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GIBRALTAR
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olive press Vol. 1 Issue 8
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December 23rd - January 5th
All we want for Christmas is...
Skiing supplement- Page 13
EXCLUSIVE By Joe Duggan A FORMER British soldier who ended up sleeping on the streets is battling to return to Gibraltar this Christmas. Gibraltarian Ronald Henry Lima, 65, was made homeless after he lost a job in the tourist industry and was left with no money. Living rough in Fuengirola for two years, the former Royal Engineer was forced to rely on charity and soup kitchens in order to survive. The war veteran, who spent four years in the army, had left Gibraltar for Fuengirola in 1989, to work as a hotel manager. However, despite a long and successful career, he lost everything in 2011 when the hotel folded after it was discovered the owner had been paying bribes to the authorities. A court case is currently pending.
A flamenco lesson - Page 10
X factor zooming in - Page 3
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A four-page Sierra Nevada special, a free flamenco lesson, two batttling Beauty Queens and a restaurant run by Jamie Oliver’s protege!
Jamie’s protege - Page 27
Let me come home Gibraltarian Army veteran who survived two years of hell on the streets wants to return to the Rock
With no family to turn to, Ronald was left with nothing and ended up sleeping rough. “It was terrible,” he says. “I lost my job, my home and all my belongings. I lived in a cash point lobby for two years. “It wasn’t safe at all, especially being over 60 years old and I was beaten up on a number of occasions by youngsters when
I was sleeping. They once stole my belongings and everything.” The ex-squaddie, who does have a small army pension, claimed it was his experiences in the military that helped him survive. “I am proud to have served my country and it somehow got me through,” said Ronald. “I never resorted to stealing or drugs, although I saw a hell of a
NAME-CHANGER: Corner was nivolved with gangs and (inset) missing Lisa
Wanted by police and gangs... the man with four aliases THE AWOL boyfriend of missing Lisa Brown is not just being hunted by police, but also criminal gangs from South America and the Campo de Gibraltar, it can be revealed. The Olive Press has also discovered that Simon Corner, 33, has been using up to four aliases in his shady business life in Southern Spain over the last decade. A source close to the investigation revealed that his real name could be Dean Tripp, while he also uses ‘Dean Woods’ and occasionally the first name ‘Damien’. In further revelations, the source, who is a friend of missing Lisa’s, claimed he is not actually in Thailand as reported, but is lying low in Portugal. “We understand a credit card has recently been used in the Lisbon area,” said the yacht worker, who has known Lisa and Corner for
EXCLUSIVE By
Tom Powell and Jon Clarke a year. “The police are the least of his trouble. He is hiding from two big criminal gangs who he is said to have crossed, owing up to €50,000. I think he would be safer in custody.” The source claims that the ‘wheeler dealer’ upset the gangs over a business deal in Ceuta, last month. “It is possible Lisa was caught up in the saga,” said the source. “I fear the worst for her now.” Another source backed up the claims, confirming that Corner had been involved in a ‘serious incident’ in Ceuta a month ago conTurn to Page 2
lot of that.” His salvation came when after two years of living hell, he overheard two people talking about La Linea homeless charity, Hogar Betania. He immediately contacted the charity and was put up for 751 days until they found him a flat in La Linea. “They did everything for me. They are my family. The family I never had,” added Ronald, who now volunteers at the centre. But his goal is to finally return to Gibraltar, where he was born and attended Bishop Fitzgerald’ school. However, despite applying for a council home on the Rock in April 2013, nothing has yet come to fruition and he lost touch with the authorities over six months ago. “It’s something that has always been in my mind. I want to go back home. It is surely my right,” he said.
SAVIOUR: Ronald with charity boss Begoña Alvarez This week, a government spokesman insisted the Housing Department would try its best to help him. “Mr Lima should make contact as quickly as possible and ensure we have all the correct details of his case.” The authorities also advise him
to contact the Royal Engineers’ Benevolent Fund and the British Legion.
Light in the dark. Pages 6-7 Opinion. Page 6
2
CRIME NEWS
December 23rd - January 5th
Hunt is on From front page
nected to two women and a possible stabbing. He said: “I am not sure if he was arrested or not, but there was a stabbing of some sorts.” Meanwhile, Lisa’s best friend Emma Campbell, who lives in Scotland, confirmed Corner used various names and provided a new photo of him (above). “We have been concentrating on a man called ‘Simon Corner’, however he goes by many names so please keep sharing his picture.” Meanwhile, Brown’s son Marco, eight, staying with his father Tony Tomillero, is close to celebrating a first Christmas without his mother. She was declared missing when she failed to pick him up from school on November 9, although the Olive Press understands he is still not aware of the full situation. A search of the surrounding area, including helicopters, sniffer dogs and a diver operation in the river by her home in Guadiaro found nothing. She had been due to start a new job in Gibraltar with gaming company Bet365 after leaving Ladbrokes. It is still being treated as a missing persons case.
Marrache duo walk
TWO accountants accused of false bookkeeping for the disgraced Marrache lawyers have been found not guilty by Gibraltar’s Supreme Court. Brothers Benjamin, Solomon and Isaac Marrache were jailed in 2014 after Gibraltar’s longest-ever trial over a multimillion fraud shook the territory and its Jewish community. Court documents show accountants Ian Wood, 55, and
Accountants found not guilty after prosecution ‘failings’ Kenneth Robinson, 65, were accused of having ‘deliberately and dishonestly misrepresented the true financial position’ of the firm and of having ‘suppressed knowledge of the fraud’. However, two previous trial dates had already been ad-
Car Wars CAR thieves and crooks in the Campo de Gibraltar are being targeted by a new Guardia Civil vehicle control system. The SIAM device, which has been installed in La Linea, Algeciras, Almería, Cádiz, Málaga, Motril and Tarifa, can detect if a vehicle is stolen, has false number plates or is spray-painted. The video system can also identify, with 98% accuracy, the registration of any car, even it is travelling as fast as 180kph.
journed following delays from the prosecution. This time around, Chief Justice Anthony Dudley said ‘failings by the Royal Gibraltar Police and the prosecution have resulted in the Crown being unable to meet three trial dates’. “At the heart of the failings may have been limited resources and an earnest desire to minimise cost but this has resulted in a failure to deal with both investigation and disclosure obligations with any degree of expedition and an inclination to avoid what undoubtedly are onerous obligations,” he said. In the original trial, which took four years to come to court, Benjamin was sentenced to 11 years while Solomon and Isaac were both given seven-year terms. Victims included young investors, first-time home buyers, an Irish multi-millionaire, a retired teacher and a successful Czech businessman. Gen02.pdf 1 16/10/2012 08:39:43
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Moped teen attacks police A MOPED-RIDING teenager has assaulted two RGP traffic officers after they attempted to pull him over. The officers stopped the 18-year-old over suspicions raised by his driving. But he and a female companion, in her early 20s, proceeded to attack them. One sustained a dislocated shoulder and the other had two fingers broken. “The RGP would like to stress that it will continue to adopt a firm stance in relation to assaults on officers acting in the execution of their duty,” police said in a statement.
Blackmail sex scam AN online sex blackmail scam which has plagued Gibraltar residents is still going on, the RGP have warned. Around ten victims have now fallen for a fake Facebook profile, behind which a scammer chats and persuades them to engage in sexual activity on camera. The footage is then used to blackmail them, demanding money in return for not editing and sharing it.
PICTURE EXCLUSIVE Psycho killer THIS is the psychotic Brit who murdered his family before committing suicide in Gibraltar in March. John Shannon has been ruled to have stabbed to death Anarda de la Cardidad Perez Friman, 37, and her daughters Amanda Kristofferson, four, and Eve Shannon, six weeks. Evidence revealed Shannon suffered from extreme paranoia and psychotic tendencies. Forensic tests revealed Shannon had been on a cocktail of cannabis and steroids when he carried out the attack. The father of Amanda, Rene Kristofferson also spoke at the inquest, saying how he felt Shannon was a risk to the family. He revealed that Anarda was scared of Shannon and that the Liverpool man had previously attempted to strangle her. Moreover, he had saved up money in order to rent a flat for Anarda and the girls out of fear ‘something might happen’.
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Record-breaker! MAKING WAVES JONATHAN Lutwyche celebrated returning home after a gruelling first term at top New York’s Joffrey Ballet School by throwing some shapes on the sea wall. The 15-year-old dance prodigy can be seen dancing to the backdrop of a sun kissed Gibraltar in an impressive video released for GBC’s open day fundraiser.
December 23rd - January 5th
A RECORD amount of £122,000 has been raised for charity so far by the GBC Open Day. The legendary Christmas event included a live show from John Mackintosh Hall, a telethon and many fundraising ventures across the Rock. There was a tug of war, dance performances, pyjama netball and cake stalls, as well as a car up for grabs donated by the Capurro Group. Gibraltar’s largest fundraising event began in the morning with a Radio Gibraltar roadshow live from the Piazza. Meanwhile, a variety of hilarious videos from the whole community were published on the GBC website. GBC boss Gerard Teuma said: “Viewers have enjoyed it, which is what we want. Open Day is about enjoying the radio and TV specials, and of course about raising money for worthy causes.”
The pat factor X Factor winner sets sights on a Gibraltar pad
X FACTOR winner Sam Bailey was certainly feeling the power of her love for Gibraltar in a recent interview. The 38-year-old Brit has revealed that the destination she would most like to revisit is Gibraltar
Coldplay in the sun IT’S set to be another sterling year for British music in Spain. While 2016 will welcome Coldplay (lead singer, right) to Barcelona as part of their tour in May, the lineup for Bilbao’s BBK festival features electronic band Hot Chip and rock legends New Order (below). Joining them is American rock band the Pixies, singer Father John Misty, Australian musician Courtney Barnett, and French ravers M83. Swedish indie singer Jose Gonzalez will also perform on the July 7-9 festival which takes place in the Arriaiz mountains.
and that she would ‘love to one day own a home there’. And she would know, because before the former Leicester prison officer shot to fame in 2013, she sang on cruise ships that docked at Gibraltar weekly. “I love the warmth, the people there are friendly and the food is good,” Bailey said. “They have concerts in St Michael’s Caves which are spectacular. I’d love to take the children and maybe one day own a home there.” Bailey was in Gibraltar earlier this year when she performed her single Skyscraper in Casemates Square and headlined the May Day celebrations. “If someone had told me in 1999 that I would be back in Gibraltar doing this, I wouldn’t have believed them,” she told GBC during the visit. “I am very honoured to be here; I couldn’t be happier.” Ready when you are, Sam!
Sun, Lady C and sangria LADY C (right) may have left the jungle battered and bruised, but she has not been beaten. The Olive Press heard the I’m a Celebrity news from the horse’s mouth, as the controversial aristocrat’s friend and agent is conducting her affairs from Mijas Pueblo. The 69-year-old broadcasterturned-agent Mike Hollingsworth revealed Lady Colin Campbell, 66, is recovering well and hopes to
visit Spain in early 2016 She will stay with friends in her favourite Costa del Sol haunt, Marbella, if she has time. “But Lady C is also very fond of Gibraltar,” he said. “At the moment, she is incredibly busy preparing to host a Christmas house party for friends in her property, Castle Goring in Sussex.” Another Gibraltar-based Olive Press source is attending the festivities and said ‘it is set to be quite something’.
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The world’s greatest IT was not a rerun of 2009 when Kaiane Aldorino swept to Miss Universe victory. Miss Gibraltar, Hannah Bado was pipped to the post at the weekend by Barcelona’s Miss Spain who has won the famous beauty pageant. Model Mireia Lalaguna Roy, 23, humbly declared: “Just because I am beautiful on the outside does not mean I am not beautiful on the inside, too.” Primary school teacher Bado, 22, left for China on November 25 for almost a month of engagements and appearances. In second and third place were Misses Indonesia and Russia, but Miss England did not even make the top 20.
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4 NEWS IN BRIEF
Paris agreement GIBRALTAR delegates Dr Liesl Mesilio-Torres and Professor Daniella Tilbury were among 196 nations’ representatives at the historic Paris climate change conference.
No-go snow THERE will be no white Christmas in Gibraltar this year as always, with a generally mild and settled day predicted.
Time capsule LOCAL school children teamed up with the Heritage Ministry to bury a time capsule to replace the one discovered during works on the new St Bernard’s school.
Health boost THE Gibraltar Health Authority has announced patients will be able to book appointments at the PCC 48 hours before seeing a doctor from January 4 onwards.
December 23rd - January 5th
Dog fight Dog owners fight back against plans to remove a popular walking spot
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HERE the Gibraltar Olive Press leads, the UK’s national press follows. A number of our exclusive investigations have made international headlines as we give the top stories the coverage they merit. Our splash on the second Battle of Trafalgar to save the iconic lighthouse on the Costa de la
Luz from being converted into a private hotel was rerun by the Daily Telegraph, last month. Meanwhile, our investigation into the boyfriend of missing Lisa Brown, and our scoop of the first photograph of wanted Simon Corner, has been repeatedly followed up by national and regional press in the UK. Furthermore, we were NO also the first newsGIBRALTAR SELL OUT paper to unearth a olive press photo of John Shannon, the man who We will fight killed his wife and her them on the two daughters before committing suicide in beaches Gibraltar this March. It was subsequently published - along 4 December 10th - 22nd 2015 NEWS www.gibraltarolivepress.com with our stories - by NEWS IN BRIEF the Daily Mirror, the Role play Liverpool Echo and Fraudster the Welsh Daily Post, HealthNigel fears over Burger King’s ‘irresponsible’ among others. ‘Spear-fishing, schoolchildre n offers Goldman bench-pressing Praise him Finally, our two-year120kg and was how I fought long investigation off a crazed featured into Costa del Sol attacker with a carving knife’ in El fraudster Nigel GoldNo quitter Guilty and Confidman continues to be EXPERT’S VIEW – Claudia charged - thanks Norris, Gibraltar’s leading encial to the Olive Press picked up, most reNutritional therapist cently by Spain’s bigThe Second Battle of Trafalgar “ Bay-watch gest news website El in the Daily Telegraph Confidencial which worked with us to produce their own article. Vote time THE FESTIVE COUNTDOWN BEGINS - FROM PAGE 11 the
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EXCLUSIVE
FOR decades it has been one of modern society’s biggest travesties. Hundreds of thousands of tonnes of edible food is binned by supermarkets across Europe while the poor, homeless and vulnerable go hungry. But now, as part of a UK-wide Morrisons initiative, Gibraltar’s own branch will be donating all of its unsold produce to local charities. The aim is to end the waste of food that is past its sell-by date but still safe to eat. Andrew Clappen, Group Corporate Services Director, said: “We don’t like the idea of good food going to waste and this programme will ensure we find a home for the small amount of unsold or used food in our stores.”
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DISGRUNTLED dog owners are uniting to save one of the Rock’s last remaining canine walking spots. Fighting back against plans to build a leisure centre at Rosia Bay, animal lovers Natalia Robba and Anne Coelho have set up a change.org petition to stop the work. Claiming dog owners are being ‘shunned and ignored’, the pair are aiming to collect 1,000 signatures to present to the government. The pair launched a similar petition four years ago, which led to the promise of two dog parks within the GSLP’s 2011 election manifesto. But one election on, and they say ‘not enough has been done’. “The Rosia Bay dog beach has long been known as a place to take your dogs without fear of reprimand, and now we are at risk of losing that,” photographer Robba, 29, told the Olive Press. “Dog owners are once again
EXCLUSIVE By Rob Horgan being ignored as one of the last unofficial dog areas is in the process of being removed.” She added: “It’s high time for owners to take a stand and demand concrete solutions to a long-term problem.” A government spokeswoman insisted they were working to solve the issue, having recently designated an area in Alameda Gardens for dog walkers. “The first phase of this project was completed in October, with the second phase, the lower part, scheduled for next year,” she told the Olive Press. “Plans also exist for a second area in the north, above West Place of Arms.” The Rosia Leisure Development project includes plans for a water park, beach bar, boat berths and a rooftop restaurant.
A spokesman for Morrisons confirmed to the Olive Press that the Gibraltar store will launch the scheme early in the new year. “The store manager will get the details in the new year and he can then start to look at organisations in the local area which we can support,” she said. Tinned food and packets as well as fresh fruit and vegetables will be donated, following successful trials in more than 100 stores in Yorkshire and the North East of England. Gibraltar is home to Morrisons’ only store outside Great Britain, and since it arrived 21 years ago it has been a great success, despite the logistical challenges involved.
Opinion Page 6
Celeb chef set to cook up a storm Page 27
Expat unites with green group to save emblematic Trafalgar Lighthouse from privatisation
BATTLE OF TRAFALGAR: The lighthouse is being converted into private apartments while (right) Nelson and Stuart
A DESPERATE battle is being waged to stop the iconic Trafalgar lighthouse being privatised and lost as a public monument. The historic landmark, close to where Admiral Nelson’s British navy defeated an allied French and Spanish fleet in 1805, is loved and cherished by many Gibraltarians. The emblematic lighthouse, built in 1860, is also in a spot of serene natural beauty, located near Caños de Meca, on the Costa de la Luz. But now, 200 years after Nelson died in a heroic victory and was taken to Gibraltar, a second battle of Trafalgar is being fought. For a German firm has been awarded a contract to con-
Cheesed off
EXCLUSIVE By Tom Powell
vert the stunning landmark into three luxury holiday apartments, and in the process cut it off from the public. Under the controversial agreement, company Floatel is to take control of the 34-metre lighthouse for the next 30 years, with the option to renew for another 10. However, a group of Cadiz businessmen including long-established expat James Stuart, is taking up arms against the project. Joined by local environmentalists, Stu-
art, boss of the Califa Hotel group in Vejer, has now filed an official complaint with the Cadiz port authority over ‘irregularities’ in Floatel’s application. The businessman, who runs a string of hotels and restaurants on the Costa de la Luz, has united with a group of key Spanish businesses in a bid to keep it entirely open to the public. “We firmly believe the lighthouse and its environs should be in the public domain,” Stuart told the Olive Press. “It should have the same status as the Roman ruins at Baelo Claudia where there is a museum and the site is free to the public.”
GIBRALTAR has undertaken a terrorist attack response exercise which involved all emergency serINTERVIEW vices, armed responseEXCLUSIVE police and military units.
His group believes the Port Authority is simply looking for a way to ‘relieve itself of the financial burden of maintaining the site’. Insisting the last-ditch protest has nothing to do with his group’s own application being turned down, he added: “We would take over the running and costs of the lighthouse, but at the same time keep it open for everyone to enjoy.” The Califa group’s proposal, which came second, guaranteed to maintain the appearance of the lighthouse, as well as add a free interpretation centre, restaurant and picnic area employing 15 to 25 staff. By contrast, Floatel’s plan involves employing just two staff, closing the main entrance and cutting off more than 50% of the land and buildings to the public.
Honour
It also plans to charge for entry with limited opening times.
BURGER King Stuart was motivated to chal- has been lenge the decision after being slammed foropinion. swayed by local encouraging GiIn particular, green group braltar’s schoolchild Ecologistas en Accion has ren to dine filed a complaint with the on fast Cadiz food Port Authority against with meals special Floatel’s plans. lunch“We offers. are against the privatisation of public facilities such Described as the Trafalgar as Lighthouse,” a ‘shocking’, nuexplained a spokesman. RUDELY INTERRUPTED: tritionist The Cadiz Claudia Port Authority has Norris said: Chief reporter Tom Powell until November 15 to respond left twiddling his pen as“What’s to both worrying appeals. is that Feetham meets a fan school Last month, Gibraltar held its kids are annualnot ceremony at Trafalgar seeing this as a treat; cemetery in honour of those Olive Press meets the James Bond of Gibraltar politics, who diedmarketed in the battle. it’s being Daniel Feetham, vying to become the next leader - Page 6/7 as lunch.” Opinion Page 6 MEAL DEAL: Casemates It comes after the Olive Press GSD Leader Daniel Feetham is determined to carry on as the Leader of the Opposition for the next four years despite losing a landslide election.
LEGENDARY Minister Joe Bossano must be honoured ‘now not later’ according to the Equality Rights Group.
A REVISED £4.5 million plan to develop a leisure area with an urban beach at Rosia Bay has been submitted.
THE Gibraltar in Westminster Movement has claimed the time is right to push for Gibraltar to represented in the House of Commons with its own vote.
THIS is shocking. The issue is not just the very high levels of saturated fat in Burger King meals but also the high salt content. What’s worrying is that school kids are not seeing this as a treat; it’s being marketed as their lunch. Often fast food is accompanied by a soft drink, and the amount of sugar in Coke and Fanta is really going to affect concentration in school in the afternoon. The Gibraltar Health Author-
ity has been doing so much to help children with the big drive to cut back on antibiotics but it’s very difficult when you are up against big businesses like Burger King. Gibraltar in general is benefitting from lots of healthy lunch options cropping up so kids don’t have to resort to Burger King. Obesity is tackled by informing and educating the population, starting with the kids. So this is something that needs to be addressed.”
EXCLUSIVE By Tom Powell
noticed the fast food giant, in Casemates’ Square, had been promoting its ‘schoolchildren lunch offer’ on a big sign outside its entrance. Under the deal, kids are invited in for special discounts on cheeseburger, hamburger and chicken nugget meals IF they are in uniform. All of which contain high levels of salt and fat, and are usually consumed with a fizzy drink. It comes as UK Prime Minister David Cameron is under pressure from MPs to ban adverts for unhealthy food from the internet and TV shows. A cross-party Commons committee insisted radical action was needed to solve a youth obesity crisis, with 19% of 10-year-olds chronically overweight. The last Gibraltar Health Authority survey found obesity on the Rock is around the same level as the UK. Over the last decade, celebrity chef Jamie Oliver has worked tirelessly to change eating habits of schoolchildren through TV shows in the UK and the USA. Both the government and Burger King declined to comment.
John Shannon murder inquest and photo in the Liverpool Echo Opinion Page 6
NO RETURN: Goldman on way to court and (inset) in Marbella
INFAMOUS Costa del Sol conman once again been found guilty of fraud.Nigel Goldman has The former Spectrum Radio pundit and Euro Weekly News columnist defrauded online than £10,000 in a gold coin eBay shoppers out of more scam. Having changed his name by deed Monte, the 58-year-old was arrestedpoll to Howard del and charged with fraud in the UK last year after two enraged customers failed to receive their goods. Having fled Spain accused of an elaborate which he owes millions, he got involved Ponzi scheme in in yet more scams via his online company Bensons Emporium. A jury at Reading Court heard how the Olive Press tracked him down via the details on his eBay him in March 2014, followed up by account and exposed the Read all the news at www.gibraltarolivepress.com UK press. Two victims, who never received coins they had purchased, the The only investigative contacted the police after GIBRALTAR reading He claimed the case was all part our report. local newspaper of an Olive Press conspiracy against him. The four-times convicted fraudster will now be sentenced on January 8. Vol. 1 Issue 7 www.gibraltarolivepress.com December 10th - 22nd 2015
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FIND HIM! Justice at last - Page 22
AWOL ‘wheeler dealer’ boyfriend of missing Lisa Brown was jailed over nightclub knife fight in Gibraltar THIS is the first photo of the AWOL boyfriend of missing mother Lisa Brown. Tattooed Brit Simon Corner, 33, is seen luxuriating at La Linea’s Alcaidesa port, where he kept a yacht this summer. Three weeks ago he disappeared from Spain, leaving his boat, Rosa, in drydock at Sotogrande port while police search for him. It is believed he has fled to Thailand, after one source close to the investigation told the Olive Press he had used a credit card there. Corner has a violent history, it can be revealed, and was jailed for three months last year after pulling out a knife during a fight in Gibraltar’s Dusk nightclub. He was later convicted of common assault, death threats and disorderly conduct while being held at a police station, but was only fined. Scottish mother-of-one Brown, 32, who disappeared on November 6, was a regular visitor to Corner’s yacht over the summer, the Olive Press revealed last month. According to one source at the marina, she would turn up and sunbathe after work, and was a ‘lovely, amicable woman’. She was last seen on November 6 though, and was reported missing by her ex Tony Tomillero after failing to pick up their eight-year-old son Marco from school three days later. She had been due to start a new job in Gibraltar at Bet365 before she vanished, having left betting firm
EXCLUSIVE By Tom Powell
LEADERS: Election vow
Big three: We WILL take back the Rock MAKING Gibraltar Spanish is a manifesto pledge for three of Spain’s four main parties ahead of this month’s election. Both the PP and the PSOE have committed themselves to seizing control of the Rock, while Ciudadanos have also set out plans for ‘decolonisation’.
Ladbrokes in August. A search of the surrounding area, including helicopters, sniffer dogs and a diver operation in nearby Rio Guadiaro, found nothing. The Guardia Civil has confirmed it is still being treated as a missing persons’ inquiry. Meanwhile, Sotogrande port security guards and dry dock workers have been instructed to call police should they spot Corner. His 40-foot vessel is still there in dry dock after it was discovered tied to a mooring in the port.
Cooperate
Only anti-corruption party Podemos vowed to cooperate with Gibraltar, confirming this during a speech in La Linea. December 20’s general election looks set to be tight, with Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy’s PP currently just out in front. However, all polls suggest political pacts will have to be made in the aftermath of the election in order to reach a majority government.
Suspicious
A source at Alcaidesa marina described the Liverpool man as a ‘wheeler dealer’, who had docked a number of different boats there over the last year. Corner, who looked ‘older than his age’, made his money buying and selling boats and had previously had a local Spanish girlfriend. “He was often in and out of the port and you have to be suspicious about exactly what he was up to,” he added. He left without paying his bills. The Royal Gibraltar Police have been working with the Guardia Civil in the search and confirmed they are looking for ‘a British man who had been docked at Alcaidesa marina and working in Gibraltar’.
Simon Corner investigation in the Daily Mirror
Election fever sweeps Spain. Pages 6-7 VIOLENT THUG: Lisa Brown’s boyfriend Simon Corner, (top) Lisa
What does the world’s strongest boy order at McDonalds? The Olive Press meets Gibraltar’s world record holder Leon De Roeck Fear is not an option. P16-17
Opinion Page 6
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FEATURE
December 23rd - January 5th
OPINION
Olive Press Christmas appeal
Time to give FOR most of us, Christmas is a time of plenty. But not for everybody. It is worth remembering that Christmas is first and foremost a time for giving. And at La Linea charity Hogar Betania, the selfless volunteers and workers who man the homeless centre need your help. With another funding crisis putting their soup kitchen and accommodation shelter at risk, the Olive Press is asking its generous readers to dig deep and donate time, toys, money and clothes to help those in need, even including some Gibraltarians. In the words of former Hogar Betania resident, Gibraltarian Ronald Henry Lima,‘The best thing in life is to help out. Because one day you might need help too.’ The Olive Press wishes everyone a merry Christmas and a Happy New Year with these thoughts to the fore!
Closure for Christmas IT has been a long time coming, but the horrific murder suicide case of a family of four in Boschetti’s steps has finally been brought to a close. After the initial terror of the atrocities in March, months of uncertainty and finally an inquest in December, the heartbreaking story finally comes to a close. The extensive – but exemplary - inquest handled by Gibraltar court was undeniably painful for the families of all victims concerned. And in spite of the pain, we hope there was some catharsis and relief for friends and relatives to exhaust their own questions and feel that loose ends were tied up. No one can even begin to replace their loss but maybe, just maybe, they can find some closure in time for Christmas and start 2016 afresh with renewed strength.
Love is up the Rock GIBRALTAR is a wedding planner’s dream, let’s be honest. A great mix of stunning locations with an airport just a few minutes’ stroll away and, best of all, near guaranteed sunshine. And then there’s the list of lovebirds who have tied the knot there. John Lennon, Sean Connery, etc etc. So congratulations must go out to Mons Calpe Mews for sitting top of the pile, at least according to one popular magazine. They now have a lofty position to match their lofty location!
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or admin@theolivepress.es or sales@theolivepress.es 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. Luke Stewart Media S.L - CIF: B91664029 (+34) 951 273 575 Carretera Nacional 340, km 144.5 Calle Espinosa 1 Edificio centro comercial El Duque, planta primera, 29692 San Luis de Sabinillas, Manilva Printed by Corporación de Medios de Andalucía S.A. Editor: Jon Clarke jon@theolivepress.es Newsdesk newsdesk@theolivepress.es Tel: (+34) 665 798 618 Tom Powell tom@theolivepress.es Rob Horgan
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rob@theolivepress.es Iona Napier iona@theolivepress.es Joe Duggan joe@theolivepress.es Admin / Distribution / Accounts: Maria González accounts@theolivepress.es Mirian Moreno admin@theolivepress.es SALES TEAM: Chris Birkett Head of Sales (+34) 652 512 956 Stephen Shutes (+34) 671 834 479 Sarah Adams (+34) 655 825 683
One La Linea homeless charity is on a mission to help those in need at Christmas. Joe Duggan discovers the amazing work they are doing
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EGOÑA Arana Alvarez looks drawn, but defiant. The director of La Lineabased homeless and crisis centre, Hogar Betania, is discussing the mounting problems and heartbreaking decisions her organisation is facing this Christmas. Hogar Betania’s soup kitchen feeds daily up to 400 people -- young families without work, Spaniards, expats, Gibraltarians and refugees -- for nine months a year. But with funding cuts looming for a third consecutive year, they may have to start turning hungry families away. “It’s very difficult if people are in a queue to come and get food,” she sighs. “How do you say, ‘Stop there. I can’t feed you.’ Here in La Linea, the average monthly income for a family is €400 a month. That’s supporting four or five people.” La Linea is the poorest town in the poorest province (Cadiz) in Spain, with unemployment among its 63,132 residents running at an apparent 38.5%, and all the attendant social woes are to be found here. Among Hogar Betania’s residents are victims of domestic violence and their children, homeless people and migrants, many trafficked by gangs in Senegal, Nigeria and Ivory Coast before undergoing perilous journeys to Spain. In the midst of these hardships, the bright graffiti sprayed by Malaga artists Burjone and Lalone on the side of Hogar Betania’s main building glows like a bold statement of intent: ‘ESPERANZA’ (HOPE). And hope is something they cling to here. Because the centre faces an unprecedented crisis. As well as money, vital refurbishment work is needed. Volunteers are required to help paint and refurbish the bedrooms to allow another 34 people to stay at the centre, where there are currently around 30 residents, including 10 women and their nine children. Education classes and workshops are set up to help the unemployed back to work. In fact, this is the only centre in Andalucia to offer food, clothes, accommodation and prepare residents for a better life in society. Clothes and children’s classes are provided, with a free summer school for children. Last year, they distributed toys to 300 children from deprived backgrounds. But Hogar Betania desperately needs donations to help keep its services running. Heading the tireless team is La Linea-born director Begoña. The 30-year-old started working as as a volunteer at fellow charity Carritas when she was 17. Her powers of resourcefulness have helped the centre battle through many crises. “In 2012, the money the church got from the government was stopped so they decided to close the centre,” she says. “We decided we weren’t going to let people, including children, go back to sleeping on the street. “So four or five volunteers used our own
Guido Abayián, volunteer DURING his time off the pitch, he has been coming to the centre to help sort and distribute clothes. “I believe that is very important that as I have free time as a footballer it’s very important to give time back,” he says. “That’s more important than money. Since I’ve been here there have been four or five new volunteers coming down. But we need more.” People are needed to help sort clothes into different sizes, many of which are given to children from deprived backgrounds. “The people who work here are amazing,” says Guido. “It’s a very difficult job,
Light in the dark How to donate
People can donate via debit card, bankers draft or paypal on www. hogarbetania.es with more info on Hogar Betania’s Facebook page. Toys, food and clothes can be donated to Hogar Betania, 152 Calle Gibraltar on every day except Sunday between 11-15.00. Larger items can be collected using the centre’s charity van. For more information, businesses and individuals can contact: c_moya_langston@hotmail.com GENEROUS: Begoña Alvarez runs Hogar Betania
Salif Cisse, 18, Ivory Coast Salif left his home in the Ivory Coast, where employment prospects were bleak. After a two-month journey to Morocco, he made his way to Tangier. Pooling their scant resources, a group of migrants scraped together enough money to make a raft, which they boarded one day
four in the morning. “The crossing was very hard and very dangerous,” he says. “People got hypothermia. I was terrified.” Around midday, their makeshift vessel was spotted in trouble off the coast of Tarifa by the Red Cross, who rescued them. Thankfully all of the occupants survived. But
many who undertake that perilous journey are not so fortunate. Salif is now helping out with the refurbishment work at Hogar Betania, where all residents work in some capacity, and hopes to find work. “This place has given me hope and a new chance,” she adds.
money to put a roof over the head of 12 children. people. We all lived together under one Begoña tells me this is ‘always full’. roof. We begged and borrowed to get them Such selfless devotion to La Linea’s poor to let us back in.” and deprived has earned her the 2014 JoAfter moving back into the smaller venes Andaluzes de Futuro (Young Andalupremises, the centre also took cians of the Future) award. charge of a second, larger In a country where the social security building in 2012, which net provides scant protection for The tirewas formerly an old peothe long-term unemployed, such less Begoña ple’s home. altruistic work is a lantern in the “This place was knee deep dark. refuses to counin rubbish and full of syAs well as volunteers, Begoña’s ringes,” says former resi- tenance defeat team includes three psycholodent, Gibraltarian Ronald gists, two social workers, a child or closure Henry Lima, 65. “The ceiling psychologist and a teacher to help was falling in.” residents, many of whom have unPainstaking work to rebuild dergone horrific ordeals. the centre began, and the cur“We have women who were trafficked here rently unfinished building now houses 30 from Africa. Many of them come over in rubmainly male residents with the smaller ber dinghies you can buy in a supermarket. centre looking after the women and their They fell into the hands of the mafia,” she says. “They are sexually and violently abused and passed from one hand to the other. They tell them when they get here that they own them. And then they become prostitutes. It’s very, very difficult to get them out of that.” Manuel Cañestro Merchan, the centre’s social anthropologist, explains more about what the centre needs. “We’ve only got one bathroom for the men here, which causes queues and problems,” he says. “We also need to open rooms up so people have somewhere to sleep for the HELPING HANDS: Footballers night. Each room costs about €856 to reLiam Walker and Abayian furbish. We need walls, floors, and windows putting in. and they have to deal with very difficult “We have victims of domestic violence, things. They desperately need more women who have been beaten up by their money so they can help more people. Nahusbands, people who live in the street or tionality is not important. People come have been living in houses that have been here from all over the world and we need falling down around them. We have people people to help out.” who come over on rafts from Africa who
FEATURE
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TEAMWORK: Volunteers at Hogar
Betania with some of those they tirelessly help out
Hope, 27, Nigeria HOPE survived a horrific two-year journey on foot from her home in Nigeria before making it to Spain. En route to Libya, her group was abandoned by police in the desert. “I saw people dying on the spot from disease and from scorpion bites,” says Hope. “We were piled on top of each other in an open truck in the desert. We ran out of water in the desert and had to drink our own urine.” After arriving in Libya, war broke out and Hope had to flee to Morocco. Once there, she was sold to a mafia gang. A mem-
ber of the gang locked her up and abused her. “I was only able to escape when I became pregnant and he let me go,” she says. Desperate, she boarded a flimsy rubber raft before undertaking the treacherous crossing to Spain with 54 other refugees, including six other pregnant women. Saved at sea by the Red Cross, she was taken under Hogar Betania’s protection once she arrived in Spain. Traumatised by her ordeal, Hope didn’t speak for a month. Begoña and Manuel attended the birth of her child and
have nowhere to go.” Manuel and Begoña show me the centre’s garden, which was recently paid for by donations from Sotogrande International School, whose pupils have also been helping out at the centre through their Kindred Project charity. Vans have been provided by one of the centre’s sponsors, La Caixa bank. Rooms are sponsored by, among others, Estepona Rotary CLub and Bet Victor. But despite this corporate funding, much of which comes from Gibraltar, the centre faces steep running costs. Begoña estimates they spend around €120,000 a year on food. Local families arrive at lunchtime to collect hot meals in tupperware boxes. They take the food home to avoid the stigma of eating at the centre. Meanwhile, the annual accommodation cost for one resident is €10,800, while medical costs come in at €1,080. Faced with such huge odds, the tireless Begoña refuses to countenance defeat or the possibility of having to close some of the centre’s facilities. “I will never let it happen,” she says. “We have a guardian angel looking after us. We always manage to get through the month. But we need help. “If we don’t get money people will just be on the street and they will go down, down, down.”
helped care for Hope and her new baby. She now has a job and helps counsel other victims at the centre, and has learned Spanish and English. While at Hogar Betania she met her current husband. And in November last year, Hope named her second baby after Begoña. “I feel like the queen of Africa. I have two guardian angels looking after me when I was at the point of death,” she said of Manuel and Begoña. “I implore people to help them continue their good work as nearly everyday people come to them for help.”
Luis Holgado, 27, London LONDONER Luis came over to Spain in the summer while caring for his father. A personal trainer and keen musician, Luis came hoping to find work in La Linea, where his family are originally from, and learn Spanish. He hoped to build a new life in Spain, but struggled to settle into work. “I wanted to come here to learn the language and about the culture,” he said. “My situation in London was far from perfect. I was going through hard times and had trouble finding work.I was looking for personal training work and I put many years into music as a rapper.” With personal problems at home forcing him to seek alternative accommodation after arriving in Spain, he turned to Hogar Betania. “This place is fantastic. It’s a godsend. If you don’t get a job, you’re just on the streets.” Luis is currently trying to find work in Gibraltar while helping out at the centre.
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December 23rd - January 5th
Turnout THE PP party won in Algeciras while the PSOE took San Roque in the General Election. Voter turnout was very similar to that of 2011.
NEWS IN BRIEF
No offence DELINQUENCY levels in San Roque have fallen with 6% fewer criminal offences committed compared to last year.
Fix it RESIDENTS of La Linea are still waiting for the Junta to repair and restore 650 homes in the San Bernardo area, a promise made five years ago.
Fancy dress THREE Algeciras do-gooders dressed up as a penis with a bowtie, a red ribbon and a clown with a giant condom to raise awareness about Aids.
Bank on it LOS Barrios mayor Jorge Romero has pledged to give €20 vouchers to individuals who cannot afford food and €40 for families.
CAMPO DE GIBRALTAR
Roll the dice...
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Shelling out
San Roque casino is set to reopen in July
IT’S almost time to go big or go home. The San Roque casino has announced it will reopen its doors to the public in July. The reopening of the casino, closed in 2010 after a decade in business, will bring more than 200 direct and indirect jobs to the area. The first stone of the new complex was
BACK TO LIFE: Casino closed in 2010
placed last week to mark the first phase of the project, which is set to involve a total investment of €20 million. Austrian firm Novomatic is behind the project, which will also see the creation of a leisure centre, cinema, nightclub, spa and hotel with more than 100 rooms.
Admiral Casinos SA will run the casino, which closed after French group Partouche decided to lay off a total of 40 workers following years of substantial losses. Novomatic, Europe’s largest gaming group, operates in more than 80 countries.
Bish, hash, bosh AN 810-kilo hash haul has been seized after a high-speed chase by police near Algeciras. The Guardia Civil spotted an all-terrain vehicle near El Tolmo beach travelling at speed and gave pursuit. The driver eventually stopped and fled, and 24 bales of hash were discovered inside the abandoned vehicle. A seven-metre long boat was later found at the beach, which police believe was used to transport the drugs from Morocco. The vehicle had been stolen from Los Barrios in October.
FISHERMEN in La Linea have landed a new area to catch shellfish. The Junta has given the green light to set up the area in a designated 200-square metre zone in La Atunara port. The 55-strong fleet of boats from La Atunara harvest mainly baby clams and cockles, The new fishing area means the fleet won’t need to go to nearby ports to catch these species.
HOOKED: Atunara
BRIGHT IDEA
LIT UP: Algeciras’ Mayor Landaluce signs deal
THE mayor of Algeciras has signed an agreement with a leading electrical company to improve the town’s energy efficiency. José Ignacio Landaluce hopes to reinforce his Smart City scheme with the installation of new energy-efficient street lights by Philips Iberica The collaboration has already brought new lowintensity street lamps to Plaza Virgen de las Lágrimas, whose mere 63 watts “produce better-quality light than before”, Landaluce said. “This is going to improve livability, our environmental footprint and consequently our economic progress by improving the quality of life.”
la cultura Expo with wings THE bright and colourful birds of Gibraltar are the theme of a Christmas exhibition at Sacarellos. London artist Fran Giffard, who has family in Gibraltar, is exhibiting drawings of various avian species found on and near the Rock. The display will run until the end of the year.
Rock on THE Rock on the Rock, Gibraltar’s only rock and roll club is hosting a singer/songwriter competition for local musicians. The Town Range venue is offering £400 to the winner of the contest, which will be held on 27 December. Participants need to submit two original songs and one cover version by the end of the week. Owner Allan Alman is hoping the competition will promote the Gibraltarian music scene.
Gibraltar venue bags top Med wedding destination in prestigious awards WHO would have thought that John Lennon and a UK wedding magazine would have something in common? But both decided that Gibraltar is the best place to tie the knot in the world. Mons Calpe Suite has won the prestigious award of Best Mediterranean Wedding Venue, awarded by Destination Wedding & Honeymoons Abroad. The venue 412m atop the rock with panoramic views across to Spain, the bay of Gibraltar and Africa, sits alongside UK winner Winters Barns in Kent, and Europe winner Italian La Cervara, Genoa. “It is a very special venue which has now been recognised by a leading wedding
9 December 23rd - January 5th
On top of the world magazine, which is a fitting tribute to my entire team,” said Fernando Valdivielso Gomez, Mons Calpe Suite manager. “We are very happy and proud to receive it.” The annual DWHA Gold Awards describe first prize as a ‘hallmark of excellence’ and the magazine also published an article from its editor’s own wedding at Mons Calpe Suite. The venue has also appeared several times in Confetti Magazine.
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oxing Day Run, 26 December
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olar Bear Swim, 26 December
Sweat off those pigs in blankets and mince pies at the Gibraltar Amateur Athletics Association fun runs around the Rock. Info www.gaaa.gi/
Immerse yourself in the Mediterranean for the traditional post-Christmas dip, with mince pies and brandy to follow. Info www.visitgibraltar.gi/ events
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ew Years Eve 2015, 31 December - 01 January
LOVE NEST: Mons Calpe Mews
From Gibraltar with love OVEBIRDS to wed in Gib include John Len- 1962 before a Marbella honeymoon. L1969 non and Yoko Ono during a whistle-stop Following in their confetti-strewn footsteps ceremony (right). was Day of the Jackal crime writer Frederick Likeminded celebrities also include Bond stars Roger Moore and Sean Connery who both married here. Connery wed secretly with Diane Cilento in
what’s on
Forsyth. Even Prince Charles and Lady Diana started their honeymoon on the Rock, proving Gibraltar really is fit for a king.
Bring in the New Year with a rendition of Auld Lang’s Syne at Casemates Square where the bars are sure to be full with revellers. Info /www.visitgibraltar.gi/ events
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ew Year’s Classical Concert, January 4
Organised by the Gibraltar Philharmonic Society, the first classical concert of the year will take place in John Mackintosh Hall at 8:30pm, with a matinee at 5:30pm
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la cultura
Passing I on the passion
December 23rd - January 5th
Andalucia’s best flamenco teacher is off to Madrid’s National Championships… but could the San Roque celebrity teach Tom Powell to dance?
LITTLE DARLINGS: Spot the 20-something journalist
’M stood anxiously between two rows of little girls while Andalucia’s Queen of flamenco selects the music for my first dance. All of a sudden I am shocked into action: “Put your hands on your hips or get out!” At that moment I realise Chari Expresati is serious. She has after all just led her flamenco starlets to victory in Andalucia’s ‘Vive tu Sueño’ semifinal in Almeria. Next stop: Madrid for the national championships in March. Before that she has the tough task of taking a team to the International Theatre Festival of the Mediterranean in Tetouan (Morocco). And before even that she has the gargantuan task of teaching me how to strut my stuff without landing headfirst on the floor. Luckily, Chari is the ultimate pro. She twists and turns and steps and ducks and dives while I desperately try to keep up. But she never stops smiling and keeping an eye on my progress. Although as soon as I’m successfully following her feet, my arms get lost, and vice versa. I can’t win it seems. On first evidence, I’m not going to make it into her team for Madrid, and not just because it’s a female group of 10 and 11-year-olds. But I doubt they’d need me anyway. Chari has been dancing since she was four years old. She’s 66 now. That’s 62 years honing her passion and 40 of those have been spent passing it on. This year coming is also the 30th anniversary of Chari’s school at the Universidad Popular de San Roque.
TWIST AND TURN: Chari teaches Tom how to dance like a pro while (below) victory in Almeria
“I love flamenco and it’s been my whole life’s passion,” she says. “But passing that passion on to the youngsters is very rewarding.” “I have taken groups to so many places, including Japan, England, Holland and Morocco. “I have taught foreign children here too, and it is popular with Americans and Italians in particular.” The corners of the dance hall are indeed testament to her success, with numerous trophies vying for the most prominent positions. In fact, a mother of two girls in the class tells me Chari is something of a ‘San Roque celebrity’. Her feats have certainly helped put this tiny town in the Campo de Gibraltar on the map. But there’s one more question I have to ask before I let her get back to work… how did I do? “Fantastic! You’ll make a great dancer yet!” (ED: Yeah, yeah, yeah...)
WINNER: Chari Expresati
Happy Xmas and New Year to all our customers
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EURO EXCHANGE RATES 1 euro is worth 1.09 American dollars 0.73 British pounds 1.52 Canadian dollars 7.46 Danish kroner 8.41 H Kong dollars 9.4 Norwegian kroner 1.53 Singapore dollars ANDALUCIA RESERVOIR LEVELS This week: 60.68% Same week last year: 76.67% Same week in 2005: 51.83% 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
VISITORS to Gibraltar who finish up with Gibraltar Sterling in their wallets should beware. For away from The Rock it is not the easiest currency to exchange. I recently used my Spanish ATM card to get some cash while visiting, but then did not make the major purchase I intended. However, when I flew to London for a pre-Christmas visit I was confident I could easily use the Gibraltar 20 Pound Sterling notes still unspent without question. How mistaken I was, with the majority of shops and restaurants flatly refusing to accept them. Even in Fortnum and Mason an assistant at first refused. Fortunately her superior, who I asked to see as I had used some Gibraltar currency at another cash point in the store the previous day, did say ‘in view of that I suppose it will be alright’.
CJ, Costa del Sol
Post please OVER the years, I have read lots of negative things about Correos, and the postman burning 3,000 letter is just the latest (OP online). Fortunately I have always found Spain’s postal service to be fantastic. Maybe the Gods (Celtic) smiled upon us but having lived in Galicia and Andalucia we never experienced anything but a first
class postal service. In fact, when we moved to Galicia, the postman actually called to introduce himself. And it was the same in Guadix, where we found their computerised system faultless and got to know all the staff – to make things even better some of the postwomen were very tasty – oh to have been younger and single.
Stuart Crawford, Coin
Crime cracker GIBRALTAR Police have broken the number-one rule of advent calendars. The RGP have produced an online crime-prevention version of a festive favourite. But instead of waiting to open a window each day, clicking on any date will reveal a new set of guidelines. And although there’s no chocolates inside, tips on everything from cyber-crime to burglars will ensure you enjoy a sweet, and safe, Christmas.
Medallion men FABIAN Picardo has awarded Gibraltar Medallion of Honour/ Distinction to James Levy CBE QC, Abe Massias and Solomon Levy.
Green light DR Liesl MesilioTorres and University of Gibraltar vice-chancellor Professor Daniella Tilbury are representing Gibraltar at the United Nations climate change conference in Paris.
the
Covering Gibraltar in 2015 with over 20,000 papers and over 200,000 visits to the website each month
GIBRALTAR
olive press Vol. 1 Issue 7
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By Iona Napier SOME say the Spanish Prime Minister is out of touch and has taken his finger off the pulse. So, it is great to see Mariano Rajoy brushing up on his act, keeping tabs on what’s happening in his own backyard. On a whistlestop campaign trip to the Costa del Sol this week, there was only one newspaper he insisted on reading: your decade-old, super-reliable, incisive Olive Press. While debate still rages about his ability to speak English, he was clearly engrossed in the front page from our last Gibraltar edition. Grabbing a copy, he spent a minute leafing through the paper with Malaga’s PP boss Elias Bendodo, before pointing out something apparently intriguing on the cover. With only two weeks left until the General Election, was he questioning why Fabian Picardo had won his own election so easily… and did it have anything to do with his two-tone salmon tie? Or did he simply spot our deliberate mistake of picturing Kaiser Chiefs instead of the Kings of Leon, Fabian’s favourite band?
December 10th - 22nd 2015
FREE
The Olive Press catches up with Spanish PM Mariano Rajoy at Costa del Sol rally
INCISIVE: A right riveting read Bendodo points out to Rajoy
SWANSONG
Rahoy there!
Rajoy joy HARBOUR-BOUND: HMS Ocean
PHOTO: Iona Napier
EMERGENCIES Police 199 Medical service 190 Fire 190
Currency trap!
PHOTO: Royden Carroll
POTTED POINTERS
LETTERS
December 23rd - January 5th
FINAL WORDS
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Ocean drive Polish prize THE theme was Frozen but the weather was fine in a massive Ocean Village fundraiser on December 4. Kids and families flocked to the marina with more than 200 children meeting Santa in his Grotto. A total of £750 was raised for local charity kids Come First.
NATALIA Nunez has been crowned Miss Elegance at the Miss Supranational 2015 pageant in Poland. Miss Gibraltar’s 2nd Princess saw off sparkling competition from 82 other contestants to pick up the special award. Miss Paraguay, Stephania Stegman, won overall.
BATTLESHIP HMS Ocean was escorted into Gibraltar by fast patrol boat HMS Sabre on the morning of December 4. In spite of a £56 million refit last year, the British government quietly decided to scrap the the British armed forces’ biggest ship in November to cut costs. The UK-based helicopter carrier, which launches assaults and played a pivotal role in Libya and Afghanistan, was axed in a security review. It was described as a ‘hammer blow’ to the Navy by the Labour party, especially given that new aircraft carriers worth £6 billion will not be in action for five years.
I WOULD like to congratulate you for getting your fantastic newspaper into the hands of the Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy (see above). I know how busy the rally was and it is great that you managed to talk to him. Rajoy comes to Malaga a lot, it is one of his favourite provinces. The problem in terms of expats is that he does not speak English, although he is learning. But our Foreign Officer in Mijas, Angel Nozal, speaks great English, German and French and I support his work.
Maria Banco, Councillor for tax, Mijas Pueblo
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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Fueling the fire As of September, expats living in countries where the average annual temperature is higher than the UK’s warmest region – the South-west, at 5.6 degrees – lost their winter fuel allowance. Many petitions and campaigns have subsequently been launched to overturn the ruling.
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I LIVE in Gibraltar and my flat needs heating in the winter. I am classed as a UK pensioner here so don’t receive any of the benefits that Gibraltar pensioners enjoy. This means that I survive on the basic state pension. If I lived in the UK I would cost the government money. I worked in the UK for over 30 years and paid my taxes, it’s not the taxes of current employees that support my fuel payment, it’s taxes which I’ve already paid! Angela Worth, Gibraltar
No sympathy
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THERE will be few people living in the cold in the UK who will have much sympathy with the withdrawal of winter fuel payments. The points made about the fuel allowance could equally be applied to people who retire to countries where their UK state pension is frozen in value. Why, after also paying into the UK system for years, should they be discriminated against? The Winter fuel Payment was never originally designed to top up the incomes of those outside the UK. It was an EU ruling that made it so. For those who feel strongly about it, the obvious answer to their problem is to return to the UK. John Green, London 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.
The website Torremolinos to open is Anda-
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ll about ierra Nevada A S A Sierra
13www.ll about theolive-
Vol. 1 Issue 8
Nevada
AXARQUIA
the olive press - October 30 - November 12 2014
www.gibraltarolivepress.com
December 23rd - January 5th
Christmas card snowscapes and adrenaline-pumping thrills are guaranteed at southern Spain’s finest ski resort. Iona Napier negotiates the slopes of the Sierra Nevada
i k S l e d a t s o C WINTER WONDERLAND: Sierra Nevada is paradise for snowboarders, skiers and dogs
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Y colleague lay spread-eagled in the snow, one ski several hundred feet uphill and the other at my feet. “That’s it, I’m giving up,” he sulked. It had been a testing day on the slopes for ski virgin Rob, and after a particularly ambitious blue run with three consecutive wipeouts, his sense of humour had vanished without trace. His grimace was barely visible through the layers of buff, hat and goggles, but the snarls were audible. “I’m not skiing down this slope; I’ll walk back up and take the lift down,” he pleaded, looking longingly uphill, while skiers zipped effortlessly past us.
ICE COOL: Swimwear ski party
Our impatient group had already sped off back to base, in Pradollano, for a hot chocolate, without a second thought for our Rob. But, the good natured person I am - plus admittedly several years’ experience on the slopes - I stepped in as his impromptu ‘teacher’. After some cajoling, we set off gingerly down the highest mountain range in peninsular Spain, making ‘giant pizza slices’, as my first teacher had called them, with our skis. Before long, Rob was back in his stride – or slide - and I was considering a career change, as I sped down the Laguna de las Yeguas piste, which has staggering views towards the Mediterranean and, on a clear day, Turn to Page 14
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14 the olive press - October 30 - November 1412 2014
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Sierra Nevada
UP UP AND AWAY
FLYING HIGH: The largest piste is 6km long
From Page 13
ing views towards the Mediter-
ranean and, on a clear day, the Rif mountains of Morocco. It was the start of a fabulous weekend of skiing in the Sierra Nevada, with bright sunshine, perfect powder snow and some of Spain’s best après ski to look forward to at the end. The longest piste, Aguila, is a dreamy 6km of easy turns and magnificent views. The Sierra Nevada is easily southern Spain’s best skiing resort, with 110km of pistes over 1200 vertical metres, famous for being a place where you can ski in the morning and sunbathe on the coast, pina colada in hand, by the afternoon. Some even brave it in bikinis for the last day of the season in May (la bajada en bikini), an unmissable day festooned with champagne, near nudity and hedonism. But it’s not just for fun junkies; expert skiers treasure the snow which, particularly in springtime, is a soft and sumptuous ride, unlike the tightly-packed ice found in many European resorts. Locals proudly describe it as ‘cream snow’ (nieve crema), and most say it is at its best from February to April, although the season often begins in late
JUMP FOR JOY: There are 110km of pistes November, weather permitting (this year it has been a bit shaky to be fair with just a few kilometres open in the middle of December). And thanks to a €3.1 million cash injection from the Andalucian tourist board – with three new lifts last season, the price for passes has remained the same for the past four years (€45 for an adult day pass) and even less at the season’s opening (€25), with free parking chucked in. “It is a mag-
nificent resort,” explains Mercedes Delgado, who has worked here for Cetursa, the company that runs the resort, for many years. The charming 50-year-old was born in Granada and has worked in the resort for 29 years… She is living proof that that is impossible to leave a place like this. And she is far from the only one, with numerous local business bosses having done three decades … and many more even. “The really strong points here are the sun and the location,” explains Mercedes. “The temperature makes excellent snow conditions, a pleasant temperature to be in, with late night skiing too, and the season continues to May making it very versatile.” She continues: “And our prox-
Uphill ski
NOVICES: Lads learn to ski
THE price of renting a room in the Sierra Nevada has rocketed this winter. Rising by 12.5% the average weekly room rental costs €1,015.
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December 10th - 22nd 2015
Festive fun MAGICAL: Three kings on the slopes and (inset) snowy Pradollano The resort is one of the most festive places to be in Spain, and the Spaniards know it, as they descend in their droves for Christmas and New Year. ‘Nochebuena’ or Christmas eve, when the Spaniards celebrate the festive season with a huge family meal and lashings of turron, is usually a sell out. Meanimity to Granada is a huge while ‘nochevieja’, or New plus, whereas many European Year’s Eve, where massive resorts are very isolated. screens show the count“You can come to the Sierra down in Madrid’s iconic Nevada and also see the AlPuerta del Sol, with grapes hambra, eat some famous galore, is a riot. For the eve Granada tapas.. . there is of the Reyes on Jan 5 the something for everyone.” three kings duly arrive on She mentions the strategic locaskis. Kids will love it. tion: near the beach, not far from Carnival, from February Madrid, perfectly accessible from 6-14, also sees a mass armost of southern Spain. ROYAL APPROVAL: King Felipe loves Sierra Nevada rival for the fancy dress Indeed the 106.8kms of competition, snow-sport slopes are just an hour-andblack and orange (the scariest), of the season, and also latecontests and spectacles a-half by car from Granada’s to be exact. night skiing on Thursdays. from Granada University, Costa Tropical and the nearby There are several zones pur“But the resort has not been while February 27 2016 will Nerja beaches, and only half pose-designed for little ones: ruined; it is still very Spanish see a huge jump competian hour for Granadinos. with Dreamland and Alpine and fairly low-key.” tion, just next to the main Madrileños do not flinch at Garden for infants. There is a Spanish is still the lingua franresort. their four hour drive, while Semagic carpet lift, bike-skiing ca – although virtually all resvillanos and Malagueños’ and toboggan runs for kids or taurateurs speak Engcan get here in two non-skiers. lish. By contrast, in hours easily. The PorPista del Bosque features anihigh-end French The tuguese also have mal figures for children too, resort Courcha strong following and the new Pista del Mar in resort has evel, where tool. the heart of Borreguiles has the Russian held on to its Alongside a fiercely been a hit since last season women walk loyal British crowd, with its weekly gymkhana. their Chihuaauthenticity many from Alicante More experienced skiers - and huas in white The Official Ski School Sierra Nevada was founded in 1986 and charm and Murcia, the mahundreds of snowboarders skintight salopwith Diploma for Teachers RFEDI (Royal Spanish Winter Sports Federation), jority (around 80%) of head to the Sulayr Terrain Park, ettes, you’re hard the Sierra Nevada’s skiwhere there are 110 different to offer winter sports enthusiasts better service and a personalized and pushed to find a naers are Spanish. ramps and rails, with the largtive French speaker. appropriate education on each level. The resort has kept its authenest ski-jump in Europe. That said, Russian tourists ticity and charm that swanky The cool kids also hang out in migrate enthusiastically to the French resorts have long since the Loma de Dilar area, which Sierra from the Marbella area, lost, with prices to match. boasts the biggest permanent and all nationalities are met “We have been growing mashalf-pipe in Spain, with a cross with open arms by the hospitasively in popularity since the country ski and snowboard run. ble resort staff, 90% of whom world ski championships in And it’s not just the class skilive in Granada. 1995,” continues Mercedes. ing that keeps punters coming The resort is very family friendThe night skiing is something back (it was my second trip), ly, with the majority of the 124 the resort prides itself on, with the nightlife and restaurants runs at a beginner or interme9am-9pm uninterrupted snow are second to none. diate level. There are 19 green play on weekends at the height And the Sierra Nevada’s busiruns, 41 blues, 50 reds and 14 nesses are delighted to meet you, friendly down to earth businesses that do not mock their customers with ski-high prices. In fact you can still get a cana and a tapa for under two euros in various places. WE OFFER: Grab some tapas - or dinner at one of the many good restau• Bilingual teachers English-Spanish THE Sierra Nevada is incredibly good value, blasting its interrants - before heading to lively national competition out of the water. A day ski pass is €45, • Lessons for kids from 3 upwards watering hole Jaleo, run by Sewhile Colorado resort Beaver Creek charges a mind-boggling villano Roberto. A laid-back bar • 28 years experience on the slopes €131 per day, Whistler in Canada is €91 and Switzerland’s with great music and reasonable Zermatt can set you back €92. • Snowboard and skiing for all levels drinks, Jaleo’s the perfect place And that’s before skiwear, accommodation and food is also to test-drive your moves before • Dreamland ski area for children great value, where French resorts can demand silly money for venturing uphill to bars, including the most bog standard of spaghetti Bolognese. Soho and Hippodrome, 10 minIn the Sierra Nevada, the Spanish ethos of delicious food and utes up into the resort. There is alcohol at highly reasonable prices is exemplified across the even a discotheque Mango. resort. You may well find yourself disXavi at Tito Tapas and Paco at La Bodeguita are hospitable tracted by the Marbella Club’s bosses with no sign of the ice queen reception to be expected Sierra Nevada outpost, El in swankier resorts, and the Granada ‘free tapas with your Lodge, a sumptuous and highdrink’ tradition exists in most establishments. end addition to the local scene, Try Tito Tapas’ brie parcels and the goat’s cheese with carajust reopened after a fire burnt melised apple at La Bodeguita… before washing it down with it down two years ago. EOE DIRECTOR HEAD TEACHER a comforting, velvety hot chocolate on tap at Mama Goye’s. This is the sort of top end place Ski & snowboard rental Juan Luis Hernández Linares Fernando Arias Fanjul It’s not just the food, drink and accommodation that are reathat rivals anywhere in Ibiza, 958 480 906 www.monitortecno.es sonable – the warm Spanish welcome sets them apart. Cannes or Paris, and keeps the wealthy expats on the Costa del tel: 958 48 00 11 eoe@eoe.es www.sierranevadaescuela.com Sol more than happy whether El Balcón, Paradollano y Edificio Montebajo, Plaza de Andalucía Sierra Nevada, Granada there is snow or not.
The largest ski school in Spain since 1986 A name you can trust
Pocket-friendly resort
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16the olive press - October 30 - November 12 2014 ll about
Sierra Nevada
Snow patrol
THRILLSEEKERS: Grinding and carving around the Sulayr park
Sierra Nevada’s stunning slopes offer Spain’s snowboarders a wintry wonderland
W
ITH snow like fine powder, the Sierra Nevada is a Mecca for thrill-seeking snowboarders. For beginners and experts alike, Spain’s highest resort is a glorious snowboarding setting. Stunning scenery is matched by the top-class facilities, which saw the resort awarded the 1996 Alpine World Ski Championships and could see it host the Freestyle Ski and Snowboard World Championships in 2017. Those who are
just starting out should head to Borreguiles. Twenty-two lifts deposit snowboarders on this gentle gradient where you can easily get accustomed to the slopes. And Sierra Nevada is also home to SuperPark Sulayr, Europe’s largest freestyle snowboard park. The park has now relocated from Loma de Dilar to an altitude of 2,700 metres on Borreguiles. Spain’s most famous snowboarding park also houses the country’s biggest permanent half-pipe, measuring an astonishing 165 metres in length with a height of six metres. The special design flattens the snow on the side of the half-pipe so snowboarders can jump on both sides. More experienced snowboarders have two railings with a jump of four metres. Intermediates can enjoy a railing with a two metre jump. Most importantly, an airbag is on hand to ensure a soft landing!
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HEN a trio of brothers visited the Sierra Nevada for a season in the early 2000s, it was to be an adventure from their native Argentina, which would change their lives forever. Coming to teach snowboarding, Richard, Dani and Leo Martinez loved the buzz of Europe’s most southerly resort so much they literally never looked back. A decade on and the boys from Mar de Plata are still here (well two of them at least), running their own snowboarding and ski school, Rules, plus a brand new shop with clothing and mountainwear. “We came to enjoy the snow and spotted a huge gap in the market with nobody working the snowboarding scene,” explains Dani, 37, who has been riding the slopes since the age of four. Offering snowboard rental and classes, the small marginal sport has grown to such an extent that it is almost now as popular as skiing. “It’s a huge market, probably as big as skiing, and we have so much demand for good equipment.” He continues: “The snow park and the skateboarding scene are also incredible, and we are changing the way people see and understand
SNOW LOVERS: Dani (second left) and the team
FREESTYLE: Mountain spo snow sports.” So successful has their business been that this season they have opened a brand new school, Rules, based just 50 metres from the main ticket office. The stylish shop (above) has cutting-edge design, modern equipment, with the latest mountainwear and clothing, as well as other brands, including Bonfire and Volcan. “We are all about board sports, all about free-style and our school and you can really see it in our shop and school,” says Dani. The 12 instructors he employs in high season are all professionals, trained to bring out the best in students and encourage them to embrace the ‘freestyle mentality’ and enjoy the buzz of mastering the elements. A one-stop shop for all your snow–related needs, Dani and the team are always delighted to have a chat so drop in at the Plaza Andalucia or Edificio Telecabina offices to get tutored, suited and booted. Visit www.rulessierranevada.com
Surf in style
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BREATH-TAKING: Perfect snow and stunning views in the Sierra
orts
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Pz. AndalucĂa, Edif. Monachil, Local 1 y 2 18196, Sierra Nevada (Granada) tel: +34 958 164 641 email: info@rulessierranevada.com WWW.RULESSIERRANEVADA.COM
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Sierra Nevada 1812 2014 the olive press - October 30 - November
British ski teachers Giles Birch and Jonathan Buzzard have been teaching on the slopes for an incredible 20 years, writes Jon Clarke
W
HEN Jonathan Buzzard walked into Sierra Nevada’s seminal Crescendo bar in the early 1990s, Giles Birch knew he’d found his man. With a long flashers’ mac, ‘big hair’ and a friendly, outgoing persona, he knew he would make the DECADE DUO: Jonathan and Giles in the 1990s and today (right) perfect transport rep. In his first season working as a coordinator for the big travel companies, including First Choice and Thompsons, he explains Jonathan, who lived in explains Giles, who is now in needed someone with a bit of Marbella in the golden years his benchmark 20th season in knowledge and experience to before it was ruined by corrupt Granada. help him out. Since arriving he has married leader Jesus Gil. “I had no idea what was going “We used to bring in thousands (a Portuguese girl), had a famon but had been told that Creof foreigners every week, but ily and taught literally thouscendo was the place to find after a couple of dry years in sands of clients. the Brits and the reps-in-the the 1980s the resort’s reputa- So what makes the Sierra Nevada know,” he recalls. tion suffered badly and things so special, according to him? “Next thing in walks Jonathan “It is the length of the season. all began to change. with just the right attitude and he “Luckily the snow came back, We start in late November and was soon helping me deal with albeit not yet this year, but stay open until early May while the three to four flights we reguthese days it is all independent other resorts don’t open until larly dealt with on a Sunday.” travellers and the agencies mid December and end their The pair are still working toseason in March.” have all but disappeared.” gether some two decades Of course there have been This is partly due to the relater, collectively running the some bad years such as 1995 sort’s altitude and the quality extremely successful British when Jonathan recalls cycling of the snow which is constantly Ski Center from their base near up Borreguiles run on a moun- worked on during the night. the resort. tain bike in shorts on Christ- “That’s why you’ll never see Great mates, they both now slush even in the latter part of mas Day. teach, as well as sort out holi“But generally it is as good as the season.” he adds. days for hundreds of clients most other international reeach year. sorts and the range of skiing Visit www.britishskicenter. “Of course things are comPISTE POWER: Sierra and schools is hard to beat,” co.uk for more info pletely different to back then,”
Guiri guiding!
www.theolivepress.es December 23rd - January 5th
A shoe-in
H
E has one of the most infectious laughs in Andalucia. And, no surprise, with happy Javier Nagore co-running three of the resorts top eateries, as well as doubling up as a shoe entrepreneur on the side. Menorcan Nagore is half of the talented team behind Tito Luigi’s two restaurants and nearby Tito Tapas. But when he is not overlooking the foodie empire on the slopes, he is keeping an eye on his family business, which makes hand-made shoes for sale in dozens of shops around the UK alone. Manufactured back in his second home of Menorca, his JAVIER: Tito Luigi boss shoes sell in the British chain the Natural Shoe Store, as singers as clients, they have well as many places else- certainly done well since setting up Tito Luigi 27 years ago. where in Europe. He and Tito business partner The flagship restaurant has Luis Alija, started life setting just doubled in size with a up the first ‘hippy market’ stylish makeover, while the in Menorca in the 1970s, recently opened Tito Tapas, before branching out to sell is one of the hippest places shoes and jewelry around the to dine on the slopes. Meanwhile, the third restauworld. Today they are very much rant Tito Luigi’s II, sits higher alive and kicking in Pradol- up in the village and is populano, ensuring that their res- lar with locals. Together they taurants - alongside emblem- employ around 40 people. atic Tia Maria, owned by Luis’ “The idea behind Tito Tapas brother Carlos - continue to was to create a natural yet modern place where friends adapt and grow. Counting former King Juan could come and meet, someCarlos, not to mention a host thing a bit different,” exof bullfighters and flamenco plains Javier.
Property
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the Olive Press June 25th - July 9th 2015
HIGH RISE: Eurocity development divides opinion due to height restrictions
Aiming high Planning permission sought for rule-breaking ‘Eurocity’
DEVELOPERS are hoping to overrule the RAF’s maximum height restriction in order to construct ‘Eurocity’. The planned 70 metre tall development in the Europort area exceeds the 50 metre restriction imposed due to proximity to the airport. However, Malbi Ltd has questioned the restriction, claiming that buildings around 70 metres tall should be possible. A spokesman said: “In our experience the standard requirements for airports would allow a greater height to be achieved.” If granted planning permission, Eurocity will include 404 residential units, office space, retail units, car parking and landscaped gardens.
London calling GRAND DESIGNS: Bob Peliza Mews
Have a Peliza that UPDATED artist impressions have been released of the planned 514-home complex named after former minister Robert Peliza. The latest government ‘affordable home’ development, in the Waterport area, will include a range of apartments with one to five bedrooms. The Development and Planning Commission has advised the developers of Bob Peliza Mews that they must include renewable energy proposals and occupational therapy plans. They must also ensure trees aren’t planted over service pipes and cables.
AFFORDABLE: One to five bed flats
A HUGE fundraising campaign has been launched to upgrade Gibraltar’s house for hospital patients in London. Calpe House is a home-awayfrom-home for Gibraltar residents who have been transferred to London for medical treatment. Plans are now in place for a £15 million conversion of the grade II listed buildings into apartments with 38 en suite rooms. The Calpe House Trust is hoping to involve the whole of Gibraltar in its fundraising efforts, and it hopes the new Calpe House will be completed in March 2017.
Green light A NEW high-rise apartment and parking complex on Devil’s Tower Road has been given the green light. Planning permission was granted by the Development and Planning Commission (DPC) despite objections from 15 residents of adjacent Shackleton House. The applicants propose demolishing existing buildings and constructing one, with 77 apartments, commercial spaces, car parking and landscaped areas. This new development will be located next to the 120-room Holiday Inn Express, which is due to open in 2017. The DPC said it ‘sympathised’ with residents’ complaints that the development is too big and too close, but said it met all the plan’s objectives.
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Top Dollar Oil or nothing www.gibraltarolivepress.com
the Gibraltar Olive Press September 17th - 30th
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November 12th 25th 2015
December 23rd - January 5th
Festive business
A DRIVE to promote and conserve business on the Rock unfolded in the shape of the third year of ‘Small Business Saturday’ on December 12. The day of fun in Main Street was organised by the Ministry of Business and Employment, with entertainment for all the family, including arts and crafts and a free bouncy castle at John Mackintosh Square. Several businesses offered small gifts and discounts to shoppers to keep business local, protect the pound.
What’s up, dock?
Chevron Corp wins multi-million Gibraltar court ruling over Ecuadorian fraud case
AN American oil giant has been awarded £13.5 million by Gibraltar’s Supreme Court in its suit against Gibraltarbased Amazonia Recovery Ltd over a multi-billion Ecuadorian fraud. The court also issued a permanent injunction against Amazonia to block it from supporting the case against Chevron Corp.
Introducing our fortnightly look at the fascinating boats docking in Gibraltar’s port
R. Hewitt Pate, Chevron vice-president, said: “We will continue to seek to hold the perpetrators of this racket accountable for their actions.” Amazonia Recovery Ltd was set up by American lawyer Steven Donziger in 2012 to represent Ecuadorian peasants and tribespeople who won £4.38 billion when an Ecuadorian court ruled against Chevron for environmental damage in 2011. But in 2014, a US court ruled that judgement to be the product of fraud and racketeering and ‘offensive to the laws of any nation that aspires to the
NEWS IN BRIEF
Loan deals give boost THE government has awarded loans to successful applicants of the Gibraltar Business Nurturing Scheme, aimed at supporting the growth of new businesses.
Team work rule of law’. Chevron filed a suit against Amazonia at the Supreme Court of Gibraltar in 2014 claiming that Amazonia was set up to continue the ongoing fraud and to control funds and payments from the 2011 judgment.
Cruising home for Christmas
Manchester United
AFTER three and a half years based in the Middle East hunting for mines, HMS Atherstone is finally on its way to the UK for a Christmas homecoming. But the Minehunter took one last stop-off in Gibraltar en route to top up on fuel and supplies. Since leaving Portsmouth in May 2012, HMS Atherstone has spent more than 8,360 hours on operational tasks, covering more than 50,000 nautical miles.
MANCUNIANS are set to holiday on the Rock after Easyjet announced a new Gibraltar-Manchester route. The airline said it expects 30,000 passengers per year on the route, which will offer two flights a week from July 3. Commercial manager Ali Gayward said: “Gibraltar is a firm British favourite, and we expect it to be especially popular among holidaymakers heading to the famous rock on the Med.” The airline launched a service between Gibraltar and Bristol this year, while its Gibraltar-London route surpassed the one million passenger mark in August.
POLICE associations from Gibraltar, Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man met in London’s Gibraltar House to discuss working together.
Imitation game SALES of fake children’s toys and games in Spain are among the highest in Europe, costing the nation’s manufacturers millions according to a new study.
Solar set ENERGY developer Solarpack has restructured €94 million in debt on five of its photovoltaic solar parks in Spain.
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24 December 23rd - January 5th
Back-up plan A CONSORTIUM of business experts has been assembled to prepare Gibraltar for a possible ‘Brexit’. Chief Minister Fabian Picardo and Minister of State for Europe David Lidington have
Economic experts called in to assemble Brexit business outline formed economic think-tank Gibraltar 25 to prepare a long-term economic plan.
Key businessmen and economic experts are being asked to join the group in order to assemble a plan should the UK exit the European Union. Picardo has regularly voiced his concern about a Brexit, backing British PM David Cameron’s call for the UK to remain part of the EU. He has even gone so far as to say a Brexit could ‘ruin Gibraltar’.
Threat
WHIZZKIDS: Bayside and Westside pupils
Watch out Zuckerberg! BUDDING Bransons are upping the ante on Gibraltar’s young enterprise scene. Students from local schools including Bayside, Gibraltar College and Westside went head-to-head to launch several competing companies. They included seven person team Enigma Gibraltar, creators of an all-in-one multifunctional biro with a USB drive, stylus, laser and LED light. The successful launch evening was attended by family and friends of the young entrepreneurs.
“The only existential threat to our economy is one where we are pulled out of the European Union against our will and denied access to the single market,” he said. “I think everybody who is serious about the subject, even those whose views I don’t share, should talk about retaining access to Europe as a member of the European economic area. “I know that there are many in the UK who advocate the UK moving out of the EU who consider themselves to be very good friends of Gibraltar, but they need to understand the economics of this.”
GUARD: Daniel Yeo
Keeping it in the family THE best lifeguard in Gibraltar has been honoured with the Royal Life Saving Society’s Giovanni Sene Award. Daniel Yeo was presented the award by Samantha Sacramento, minister for tourism, a year after his brother Jack won it. It is given to the best lifeguard to qualify for the National Beach Lifeguard Qualification. President of the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) Gibraltar, Norbert Sene, said Daniel was singled out for his exemplary attitude, reliability and diligence on the beach.
AGONY ANT YOUR LEGAL PROBLEMS ADDRESSED BY ANTONIO FLORES
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HE tax status of people living in Spain has been subject to extensive debate and still today, is a question open to interpretation, particularly considering the ability taxpayers have to travel freely within the EU and more notably, the Schengenspace countries. This column is far too short to be able to explain in details all the intricacies of this interesting matter but the 10 points below will help understand, we think, the basis of a tax residency status.
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- The distinction between tax domicile and tax residency is a concept more associated with Common Law systems, and almost ignored by Spanish laws.
2
- Tax residency is prima facie demonstrated by means of a Fiscal Residency Certificate, issued by the tax authority, which should confirm the taxpayer is fiscal resident in that country and that he is subject to tax on worldwide income.
3
- According to Spanish Courts however, a fiscal residency certificate is not the only way to demonstrate residency for tax purposes; utility bills, bank statements, insurance policies, local taxes, civil registry or consular registrations etc. are all means to prove a certain tax status but, more importantly, is the fact of declaring, or not,
Taxing Ten things you need to know about being a Spanish tax resident
income obtained worldwide in a particular country.
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- The Spanish Income Tax Act states that tax residency in Spain will be determined by one or more of the following: spending more than 183 of a calendar year in the country, having the center of the economic interest or businesses in Spain and having the non-separated spouse, and dependent children, residing in Spain.
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- The 183-day count ignores temporary absences except where the taxpayer demonstrates tax residency in another country, with a certificate as per point 2.
6- Tax residency in more than
one country is possible; double tax treaties signed by Spain generally stipulate where such taxpayers should be taxed.
7- Where the taxpayer invokes
tax residency in a tax haven, the Spanish Tax Office may request proof of physically being there more than 183 days, in
addition to the documentary evidence as per point 2. Where a taxpayer of Spanish nationality changes his tax residency to a tax haven, the Spanish tax authorities will still consider him/her a tax resident in Spain for the next 4 years.
8
- Where a taxpayer has economic interests in more than 1 country, the tax authorities will take into consideration the weight of each as well as the intensity of social, political and family relationships in each of such countries, or having a permanent dwelling in -or nationality of- that country.
9
- Spanish authorities may apply for information from countries with whom a tax information exchange agreement has been signed; the UK is one of such countries.
10
- Double Tax Treaties are in place to prevent tax evasion, not to encourage it: this applies to the anomaly of using UK companies to avoid Spanish inheritance taxes.
Email Antonio at aflores@lawbird.es
“NEW YEAR, NEW START” With Christmas, New Year and Three kings behind you, what better time to carry out a health check on your personal financial affairs? - By Richard Mills / International Financial Adviser
retirement. A regular review to consider any new or changed circumstances and to ensure plans and projections are on target is essential.
Over the course of time many things change which can have an effect on your financial situation. A change in your own circumstances, or in those of your family, or changes in regulations either here in Spain or in your ‘home’ country can all have a significant impact. Whether you’re new to Spain or an established expat, a young family or a retiree, a financial health check can help you plan for the future, avoid mistakes and give you peace of mind. A full review will cover many aspects of financial planning, but some of the more common areas for expats resident in Spain are:
become resident, a financial review can help to put in place plans for the transition. There are some items which should be considered and put in place before becoming resident to minimise Investments: The tax efficient the future taxes payable. A review can investments available to people resident help to identify these and put plans in in Spain are in many cases different place to mitigate them. to the investments they may have had before moving to Spain. A review can Blacktower Financial Management check that the investments in place meet (International) Limited are ideally placed the tax regulations here. An investment to help you. The Blacktower Group was should also be regularly checked to formed in 1986 to provide independent confirm that it is meeting its goals, be wealth management advice and a it to provide income, capital growth or a bespoke service for both individual combination of the two. and corporate clients. We celebrate our 30th anniversary during 2016. Retirement planning: Whether Our international financial advisers retirement is some years away or just continually keep pace with the changing around the corner, understanding what needs of our clients, and of changes to you will need during this phase of your regulations and legislation. We follow life is vital, as is ensuring that you have a strict regulatory and compliance plans in place to get you there. For those framework to ensure protection of for whom retirement has already started clients assets at all time. it’s important to ensure your plans continue to be sustainable for the long Should you wish to meet to review your term. A regular review of your retirement plans will help to ensure you meet your own financial situation, please feel free to contact me to arrange a meeting on targets. +34 952 816 443 Wills and Inheritance planning: or email info@blacktowerfm.com Inheritance taxes are one of the least liked taxes, so understanding the rules and regulations of both Spain and your ‘home’ country is essential. Similarly, having an up to date will in place that correctly reflects who you want to the beneficiaries of your estate to be is equally important. Recent changes in regulations for wills here in Spain and around Europe has made it important to check that your will reflects this and will be executed as per your wishes.
Savings: For those in work, regular saving for the future is very important. Some of the key reasons for building up a lump sum are paying off a mortgage, covering further education costs for your children, or building an income for For those new to Spain, or about to
Blacktower Financial Management Ltd is authorised and regulated in the UK by the Financial Conduct Authority and is registered with both the DGS and CNMV. Blacktower Financial Management (Int) Ltd is licensed in Gibraltar by the Financial Services Commission (FSC) Licence No: 00805B and registered with the DGS 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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GIBRALTAR
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November 12th - 25th 2015
December 23rd - January 5th
For all your advertising needs contact
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OVERSEAS
PROPERTY
- June www.gibraltarolivepress.com the OliveOlive PressPress JuneJune 11th -11th June 24th 24th 20152015 www.theolivepress.es www.gibraltarolivepress.com 27 www.gibraltarolivepress.com 27 27 the Gibraltar
FOOD & DRINK December 23rd - January 5th
Ooh La Liste
A ‘DEFINITIVE’ list of the world’s top 1,000 restaurants has been compiled via a computer algorithm. Drawing on data from over 200 food guides in 92 countries, including Michelin and the World 50 Best list, La Liste has been assembled by the French foreign ministry.
Current
Costing 275,000 euros to compile, the list turns up Swiss Restaurant de l’Hotel de Ville as the number one. Spain’s top restaurant and the current number one on the World 50 Best list, El Celler de Can Roca is the only Spanish eatery to feature in the top 10, coming in at number six. La Liste accounts for food quality, ambience, wine lists, and service.
La Liste (Top 10): 1. Restaurant de l’Hôtel de Ville, Crissier, Switzerland
2. Per Se, New York 3. Kyo Aji, Tokyo 4. Guy Savoy, Paris 5. Schauenstein, Fürstenau, Switzerland
6. El Celler de Can Roca, Girona, Spain
7. Kyubey, Tokyo 8. MaisonTroisgros, Roanne, France
9. Auberge du Vieux Puits, Fontjoncouse, France
10. Joël Robuchon,
Yebisu Garden Place, Japan
Former Jamie Oliver chef opens Italian restaurant in La Linea EXCLUSIVE By Tom Powell
November 12th - 25th 201511th 2015 27 October 28th - November
Jamie’s Italian protege
A FORMER protege of Jamie Oliver is taking La Linea by storm with his own Italian restaurant. Benito Farsi, who previously lived in England, launched the Perejil Grill in spring of this year. He honed his craft working for his pal Oliver at his Jamie’s Italian restaurant, as well as his London steakhouse, Barbecoa. “I have worked with Italian food for the last 20 years and learned a lot working with Jamie,” said Farsi. “We went to Italy’s Amalfi coast to train. “I set up the restaurant here because I didn’t think there was any good Italian food in the Gibraltar area.” Perejil Grill is located in what used to be the oldest bar in La Linea, right in the centre of town. Farsi previously set up an Italian restaurant at Hotel Sindhura in Vejer de la Frontera before looking for a new adventure. “Everything I cook is Italian, 100% fresh and I use a wood grill which gives a beautiful, aromatic PALS: Benito Farsi and (inset) Jamie Oliver flavour,” he added.
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Authentic italian Bar & Antipasti
perejilgrill Perejilgrill
No trainers allowed YOU’D think being a treble Michelin-starred chef would give you carte blanche in London’s top eateries. But Madrid’s DiverXO chef David Munoz had a nasty surprise when smart celeb hotspot restaurant Sketch turned him and TV presenter wife Cristina Pedroche away because they were wearing trainers (left). He took to twitter to vent his rage, saying ‘Really? In London? In 2015? Absolutely unbelievable’, before posting a photo of his red Nike trainers which retail at over €100. “At Sketch, men must wear a smart jacket and you simply won’t be allowed in if you are wearing shorts or trainers,” Sketch’s duty manager told the Olive Press.
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FOOD & DRINK
Alaskan bake-off
29 www.gibraltarolivepress.com
December 23rd - January 5th
Take the stress out of Christmas dessert with this delicious seasonal twist on baked Alaska. It’s perfect for diners who prefer a lighter pud after their turkey, writes Joe Duggan Ingredients
1 kilogram panettone 9 tablespoons Grand Marnier 1 litre vanilla ice cream (slightly softened) 6 large egg whites 150 grams golden caster sugar 2 tablespoons flaked almonds
Method
JUST DESSERT: Baked Alaska is perfect for Xmas CHRISTMAS dessert is perhaps the most excessive dish of the year. After you’ve shoveled half a roast bird, acres of brussels sprouts and an army of pigs in blankets into your gaping maw, the last thing your body needs is more food. But what the heck, it’s Christmas! And a baked Alaska is more than a few notches down on the stodge scale from Christmas pudding. This 70s kitsch classic is due a comeback, so why not bring it up to date and give it a yuletide makeover this December. Panettone is the classic Italian Christmas treat. Its angel-
light base is studded with aromatic Christmas spices, candied fruits, raisins, orange zest and, if you’re lucky, a soupcon of amaretto. Anoint it with velvet-soft stewed fruit marinated in sugar and gran marnier or whisky to give yourself a warm festive glow. This is a quick, easy-to-follow recipe that can be prepared days in advance. That way, whoever is charged with cooking Christmas lunch, which often requires the physical stamina of a galley slave, has a bit more time to kick back with a well-deserved glass or two.
Use a long-bladed, serrated knife to cut a lid from the top of the panettone, and put it to one side. Cut, dig or scoop out the centre of the panettone, leaving a hollow container with fairly robust walls and bottom. Sprinkle the interior of the panettone with 2 tablespoons of Grand Marnier, then pack in the ice cream ( it should fill it completely). Sprinkle the cut surface of the lid with another tablespoon of the liquor, before replacing it on top of the ice cream and pressing it firmly into place. Put the panettone onto a flat dish that will take kindly to both the freezer and the oven and is also pretty enough to go to the table. Cover with clingfilm and store in the freezer for anything up to a week.
To make the meringue:
whisk the egg whites until they form stiff, shiny peaks and you can turn the bowl upside down over your head without disaster. Whisk or fold in (using a large metal kitchen spoon) about a fifth of the sugar, then add the remainder gradually. Quickly remove the panettone from the freezer and cover it completely with a thick layer of meringue, then flick the meringue into flamboyant peaks. Scatter the meringue with the almonds and put the Alaska back in the freezer if it is not going to be cooked straight away. Just before serving, preheat the over to 200 degrees C, 400 degrees F, gas mark 6. Transfer the Alaska straight from the freezer to the oven and bake for 5-8 minutes, when the meringue should be dappled golden brown. In the meantime, gently head the liqueur in a small saucepan. (You may want to use brandy or something similar which will burn better) Sprinkle the cooked Alaska with the heated liqueur and set on fire. Bring the Alaska to the table, then cut it into thick slices and serve.
Beer and biryani
INDIANS will soon be sipping on San Miguels while tucking into their jalfrezis. Spanish beer giant Mahou is preparing to launch San Miguel in India, as part of its Asian expansion. Mahou entered the Indian market three years ago and are also planning to expand into the Philippines this year.
Drink up kids TEENAGERS need to drink more water. A mouth-watering 71% of Spanish adolescents do not consume enough fluid, according to a HELENA food consumption study. A total of 250 13-18-yearolds took part in the study in the city of Zaragoza, which found that most adolescents do not meet the European Food Safety Agency’s recommendations for average total water intake.
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GOLF In the swing of it
Olympic bid WORLD number 12 Sergio Garcia is hoping a strong winter in Asia will secure him a spot on the plane to next year’s Olympics. The Spanish golfer claimed his first title in nearly two years at the start of December with victory in Vietnam. More strong performances should ensure the 35-yearold a spot in Spain’s Olympic squad, while Garcia is also eager to make it into the European Ryder Cup team for the eighth time. He is hoping to push on from his win in Vietnam at upcoming events in Thailand and Dubai.
23 30 December 23rd - January 5th
Girl power Top golfers support golfing beauty after she comes under fire TOP world female golfers have come out in support of Paige Spiranac after she was heavily criticised for crashing out of the Dubai Ladies Masters on the first day. Often dubbed the ‘world’s most attractive female athlete’, the buxom American blonde came under fire, with many pundits claiming she was only invited because of her good looks. Shooting a first round 77, Spiranac failed to make the cut and was out of the competition. This led to media reports in the USA criticising Spiranac’s inclusion in the tournament.
‘W
HEN I’m up here, I feel a million miles away from Gibraltar, traffic and the stresses of everyday life.” It is easy to see why the Rock’s only professional golfer Trevor Garcia loves the peaceful surroundings of Almenara golf course. As we wind our buggy through pine trees and across lakes on wooden bridges, we quickly forget Gibraltar is a convenient 15 minute drive away. Garcia, 41, has been coming here since 1997 to train, six years before turning pro, and is still beaming as he shows me around his escapist paradise. “I come up here whenever I can because I know I can completely switch off,” he says. “Almenara is very special, of all the great golf courses around here this is the place I come to practise and play in total peace.” Garcia fell in love with the game aged 22, and a challenging but ultimately rewarding professional career ensued. He has played on the European PGA tour, the Asian tour and most recently on the Costa del Sol’s Gecko tour. But difficulties in obtaining sponsorship and the lack of financial support proved the biggest stumbling blocks to Garcia’s career. And when the opportunity arrived to work for the Gibraltar government’s sports department recently, the prospect of financial security was too much to turn down. “I look back and think I’ve done pretty well considering I didn’t have the financial backing to get to all of the tournaments,” says Garcia. “I would always leave a tour and then have to wait four or five months before my next, which meant I could never quite get to
However, a number of experienced golfers have been fighting her corner since. Among those backing up the 22-year-old are England’s Liz Young and Spain’s Carmen Alonso. “Paige deserves to be here,” Alonso said. “She is young, she may not quite be at the top level yet but she is working hard and is dedicated to the sport. “I am sure she will do well.” Spiranac gained the attention of the world’s press after a video of her performing a trick-shot was watched over 1.5 million times on YouTube. She also has half a million followers on Instagram.
Fit for a pro Gibraltar’s only professional golfer tells Tom Powell about the stunning course he has always escaped to
PEACEFUL: Trevor Garcia loves the calm at Almenara golf course that elite level I wanted to. “I do wonder if I had been pushed to be the best I could have been, maybe I would have been able to become an elite player. “But it was a tiring way of life with lots of traveling, although I do miss it, the excitement, the nerves and competing with the best.” However, Garcia now has his sights firmly set on training the next generation of Gibraltarian golfers. And this time around, he’s hoping one of them can make it to that elite level. Gibraltar itself is the perfect training ground for golfers, with a multitude of immaculate courses on its doorstep including the legendary La Reserva, Valderrama and Alcaidesa. “I have been very lucky to have
PROS: Garcia with director Ricardo Andrades all these great courses here,” adds Garcia. “I am sure that is what motivated me to train and practise and make it to professional level. “And now I hope Almenara and
Alcaidesa are going to help me produce Gibraltar’s next professional golfer. “There’s one eight-year-old I think has got a great future, for example.”
sport
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December 23rd - January 5th
Lions Gibraltar
Grandmaster cash LIONS’ PRIDE: 2-0 win
Lions roar
NATHAN Santos and David Narvaez scored the goals as Lions Gibraltar saw off Angels FC with a 2-0 win to finish the year third in the Gibraltar Premier Division. Santos scored on the brink of half-time before Narvaez’s 53rd minute curler from outside the area finished off Angels, who had Toufik Larouia sent off for a second bookable offence. Diego Cabello Merchan’s fine solo effort gave St Joseph’s a 61st minute lead against Manchester 62. Jose Garrido Munoz scored St Joseph’s second with a smart finish six later after some intricate approach play to seal a 2-0 victory. Yeray Jimenez, Manuel Camach Onega and Risto Kago all scored in the second half to give FC Britannia a 3-0 win over Lynx FC, with keeper Jamie Robba at fault for all three goals. The result leaves the Britons in sixth position on 17 points. Pedro Carrion bagged a brace as Europa beat 10-man Glacis United 2-0 in Sunday’s early match.
Sky at night
TEAM Sky have delivered a unique Christmas greeting from their traditional Spanish training camp. Riders Ian Stannard and Ben Swift took time out from their Mallorca schedule to rig their bikes up to 5,000 fairy lights and use pedal power to light up the ‘Happy Christmas’ message.
Tour de France winner Chris Froome is currently absent as his wife Michelle has just given birth to their first child. Sky have also released their new kit ahead of the new season as they aim to seal their fourth Tour de France win since 2012.
A CHESS grandmaster heading to the Rock for a lucrative tournament in January says he is ‘looking forward’ to playing again in Gibraltar. Viswanathan Anand, a five-time world champion, is participating in the Tradewise Gibraltar Open from 25 January. The tournament, described by The Financial Times as ‘the strongest and best-organised event of its kind in the world’, is open to all, with the winner taking home £185,000. Anand said: “I am looking forward to it. My last open tournament in classical format was 1993.” CHESS CHAMP: Anand
Fu-nomenal World No14 wins Gibraltar’s first pro snooker tournament
MARCO Fu hit a maximum 147 break en route to beating Michael White 4-1 in the final of the Dafabet Gibraltar Open. World number 14 Fu hit the perfect break against Sam Baird on the Friday of Gibraltar’s first professional snooker tournament before beating Stuart Bingham 4-0 in the semi-final. The 24-year-old hit a 140 break in the fourth frame of the final win against White, his first title
EYES ON THE PRIZE: Marco Fu makes his mark in Gibraltar triumph in two years. Runner-up White described Gibraltar as ‘the best place
I’ve been to’. Local players taking part included Stephen Webber, Sean
Galligan, Francis Becerra, Ivelin Bozhanov, Richard Ammons and Lee Prickman.
Blues sister
BACK TO THE BRIDGE?: Medic Eva Carneiro
March match VICTORIA Stadium will host a friendly between Gibraltar and Latvia in March. The Gibraltar FA announced the match will take place on March 29, six days before the game against Liechtenstein. It is Gibraltar’s first match against Latvia, who are ranked 99th in the world.
Three’s a treat GIBRALTAR may be granted an extra European club football spot after rising to 52nd in UEFA rankings. Under the rules, the three top teams from the Premier Division would enter the European club competitions in 2017-18. Lincoln Red Imps are to thank, after their efforts in the Champions League earned Gibraltar enough points to leapfrog Andorra and San Marino in the table. There would also be extra funds pumped into Gibraltar’s local football as a result. However, the FA has cast doubt by stating that no decision has yet been made on the number of clubs eligible.
EVA Carneiro could be set for a shock return to Chelsea if she wins her legal appeal against the club. She is also filing for damages for sexual discrimination against Jose Mourinho, who was sacked by the champions last week after a humiliating run of defeats. The former Blues first-team doctor filed a case for constructive dismissal against the Premier League giants following her dismissal in October. Carneiro is due to appear before an employment tribuIf you have a sports story, nal in January and sources claim she contact newsdesk@theolivepress.es hopes to return to or call 0034 951 273 575 the club if she wins.
the
GIBRALTAR
Covering Gibraltar in 2015 with over 20,000 papers and over 200,000 visits to the website each month
olive press Vol. 1 Issue 8
www.gibraltarolivepress.com
New pet on the block
FINAL WORDS
IT’S beginning to feel a lot like Christmas at the Gibraltar Youth Service. Members held a roaringly successful Christmas Fun day at the Youth Centre, welcoming children and families to join in all manner of games. As well as an appearance from that man Santa Claus, activities ranged from a puppet show to a bouncy castle and from cake stalls to a Christmas raffle.
Walk this way
Saving Syria THIS year’s Save the Children Christmas jumper campaign for Syria has raised huge funds with anonymous donations of up to £600.
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‘Tis the season! A Lotto potential
IF you’re walking in La Linea and see someone taking something which looks like a cross between a dog and a hamster for a walk, then don’t fear. It’s not a strangely elongated rat, it’s actually a ferret. And apparently it’s now the latest must-have pet to strut around town.
GIBRALTARIAN artist Michael Montegriffo has condensed 35 years of travelling off the beaten track into his new art exhibition at John Mackintosh Hall.
December 23rd - January 5th
Don’t get your loved ones a drone this Christmas… they’re banned!
Drone strike
FLIGHT FEAR: Drones banned
CHRISTMAS shoppers splashing out on a drone or a Segway for their loved ones will be flying into trouble. The Segway, a two-wheeled electric vehicle, may look like a fun way of getting round the Rock, but it is illegal to import or sell them in Gibraltar, the government has warned. “As these items may be attractive Christmas gifts... [we] would like to raise public awareness regarding these products to avoid disappointments in the festive A FORMER Gibraltar solperiod,” said a spokesman. dier has raised £11,000 Drones are classified as airpounds for charity and craft, or Unmanned Aerial counting by walking from Vehicles (UAV), which Cardiff to the Rock. require sign off from the Lieutenant Colonel Mark Director of Civil Aviation Randall has also published (DCA) in Gibraltar, with usa book about the ‘challengers having to attend a flying ing’ journey, titled ‘Walk to course. the Rock’. A statement read: “A poorly His target was to raise operated small unmanned money for the Royal Giaircraft weighing several braltar Regiment’s Benevolent Fund and the recent kilograms and being flown GBC Open Day. at a couple of hundred “My walk was special in more feet above the ground is a than one way,” the former potential killer if it falls to Commanding Officer told the earth.”
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WOULDN’T it be nice to have a little extra cash in your back pocket this Christmas? An innovative lottery syndicate company is set to multiply the chances of that cash win you’ve always dreamt of. Lottoplus is the ultimate modern company with an international team from the UK, Cyprus, Spain and France, who communicate via Skype every day. British owner Gregory Dixon, 41, who has lived in Gibraltar, hand-picked his team – two of whom are based on the Costa del Sol. Lottoplus.com is easy-to-use, transparent, and buys official lottery tickets from all over the world with small syndicates to increase chances of winning. “We know it’s going to be successful, and I couldn’t have done it without my incredible team,” Dixon said.
Feetham’s a cracker GSD Leader Daniel Feetham has recovered from his election failure in time to make a heartwarming Christmas gesture. He has donated a month’s parliamentary salary to the Calpe House Trust fund appeal. Feetham made the contribution towards the expansion of the London charity, which hopes to raise £5 million through a public appeal. Calpe House, a home for Gibraltarians needing medical treatment in London, has been open for the past 30 years. The refurbishments include 38 new en-suite bedrooms and are due to be completed in the next 12-14 months.