

IT is rapidly becoming a high street name in Andalucia and Gibraltar, but Holland & Barrett has now been praised back in the UK by no less than the Queen. To celebrate her 90th birthday, Her Majesty bestowed the prestigious Queen’s Award for International Trade upon the health food chain. The annual awards celebrate UK businesses leading the way in international trade, innovation and sustainable development across a broad range of sectors. Holland & Barrett International - which has had

Royal approval a store in Gibraltar since 2012 - recently completed its 28th consecutive quarter of growth with an annual

ROCK STOP: USS Florida

Breton’s Panama Papers Le Briefing fallout

I’m annoyed at the mass file leak… but not out of sympathy for exposed tax-dodgers!

IMAGINE everyone will have heard of the socalled ‘The Panama Papers’ by now – some 11.5 million confidential documents that were ‘hacked’ from the database of a Panamanian law firm and transmitted to the worldwide press. No one yet seems certain – or at least they haven’t said – how this happened, nor what the consequences will be for the law firm, Panama’s finance centre or the individuals and companies named in the files. I have been following the story with some dismay: not out of sympathy for any alleged tax evaders; still less for any advisers, Panamabased or elsewhere, who may have facilitated such activities. As a director responsible for business development of a regulated firm in Gibraltar, I know only too well how difficult it can be to attract good, clean business while turning a reasonable profit. After all, customer identification and due diligence procedures can be time-consuming and costly, for both parties. So any high-profile event that will ultimately serve as a warning to criminals and tax dodgers that they will be exposed is to be welcomed. It will also serve as a warning to any advisers who make a living by pursuing such a misguided career path. In other words, it should help level the playing field for the rest of us. So why am I so cross about the leaking of the Panama Papers? Mainly I think because the industry – rightly – has made giant leaps in recent years to comply with ever more stringent regulation. I have written recently about the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)’s Common Reporting Standard or CRS.

Email: gib@SovereignGroup.com Tel: +350 200 76173 www.SovereignGroup.com

growth rate of over 10%. The firm also saw sales increase from £513.6m in 2014 to £573.8m in 2015,

What’s up, dock?

missiles at Libyan air defence targets, allowing allied planes to open up a no-fly zone over Libya. In 2013, the Florida’s crew

By the end of next year almost 100 jurisdictions worldwide will introduce automatic information exchange. It will no longer be possible for people in those countries to evade tax by failing to declare taxable income. Tax planning that involves any element of ‘nonreporting’ when such returns are legally required is not tax planning at all. It is fraud. The press and politicians, however, make no attempt to differentiate between those jurisdictions, such as Gibraltar and Britain’s Crown Dependencies, whose levels of regulation match or exceed OECD member states and those, such as Panama, who do not. We are all tarred with the same brush and, when a story such as the ‘Panama Papers’ breaks, that tar suddenly becomes thicker and more difficult to remove. It doesn’t stop there. The argument seems to have moved on to whether it is acceptable for any taxpayer to seek to reduce the amount of tax they pay. For example, the UK press cried foul because David Cameron’s mother gifted him a sum of money that will, if she survives for seven years, be free of inheritance tax. Why? This is a totally legal option, clearly set out in UK legislation and open to every UK taxpayer. So yes, I am annoyed. The unbalanced reporting following the release of these papers means that we are all – jurisdictions and professionals alike – being implicated as somehow morally reprehensible. But there is a much more positive story to be told and I - alongside the rest of the Gibraltar finance industry - will continue to promote it far and wide.

April 27th - May 10th 2016

Holland & Barrett honoured in Queen’s birthday awards

Sub-merged AN allied submarine arrived at HM Naval Base this month as part of her scheduled operational tasking. Local naval and military enthusiasts thought it could be the American nuclear-powered missile USS Florida. The submarine was approached by a Guardia Civil patrol as it came into Gibraltar, causing the Royal Navy’s HMS Sabre to challenge the Spanish boat. During the 2011 Operation Odyssey Dawn, the USS Florida fired 93 tomahawk

the Gibraltar Olive Press October 1st - 14th

was awarded the Navy Unit Commendation for having ‘distinguished itself in action against the enemy’ in Libya.

with around 26% (£133m) representing international sales. Operations Manager Ildefonso Aparicio said: “We are proud to be honoured with an award of such accolade from Her Majesty, The Queen. “We at Holland & Barrett Spain have contributed to the global expansion of the business and are looking forward to further growth as the market for health and wellness here continues to develop.” Holland and Barrett Spain has four stores in Andalucia – Marbella, Fuengirola, Sevilla and Granada. For more information visit Facebook.com/HBAndalucia or call the Spanish flagship store in Fuengirola on +34 952 58 68 49

NEWS IN BRIEF Big spenders FOREIGN tourist cash splashing on the Balearic Islands increased by 45.6% in February 2016 compared to the same period last year.

Cashing in BANCO Sabadell’s net profits jumped by 44% in the first quarter of the year, boosted by the acquisition of British lender TSB.

Staying put A RECENT Brexit survey of almost 3,000 expats in Europe revealed 94% had made up their minds with 67% planning to remain in Europe and 28% voting to leave.

Streetsmart SANTANDER has been named as a ‘smart city’ with thousands of sensors controlling parking, ‘intelligent’ streetlights, bin collections and info for shoppers.

Top Dollar

the Gibraltar Olive Press October 241st - 14th

Fluent talking LONDONER Marc Elliott de Lama has always had a close connection with Spain and Gibraltar. The Croydon-born boss of Fluent Finance Abroad grew up speaking Spanish learned from his mother, who comes from Madrid. And the financial adviser & mortgage consultant's experience with Lloyds Bank, Scottish Widows and John Charcol gave him the edge over competitors when he relocated 12 years ago. Fluent Finance Abroad specialises in finding the most appropriate finance for your dream home, and are specialists in helping Gibraltar residents purchase Spanish properties. "I set up it up 10 years ago to raise the standard of advice," says Marc. "It annoys me when I see financial advisers not taking things seriously, because they are looking after someone's hard-earned money. We treat clients who come here like family." Marc's team of seven experts have at least 15 years experience in banking each and between them speak Spanish, English, French, German, Russian and Polish. And three years after Marc was the sole worker at the company, Fluent Finance Abroad is looking to expand again in 2016. For more information visit www.fluentfinanceabroad. com, email melliott@fluentfinanceabroad.com, or call 0034 952 85 36 47

www.gibraltarolivepress.com

April 27th - May 10th 2016

On track with new bus app

THE days of running for the bus look to be over thanks to the launch of a new bus tracking device. The Bus Tracking WebApp offers a real-time tracking service for routes 2 and 3, with all routes expected to be available by the end of the year. Buses can also be tracked through the Gibraltar Bus Company website. A map shows where buses are located, with a bus highlighted in bold when at a stop. Meanwhile, the new route 6 service has started, linking Market Place Terminus to Waterport Road and Mid-Harbour Estate via St Bernard’s Hospital.

Small business, big worry

95% of small firms have Brexit concerns

ALMOST all Gibraltar small businesses are worried about a Brexit, a new study shows. A survey by the Gibraltar Federation of Small Businesses (GFSB) showed 95% of small business owners are concerned about

the impact on the local economy if Britain leaves the EU. The report comes as all Gibraltar’s political parties unite to back an ‘In’ vote at the June 23 referendum. Of those polled, 21% said their business relied on EU imports and 15% said they were worried because they A LEADING international pension provider with a Gibraltar employ EU nationals. branch has acquired a specialist pension provider with UK offices. A third of businesses reSovereign Group has taken over MW Pensions (MWP), an ported a decline of profits in FCA-regulated business specialising in self-invested pensions the past year with 27% see(SIPP) schemes. ing profits remain largely Sovereign Group is the only trustee to offer Qualified Recogthe same and 22% reportnised Overseas Pension Schemes (QROPS) schemes across Giing profits were up. braltar, Malta and the Isle of Man. A quarter of respondents “While most UK non-residents say they won’t return to the UK, also said they were having the reality is that many do,” said Gerry Kelly, finance and opproblems recruiting staff, erational officer of Sovereign Group. with 14% saying they had “Sovereign can be a one-stop shop for their retirement planbeen unable to open a bank ning needs.” account.

Branching out

Property AGONY ANT Property YOUR LEGAL PROBLEMS ADDRESSED BY ANTONIO FLORES

Let’s be friends I

T’S widely believed that where a lawyer and oppos- Spanish lawyers and the question of ing counsel know each oth- mutual respect er, there is a better chance to sort matters under dispute in a less acrimonious, and More obvious was a ruling by the Malaga thus expensive, manner. I fully agree with Law Society reprimanding a lawyer who this. maintained, in Court, that the opposing Where you know and respect your counter- counsel’s actions consisted in “…lying barepart, tensions can be mitigated in contested facedly… instructing witnesses to deliberatelitigation or, in say, a protracted bitter nego- ly prevaricate… submitting a fundamentally tiation. malicious, reckless and fraudulent claim This is however not always the case; many that not only opportunistically omits prejulawyers feel that they owe dicial documentation but also, no respect, companionship, exaggerates facts and twists trust or loyalty to their counthe reality of things…sending Many lawyers terpart because of personal missives where the lawyer presdifferences, historical dis- feel they owe no surised the other party to acputes, fierce competition in respect, trust or cept an agreement, not short of the market place or a mere blackmail…” loyalty to their dislike for another human beOn the contrary, the same Law ing. Society found that stating ‘from counterpart And these scenarios often the boring reading of the tetrigger disciplinary action by dious appeal writ that the opthe district Law Society, in posing party has submitted, at charge of repressing unfriendly attitudes be- least in respect to the intellectual productween fellow members. tion which is scarce, from what we can see…’ As an example, the Malaga Law Society was not disrespectful. found it to be an impropriety for the newly And the same outcome was reached where appointed lawyers to criticise the job done a lawyer, on talking about the merits of prior by their predecessors when saying: “We are counsel, said: “…his delicate health…the surprised that the previous lawyers failed to physical conditions at the time were far from resolve such trivial differences, and rather ideal, whether for age limitations or the rathpoisoned the relationship between their re- er more perceptible issue of arriving from a spective clients”. function where alcohol was in abundance…”

Email Antonio at aflores@lawbird.es

alud S T 25 www.gibraltarolivepress.com

the Gibraltar Olive Press October 1st - 14th

www.theolivepress.es March

SURGERY: For Brits abroad

Fly and tuck SPAIN could see an increase in health tourism after the UK’s General Medical Council published new guidelines on cosmetic procedures. The rules, affecting surgical and non-surgical procedures, ban promotional deals such as ‘two-for-one’ and the offering of procedures as prizes. A surgeon found to break the fresh guidelines could be struck off the medical register. The changes could lead more Brits to seek operations abroad, with Spain already a hotspot for a cheaper nip and tuck. The country’s health tourism sector, mainly driven by Brits, grew by 20% last year and is worth €500 million. Brits pay on average 60% less for procedures in Spain, while the exchange rate gives them more than 15% extra spending power.

practitioners, and it is expected to put pressure on Spain’s growing alternative remedies industry. The Provincial Court of Valencia decided that medically untrained Jose Ramon Llorente should be held accountable for his claims that he could cure cancer, and that a case could be brought against him on the grounds of ‘professional intrusion’.

If convicted, Llorente faces up to two years in prison. Doctors had recommended a bone marrow transplant and chemotherapy for Mario, who was a 21-year-old physics student when he was diagnosed. Homeopathy has no grounding in scientific evidence but is worth an estimated €60 million a year in Spain.

Surgery addict’s flesh eating hell Marbella surgery addict almost loses nose after 20th op in one year A SURGERY addict who spent €400,000 to look like Barbie’s Ken has had his nose rescued in Malaga after it developed a hole. Rodrigo Alves, 32, who has a home in Puerto Banus, had an operation on his nose in February but his body rejected it. His septum then became loose and a hole appeared on the outside of his right nostril. “A horrible hole appeared in my nostril and the infection was eating my nose, I was warned if it was not stopped it could eat into my face,” he said. As the hole grew, the Brazilian found it hard to breathe and was admitted to Malaga hospital where he received antibiotics through an IV drip.

His nose had developed necrosis, a complication of cosmetic surgery where a loss of blood supply causes the new flesh to die. If not treated effectively it can lead to blood poisoning and gangrene, and eat into the surrounding skin. Doctors were able to save CHANGING FACE: Of surgery addict Rodrigo his nose and Rodrigo eventually returned to his Marbella pad. The air steward began his transformation in 2004 after struggling with the way he looked since childhood. In the past year alone he has spent an incredible €120,000 on 20 procedures, travelling to clinics from Iran to the United States.

Focus on women’s eyes When it comes to eyes, are women really from Venus?

MOTHER’S Day in Spain is the first Sunday in May, so to celebrate the great mums, grandmas, sisters and aunties we wanted to answer some questions about how women’s eyes are affected by hormones and what eye health conditions can particularly affect them.

Are women’s eyes affected by hormones? Unfortunately women’s eyes can suffer when they are menstruating, pregnant or breastfeeding, as they need to retain more liquids and this can affect the eyes as well as producing other side effects such as bloating and swollen ankles.

Are there any other things that can affect a woman’s eyes? The contraceptive pill can often cause changes in your vision, as can antidepressants, anti- anxiety medications and antihistamines.

Why do my eyes get so dry?

The term ‘dry eye’ is used when we don’t produce enough tears or our tears evaporate too quickly. People with dry eyes often have plenty of water in their tears but not enough oil. Dry eye is three times more common in

women than men, as it is affected by hormonal changes during a menstrual cycle, pregnancy, breastfeeding or the menopause. As we age this can get worse, with 60% of women over 50 years old suffering from this uncomfortable condition. To reduce symptoms drink plenty of water, use eye drops and sprays to add extra lubrication, reduce your central heating and avoid direct heat from heaters.

What is conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis is the most common eye disease in the Western hemisphere and kids often get this at school and pass this on to their mums. It is an inflammation of the conjunctiva which makes the sclera appear reddened due to an increase in blood supply. The eye feels itchy and watery. Sometimes there is a sticky discharge which feels uncomfortable and makes vision blurry. Although conjunctivitis is often referred to as 'pink eye', this technically only refers to one type of the eye disease, bacterial conjunctivitis. Contact lense users should remove them and wear glasses until symptoms recover. There are Specsavers Opticas stores in Marbella and Fuengirola on the Costa del Sol. If your eyes are sore or red, or you are experiencing discomfort, go to your nearest store for a free eye test www.specsavers.es

April 27th - May 10th 2016

Fungi can’t cure cancer!

A SPANISH father is suing a homeopath for telling his son he could cure his leukemia with ‘fungi and alcohol’. Julian Rodriguez’s son, Mario Rodriguez, lost his battle to cancer after favouring alternative remedies over conventional medicine. His father wants the landmark case to result in tougher regulation on homeopathic

GHA’S cancer awareness day OVER 250 people have been screened by the Gibraltar Health Authority (GHA) at skin cancer awareness day. The annual initiative, now in its third year, allowed locals to be checked by the GHA’s dermatology team earlier this month. The screening day marked the launch of the annual Sun Awareness campaign, aimed at raising public awareness on the dangers of overexposure. A GHA spokesman said: “In Gibraltar we already have a substantial number of skin cancers that are managed by the dermatology department and the surgeons in the hospital and it is imperative that we do all we can to reduce future cases. “The importance of protecting ourselves from sun exposure cannot be over emphasised.”

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Culinary takeover GIBRALTAR’S answer to Jamie Oliver hosted his first restaurant take over on Saturday night. Justin Bautista, 26, prepared a four-course meal for almost 50 guests at Saffron restaurant on Parliament Lane. The cookbook author and star of his own online cooking show treated guests to gazpacho, spinach pie, serrano ham croquettes and stuffed zucchini before a choice of three mains, (stuffed pork, chicken or artichoke stew) and a selection of desserts, including sweet anise bread, brandy and raisin bites and an amaretto trifle. He told the Olive Press: “I have been a little ambitious but I think it has paid off, I just hope everyone had a good time and enjoyed the food!”

Indian summer

THE Rock is getting spiced up thanks to the addition of a brand new Indian restaurant. Little Bay Bar & Indian Restaurant opened its doors on Ocean Village promenade last weekend with a buffet spectacular. The restaurant serves up modern Indian cuisine with cocktails and tapas at its bar. Tandoori dishes, curries, chicken tikka, fish pakora, seekh kebab and paneer mirchi are just some of the mouthwatering dishes on offer. A good selection of vegetarian dishes ensures everyone will go home happy.

Young Gibraltarian chef cooks four-course meal for 50 in restaurant takeover

PROUD: Justin with grandma and aunt Justin started cooking while homesick at university and missing his grandmother Car-

loti’s food. She taught him her recipes over skype, which he collected and turned into his first cookbook. Carloti told the Olive Press: “I’m very proud of Justin tonight, everything was delicious and up to my standard!” Justin now collects recipes from grandmothers across Gibraltar and puts them alongside his own on his Mamalotties website. The young chef added: “This was lots of work but definitely worth it, it was a whole new experience for me, I’m hoping to do something like this again soon.”

Food not flats! CAMPAIGNERS are calling for a new restaurant and not more apartments to be built in Rosia Bay.

A petition set up by Emma Labrador has slammed proposals for residential properties to be built at the site, which is set for a major regeneration project. “The bay needs taking care of, and beautifying, but not the construction of yet another oversized buildCUPCAKES were the order of the day at last weeking with residential apartend’s Health and Wellbeing Day at Kings Bastion ments,” states the petition. Leisure Centre. “A simple restaurant with The gluten-free treats from Gibraltar’s own Musmany parking spaces availcle Bakery included muscle malt and vegan peaable, like the Dolphin resnut butter jelly cupcakes. taurant in Camp Bay, is The company, which is opening its new store next what Rosia Bay needs and month, makes healthy snacks, bars and variations what Gibraltarians will on sweet treats. use.”

Cupcake craze

Trays at the ready

LEGENDARY WAITER: Manuel of Fawlty Towers

IT may not be the most well known, or prestigious award ceremony but waiters around Spain are on the edge of their tray tables. With a €3,000 prize up for grabs, the annual Spanish Waiter of the Year competition is almost upon us. Contestants must show their deep knowledge of food and wine, their skill at mixing drinks, preparing coffee, blending a steak tartare and - of course - cutting jamón. Judged by Ignacio López-Etcheverry president of Amyce, the country’s national association of waiters, the competition takes place on April 28.

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Photo by Jon Clarke

LORDING IT: The stunning terrace at El Jardin in Frigilana and (right) refreshing salad while (bottom) enjoying the good vibes at Sonora in Estepona

Joys of eating out Dining Secrets of Andalucia editor Jon Clarke on the best of outdoor dining

caption

STUNNING VIEWS: And chefs (right) at Las Orquideas

ATING al fresco is one of the joys of living in Spain. Dining on the terraza of your favourite restaurant under a parasol during the day, or on warm evenings, nursing tintos de verano or cold canas. Life doesn’t get much better. But some restaurants have turned the concept of a terrace into an art form. Some of Andalucia’s finest places to eat focus their entire attention on outdoor dining and hardly bother with indoor space. Naturally, rainy days wreak havoc, but the generally fine weather from April to October more than makes up for this. Living here for well over a decade I have made it my business to find all the best restaurants around the region’s eight provinces. As the editor of the region’s leading independent - and objective - online restaurant guide Dining Secrets of Andalucia, I have turned it into a job. And I have certainly been spoilt for choice. When it comes to eating outdoors, here are some of my favourite picks:

In Ronda, the best of the bunch, must be Almocobar, sitting in an ancient square by the historic Almocobar arch, while nearby Arriate has its charming El Muelle next to the train station, perfect for watching the sun set. Two other fabulous picks nearby are amazingly consistent Molino del Santo in Benaojan and Al Lago in Zahara de la Sierra. Both have spectacularly good terraces for dining, the Molino by a raging stream with plenty of trees for shade, Al Lago with some of the best views in Christendom. Down on the coast The Beach House in Elviria takes some beating, sitting on a quiet stretch of sands, while La Sala, in Puerto Banus, is THE place to watch the coast in action. In Malaga city, Restaurante Vino Mio, right by the Cervantes theatre, has a great terrace to while a way a hot summer’s evening, while nearby, in El Palo, look out for the emblematic Tintero. In Nerja, Carabeo has an amazing garden terrace overlooking the sea, while up

in nearby Frigiliana look out for El Jardin where Robert has created a magical spot with fantastic healthy food and views to match. Another excellent spot in inland Axarquia is Los Orquideas, a hotel overlooking Lake Vinuela, where chef Carlos Vera Mata creates a great range of dishes. Other personal favourites include Patria and La Castilleria in Vejer de la Frontera and wonderful Tesoro near Tarifa. A true dining secret out of the way and unexpected is Cancha II near Sotogrande. You are also spoilt for choice in Casares, where the Forge, and Arroyo Honda both have amazing terraces to dine on. And in Gibraltar you have got places like The Landings and Cafe Solo, with a great terrace in the heart of emblematic Casemates Square. Ultimately you could spend every day of the year eating a fine meal outdoors in Andalucia. That is apart from the 25 days a year when it rains, when you will just have to sit inside!

FOOD, DRINK & TRAVEL with DINING SECRETS of ANDALUCIA.com

Beach bar o’clock The days of ‘espeto’ sardines and sipping sangria on the sand are back, as the coast’s chiringuitos open up for spring

HE customary Easter rain has come and gone, the evenings are an hour longer, and that can only mean one thing... the chiringuitos

FIRING UP: Espeto sardines (left) in Sabinillas

are open again. Only 10% of Andalucia’s beach bars keep their doors open all

EMBLEMATIC: Lounging at Chambao and Palm Beach (left)

year round, with most opening from April to the end of September. There are around 1,300 dotted along Andalucia’s coastline, according to TripAdvisor, the majority of them in Malaga and Cadiz province. On some beaches there is just one, while on others, such as in Torremolinos or Benalmadena there are dozens. Excellent And while many simply concentrate on cold beer and basic fried fish, others - such as Beach House in Elviria, or Belgian-run Macaao in San Pedro - have mastered the art of fine food. Meanwhile, some stick to doing the basics brilliantly, such as the pil-pil prawns, at Floria, in Manilva, or espeto sardines at Chambao, in Torreguadiaro. And if you are looking for excellent live music, the likes of Sonora, in Estepona, particularly on Sunday evening, takes some beating, while the incredible hustle and bustle of Tintero, on the beach in Malaga on weekends is a real eye opener. Meanwhile on the Costa de la Luz, you are spoilt for choice with some of the best including Antonio, in Zahara, and Chiringuito BienStar, in Tarifa. Wherever you ultimately choose to go, you will be in the perfect spot to watch the sun set, and if you are lucky there will be views to Gibraltar and even beyond to North Africa on clear evenings.

SHABBY CHIC: At Floria

the Gibraltar Olive Press October 1st - 14th

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