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And action! Almodovar at his best Page 16
Party time National Day kicks off in Gib Pages 19-22
Vol. 10 Issue 247
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August 31st - September 13th 2016
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OUTRAGE as EXPAT Westley Capper gets bail and is just...
days and out
British killer back at multi-million euro luxury villa just three months after killing expat in drunken hit-and-run EXCLUSIVE By Rob Horgan and Jon Clarke
Life’s a picnic Azurmendi restaurant review Page 35
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IT only took three months. Indeed, just 91 days after killing a Bolivian mother while under the influence of drink and drugs, British expat Westley Capper is back at his multi-million euro luxury villa. Capper - who is also being investigated over the unlawful detention of missing expat Agnese Klavina - has been granted bail after coughing up €360,000. This is despite Capper admitting to the hit-and-run that left mother-of-four Fatima Dorada thrown 20 feet to her death on a roundabout in San Pedro in May. The privately-educated Capper is now living at his exclusive Benahavis bolthole, it can be revealed, enjoying the heated pool, expansive grounds and use of a chauffeur. In total, the Olive Press can reveal his
A two-year mystery
T
vian’s disappearance and the British expats remain the main suspects. The pair have been charged with aggravated unlawful detention and have to report to a Marbella court twice a month and are forbidden from leaving Spain under their bail conditions. A source close to the investigation told the Olive Press that police are ‘closing in’ on the location of Agnese’s possible death.
HE mystery surrounding missing expat Agnese Klavina continues exactly two years since her disappearance. Yet, the Olive Press can reveal that after months of inactivity, police are narrowing in on the location where Agnese was taken after leaving Aqwa Mist nightclub, in Marbella, with Brits, Westley Capper and Craig Porter. September 6 marks the second anniversary of the Lat-
family have paid the court €50,000, plus €310,000 in ‘blood money’ set aside for the family of Dorada. This is in addition to the €300,000 bail money his father, multimillionaire businessman John ‘Freddie’ Capper, has put up in the case of missing Latvian Klavina,
who vanished after being seen getting into his car after a night out in Marbella two years ago (see pullout above). During Westley’s recent 91day stay at Alhaurin prison (he was released last Tuesday) the Essex-man lost 35 kilos and now strikes a ‘shadow of his former self’, according to an Olive Press source. Capper was arrested, alongside sidekick Craig Porter, at a curry house in Estepona
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just hours after slamming his Bentley into Fatima in pouring rain and then fleeing the scene. He faces four charges including manslaughter, failure to aid his alleged victim, driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs and an offence relating to false documentation. A source close to the investigation confirmed that the 38-year-old’s Bentley remains impounded and that the terms of his bail prevent him from driving. Capper is already banned from leaving the country under bail conditions set in the ongoing missing persons case of Klavina. Fatima’s husband Tomas Ramirez told the Olive Press he was stunned by the ‘heart-
42
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s.es
CRIME NEWS
CURRY KILLE R
A PAIR of cold-hea went for a curry rted expats after killing a mother in a horrific hit-andrun incident. Notorious Brit Westley Capper supped beers and pal Craig Porter chatted with Alhaurin prison wearing just 30 min- flops flip utes after knocking and over the The son a grey t-shirt. Bolivian mother of multimillionaire of a two-year - Fred Capper was old in San Pedro. arrested in Estepona restauran Privately-educate d t Mini Capper - India after a manhun linked to the disappea t was rance of launched stunning Latvian to track him down. expat Agnese He Klavina, in 2014 had been driving a black been remanded in - has now English-plated Bentley GT ter pleading guilty custody af- Continental, alongsid at Marbella friend e his court. Liverpudlian Craig Porter, who is also He was seen being charged with taken to the disappea rance of Agnese.
May 11th - May
24th 2016ww
Expats - linked to missing Agne Indian moments se after hit-and-r - head for an un killed a moth er
Mahon Guilty!
THE stepfather of guilty of killing her missing Amy Fitzpatrick has been brother Dean. found Former Mijas resident Dave Mahon slaughter after his stepson died fromwas found guilty of manDublin in 2013. a single stab wound in Mahon is now facing he had taken out a a potential life sentence, after a knife and viciously jury an argument on New stabbed the teenagerruled after "If Mr Mahon had Year’s Day. wouldn't be dead, not taken the knife out of his pocket and he has admitted Dean Sean Guerin. that," said his lawyer "Mr Mahon has admitted taking the knife out stupid thing to do was a very, very Mahon and Audreyand had tragic consequences", he added. drey’s two children had moved to Mijas Costa in 2004, with AuAmy went missing Amy and Dean. at the age of 15, withfour years later in mysterious circumst They have always evidence pointing to neglect by her ances, insisted they had appearance, and later nothing to do with parents. her disreturned to live in Ireland.
EXCLUSIVE By Laurence Dollim and Rob Horgan ore
Ordering chicken las and drinking tikka masathe pair had fledCobra lager, the crash, which happened Monday evening.at 8.30pm on “They were acting seemed to be in a strange and Jolal Uddin, 34, rush,” waiter told the Olive Press. “Soon another i three people joined them F TRAGIC: Parame were locked in hushedand they Mini dics try to revive n India convervictim and (top) sation at the back w of the restau- “ I saw rant. the car hit L threw her flying her and it of Agnese outside “It was clear they in Jose Maria, 25, 25 metres,” nightclub in PuertoAqwa Mist to work out what were trying Banus, in S restaurant Inch of Japanese 2014. minutes later the to do, then 32 police arrived the worst thing said. “It was While his lawyer insists and they took them I have ever not be he has seen. been charged, “Incredibly just two outside. at have not returned the courts men was enough,” local police- “Everyone rushed towards his passport A her and he has to report from the restauran Eyewitnesses at he added. t.” wa to police twice a month. Tobacconist Antonio scene revealed that the crash ne Navarro “He is an’s body was sent the wom- added: “I saw the Bentley still having to attend Lis go on the first and metres through the flying 25 screeching past, then 15th of every ing air. heard a month,” said a police thud.” Lis source. “A lot is going on Capper pleaded behind the guilty to the said scenes. hit-and-run in Marbella had court “It is a scary yesterday. Meanwh case and I am to t pleased he is currently has been released ile Porter on bail. and locked up. Essex-man Capper “Wh drives a “He shouldn’t have number of luxury been out in he's ing a Mercedes cars includ- the first place.” S-Class and long Marbella Town lives in the exclusive Hall meanto a while has promised development, near Madronal she to make alterations to the He is not expected Marbella. CALLOUS: Capper road system Guar and in central San Pedro, bail, as he is alreadyto be given (right) Porter Davi vestigation for the under in- the second death near as it is ‘mak the new abduction boulevard in two months. is don
HOME: Capper and our previous story less nature’ shown by Capper. “I cannot understand how he has shown absolutely no remorse, has not reached out to the family and clearly has no conscience whatsoever,” the 48-year-old builder said.
Heartless
“It really puzzles me. What a heartless person he must be.” Capper’s London-based lawyer said he could not confirm or deny that Capper had been granted bail. “I have not been instructed on how to answer questions on this,” Robert Taylor of Cubism Law said. “I have been on holiday and I will be talking to my client in the next day or two.” Neither the police, nor court, would comment on the case. Opinion Page 6
#TWITFACE TWITTER has launched a new Emoji with the face of Mariano Rajoy. The jestful emoji of the current acting Prime Minister was created as he launched his upcoming investiture bid, which starts on Wednesday. The playful, animated emoji can be activated by hitting #InvestiduraRajoy on your keyboards until September 2. Rajoy rant - Page 8
2
CRIME
www.theolivepress.es
August 31st - September 13th 2016
FIND HIM SUSPECT: Corner
Name and shame EXCLUSIVE THE former boyfriend of missing British expat Lisa Brown has reverted back to his birth name. Simon Corner is now using his name, Dean Woods, while he remains in custody in Algeciras prison. As revealed by the Olive Press, the wheeler dealer used many aliases during his years living and working in the Sotogrande area. These included Dean Tripp and Damien Woods. He is the main suspect in the disappearance of Scottish Lisa, who has not been seen since November 2015. Corner was placed in custody in May after fleeing the country and going on the run for six months. Police are also waiting to question Corner’s friend, Stephen Jackson, who was sentenced for people smuggling in the UK last month.
Spotted! EXCLUSIVE By Rob Horgan
AN Irish fugitive connected to the dangerous Kinahan cartel has been spotted on the Costa del Sol. Gang henchman Francis Delaney has been seen in Fuengirola this summer, the Olive Press can reveal. On the run for eight years, Delaney, 44, faces charges in Ireland relating to a €10 million cannabis bust in 2008. Sources told the Olive Press
On-the-run Irish gangster Francis Delaney seen on Costa del Sol
ON THE COSTA: Delaney
that Delaney, who jumped bail, has been living on the coast for ‘at least’ a year. “He was definitely living in the La Cala area last year,” the source said. “He is not flash, but at the same time he doesn’t come across as someone on the run. “Last time I saw him was in Fuengirola about a month ago.” A close associate of armed robber and drug dealer Sean Dean, Delaney has also been connected to the Kinahan clan, based in Estepona, for around a decade.
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Something of a challenge, it was created by architects Pablo Gil and Jaime Bartolome on a 42-degree slope on the Granada coastline. Commissioned by a young couple from Madrid, every single window of the home, near Salobrena, boasts stunning views of the sea. The state-of-the-art design split over two floors features a ‘dragon-scale’ inspired curved roof, floorto-ceiling windows and an infinity pool. Its position dug into the hillside helps the inside stay cool in the summer months and warmer in winter. “The project combined
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Up IN THE wOrLD! EVEREST veteran Stephen Venables has swapped his West Country home for a pad in hilly Gaucin. The intrepid mountaineer, who found fame leading expeditions through the Himalayas, has chosen soaring Andalucian mountains over Somerset countryside. “It’s a strange irony that though I’ve spent most of my life calling myself a mountaineer, yet this is the first time I’ve actually lived in the mountains,” revealed Venables, 61. Venables and wife Rosie, from Bath, bought a pair of small, adjacent town houses and have knocked them through to create one larger village home. “We are reliant on the local expat community because we are only just learning how to speak Spanish,” he said. Venables found fame forging a new route up Everest’s Kangshung Face and was the first Briton to summit without extra oxygen. He has also explored Antarctica.
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A LA LINEA hashish trafficker is on the run after trying to stop police officers by running them over. Guardia Civil officers gave chase on foot after spotting a gang unloading hash bundles from three cars on Avenida Espana. The gang abandoned the drug parcels and fled the scene with the getaway drivers setting off CRASH: Smuggler smashes car into at high speed. But another driver changed direction and post before fleeing drove at speed towards the unoccupied police car. the beach wall on Avenida Espana for cover beHe slammed repeatedly into the unmanned fore the drug smuggler finally smashed the car police car before speeding towards the officers. into a lampost. The police officers were forced to dive behind The men all fled leaving 266 kilos of hashish.
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20
THE BIG PAYBACK
may be made THE Junta for repaying responsible handed tens of millions training out in bogus schemes. Huelva has A judge in demandfiled a motion money that ing that anyrecouped in cannot be Edu scanthe €2 billion to be paid by dal will have the Junta. In an unprecedented the auEXCLUSIVE case, he insisted be reBy Joe Duggan thorities would comcom- sponsible for any found to set up a joint The plan was he himself was asked pany or individualmoney himself on fire, HE has set speedlegal and guilty of taking is depany, for which €10,000 for that jumped off exploding himself out to stump up fraudulently boats and thrown notary fees. handed over €2,500 be- clared bankrupt. cenof high-rise buildings. In the end he a rat and went to police. The investigation stuntman allocated Now Hollywood fore he smelt system and tres on funds is diving headprogrammes Productions “It is a very clever crime Peter Wicke Costa courtthat a fair few people,” to training Movie Television long into a bitter over a dodgy probably taken night. for the unemployed, PW. company. pany, of films has not take place. International Wicke last in his own film years room showdown film deal. deal to invest claims Brinkman had no Planning to produce a couple inter- insistedworked in Hollywood for hap- mostly did scheme, milmulti-million he ever “I have Wicke, who Under the any money in Andalucia, he was naturally stolen in offer of and nothing like this has Marbella-basedin over 400 films and However, of stumping up own. spotted the court I’m not lions were bogus acadhis he in intention after ‘no him when after with see merely ested has appeared investment pened. If I able to contain myself. a Dutch expat up grants for him and was Wicke told con- emies, which were setand TV shows, is suingscammed in a bogus foram absolutely raging,” an advert ‘safe and secure’ I will be “I no payment’. at the end of last sure deception has been very answered buildings claiming he was in disused Olive Press. “I the Olive results, when meetings €5 “This and calculated.” partnership deal. German is gunning the a local newspaper (not in proj- After three was offered a merely furnished sent to inhe claims he deal from Brink- scious the Olive Press confronted The 48-year-oldJan Herman Brink- in last night, officials were offering investment When out of year, ‘business Brinkman about the case,questions. million investment for Dutchmanclaims took him for a Press)Next thing I am thousands spect. ects. never and his mysterious answer our man, who he ride. he declined to Costa del man Te Riet, who Wicke bone-shaking shakedown, he insists pocket.”who has lived on the to find partner’ Jan was hoping com- met. Invest- Wicke, In a classic costa his company Jene after he Sol for two years, partner for Brinkman’s him thousands euro an investment ments owes multi-million entered a promised
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70mm x 40mm OLIVE PRESS – 30th March FRONT COVER
Net widens thanks to Olive Press By Joe Duggan
AN Olive Press expose into a gang of suspected con artists has featured on Holland’s main TV channel, NPO1. Watchdog programme Kassa - as well as Dutch newspapers picked up on our stories into Marbella-based Dutchmen Jan Herman Brinkman, Jan Te Riet and his son Gert Jan Te Riet. They are accused of running a string of property scams and frauds in both Spain and Holland. In total, they are said to have possibly swindled dozens of victims out of millions of euros. At least 22 new alleged victims have come forward since we revealed how the gang allegedly conned German expat Peter Wicke, this year. Wicke told us how Brinkman had conned him in a bogus €5million film financing deal. Brinkman and his wife Johanna Te Riet have been spotted in Puerto Banus and Marbella over recent weeks.
New crossfire death
ANOTHER Irishman has been shot dead in a case of mistaken identity. Trevor O’Neill, from Drimnagh, Dublin, was shot four times in the back after a gunman linked to the Kinahan cartel allegedly mistook him for the nephew of Gerry Hutch. Trevor, a council worker, just TWO Brits have been arresthappened to be ed after police discovered a staying at the ‘Breaking Bad’ style laboraJailed same Mallorca tory in Spain. resort of SanOfficers seized 8,700 LSD tabDelaney’s arrest came as part ta Ponsa as a of Operation Shovel, which lets, 10 kilos of amphetamines member of the saw gang leader Christy Kiand 17,000 benzodiazepines, nahan jailed for for three Hutch family, at the lab, in the Basque town years. who had previof Leioa. A trio of Delaney’s close ously received The designer drugs, labelled associates also received death threats. Ice N Berg, were being distriblengthy jail sentences of beIt is the tenth uted to Europe, Australia, New tween seven and nine years killing linked Zealand and the US and some after the 2008 bust. to the Kinahhave been linked to several Among them was former an-Hutch feud rave deaths. Leeds United goalkeeper since the slayThe Brits have been remanded Eddie van Boxtel, who once ing of Gary in custody after appearing besaved a penalty against Eric Hutch in Spain fore a judge. Cantona. Olive Press Advert – Gaston:Layout 1 08/07/2016 13:27 Page 1 last year.
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August 31st - September 13th 2016
Stranger than fiction
Blast from the Past
A PAIR of household names from the ‘90s have been added to the roster at the Gibraltar Music Festival. Heather Small from M People plays on Sunday, while Paul Young (right) has been added for Saturday. The star of smash hit Moving on Up (far right) will be playing a solo set, while Scottish indie band The Fratellis are also joining the line up. They will be joined by Welsh rockers Stereophonics, Slave to Love singer Bryan Ferry and pop
Anything but Tinie POP Sensation Tinie Tempah has touched down in Marbella. The UK star, 27, performed a medley of hits at popular Aqwa Mist nightclub. The Londoner, who releases a new album this September, dazzled the crowd on Bank Holiday Monday.
SPAIN’S most famous female matador has resurrected her cape and suit of lights to raise money for charity. Cristina Sanchez (above), became a household name in the early nineties, subsequently triumphing as a fully fledged matador in Madrid in May 1996. Now, after a 17-year-long break, she has slain her 317th bull, for the benefit of childhood cancer research. The 44-year-old fought the bull, gracefully, being honoured with two ears at the end of the fight, as is the tradition.
sensation Jess Glynne. Other acts taking to the Victoria Stadium stage include ‘90s throwbacks All Saints and Travis. The two-day extravaganza kicks off on September 3 with some tickets still available from £94. A GMF comedy stage has been introduced for the first time.
EXCLUSIVE
Big smash!
Marbella stunner makes bid for US stardom, after pulling out of X Factor due to a car crash in Spain
Ears off to Cristina!
EXPAT singer Rosie Mac is launching a pop career in America. The Marbella belle is now heading to the US after being forced to leave the UK’s X Factor due to a car crash. Rosie, 19, has secured an agent and is moving to California this Autumn. Fans of the popular talent show went crazy for Rosie, 19, following her rendition of McTell’s Streets of London. The singer - a topless model and body double for Emilia Clarke in Game of Thrones - led fans to rename the talent show ‘The Sex Factor’. But the beauty - who was born in Cornwall before moving to Marbella when she was 11 - says she has high morals despite her sexualised persona online. “I’ve got high morals,” she insists. “I really like the whole thing of keeping yourself for your husband.” Her Instagram page now reads ‘Virgin till married’. Tragically, her dreams of going further in the competition, after getting through the bootcamp stages, were dashed when she was involved in an accident, while in Spain, last year. The moment when she pulls out is revealed on the show in September.
MARB-ELLOUS: Return of the Mac
No hidden Depps JOHNNY DEPP has been spotted on holiday in Spain for the first time since his €6 million divorce settlement. The 53-year-old was pictured boarding the €177 million superyacht of Saudi Prince Abdul Aziz, 42, in Ibiza. Depp has remained on the party island since settling in California with his ex-wife, Amber Heard, who made allegations of physical abuse in May. She donated the €6 million she received to an American domestic abuse charity.
3
Hats off to the chef EXCLUSIVE
CELEBRITY chef Steven Saunders is swapping his apron and toque blanche for a suit and tie as he gets set to marry on the Costa del Sol. Tying the knot with partner Michele, the boss at Little Geranium in La Cala ‘cannot wait’ for the big day. The Olive Press can reveal that the former Michelin-star chef will tie the knot in front of 50 guests at the El Oceano hotel, in September. “We’re both very excited,” the former Ready Steady Cook star said last night. “I popped the question three years ago and thought it was about time.” The couple moved to the Costa del Sol in 2015 TYING THE KNOT: Steven and Michele to open their restaurant.
IT was something of an exciting homecoming for a Costa-born actress, who has become one of the big hits in Hollywood this summer. Millie Bobby Brown, 12, the surprise star of Netflix blockbuster Stranger Things, is the daughter of a former expat couple, Robert and Kelly Brown, once based in Marbella. Now, the Spanish-born actress has been back to her roots with a family trip to Marbella this summer after becoming a household name overnight.
The Olive Press understands that her grandparents run a restaurant in Marbella and she spent a week here. With little fanfare and with nobody recognising her, her trips out included a foam party at Heaven Beach in Estepona. Millie (above) moved to London when she was four, before moving to Orlando in Miami, in 2011, where her parents started a toothwhitening business. She shot to fame last month as the lead character in the Netflix drama, which also stars Wynona Rider. She plays the part of a telekinetic girl in the show that is based around the disappearance of a young boy. In its first 16 days, the scifi thriller was watched by more than 8.2 million people, outperforming the critics’ darling House of Cards. Millie will return to LA in September when it is hoped a second season of the show will be announced.
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4
www.theolivepress.es News IN BRIEF
Cash for permits SPANISH police have dismantled an illegal immigration ring that saw Chinese nationals paying €8,000 for fake contracts as domestic workers in return for residency permits.
No vote PRIME Minister Theresa May will push through Brexit without holding a parliamentary vote, as had been previouslt mooted by Remain supporters.
Green beans THE Policia Nacional have arrested four people in Alicante for smuggling 263kg of marijuana to the Netherlands by hiding it among vegetables in heavy trucks.
Golden return SPAIN’S Olympic team returned home from Rio with their biggest tally of medals since the 1992 Barcelona games, with seven golds, four silver and six bronzes.
EXCLUSIVE By Laurence Dollimore
A GERMAN expat is trapped in a ‘nightmare’ after being caught up in a drug bust four years ago. Karsten Kruger, 48, finished repairing a boat that was docked in Duquesa, just days before it was seized in Cadiz with 700kg of hash onboard. Believing him to be behind the €6.2 million haul, authorities raided Karsten’s home on August 30 2012 and put him behind bars for 23 months. But while he is now out - and has still not been charged - he cannot get his passport back. “They have held my passport ever since, I cannot get a job, I cannot go anywhere, it’s a nightmare!” Karsten told the Olive Press. “They released me just before I’d been inside for two years so they wouldn’t have to pay me for the time lost, which is the rule for being inside for 24 months without being charged.” The courts ordered Karsten, originally from Bochum, near Dusseldorf, to pay a fine of €4.7 million euros or face trial. “I obviously cannot pay that as I am not a drug lord,” said Karsten. “They have told me I will face a trial in Madrid but they keep moving forward the date.” Karsten claims they have no evidence against him, adding that it’s clear from CCTV footage that he merely worked on restoring and painting the boat. Karsten met the owner of the boat, an Irishman who has since been convicted in Spain of other offences, at a funeral of a friend. He insisted the man, who is currently in prison, is behind the
NE WS
Stuck in limbo Courts hold expat’s passport for four years without charge
TRAPPED: Kruger case and his only involvement was bringing the boat from Ireland to Spain and to repair it. “There were no drugs on board when I brought it here, I had no idea how dangerous these people were,” he said. “Oddly, two other people working on the boat were not arrested, but because I brought it from Ireland they think I am involved somehow.”
Karsten, who is originally trained as a hairdresser, served in the German navy before moving to Sabinillas in 1999, landing jobs in construction. He has had job offers in Gibraltar but cannot go as he has still not been given his passport since being released two years ago. “Even the Junta won’t help me or give me a job, they tell me that I don’t exist,” he said. Friends have been supportive giving him odd jobs, but Karsten, who is single and has no family, says many have moved away and he feels as though he is running out of favours. “I’m not sure I can do this for much longer,” he said, “I’m desperate. I owe rent, I’m living in an apartment smaller than me with just a bed and a cupboard, all I want to do is to be able to work.” Friend of Karsten for 10 years Tulip Myra Wijsmuller, 55, told the Olive Press, “He’s such a nice guy, I truly trust him to look after my home when I go away, the whole thing is so unfair, it’s just a mess.”
August 31st - September 13th 2016
Winter cover up PENSIONERS in Spain may have wrongly been stripped of their winter fuel allowance. The UK authorities confirmed they used the wrong data when accessing average temperatures across the peninsula, it has emerged. The payment was wrongly stopped for all expats in Spain in 2014, as the entire country was deemed too ‘hot’ on the grounds that the average winter temperature is higher than the warmest part of the UK which is 5.6C in South-West England. Many pensioners, who live in the colder interior zones, or in the north of the country, should still have been allowed to claim the £300 a year grant.
Feeling at home
AN overwhelming 92% of expats claim to be satisfied with their lives in Spain. Meanwhile some 84% said that
the warm climate made them ‘very happy’. However, in a survey of 14,300 expats in 191 countries, only 42% felt positive about their career prospects in Spain. Overall, Spain ranked 14 out of A GERMAN father has been arrested for 67 in the InterNaleaving his nine-month-old baby in the tions Expat Insider the car in the heat of the day while he 2016 survey, which went to the supermarket. spoke to 174 difThe tourist parked outside a supermarket ferent nationalities in Alicante, but only took his three-yearabroad. old son with him. Concerned passersby Spain did well in the flagged down police, who broke into the categories for qualicar to reach the baby and unable to rouse ty of life and the ease it, called an ambulance. of settling in.
Neglected
Teenage girl cheats death in hotel fall
A TEENAGE girl has been rushed to hospital after falling from a balcony. The Brit plunged from the fourth floor of the threestar HM Martinique Hotel, in party capital Magaluf, in
Mallorca. The teenager cheated death by colliding with stairs on the way down. The number of Brits involved in hotel falls this year has dropped.
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OPINION Money talks THE fact that Westley Capper was out on bail when he callously ran over and killed Fatima Dorada is one thing… letting him loose again is something totally abhorrent. Let us not forget that this is a man who has already pleaded guilty to killing a woman, then driving to the nearest curry house and ordering himself a tikka masala and gin and tonic. Not to mention the mountain of evidence stacked against him in connection to missing expat Agnese Klavina. Regardless of how much money he - and his millionaire father - can afford to pay, bail should never have been granted. Then again money often talks louder than common sense and, in Spain, seemingly the law.
Crisis at sea MIGRANT care worker Helena Maleno Garzon’s words are a chilling reminder of how close we are to one of the 21st century’s gravest crises. Garzon’s voice is often the last thing heard by those in peril crossing the Mediterranean. While we lap up the summer rays on sunkissed beaches, dozens of - mainly young - African migrants are drowning as they head for Spain’s shores, which offer escape from poverty, torture and war. Thousands of African women are trafficked for sexual exploitation in western Europe. The countries they come from, and the hardships they flee, may seem distant. But a common humanity links us to them. A quirk of birth dictates that we can travel to Spain with ease. For thousands of others, it’s a journey that may be their last.
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DESPERATE: Last leap to safety THEY called me again at 5.30 am. I was the last one to talk to them alive,” Helena Maleno Garzon, a Tangier-based human rights worker for Walking Borders tells the Olive Press. “They said, ‘Please help, we are having problems with the boat’. The wind was very bad that night. I spoke to Zakarias in French before the phone went dead.” She sighs: “It’s very painful. Many times I am the last person who talks to them. The families always want to know what their last words were. And their last words are always, ‘Please help. I don’t want to die’.” The seven African migrants, aged 20 to 25, were all known to Helena. The young men had left Morocco in a boat for Tarifa on August 23. But despite a rescue mission by Spanish and Moroccan coast guards, they weren’t found. Their families now face an agonising wait to see if their bodies will be recovered. In her 15 years working with migrants crossing to Spain, it’s become a heartwrenchingly familiar tale for Helena. This year alone, 40 have died trying to cross to Tarifa, she tells me. By contrast, the nine Moroccan migrants who pleaded guilty to entering Gibraltar illegally two weeks ago were some of the lucky ones. At least they were alive.
Heart-wrenching
The men’s crossing from Africa ended when their inflatable boat landed near Catalan Bay two weeks ago. (see pic above) The men, aged 21 to 35, fled, but were soon arrested by the Royal Gibraltar Police (RGP). Deportation to Morocco is a certainty. But thousands enticed by Europe’s promise glittering across the blue expanse don’t survive the journey. “Migrants don’t land in Gibraltar very often,” RGP officer Paul Chipolina tells the Olive Press. “I’ve been a police officer for 20 years and I’ve hardly ever seen it. “On the rare occasions it happens it is due to engine failure or confusion. We are very close to a major shipping transit route, so the crossing is not very safe. Plus there is another border for them to cross in Gibraltar. “Not only that, but the waters are very heavily policed to guard against drug trafficking. So your chances of being discovered are much higher.” Gibraltar may be low on the list of migrant destinations, but the past four years have seen a human exodus of biblical proportions along the Mediterranean. According to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), 1.4 million migrants have crossed in that time with 8,100 deaths recorded. The number drowning so far this year - 3,164 - has already surpassed last year’s figure by 500. Preferred destinations are still Greece (where 162,599 have arrived so far in 2016) and Italy (where 104,141 have arrived). The numbers heading to the Spanish coast are
Peril at sea
The drowning of seven African migrants en route to Tarifa this month highlighted again the 21st century’s biggest crisis, writes Joe Duggan
Rescue trauma
GIBRALTAR-REGISTERED rescue ship The Aquarius has saved 2,750 people off the coast of Libya since May. The 28-man crew patrol international waters looking for migrants attempting the crossing to Italy, said Aquarius nurse Jacob Goldberg. “The boats are so overcrowded that if people move around they will capsize,” the 32-year-old Briton told the Olive Press. “We picked up 400 people in one wooden boat. Sometimes they don’t know where they are heading. They have all had long traumatic journeys and they bear the physical and mental signs of that. “I met one 13-year-old boy who had lost his parents in Libya. He just had no idea
smaller (the tidal wave of refugees fleeing the killing fields of Iraq, Syria and Libya don’t cross from Morocco.) and are mainly west Africans. According to the IOM, so far this year, 2,476 migrants have landed in Spain, with 53 recorded deaths (human rights group Associacion Pro Derechos Humanos Andalucia put the number of deaths at 208). The IOM estimates hundreds have died since 2012. Behind every one of these statistics is a story of hardship and suffering. Amadou Siribe, a 19-year-old from Mali, fled his poverty-stricken Bamako home in search of a better life. He told the Olive Press how he and four friends almost died crossing to Spain in a blow-up dinghy. “The water was very rough and dangerous,” he
where he was. “One night we found 22 dead bodies on the bottom of the boat - 21 women and a man. There was another group of people huddled away from this horror.” said. “One of us was bailing out because so much water was coming in. “Dolphins were leaping out of the water and almost sinking the boat. I fell in the sea twice and had to be rescued. I swallowed so much salt water I became very sick. After six hours I thought we were all going to die and began crying for my family.” Hope, a young Nigerian woman, told the Olive Press how she survived a two-year ordeal after being trafficked to Spain by gangs. “I saw people dying on the spot from disease and from scorpion bites,” says Hope of her journey through Libya to Morocco. “We were piled on top of each other in an open truck in the desert. We ran out of water in the
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Angel of the desert
IN the 15 years she has worked for Crossing Borders, Helena Maleno Garzon has seen thousands of desperate people fleeing Africa. Her organisation cares for migrants attempting the perilous crossing to Spain from Morocco. It’s a vocation that has led to her being threatened by the Spanish police, the Moroccan police and criminal gangs. One night, they tried to kill her. “The mafia were trying to attack some immigrants,” says Garzon, who is originally from Almeria. “We tried to calm things down. They then attacked me. The Moroccan police stood by and did nothing. One of the migrants saved me.” The migrants Helena works with are usually from Senegal, the Ivory Coast, Equatorial Guinea, Gambia and Nigeria. They generally try to cross to Almeria, the Granada and Malaga coast and Tarifa in
LIFE SAVER: Helena Garzon small boats without engines. “Most of the women from Nigeria are victims of human trafficking and will be sold for sexual exploitation,” she says. “Some are very small girls aged 12 to 14 because the European market asks for that. The final destination is often not Spain, but all over Europe. “Children come here because their fami-
lies have died from Ebola.” Sometimes migrants’ babies are kidnapped by the mafia and taken to Algeria where there is a black market trade in human organs, she tells me. “Migrants are big merchandise for these gangs,” she says. Garzon has been closely involved in the fight for justice for the families of 14 migrants who drowned at Tarajal beach while trying to enter Ceuta in 2014. Last year, a judge threw the case out but the families plan to appeal. “The Guardia Civil didn’t call the rescue services because they said the people put themselves in danger,” says Garzon. “The five bodies in Cueta have not yet been identified. The Spanish authorities won’t even allow the families to visit the graves. Imagine this, in a democracy? “The situation is a tragedy. What is most important, the right to life or migratory control?”
Each print issue of the Olive Press can be read in its entirety on August 31st - September 13th 2016 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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Hope: Trip home and (right) dinghy in Gibraltar desert and had to drink our own urine.” Hope eventually made the crossing to Spain in a ramshackle boat while pregnant along with 54 other desperate migrants. Fortunately, Tarifa’s Cruz Roja scooped both her and Amadou from the sea. They are now assimilated into La Linea life (Amadou plays football for Real Balompédica Linense, Hope has two children and helps out at Hogar Betania, the crisis centre that helped her when she first arrived). But others, like the men Helena knew, are not so lucky. “The situation is a tragedy,” she says. “When the migrants are in the sea they usually call us between Morocco and Tarifa. If they’re crossing somewhere else, the phones don’t work. “The boats they use are more like toys. “We have cases of people rescued off the Andalucian coast. Sometimes the ship might have been lost at sea for 10 or 11 days, people die and sometimes a person drinks piss to survive. “When that person is rescued they are arrested by the Spanish police. Nobody is considering that person spent 10 days in the sea. “They need help. Like the victim of trauma or a tragedy.” This is the hidden face of pretty whitewashed
STAGGERING: Map of migrant deaths
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ports like Tarifa, the frontline in the battle to keep the Campo de Gibraltar’s waters safe. Young kitesurfers, lured by the Mediterranean’s whipping waves, have made this one of the coast’s hippest destinations. But mainland Europe’s most southern point is also a magnet for Africa’s migrants and refugees. The Salvamento Marítimo’s 100-strong
team patrols the waters 24/7 off Cadiz, with Tarifa the main focus of their attention. “The majority are in a state of shock when we find them,” Salvamento Marítimo captain Jose Cristobal Romero told the Olive Press. “The cold is one of the problems they have to face. Tiredness is a key factor because they try to row for a long time in boats that are not adequate.” According to figures supplied by Salvamento Marítimo, 1,219 migrants have been rescued at sea and taken to the sanctuary of the pretty whitewashed port so far in 2016. If they make it, migrants are taken to a detention centre on Tarifa’s Isla de las Palomas (around 90% are put out on the street after 60 days). Campaigners APDHA have called for the centre - or CIE - to be closed, saying it is illegal to hold people there. “The CIEs don’t meet the legal conditions,” APDHA member Andres De La Pena says. “People here are suffering from lack of psychological care, inadequate medical care, lack of adequate translation, legal misinformation, inadequate social services, lack of clothes.” But still the migrants keep coming. Desperation means there is often no other choice.
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Pension peril BREXIT is having a ‘terrifying’ effect on British pension schemes, industry experts claim. A survey of 600,000 employees by consultants Hymans Robertson showed 75% of pensioners are set to retire on an income below the government’s recommended level. Reduced interest rates and slack economic growth following the June 23 referendum mean workers will have to save more and for longer. “It is terrifying that such a large proportion of the population which is due to retire in the next 20 to 30 years will be receiving an income below the level regarded as adequate,” said Robertson. “The cost of purchasing an annuity [which provides a guaranteed income for life] is up by as much as 30% since Brexit.” Experts believe Brits may have to work until their 80s before they can retire.
August 31st - September 13th 2016
Pergola-gate for minister
QUESTIONABLE: Almeria extension
A FORMER government minister is in hot water over an illegal extension to her holiday home. Socialist Carme Chacon believes ‘political discrimination’ is behind a demand to tear down a pergola added to her villa in the seaside resort of Mar de Pulpi, in Almeria. It is the third time she has been attacked for the wooden extension first added to her €300,000 pad in 2011.
A judge ordered the Chacon family to demolish the pergola after neighbours claimed it had been built illegally, but in 2015 the Chacons rebuilt it. “This discrimination is probably nothing to do with the house, but more likely comes from the political affiliations of one of my neighbours,” said Chacon, who served in Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero’s Socialist government.
Third general election looms for Spain as Sanchez rejects Rajoy
Rajoy rant
SOCIALIST leader Pedro Sanchez has refused to back Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy ahead of this week’s crucial investiture debate to decide Spain’s new leader. Following a half-hour meeting with his PP rival, Sanchez confirmed his opposition to another four years of Rajoy in power. It comes after the PP leader
signed a pact with the centre-right party Ciudadanos as he looks to get close to the 176 delegates needed for an absolute majority. The deal with Albert Rivera’s party will bring him up to 169, with the backing of the Canaries Coalition taking him up to 170. However, Sanchez is adamant he will not support
DISAPPEARING ACT SPAIN has been labelled ‘invisible’ in the EU at a recent debate. The currently government-less country has been criticised by MEP Fernando Maura . Maura said: “Spain is starting to disappear from the EU.” Her comments come as a third general election in a year looms.
ADAMANT: Sanchez
his drive for power today (wednesday) insisting: “Our electorate voted to get rid of Rajoy.” He added: “If we already
had reasons to vote against Rajoy, after his agreement with Rivera we have even more reasons now. “The responsibility for Rajoy’s failure will be exclusively his due to his inability to form a majority.” Rajoy however vowed to continue as he only needs the PSOE to abstain to enable him to form a minority coalition with Ciudadanos. “I will keep trying with the PSOE, which holds the key,” said Rajoy. “I will keep trying because it’s my obligation. We urgently need to form a government because the situation is starting to undermine our credibility as a country.”
Right to Remain
A FORMER UK minister has launched a petition to guarantee EU migrants the ‘right to remain’ in Britain. Ex-shadow Business Secretary Chuka Umunna is chairman of recently set up Vote Leave Watch - which is dedicated to holding Vote Leave campaigners to account for promises made during the referendum campaign. Promises were often made to EU citizens, even by Boris Johnson in the run up to the June 23 vote. “The citizens of other European countries are human beings like the rest of us,” said Umunna. “It is a disturbing sign of the times that that needs to be stated. “But with the Government refusing to rule out changes in status for EU citizens who currently live here in Britain, it’s more important to emphasise than ever. “That’s why we’re fighting to ensure the Government guarantees the right to remain, and the right to equal treatment, for EU nationals living in the UK.”
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Testing the waters SAMPLES of water taken by Spanish authorities from the site of the nuclear HMS Ambush collision with a cargo ship have tested negative for radioactive material.
Stoned! A GROUP of tobacco smugglers pelted customs officers with stones after their small dinghy was intercepted near to Western Beach.
Red alert NEW fire and rescue service drivers have been given emergency response training in fire engines around the streets of Gibraltar.
Stop sign THE largest Gibraltarbased motor insurer in Ireland - Zenith - is stopping car coverage on the emerald isle due to soaring claims costs.
G ibraltar
August 31st - September 13th 2016
Stay out of the water! CAMPAIGNERS are demanding the closure of Western Beach over ‘off the scale’ pollution levels. The Environmental Safety Group (ESG) is demanding action after official figures showed E-Coli levels are up to 145 times the legal limit. ESG believes the pollution is caused by sewage ‘discharge’ largely coming from La Linea and is demanding ‘cross-border’ solutions to the issue. “It is clear that closure of this popular beach will be highly regrettable, but the data on the Government’s own monitoring site is there for all to see,” ESG spokesperson Janet Howitt said. “E Coli was 145 times the legally permitted level on August 17.” She continued: “Unless the source of the current contamination can be
Swimmers told to keep away from Western Beach after ‘off the scale’ E-Coli levels are detected EXCLUSIVE By Joe Duggan
identified and stopped, the high levels of sewage pollution at this beach should result in its closure.” Howitt confirmed to the Olive Press that the ESG has lodged a complaint with the EU over the Western Beach contamination. A government spokesperson told the Olive Press last night that it is ‘continuing to monitor’ water quality levels at the beauty spot and confirmed bathing is currently banned. “The government echoes the ESG's position and will continue to lobby the
CLEAN UP: Western Beach
European Commission and Spanish authorities in order to find a permanent solution to the ongoing problem of sewage contamination at Western Beach,” a spokesperson said. “The public is advised that
bathing at Western Beach is strictly prohibited until further notice.” The problem came after a separate group of green volunteers went out of their way to attempt to clean the beach, in particular, mounds of rotting seaweed. It was during this clean up that the group, including Simy Herbert, found a separate alarming leak of black discharge coming from nearby Ministry of Defence property. “This thick, smelly muck is also seeping out onto our beach,” Herbert said. She added she had reported the leak ‘continuously’ to the environment department and that minister Dr John Cortes had thanked the volunteers for their efforts. He is set to visit her this week, according to Herbert, to discuss the issue.
Trading places
QUEUES: For BHS deals
DEBENHAMS is to take over Main Street’s two BHS shops with no job losses. A Debenhams ‘Home Store’ will open in September with the main ICC site hosting a pop-up Christmas store from late October before a refurbished department shop opens in February. It will be the first time Debenhams has opened in Gibraltar. George Russo, director of franchise holders IFL, said: “Securing Debenhams as a retail partner to take over the two BHS sites is a real coup in many ways for us. “Not only have we been able to secure a considerable number of jobs, but we are also delivering an improved retail offer to the Gibraltar public.” Meanwhile, bargain hunters were out in force at the BHS closing-down sale on Main Street (see pic).
Ground shakes for Mark A GIBRALTARIAN was just 100 miles from the epicentre of the Italian earthquake that killed hundreds last week. Mark Randall was half-way through a gruelling 8000 mile hike to Jerusalem, when he found himself close to Amatrice, where 290 people died. The former Commanding Officer, 53, said; “I felt the toilet move A GIBRALTAR family who lost four children in tragic circumstances are fighting for justice for a son they claim died from injuries suffered in prison. Violet and Ron Brayson’s son Robert Bates was just 18 when he was found in a coma in his cell while on remand at the UK’s Brinsford Young Offenders Institute in 1994. Prison officials claimed the teenager, who was on remand for allegedly stealing a car, tried to hang himself, but the couple suspect foul play and are now demanding an inquest. Robert, who was left in a permanently vegetative state, was eventually brought home to Gibraltar with his family in 2008. He was given roundthe-clock care by his mother and partner Ron Brayson, but died in St Bernard’s Hospital in 2013, with the cause of death given as pneumonia. “They said Robert died
VATICAN: Mark’s Roman stop-off
from side to side under me. My heart goes out to the Italian people who have suffered from the 6.3 earthquake.” His walk from Gibraltar in just one pair of sandals is taking him across many countries and he is mostly sleeping on beaches. A seasoned walker, Mark is raising money for various local charities and recently reached Rome.
Give us closure DESPERATE: Couple wants justice for their son of pneumonia, but he had so many injuries,” she told the Olive Press this week. “He looked like a juggernaut had hit him. He had to have surgery on his leg
and hip.” His mother is still convinced his death was covered up. “There were no marks on his neck and I think he was restrained in his
cell,” she continued. “We believe there is a wall of silence.” Airport worker Ron and Violet quit their jobs and took it in shifts to provide Robert with 24hour care, clearing his breathing apparatus up to 100 times a night. But because Robert died on the Rock, an inquest will cost the Braysons an estimated £250,000 in legal costs to fly people in from the UK. The family, who lost two other children by hanging, while a third died of leukaemia, returned to the UK two weeks ago to talk with solicitors about opening an inquest. “The Gibraltar coroner said he can’t commence an inquest without the facts,” said Violet. “I don’t care where the inquest is held, We just want closure.” Last night, the Ministry of Justice said: “Unless there are exceptional circumstances, a UK coroner has to have a body for their to be an inquest.”
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Washed up
Teacher’s whisky
A VELEZ-MALAGA Ciudadanos mayor, Jose Antonio Moreno, sacked for drink driving while three times over the legal limit, has become the PSOE’s local education minister.
River rescue
A HIKER has been rescued by emergency services near Nerja after he injured his knee falling into the river.
Boycott scrapped VELEZ-MALAGA has abandoned plans to boycott Israel. The local government has cancelled a City Council resolution that planned to commit it to the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement - a global movement against Israel that attempts to increase economic and political pressure on the Middle Eastern country until it complies with its stated goals, which include ‘ending its occupation and colonisation of Palestinian land’ and providing ‘full equality for Arab-Palestinian citizens’. A court in Malaga issued an injunction ruling that the motion was illegal on the grounds that it violates constitutional principles.
August 31st - September 13th 2016
A DEAD dolphin has been found on a beach in Rincon de la Victoria. The washed up mammal was the fourth to be found in four days, with others washing up in Velez-Malaga, the Baños del Carmen and in La Arana in the Malaga capital. Beachgoers happened upon
TRAGIC: Dolphin´s death
the unlucky sea creature around noon on the beach by Benagalbón Tower. Experts have said that it is not unusual to see washed up dolphins between August and September, when mothers are weaning their young.
Fatal seas Two holidaymakers drown on Axarquia beaches A PAIR of tourists have died in the space of a week on Axarquia beaches. A British father died when trying to save his daughter from drowning in Torrox, while a German pensioner died after entering rough seas in Torre del Mar. Londoner Reece Morris, 40, died after going into the water in Torrox, despite red flag warnings. Lifeguards saved Reece's daughter and another man in the rescue attempt.
A NEW dog beach has opened in Torre del Mar. The 50 metre section on the El Morchero stretch of Playa Torre del Mar will permit your furry friends to swim to their hearts content and will be maintained by a specialist cleaning crew. Deputy Mayor and Councillor for Beaches Jesus Perez Atencia said the facility is the result of ‘two years fighting to get this new space for dogs on the coast’. It is the fourth dog beach to be introduced in Malaga.
DISASTER: Families mourn drowned tourists scribed him as 'the most amazing man, partner, father, brother and friend' who would be 'terribly missed'. While his best friend Jay Carter said Reece had 'passed away as a hero'. The German woman is being described as a 70-year-old holidaymaker but more information about her is yet to be released. It brings the number of drownings on the Costa del Sol to 13 this year.
C.C Costasol 951 272 267 Estepona
THE Partido Popular of Motril has strongly opposed a plan to provide Axarquia with more water. A proposal had been put forward to transfer water from the Rules and Iznajar dams to Axarquia and Vega de Antequera. “Taking this water would be an insult to the farmers of the Granada municipalities who also have intensive farming uses, with need for sufficient guaranteed water,” said spokeswoman for the PP in Motril, Luisa Maria Garcia Chamorro. “We believe that this water is needed in the province of Granada.”
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Eyewitnesses said up to a dozen bathers rushed into the water to help save the child after she was dragged towards the rocks. Lifeguards pulled Reece from the sea but he collapsed and died of a suspected heart attack on the beach. Tributes have now begun pouring in on Reece's Facebook page from friends and relatives. His partner of 24 years, Carly Eeles, de-
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THE Green cities of tomorrow MALAGA has been chosen as the setting of Spain’s green-revolution in a new photo book. The Andalucian city features heavily in Dr Alan Marshall’s book Ecotopia 2121, which tracks the de-urbanisation of 21st century living. Set to be released on the 500th anniversary of Thomas More’s Utopia, Ecotopia 2121 looks at 100 green cities of the future. In the book, London and Paris are chosen as early trendsetters, while Madrid follows
closely after Malaga embraces the green way. “I am very happy to launch the results in such a colourful book after three years of research and writing, collaborating with some 30 artists,” Marshall told the Olive Press. “I strongly predict Malaga to be the vanguard of Spain's entry into a new green future.” A university lecturer at Mahidol University in the Philippines, Marshall has dedicated his life to environmental studies. For more information visit www.ecoON SHELVES: Ecotopia 2121 topia2121.com
Get a move on!
Junta urged to speed up demolition process of Algarrobico Hotel
THE Junta are being urged to present Madrid with a detailed plan for the demolition of the controversial Algarrobico hotel, after months of stalling. Podemos Andalucia is leading the criticism, claiming that the Junta and central government are playing a ‘tactical game of table tennis’ to delay demolition. In March, the Supreme Court declared the Algarrobico Hotel illegal and ordered it to be torn down. Since then, no demolition plan has been put in place and green groups and politicians are now putting pressure on the Junta to get a move on.
ILLEGAL: Hotel waiting to be demolished Greenpeace has been vocal in its criticism, calling the delay a ‘political smokescreen’.
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Hatching plans TEN rare sea turtle eggs have hatched in Southern Spain. Veterinarian at the Oceanographic Foundation in Valencia Jose Luis Crespo said he hoped the turtles would soon be able to start their new life at sea. Baby turtles make for delicious and easy pickings for marine predators, so a small selection will be kept behind at the facility until they are big enough to be safely released.
And now, Almeria-based Podemos Andalucia deputy leader Lucia Ayala is heaping more pressure on the Junta, labelling the process as a ‘shameful spectacle’. “A road map needs to be put in place, and now,” Ayala said. “The blame-game going back and forth from Madrid to the Junta needs to stop.” She added: “It is time for the Junta to present a full roadmap detailing the demolition process.” The government delegate in Andalusia, Antonio Sanz, has claimed that the Junta is working on a plan that will be ready to present in September. The original date for the Junta’s plan was scheduled for July 27, when government and Junta officials met but failed to agree on a plan of action.
Club tropicana
There is a whole new way to discover Andalucia @allaboutandalucia @aboutandalucia @allaboutandalucia All about Andalucia
MORE than 250 tropical species have been added to Granada’s new Biodome. The €12.5 million project in the city’s Science Park gives visitors a taste of tropical rainforests and coral reefs around the world. Largely funded by the EU, the Biodome is split into three levels: underwater, terrestrial and aerial. Among the inhabitants are crocodiles, sharks, flying foxes and stingrays. Tropical flora and fauna also feature heavily, with a 190 metre long walkway recreating a wander around Borneo’s mangroves.
NEW RESIDENTS: At Granada’s biodome
CALF: Being speared
Sent to slaughter
ENVIRONMENTAL group PACMA has denounced the practice of un-trained matadors slaughtering young bulls. The political group has released footage of Valmojado Toledo residents taking turns to spear a number of calves inside the town’s bullring. The video has sparked such outrage, that the town hall has been forced to remove both its Facebook and Twitter pages due to an avalanche of criticism. The event - known as a becerrada - takes place every August where residents are pitted against calves aged between one and two years old.
A FIRST: Biogas plant
Poo plant A NEW €3.7 million biogas plant which converts manure into energy has begun operating in Andalucia. Based in Campillos and the first of its kind in the region, the plant converts livestock manure from pigs, goats, chickens and turkeys into thermal and electric energy. It has the capacity to handle around 60,000 tonnes of manure each year, which can produce up to 16 million KwH of electricity and reduce CO2 emissions by 13,000 tonnes. Giesa Agroenergia say they see the potential to build thousands more across Spain.
ANDALUCIA RESERVOIR LEVELS This week: 59.39% Same week last year: 59.85% Same week in 2006: 57.16%
Gibraltar schoolgirl reaches semi
-final of Spanish TV talent show 3065 views
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15 August 31st - September 13th 2016
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BE ‘APPY!
oin, August 27
The Willy´s Arse Out biker rally comes complete with bar, barbecue and entertainment.
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orre del Mar, until August 28
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Sailors market, with 50 stalls selling a variety of products all with a marine theme.
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Spain’s ‘miracle of Borja’ continues as the petite pueblo’s fresco fiasco is set to words and music THE story of Spain’s infamous ‘botched fresco’ has been turnedThe into anOlive opera. Press Octogenarian artist Cecilia Gimenez’s laughable attempt to restore the 19th century fresco Ecce TOP for Spain! Homo (Behold Thisnews Man)infirst put the unsung town of Borja in Aragon on the world map. Now, three years and thousands of tourist visitors
Nudes fit for a king
A SECRET collection of nudes owned by Spanish monarchs is to go on display across the pond. Visitors to the Clark Art Institute in Massachusetts will be privy to a collection of 16th and 17th century paintings previously banned in prudish Catholic Spain. A large number of the paintings were privately owned and ogled by the likes of Philip II (reigned 1556-98) and Philip IV (reigned 1621-40), and clandestinely stored in secret hiding places. In total, 28 paintings have been loaned from the Prado in Madrid by artists such as Titian, Tintoretto and Rubens. The paintings, condemned by the Catholic Church in the 16th century as the equivalent of porn, will remain on display until the end of the year.
alaga, August 29
later, her tale of woe has inspired the Americans to immortalise the catastrophe in music and lyrics. “It’s a hybrid, it has music from Bach, Gregorian chants, and then it has some numbers that sound like Lady Gaga or Frank Sinatra,” said Andrew Flack, the American playwright who wrote the opera along with composer Paul Fowler.
“We were writing it like a turnaround story, before it was a turnaround story.” Mayor Eduardo Arilla Pablo says Borja has had 170,000 visitors since the incident, quite a boost for a town of just under 5,000 residents. The opera will be interpreted by the local choir and professional singers from the region. Flack and Fowler will start marketing it to US companies in September. Gimenez will have a frontrow seat at the show, to be held in the plaza next to the church where her restoration disaster is now on exhibition at around €2 per visitor. “She sought therapy,” says Flack, who has travelled repeatedly to Borja to get to know the Gimenez family. “This was a fresco in her local church that was dear to her and no-one was paying attention to it. “When she began her ‘restoration’, there wasn’t a whole lot of fresco left. She was just trying to help out,” he adds. “So when it went viral and she was made fun of, she felt RISQUE: Porn from the Middle Ages goes on display terrible. Now she feels like it’s a miracle.”
Hats off!
YOUR MOVE: Chess played using tractors
Truck-mate THE world’s biggest chess tournament has once again been played in Spain. Hinojosa, a small village in the centre of the country, hosted its 5th annual mega match since the large-scale tournament began in 2012. Instead of chess pieces and a board, tractors are moved around on a field mowed into a chessboard pattern.
A GROUP of expats have raised more than €2,500 for Costa del Sol children’s charity Aspandem. Hosting an Ascot-inspired ladies day at K Bar in La Heredia, owners Paul Smith and Ally McCormick said they were overwhelmed by people’s generosity. “We jumped at the chance to raise money for a worthy cause,” Smith told the Olive Press. “Our original target was around €2,000 but local businesses and expat generosity was amazing.” A cheque for €2,505 has now been presented to the mentally ill children’s charity based in San Pedro.
Tel: +34.951972460 / +34 638 741 376
LOOKING GOOD: The ladies at K bar
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International gamers day featuring a violin, harp recital, and virtual reality glasses. Free entry.
B
enalmadena, until August 29
The streets of Benalmadena will be converted into a large Arab souk market, including market stalls, crafts, workshops and live music performances.
A
ntequera, September 17
A stimulating sensory show, celebrating Gustavo Adolofo, comes with masks and a dinner. 50€ a head.
Casting call
THE hunt is on for the next Antonio Banderas and Penelope Cruz wannabes. Fuengirola theatre group Salon Varietes is searching for a number of characters to perform in its upcoming play. Written by Jimmie Chinn, Straight and Narrow is billed as a ‘feel-good comedy straight from the heart’. Parts up for grab include: Jeff, a 28-40-year-old sporty male; Arthur, a 40-50 year-old supporting part; Vera, a 60+ mother; and Nona, a 35-40 year old woman. Auditions take place on September 4 from 122pm. The production is scheduled for November. For more information call director Henrik Hagensen on 667 540 247.
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August 31st - September 13th 2016 August 31st - September 13th 2016
As his 20th film is released internationally, Ana DeJesus looks back on the phenomenal portfolio of Oscar-winning director Pedro Almodovar
OSCAR WINNER: Almodovar
H
E once said, ‘cinema can fill in the empty spaces of your life and your loneliness’. And ever since the former Telefonica employee bought a Super-8 home movie camera with his first pay cheque in 1971, Pedro Almodovar has been on a quest to fill that void with an incredible movie output. For nearly a decade before he was ‘discovered’ internationally, the legendary Spanish director was a household name in Spain for his melodramatic and subversive subjects. Today, with his distinctive mop of grey hair and his 20th feature film under his belt, he is recognised worldwide although that’s not an aspect of stardom the intensely private Almodovar enjoys. A distinctive voice in cinema, renowned for the emotional intensity and stylistic elegance of his work, his films mix melodrama, comedy and camp. He explores themes that are often taboo, presenting colourful characters, fluid sexual and gender identities, and complex, independent women. Few people can simultaneously be countercultural icons and Oscar-winning directors but Almodovar’s inclu-
All about Almodovar sive, celebratory spirit appeals to a In 1967, against his parents wishes, he set off to seek his fortune in Maworldwide audience. A ‘son of the soil’ who grew up in rural drid, taking a job at Telefonica to fund his ‘hobby’ making Calzada de Calatrava, short films and writing where his father was short stories. His early an oil and wine trader, Against his work was inspired by his parents sent him Andy Warhol, John to Catholic boarding parents wishes, Waters and the Holschool in Caceres, melodrama hoping he would enter he set off to seek lywood tradition. the priesthood. his fortune in In fact, his move But the town had its to Spain’s capital own cinema, and the Madrid couldn’t have been ‘silver screen’ quickly more timely. After captivated young Peyears living under the dro. As he reflected, years later: “Cinema became my real oppression of Franco, the dictator’s education, much more than the one I death in 1975 heralded a new-found freedom which opened the artistic received from the priest.”
floodgates, expressing itself in la movida Madrilena. Almodovar was among those in the vanguard of this countercultural movement which represented the resurrection of the Spanish economy and the emergence of a new national identity. This hedonistic cultural wave was characterised by freedom of expression, the overturning of taboos imposed by the Franco regime, use of recreational drugs and a new sexual awakening. Almodovar became an icon of la movida with his erotic, irreverent work that poked gentle fun at the moral craziness of the times. His first full-length feature film was
FRESH FACED: Pedro (above) and Penelope cruz in Volver
the madcap Pepi , Luci, Bom y Otras Chicas del Monton (1980) followed by Labyrinth of Passion (1982), starring hopeful young Malagueno actor Antonio Banderas in his film debut. Laws of Desire made headlines for both men five years later, when the director cast Banderas as the gay lead, requiring him to engage in his first man-onman screen kiss. Almodóvar continued his avant garde explorations with What Have I Done to Deserve This? (1984), Dark Habits (1984) and Matador (1986) before his big international breakthrough, the comedy Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown (1988). His 1980s films are among the classics of ‘queer cinema’, as it was coined - overtly provocative and intensely sexual - although while gay himself, the director always avoided being labelled specifically as a gay filmmaker. Penelope Cruz, another ‘staple star’ of his movies, first worked for him in Live Flesh (1998), following it up 12 months later with All About My Mother. It went on to win Almodovar his first Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film, presented by an emotional Banderas and Cruz. The film also swept the board at the ‘Spanish Oscars’, winning six Goyas including Best Film, Best Director and a Best Actress for Cecilia Roth. Almodovar scooped a BAFTA, a Golden Globe and a Best Screenplay Oscar for the 2002 film Talk to Her, based on the relationship between two men visiting women in comas, now ranked among the world’s top films of the decade. Almodovar is especially known for scripts that are intricate, intimate and connected, featuring marginal characters and storylines that are subversive
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August 31st - September 13th 2016 August 31st - September 13th 2016
Top 5 must-see Almodovar Films All About My Mother (1999) One of Almodovar’s most famous films tells the story of Manuela who works in a hospital in Madrid teaching young doctors how to ask bereaved relatives’ permission to use their loved ones’ organs. When her 18-year-old son dies in a tragic accident on his birthday, roles are reversed and Manuela is pushed on a journey to find her son’s father. The cast includes great leading actresses—Cecilia Roth as the grieving mother; Marisa Paredes as a troubled actress, and Penélope Cruz as a pregnant, HIV-positive nun and the scene-stealing Antonia San Juan as Agrado, a witty and warm transsexual prostitute. All About My Mother is about finding your family and your identity. It is comedic, colorful and tragic all at the same time and it is not difficult to see why this is such a popular Almodovar film. Talk to Her (2002) This film is one of the most popular worldwide and won Almodovar an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay. Talk to Her” follows the dual stories of two nowcomatose women, Alicia (Leonor Watling) and Lydia (Rosario Flores), and the two men who love them, Benigno (Javier Camara) and Marco (Dario Grandinetti). Again, the filmmaker balances melodrama with black comedy while grounding the film in the loneliness and love that can exist between a man and a woman. Although Almodovar is known for his complex portraits of women, here he paints an unforgettable picture of the two male protagonists.
IN ACTION: Pedro filming on set and defiant but also overwhelmingly human. Like almost no other director, he has created his own distinctive cinematic world in which the strangest events seem to make sense and the most outlandish combination of characters - transvestites and bullfighters, nuns and prostitutes - become familiar. In June this year, Almodovar was awarded one of the ultimate accolades: an honorary doctorate from the University of Oxford. Of course, he reacted with humour, com-
Volver (2006) Arguably Penelope Cruz’s best performance with long-time collaborator Almodovar or any other director for that matter (she received her first Oscar nomination for the role), Cruz plays Raimunda, a working-class woman forced to go to great lengths to protect her 14-yearold daughter Paula. Cruz’s character and her sister head to their childhood home for their aunt’s funeral and as a result, must deal with the return of their mother in ghost form and the corpse of the man believed to be Paula’s father. This is a film with a lot to say that could have easily gone wrong but Almodovar manages to turn it into one of his most mature films. This is the purest example of Almodovar’s sense of family and maternity with heartbreaking revelations and comedic moments.
‘I thought it was the best way to tell such a painful story’ menting on the scarlet doctoral robes: “I thought it was a Sister Act parody.” His 20th film, Julieta, based on three short stories by Alice Munro, charts the life of one woman starring Emma Suarez as the middle-aged Julieta and Adriana Ugarte as her younger self. The narrative is structured as a flashback, encompassing a love triangle, tragedy and Julieta’s subsequent retreat into isolation. A break from the melodrama mould, Almodovar says that this time he was reaching for ‘pure drama’. “Nobody sings, no one talks about cinema and there’s no humour. I had to force myself there; sometimes during rehearsals the odd comic line would come up, which was a re-
Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown (1988)
ON SCREEN: Scene from Julieta and (below) All About my Mother lief for the actors. But after the rehearsals, I decided, no humour. I thought it was the best way to tell such a painful story.”
The adaptation was originally titled Silence and intended to be in English, starring Meryl Streep. Ultimately, the director felt it should be set closer to home. “It’s not a faithful adaptation, but once I moved it to Spain, I had to make it really mine,” he said. Critics have noted the film’s more serious and reserved style, which Almodovar admits may be the effect of his current mood and Spain’s economic crisis. “Reality always filters through into my films, even when I try to reject it,” he says. “It finds a crack to seep in through. The climate of the last four years in Spain has been of enormous unhappiness and even though I haven’t personally suffered from the harshness of the economic situation, I’m surrounded by people who have. I don’t think Julieta is a metaphor for Spain today but it’s no accident that my 80s films were much happier.” “It was a decade full of passion, full of freedom and it was a big explosion, it was a unique moment in the history of my country.” Premiered in Spain on April 8, and across the UK during the last week in August, it will go on general release through autumn.
This is the movie that made Almodovar an international star. With all the outrageousness of his earlier films and the accessibility of his later work, it is probably the best entry point into the director’s work for the Almodovar uninitiated. In classic Almodovar form, the film is about women. The director has said: “Women are more spectacular as dramatic subjects, they have a greater range of registers.” Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown is about Pepa, a professional movie dubber whose learns about herself and her married love as she tries to find him after he unexpectedly leaves her. The film was even adapted into a musical. The Skin I Live In (2011) An intense psychological thriller, this film features a top plastic surgeon who, haunted by the death of his wife, creates a synthetic skin that is able to withstand burns and bites using a captive woman as his lab rat. Antonio Banderas as the lead maintains the emotional intensity of the film. The Skin I Live In lacks the comic relief of most of Almodovar’s work but it is an expertly controlled and stylistically wonderful film with a great twist.
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LE T T E R S
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Walk over THE advertised ‘Senda Litoral’ has been hyped up on an obscene scale. In reality it will never be finished and I for one am happy about that (Walking the planks, Issue 246). Yes, I appreciate a nice promenade at every touristic hotspot at the Costa del Sol. But there is no need for a combined runway of 160 km. Who wants to walk this distance in the Andalucian heat? The fact that it will create 400 jobs and boost the economy by €40 million means nothing. Instead, the Costa del Sol authorities should promote and improve the already existing hiking paths in the backyard of the coast. Instead they push all their marketing and development money into more and more unnecessary golf courses. Kate Beckett, Fuengirola
Cirque surprise I AM very surprised that Mijas Town Hall has given a licence to the Las Vegas Circus to perform in the town in view of their decision earlier this year not to do so if live animals were involved The excuse apparently was that the licence had already been given before this became known. However, Rincon de la Victoria had a similar situation, but they revoked the licence when it was clear live animals would be performing. Poor decision by Mijas. Dianne Thorpe, La Cala
August 31st - September 13th 2016
Representation plea
Support for MP
FOR me the idea of an MP for expats is much more appealing than the prospect of dual nationality (Appeal for expat MPs, Issue 246). First of all, although I live in Spain I don’t consider myself Spanish in any way. I love Spain, the people, the landscape, the food, but I am not Spanish and never will be. Also having dual nationality doesn’t give expats any footing in the UK, an MP does. I for one will support this idea and I hope for everyone’s sake that it is pushed through. Peter Flinch, Malaga
Hear our voice WE have been ignored long enough and to use the excuse it was too complicated to allow expats to vote is a poor reason to deny the right to vote. Being outside the UK for more than fifteen years and not being allowed to vote is not the same as the privilege to vote in the EU referendum. Every UK passport holder should have been given
that right. Many people living in the EU pay tax to the UK Government and many of us voted against joining the Free Trade vote in 1976, and I was one of them who envisaged that the EU would develop into what it has become. We should have constituencies in Spain and our voices must be heard. Gordon Blythe, Fuengirola
Cheer up! WHY do expats forever moan about the conditions and treatment they receive? You live in a beautiful place, lead an envious lifestyle and most importantly, nobody forced you to move, you actively chose to. The post-Brexit pandemonium and calls for dual nationality and an MP are just the latest in a long line of expat gripes. As the old proverb goes: ‘You can’t have your cake and eat it’. Steven Miller, London
What passion?
Fantastic coverage
I HAVE to disagree with the way the Olive Press covered the Pamplona festival (Passion of Pamplona, issue 245). I agree that it is a tradition that must be respected and given media attention to, but the way the article was written glorified it into an heroic event. Nowhere in the article was the torture and death of the poor bulls described. Pamplona and the way they celebrate this ‘fiesta’ should be banned immediately for reasons of animal cruelty. Mary Bloemendaal, Mijas
I THINK the Olive Press coverage of the Pamplona feature was a fresh and exciting way to cover an event that has had endless media attention. Great for a paper in southern Spain to send a journalist all the way up there to cover the event. Laying it out in the course of 24 hours is a great way - for older people like me who will probably never make it to Pamplona - to understand the full ceremony and the traditions. I would love to see this ‘24 hours in’ format used even more often. Sam Hill, Estepona
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.
Number crunching 0.8% is the percentage that
the Spanish Economy grew by in the second quarter.
3 Bonds will be issued by Spain
in the next 30 years. Official documents will be released on the scheduled debt auction on Thursday according to the Spanish Treasury.
4 Calves were involved in the
bullfighting festival that has caught national attention in Valmojado, near Madrid.
€30,000
is the average amount a IT Engineer earns in Madrid according to the Financial Times.
3.3 m inhabitants live in
Spain´s capital Madrid. While 6.5 million live in the metropolitan area.
11 m
people use Spain's fast-growing online start up Bebee. The network for professionals, allows users to relate to each other through shared hobbies and affinities.
€659.4
million was the amount of private funding for Spanish startups in 2015.
€3.36 billion is the amount
pumped into fundraising for startup companies 2015.
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August 31st - September 13th 2016
ibraltar National Day
Vol.10 Issue 247 www.theolivepress.es
Red and white letter day...
August 31st - September 13th 2016
Always a flag-flying celebration of British sovereignty and self-determination, National Day has special significance this year, writes Rob Horgan
G
IBRALTARIANS have good reason to remember September 10 - the day the Rock turns red, white and proud all over. And although the iconic National Day balloons - banned on environmental grounds - will be conspicuous by their absence for the party’s 25th edition, the celebrations are rising to the occasion like never before. Live music, fireworks and beer by the barrel load are all set to mark Gibraltar’s most important day of the year. And, almost 50 years on from the first referendum when Gibraltarians voted overwhelmingly to remain British, the Rock is standing taller and prouder than ever. Ironically, another referendum has given this year’s celebrations added impetus. Britain’s Brexit result came as a blow to the Rock but in the true die-hard spirit associated with this tiny limestone outcrop in the Med, it has been business as usual and what threat-
ened to shatter the Rock has only made it stronger. The resolute way Chief Minister Fabian Picardo has confronted the threat at home and abroad since June 23 can make all Gibraltarians proud! Now, with Spain still knocking at the door, this year’s National Day is a chance for Gibraltarians to fly the flag and show the rest of Europe that, in the Union or out of it, there is nothing more solid than the Rock. The abundance of local pride has seen the former one-day event spill over into more than a week of celebrations - including music of all genres, arts, food, photography, competitions, a political rally - plenty to bring locals and tourists alike into the street and onto their feet. It’s a chance to demonstrate to the world that there really is nowhere quite like Gibraltar, and no nation quite like its people. And, as tense political times fuel the fire in Gibraltarian bellies, this year’s festivities will be a statement as well as a celebration. Continues on Page 20
ALL SMILES: Casemates Square is awash with people come National Day
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www.theolivepress.es A G ibraltar National Day ll about
From Page 19
Passion truly makes this party... and organisers expect more than 30,000 revellers to join the celebrations. But before the ‘big day’, the celebrations kicks off with a bang and a drum roll at the new legenday Gibraltar Music Festival (GMF). Spanning two days for the second year running, the event on September 3 and 4 will see internationally renowned acts, including Stereophonics and Bryan Ferry, starting the party in style. The GMF is regarded by many in the music industry as the finale to the global summer festival programme. Symbolically held on the ‘hallowed turf’ at Victoria Park, the UEFA newcomers’ national football stadium is another example of how little Gibraltar punches way above its weight. “There is always a real buzz around Gibraltar in the build up to national day,” explains 25-year-old Irish expat Michael Hayes, who commutes daily from La Linea. “I love working here and, as always, I am really looking forward to National Day.
August 31st - September 13th 2016
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THINGS TO DO ON NATIONAL DAY
Children’s Fancy Dress 10:30am Piazza
Bayside Sports Complex DJ’s and Foam Party for 15 and Under 2pm till 8pm Adventure Playground
Fun for Kids 1.30pm to 7pm John Mackintosh Square Fun Activities and Entertainment 1.30pm till late King’s Bastion Leisure Centre Live Music 1.30pm till late Rock on the Rock Club, Town Range Live Music and DJ’s for Over 16’s 2pm till 11pm
Jazz Friends 2.30pm to 7pm Governor’s Parade Aerial Twister Display 2.30pm, Catalan Bay Aerial Twister Display 6pm Rosia Bay Fireworks Display 10.30pm Detached Mole
Passion
“It really is the highlight of the year, a time all of us can really show off how proud we are.” The National Day festival is a mix of looking back at Gibraltar’s proud history; and looking forward, celebrating the business opportunities, innovation and future building plans for this modern peninsular. Organised by the Self Determination for Gibraltar Group in conjunction with the Ministry of Culture, the celebration commemorates one of the most important moments in Gibraltar’s history: the referendum of 1967, when citizens had a say on their sovereignty for the very first time. On that day, a landslide 99% of Gibraltarians voted to remain British. Today they are just as, if not more, impassioned under the constant taunts of their Spanish neighbour. Following the EU referendum, acting Spanish Foreign Minister Jose García-Margallo poured petrol onto
FULL OF PRIDE: At last year’s National Day
the flames of an already volatile fire by demanding joint-sovereignty of the Rock. But the stance of Gibraltar and Britain couldn’t be more clear: back off, Jose! And while Gibraltar is like a stick of Brighton rock - red and white all the
Did you know? • The height of the Rock is approximately 426 metres or 1,400 feet • The distance between Gibraltar and the coast of Africa is 24 kilometres or 15 miles • The Rock was formed approximately 200 million years ago and is composed of Jurassic Limestone • The UK pound can be used freely in Gibraltar, so there
CLOSED DOWN: Franco shut border
ROYAL VISIT: Queen in 1954
is no need to convert UK notes to Gibraltar ones. However, Gibraltar banknotes are not legal tender in the UK and will not be accepted there • In recent referendums the nearly 30,000 Gibraltarians who live on the Rock voted overwhelmingly to reject any involvement by Spain in their government • Queen Elizabeth II last visited Gibraltar in 1954 • The border was closed by Franco in 1969 and was shut for 13 years, only reopened partially for pedestrians in 1982 before being reopened fully in 1985
way through - there’s also a vein of Union Jack blue. Gibraltar is proud of its status as a British Overseas Territory under a British sovereign for more than 300 years. The Queen may not have made an appearance since 1954 but, three years ago, with the Gibraltar flag flying over the Foreign Office in London, Prime Minister David Cameron joined the celebrations in spirit, rallying his loyal troops from a giant screen in Casemates. “For 300 years we have stood together, as one with our shared sovereign. Let me assure you that the British people and my Government stand with you now. Our relationship is solid, sure and enduring,” he proclaimed to roars of approval. These sentiments are increasingly important to Gibraltar in the light of recent international tensions, played out through the media. But Gibraltar has said ‘enough is enough’ to one-sided Spanish news reports. A high-profile victory against Spanish newspaper ABC was the start of the Rock’s fightback against years of ‘slanderous’ comments. As lawyer Charles Gomez says, if the rabid right-wing Spanish press is to be believed then Gibraltar is ‘a cocainefuelled, money-laundering playground run by the barbary apes’. He adds: “Enough is enough, the government has finally had enough of the lies, untruths and complete propaganda. It is time for the Rock to stand up for itself and be proud.” And what better day to do so than on National Day? It’s about a party, not a political party, but it sends a message, loud and clear, in the best possible way. The day itself kicks off with a political rally at midday followed by speeches and toasts in Casemates Square. After a summer of stunning weather, an open-air concert was a no-brainer
FAMILY AFFAIR: Picardo with wife Justine and kids
for organisers. Children’s activities, live music and DJs will also keep the crowds entertained at other locations, including King’s Bastion Leisure Centre, Victoria Park and John Mackintosh Hall. Stick around for the grand finale at midnight when fireworks light up Casemates, before the party moves on to the late bars and clubs surrounding the square. With the eyes of the world’s media focused on Gibraltar, the Rock will also use National Day to strut its impressive stuff. Not only its national football squad but its new university, spectacularly sited at the southernmost tip of Europe, and top British private college Prior Park which opens its fourth school on the Rock this autumn. Quality education is as much of a priority as big business, enabling Gibral-
tar to attract and nurture top talent from around the world. The gambling industry, one of Gibraltar’s most lucrative sectors, is also pushing on with a number of top firms committing their future to Gibraltar, even in the face of Brexit. The World Trade Center, a project that has cost tens of millions of pounds, will be unveiled next to Victoria Stadium in the coming months - yet another example of Gibraltar’s refusal to rest on its laurels as it continues to innovate. The WTC will become a global hub, strengthening Gibraltar’s focus on finance, transport, banking and internet gaming. So while National Day has history at its roots, it is also a celebration of the peninsula’s future. If there was ever a time to stand up and fly the red and white flag with pride, that time is now.
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August 31st - September 13th 2016
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August 31st - September 13th 2016
CHEEKY: First (cl)ass honours and (below) mosque
Picture proud
WINNER: William William’s ‘A view of our own’
The Rock’s top photographers capture the soul of Gibraltar
B MAGICAL: Ghost of xmas past
UDDING photographers on the Rock have been expressing their national pride digitally. They have been hard at-it capturing images of their homeland’s unique attributes for this year’s National Celebrations Photographic Exhibition. On display at John Mackintosh Hall, Culture Minister opened the exhibition with Miss Gibraltar Kayley Mifsud handing out prizes for the top five. William Williams scooped first place and a £300 cash prize with ‘A View of our Own’. Second prize went to Jonathan Manasco with Ghost of Christmas Past and John Piris came third with Standing Out.
Making up the prize winners were Dylan Infante and Nicholas Lee Ferrary. Describing the win as ‘overwhelming’, Williams said he had been holding on to his photograph for a few years. “I took that photo four or maybe five years ago when I had been into photography for no more than a year,” he said. “One of my friends, who happened to live on one of the top floors in Ocean Village, invited me over for coffee and when I saw the spectacular view I just had to take a picture of it.” Organised by the Gibraltar Photographic Society in collaboration with the Gibraltar Cultural Services, the exhibition runs until September 9.
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August 31st - September 13th 2016
GIBUNCO GIBRALTAR INTERNATIONAL LITERARY FESTIVAL THURSDAY 20 to SUNDAY 23 OCTOBER 2016
Festival Title Sponsor
Festival Organiser
The Garrison Library (1832 - Frederick Leeds Edridge). Gibraltar Museum
Join us for our Fourth International Literary Festival on The Rock, where world class writers and speakers come together for four days of public events, staged in the famous Regency Garrison Library and other historic buildings within the ancient City of Gibraltar.
HRH the Princess Royal, Royal Patron of the Gibunco Gibraltar International Literary Festival.
Located where the continents of Africa and Europe converge, and where the waters of the Mediterranean and the Atlantic meet, Gibraltar is the most famous fortress in history. It is the perfect setting to discuss the evolution of literature, culture and current affairs. Full details of the 2016 programme of speakers will be announced soon.
Photo by Jeremy Makinson
GIBRALTAR – A GREAT EUROPEAN CITY STATE www.gibraltarliteraryfestival.com www.visitgibraltar.gi #VISITGIBRALTAR
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BOSSES: Cox and Wells
IN COME THE BIG BUCKS!
A HUGE US property fund is splashing €45 million on three new Costa del Sol developments. The American bosses Real Capital Solutions behind have snapped up sizeable plots in Estepona, Mijas and Benahavis and continue to look at further opportunities along the coast. The company, based in Marbella since 2013, already has five other developments, including The Retreat, in Elviria.
“We have spent around lion here so far and have€86 mila fund of €100 million to spend,” plained Managing Partner exWells, based in Colorado. Peter “We are one of the largest opers on the Costa del develSol and our emphasis is on distressed properties.” He added: “Also we do transparently and always things try and deliver on price and quality.” The company - which made hundreds of millions buying ing distressed propertiesand sellUS - has 16 staff working in the its office at Centro Plaza. out of Local boss Taylor Cox, added: “The coast is really starting come alive and it’s a pleasure to to live in such a beautiful part of the world.”
Napier
ESTATE agents in Spain lining themselves up for and Gibraltar are the busiest July on record. It comes as some British buyers put purchases on hold due to referendum on June 23.the forthcoming EU Most agents the Olive Press firmed they had various spoke to con‘paused’ awaiting the result,sales currently despite the British market remaining The majority believe that strong. pected result - to stay in the ex- will lead to the pound Europe strengthening with a red hot summer of sales to follow. Ben Bateman, at Holmes Sotogrande, described the lead up as a ‘pause forreferendum British buyers’ due to thought for concerns over the weak pound. “After a remain vote however, we expect to see a strong finish to the den wave of bids from year - and a sudBritish buyers,” he told the Olive Press. One agent in Gibraltar has gone one step further actually employing July. Savills director Sammy extra staff for Cruz-Armstrong said: “Everything is on but I am convinced we hold due to Brexit, and am taking on extra will stay in Europe with the expected delugestaff in July to deal Benahavis agent Scott of business.” Marshall of Proper-
Spanish property sales
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tieSpain, meanwhile, described the pause as ‘very psychological’. He said: “It’s a combination the vote and the exchange of the uncertainty of While many agents have rate right now.” rently on hold, some havea couple of sales cur“We have up to ten sales seen more. til after the referendum,” currently on hold unboss of Castles, in Manilva.said Victor Witkowski, “Buyers are not necessarily they are biding their time pulling out, but to see what happens.” Fellow Manilva agent, confirmed a slowdown, Shani Hamilton, also predicting a huge influx but added: “We are a decision is made.” of business as soon as
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Either way, official statistics out this month confirm the British market remains strong and tens of thousands continue to look for their dream home. Respected analyst Mark eign demand for SpanishStucklin insists that forin the first quarter with property was up 16% of foreign buyers at 22%Brits the biggest group “The British still dominateof the market share. property and there is no the foreign market for able decline in demand evidence of a noticeas yet,” he said. And certainly not everyone One agent, Graham Govier is suffering. of Inland Andalucia has seen ‘no negative impact’ at all during the referendum lead-up. “In fact it is the opposite. cheap right now and we Prices are extremely are selling two times as many properties as we were He added: “My salesman last year,” he said. a local celebrity - has justPaul - already a bit of enth consecutive sale and completed his sevpeople are buying because they can see that won’t wait around for themthe incredible deals Paul made headlines in forever,” he added. the Olive Press last year when he sold an impressive nine properties in a row.
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BE ‘APPY!
JUSTIN Bieber has snapped up one of Spain’s most desirable properties. The 22-year-old pop singer splashed €5 million on a Lanzarote bolthole after falling in love with the island during a visit with his new girlfriend, the 17-year-old daughter of Lionel Ritchie, Sofia Ritchie. The isOlive Press The property perched on a rock and boasts enviable panoramic views TOP acrossfor most of the news in Canary Spain!island. “He asked specifically for a quiet place with absolute privacy,” said Alessandro Proto, CEO of Proto Group Ltd who managed the sale. “This magnificent villa is absolutely
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International pop sensation has fallen in love with Spain
isolated, as you can see from the pictures, it has an area of 2,000 square metres, six bedrooms, five bathrooms and direct access to the sea.” Canadian Bieber wanted the property so much he paid €800,000 over the €4.2 million asking price. “The singer wanted it at all costs,” added Proto. PRIVACY: Bieber’s love pad
ARCHITECTS and designers have been invited to submit projects that feature Spanishmade ceramics to the Tile of Spain Awards. In its 15th year, the awards divvy up a €39,000 prize fund across three categories - architecture, interior design and student projects. They are open to international architecture firms, interior design studios and students that have used ceramics made by Spanish companies in their projects. A jury of experts and leaders in architecture will decide on the winners. The awards are free to enter and submissions are being accepted until BLUE WAVE BAR: 2015 winner October 26.
Sales On the up and up and a price increase of 6.1% year on year. The figures suggest the real estate market recovery is well underway despite the continuing political impasse in Spain.
Beach pads SPAIN’S coastline will be 100% urbanised by the year 2267 if development continues at the same pace. Some 7,898 kilometres of coastline has already been built on, over a quarter of the country’s seafront. Since 1987, 22.7 km of front line coast has been urbanised every 12 months, according to a report in the Sustainability Observatory. If development continues at the same pace then Spain’s entire coastline will be urbanised in 251 years time. The Mediterranean and South Atlantic coastal areas are the most densely urbanised, with 3,829 kms of coastline already occupied. The report also highlighted the increase in resident population on the coast, recording a 22.6% increase from 15 million people to 20 million over the past 20 years.
TRENDSETTERS: (left) Turning Torso and (above) Shanghai Tower
Twist-spiration
VANISHING: Spain’s coastline
TWISTING skyscrapers have gone viral thanks to a pioneering Spanish architect, a new study suggests. Ever since the first ‘twister’, the Turning Torso in Malmo, Sweden, was completed by Santiago Calatrava in 2005, a further 27 have been built or are under construction. These include the famous 2,000ft Shanghai Tower and the soon to be completed Diamond Tower, which will be Saudi Arabia’s second-tallest building. The Chicago-based Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat claims the growing trend for Calatrava’s twisting towers is “creating a new generation of iconic buildings throughout the world”.
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All aboard
MORTGAGE THINK TANK by mortgage broker Tancrede de Pola
BIG BOAT: Camper & Nicholson’s yacht to appear at Monaco show
THE first images of the largest yacht to be designed and built in Spain have been released. Camper & Nicholsons released the images of the superyacht ahead of its debut at the Monaco Yacht Show which begins on September 28. Named Maybe, the mega-boat was designed by Acubens Naval Architects and Marcelo Penna Yacht Design, and boasts a central grand staircase, bar, jacuzzi, spacious saloons, dining rooms, staterooms and a private cinema. It can accommodate 12 guests and houses 16 highly-skilled crew members.
It could all be mine
FOR SALE: Spanish village
As the Euribor rate continues to plummet, consumer groups claim lenders should pay up on negative mortgage rates
Let battle commence
A
BATTLE is brewing between consumer groups and lenders over negative interest rates on mortgages. With billions of euros at stake, lawmakers and consumer groups in Spain and Portugal are arguing that lenders should pay up when mortgage rates drop below zero. The banks however are not lying down and have begun their counter attack. In Spain and Portugal, banks typically tie interest rates on mortgages to the euro interbank offered rate, or Euribor, a fluctuating rate banks pay to borrow from each other. However, the Euribor has been in freefall since the European Central Bank cut interest rates below zero—charging lenders to hold deposits—to stimulate the continent’s economies. Effectively, the banks are paying to park their money with the European Central Bank overnight. The thinking behind this is that, by doing so, the banks will be more inclined to lend out their funds rather than incur this extra cost. That has already pulled mortgage rates below 0% in a few cases in Portugal but, as banks make their money by charging a margin over their cost of borrowing (whether from the central bank or individual savers, like you) this is unlikely to occur everywhere. However, lenders are already taking steps to protect themselves as they prepare for further steep drops. The fightback has already begun across the border, with Portugal’s Central Bank governor attempting to sabotage a proposed law that would require lenders to pay up when interest rates turn negative. As the alarm bells begin to toll, lenders across the continent are now manically attempting to rewrite mortgage contracts so that homeowners can never profit from subzero rates. In Spain, notaries are requiring borrowers to sign a disclaimer to say that the minimum rate they will ever pay is 0%. But, it may all be in vain, as Europe already has a precedent, with banks in Denmark paying out thousands on their home loans after the central bank introduced negative interest rates. Despite this bank executives in both Spain and Portugal have said they would pay borrowers when pigs fly. “In no case could a client receive interest payments because that would go against the nature of a loan,” Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria SA CEO Carlos Torres Vila said. “In the most extreme case, a borrower would pay zero interest.” In Spain, most mortgages are tied to a 12-month Euribor rate, which is currently at minus 0.012%. That rate would have to fall a lot further to offset the lowest spread on mortgage loans, which were locked in during the country’s property boom a decade ago. In that event, Spanish consumer groups, OCU and Adicae are arguing that the banks would have to pay up. However, Spanish banks claim they are protected by a Madrid ruling in 2014 that would give them legal backing to their refusal to pay interest to borrowers. Only time will tell, but interesting times lie ahead if and when the Euribor drops further. To contact Tancrede for all your mortgaging needs call: 666 709 743 or for insurance queries call: 951 203 540 Email: tdp@thefinanacebureau.com The Finance Bureau Centro Commercial Guadalmina, 2nOffice No. 7 Guadalmina, 29670
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Entire Spanish village and its residents up for sale
AN entire village has been put on the market for €122 million. Cinera de Gordon, in northern Spain, houses 800 residents, and comes complete with 128 houses, 12 flats, a football pitch, a public swimming pool,
Island life
a cinema and a mine full of coal. The once buzzing mining hub has become a shadow of its former self after the company managing its mine went bust last year. The village had belonged to
A BALEARIC island could be yours for a cool €24 million. S’Espalmador, just south of Ibiza, features two houses, a chapel and a watchtower. The 137-hectare island, a popular stopping point for yachts, is uninhabited, and features pristine beaches, freshwater springs and a mud-bath. And if you ever felt isolated from the rest of the world, you can wade to Formentera when the low tide exposes a shallow sandbar.
Always ask if you do not understand The nine go-to questions when investing in property
T
HINGS aren’t always clear, especially in a foreign country and language. Often the answer to ‘why didn’t you tell me?’ is ‘you didn’t ask!’ The fact you didn’t know to ask is irrelevant. These are the nine important questions to ask when investing in property. 1. “Is the Spanish taxman’s value of the property higher than the price I am paying?” If it is, you may receive an additional tax bill, which can be quite a shock if not expected. It’s called ‘La Complementaria’. (A compliment like that one can do without!) 2. “Are there any guarantees regarding treatment of any timbers in the building?” While wood rot is relatively rare in the area, insect attack can be serious and rapid. It mostly affects young, unseasoned wood. 3. “Is the property 50 or more years old?” Properties over 50 years old should have a technical inspection to ensure the structural stability – Inspección Técnica de Edificios, which is required to be renewed every 10 years. “Does the municipality enforce it and is there a certificate of compliance?” 4. “Have you checked that there are no abnormal ground conditions, nor ar-
chaeological remains, nor pollution nor asbestos?” All these could affect occupation, development or value of the property. 5. “Have you seen the ‘Fin de Obras’ for the whole building and separately for any later additions and what is the date?” Provided by the architect supervising the construction, confirming compliance with the appropriate building regulations. The guarantee obligations of builders and developers start on that date, NOT the date of the First Occupation Licence, which is granted after, and there can be months or even years of difference between these two dates. 6. “Is there a First Occupation Licence? We are not going to buy if there isn’t one.” An absolutely essential question and statement. 7. “Is there a Decennial Structural Insurance policy or was there one for the first 10 years of the building’s life?” These confirm that the construction of the concrete structure was independently supervised and tested. Every developer is obliged to have one for every new building. However, houses or significant extensions constructed for occupation by the owner are not required to have this insurance, but they cannot be
Hullera Vaco-Leonesa for decades, but the bankrupt company is selling off its assets. “The worst thing about all this is that we found out our town was up for sale through the internet, when the judge issued the writ,” one local, Jose said. Another seemed more optimistic, hoping a property company will buy it all up. “It’s a very good place for tourists and for some property company to come along and buy it all up,” he said. “As for the closed mine, some Chinese have shown an interest.” The mining industry in Spain has suffered since the country began pushing for renewable energy sources, with consumption of coal falling by 50% in the past year alone.
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ALL PROPERTY MATTERS
RICS SURVEYORS & VALUERS BY BUILDING CAMPBELL FERGUSON
For peace of mind follow these property buying rules sold for 10 years unless a retrospective one is provided. The policy will probably Your Property only cover the houseFind structure and not non-loadbearing walls, etc, and not the garage, pool, retaining walls, drives or other works. It is not the equivalent of a UK NHBC policy. Instruct Instruct Building Surveyor Lawyer 8. “What guarantees and warranties are there for the machines and equipment?” Check the start and expiry dates. with sold Knowledge 9. “Is the property Buy being ‘cuerpo Confidence cierto’?” This has the&same effect as ‘Sold as Seen’, with no guarantee of sizes or condition and could be used to avoid the ‘Vicios Ocultos’ re+34 952 923 520 law, which Connect with us! admin@surveyspain.com lates to hidden defects. If a significant surveyspain.com defect is discovered within 6 months of purchase, the buyer can claim compensation or oblige the buyer to take back the property and pay back the price. However, it’s one thing having a legal right; it’s another successfully enforcing it! Much better to have the property surveyed before buying and find the evidence of the problem before paying, deducting the cost from the price or even walking away from somebody else’s problem. If you don’t ask can you be certain that your adviser did?
Contact Campbell and the team on +34 952 923 520 or email info@surveyspain.com
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Licences lost news on the go.
round-up
British expat demands reforms after ongoing driving licence saga
mer. TOP for news in Spain! In fact, the 73-year-old retired retailer claims that the Malaga office has ‘at least’ four boxes filled with half-finished licence applications that have been incorrectly filed.
THE national economy is believed to have slowed in the second quarter of this year. Estimates show Spain’s GDP grew 0.7% quarter-on-quarter in the second quarter, a slight drop from the first quarter’s 0.8% growth. A weakening of business investment is reported to have contributed to the slowing down, with the trend expected to continue given the absence of government and the political uncertainty that comes with it.
August 31st - September 13th 2016
Drive me crazy!
LICENCES for horse A BRITISH expat has been drawn carriages in driven around the bend by an Malaga have been ongoing licensing issue with the reduced by 36%. Spanish motoring authority. Malaga council will Coin resident Brian Hill is derevoke licences manding the Dirección General deemed unnecesTráfico (DGT) has a serious saryThe by the end of the Olive Press de overhaul after being left withyear. out a licence for the entire sum-
Hitting the brakes
BUSINESS
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August 31st - September 13th 2016
EXCLUSIVE By Rob Horgan
“The situation at Trafico needs seriously looking at,” Hill told the Olive Press. “In my opinion, an organisation in charge of such an important task needs to communicate better.” Hill first filed for a Spanish licence at the beginning of June, two months before his UK licence was due to expire. However, he has only just been informed that his paperwork was not correct.
Initially pinning the blame on the UK licence authority (DVLA) for dragging its heels, Trafico has since admitted that the problem occurred when Hill’s details were entered onto the system by a member of its own staff. “They tried to shift the blame, time and again,” Hill said. “It was only when I solicited the help of a gestor and went to the Madrid office that I got the truth.” Due to Hill’s details being incorrectly added onto the online
Wales of a time
SPAIN’S most famous export is making a splash in Wales as Swansea celebrates its first Rioja Day. The Swansea Business Improvement District teamed up with the city council and local businesses to encourage people to book a table in a city centre restaurant to enjoy lunch and an accompanying glass of Rioja, the famous Spanish red wine. They hope to sync the day with the Day of La Rioja in the Spanish town of the same name.
BEEPING MAD: Expat’s licence to ill system, the DVLA were unable to respond to Trafico’s request. However, he was initially told that Trafico was waiting on the DVLA and shown a box containing dozens of other British licence applications ‘also waiting on the DVLA’. A DVLA spokesman confirmed to the Olive Press that the system is ‘automated’ and takes one and a half hours to get the information needed when filed correctly. Hill has now been told he will need to begin the application process again, which will not be completed until October - meaning he will have gone five months without a licence. When contacted by the Olive Press, a spokesman for Trafico said the Malaga office in particular receives a large number of driving licence requests from British expats. However, he declined to answer how many licence applications are currently outstanding.
Global affair MARIANO Rajoy will attend the G20 summit in China in September, it has been announced. Held in Hangzhou in east China, the gathering will see leaders of the world’s largest economies discuss the current global economic climate. This year’s theme is ‘Towards an Innovative, Invigorated, Interconnected and Inclusive World Economy’. Russia’s Vladimir Putin, Britain’s Theresa May and US President Barack Obama will also be in attendance. It is expected to promote international trade and develop financing and infrastructure investment into green and renewable energy sources.
Property AGONY ANT YOUR LEGAL PROBLEMS ADDRESSED BY ANTONIO FLORES
No grounds
A
CCORDING to the government’s advice, if you wish to end your marriage in the UK, you need to provide good reasons, listed as grounds for divorce. These include adultery, unreasonable behaviour, desertion or having lived apart for more than two years where both spouses agree or five where not. In the U.S., several states still apply fault-based grounds for divorce and tangible proof of extra-marital affairs can make all the difference in proceedings, leading to a more favourable settlement. In Spain, following the reform operated by Law 15/2005, divorce does not require a previous judicial separation nor the concurrence of causes legally determined. This means that it is possible to sue directly to get a divorce without an invocation of a cause, a solution that has eradicated the conceptual distinction of fault and no-fault divorce. Alas, it was never like this before. The 1932 Divorce Act established, as grounds for divorce, both familiar ones i.e. adultery, bigamy, abandonment of family, desertion, and oth-
ers less known: inducing wife and/ or daughters to prostitution or having contracted STDs -sexually transmitted diseases- during the marriage or before and it was concealed from the spouse. Franco’s powerfully religious-influ-
Cheating pertains to the world of gossip and has no influence in court enced regime abolished divorce altogether. Since 2005, private investigators are not required any longer as cheating pertains to the world of gossip and has no influence within divorce proceedings. Articles 86 and 81 of the Spanish Civil Code establish the following: Article 86: Divorce shall be decreed by the court, whatever the form of performance of the marriage, at the
Getting a divorce in Spain is wildly different to the UK request of one of the spouses, of both or of one with the consent of the other, when the requirements and circumstances of article 81 are met. Article 81. Whatever the form of performance of the marriage, judicial separation shall be decreed: 1. At the request of both spouses or of one with the consent of the other, after the lapse of three months from the performance of the marriage. The claimant must necessarily attach the proposal of settlement agreement, in accordance with article 90 of this Code. 2. At the request of one of the spouses, after the lapse of three months from the performance of the marriage. The lapse of this period shall not be required to file the claim when there is evidence of the existence of risk to the life, physical integrity, freedom, moral integrity or sexual liberty and integrity of the spouse filing the claim or the children in common or any member of the marriage. The claim shall attach a reasoned proposal of the measures which are to regulate the effects of the separation.
Email Antonio at aflores@lawbird.es
Streaming wars SKY TV is launching its own streaming service in Spain as the battle for control of the online streaming market escalates. Now TV will stream national and international shows and hopes to take advantage of Spain’s untapped market. Currently, only 27% of Spanish households subscribe to a payTV service, compared to two thirds in the UK. Now TV will be competing with Netflix while Amazon Prime also plans to bring its streaming service to Spain in the coming months.
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Bright eyes SPECSAVERS Opticas is offering children free eye tests throughout September. The eye specialists, who have shops in Marbella and Fuengirola, have also announced that each store is donating 10 pairs of glasses to a local school or charity. Amrik Sappal from Specsavers Opticas Fuengirola said: “Getting prepared for the start of the new term is busy and expensive and we’re aware that parents aren’t finding the time or money to get their kids’ eyes tested. “We wanted to offer these free eye tests to encourage everyone to come in and make sure their kids are seeing clearly and that their eyes are healthy.”
Culture club
Cloning mystery THE ‘World’s most mysterious book’ is set to make a small Spanish publishing company millions. Siloe, based in Burgos in Northern Spain, has won the rights to clone Voynich, a centuries-old manuscript written in a coded language that no one has been able to crack. The company will create 898 exact replicas, and will sell them for seven or eight thousand euros each, bringing in a maximum of €7.1 million. “Touching the Voynich is an experience,” said Juan Jose Garcia, director of Siloe, “It’s a book that has such an aura of mystery that when you see it for the first time, it fills you with an emotion that is very hard to describe.” Almost 300 people have already put in pre-orders.
Risen from the ashes
Malaga city is on a mission to become a global centre of the arts
MALAGA invested almost €10 million into museums last year, it has been revealed. The arrival of two prominent institutions - the Centre Pompidou Malaga and
the Collection of the Russian Museum St.Petersburg/Malaga - is part of a drive by the council to transform the city into a global centre for the arts. Mayor Francisco de la Torre has said
the two new additions won’t be the last, promising further transformations. “We have big plans for the city and there’s more coming to the work we’ve already done,” he said. The Pompidou alone, which houses works such as Francis Bacon, Frida Kahlo and Marc Chagall, brought around 220,000 visitors in its first year and cost €7 million. The Russian Museum will stay for ten years, with an option to extend, and set the council back €2 million.
Modern
Winds of change RARE: Voynich
August 31st - September 13th 2016 August 31st - September 13th 2016
THE tide looks to be turning for renewable energy giant Abengoa. Bosses claim the new restructuring plan has received the backing of ‘at least 75%’ of its creditors. The Sevilla-based company expects to implement the final restructuring agreement by the end of September in order to stave off what would be Spain’s largest-ever corporate bankruptcy. Spanish bankruptcy law requires three quar-
ters of creditors to ratify a restructuring plan. Investors including Centerbridge Partners LP, Elliott Management Corp. and Oaktree Capital Management LP have agreed to inject €1.17 billion into the debt-laden company. In exchange, the investors will receive up to a 50% stake in Abengoa’s equity. The company has also sold its US ethanol plants for €317 million.
Situated in the same tobacco factory complex as the Automobile Museum and spanning two floors and about 43,000 square feet, it houses 18th-century to modern-day works by prolific artists who are Russian or who have worked in Russia, such as the 19th-century landscape painter Ivan Shishkin and the 20th-century painter Vladimir Gavrilov. Virginia Irurita, founder of travel company Made for Spain and Portugal said: “Malaga is where you went for a cheap beach holiday. People couldn’t care less about the city itself, but it’s become the place now where all the Spanish want to come and stay to see the museums.”
Taking off?
BUILDING PLANS: Spanish company in talks over Mexico runway
A FUTURISTIC terminal for Mexico City airport could be built by Spain’s Ferrovial. Debt-laden Mexican builder ICA is in final talks with the Spanish giant after it considered scrapping the joint bid plans altogether. The two companies are in talks with Dragados, a unit of Spain’s Grupo ACS, and Monterreybased GP Construction. The building was designed by British architect Norman Foster and billionaire Carlos Slim’s son-in-law Fernando Romero. Opening by 2020, it would anchor a new Mexico City airport and cost around €11 billion.
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THE new World Trade Center’s transportation hub, designed by a Spanish architect, has opened its doors in New York. Santiago Calatrava, from Valencia, designed the mammoth white-winged Oculus that tops a hub of 13 subway trains and river ferries. More than 300,000 New Yorkers now pass through it daily on their way to work or the new shopping centre.
OPEN: World Trade Center
Growing old THE International Monetary Fund has warned of an economic crisis in the Eurozone due to its ageing workforce. In an area already plagued by high unemployment and mounting debts, countries like Spain will soon have to deal with a decrease in productivity, according to its research. As the number of retirees compared to people of working age is set to balloon over the next couple of decades, so too will the average age of workers. Spain, Greece and Portugal are expected to be the worst hit. The IMF predicts the amount of workers between 55 and 64 in the bloc will increase by more than a third over the next two decades. The fund said: “Ageing will take a considerable toll on productivity growth over the medium- to long-term. “Worryingly, some of the largest adverse effects on productivity will fall on countries that can least afford it, such as Greece, Spain, Portugal, and Italy.”
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REVOLUTIONARY treatment is helping hundreds of people to drop unwanted weight on the Costa del Sol. Helping people from all over the world to drop weight, the threefour day treatment uses proven psychological interventions underpinned with weight loss hypnosis. Widely recognised as the gold standard in permanent, nonsurgical, weight loss treatments, the service is available at the Elite Clinic in Fuengirola. Established by Martin and Marion Shiran in 2008 the treatment received global media attention following a double-page feature in the Daily Mail, in which esteemed journalist Claudia Connell hailed the treatment as lifechanging. Trips to New York, Portugal and Poland followed, as the Shirans were beamed into the homes
Shed the pounds, for good
August 31st - September 13th 2016
The most effective way to achieve permanent weight loss is with Gastric Mind Band Therapy of Americans via a Good Morning America TV special, before being invited to speak at a number of European psychology conferences in Europe. Describing the treatment as ‘safe, effective and non-invasive alternative’, Gastric Mind Band treatment does away with depressing diet plans and gruelling exercise regimes to achieve permanent weight loss. “Helping people to successfully, and permanently lose weight is a complex task, requiring a careful fusion of empirically proven interventions. “It's a fact that each new client
arriving at the clinic walks in the door with their own unique set of issues and problems that have usually all played a part in them having developed an unhealthy relationship with food, resulting in each client requiring, and of course receiving a completely personalised three or four day
treatment plan. “With the GMB treatment you don’t have to consciously limit what you eat to lose weight. “By getting your mind and body working together and changing your relationship with food so you no longer want to overeat, weight loss is no longer a struggle, it almost becomes natural. “That’s hugely liberating and that’s what the Gastric Mind Band® is all about. It delivers just what it says: Permanent Weight Loss.” The treatment focuses on a num-
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ber of therapies and approaches which work with each other to achieve the best result. They include cognitive behaviour therapy, neuro-linguistic programming and tactileCBT registered by the centre itself. Other therapies including mindfulness techniques and hypnotherapy are also used during the three-four day treatment plan. For more information visit www.gmband.com or call 951 311 591
Before undertaking any treatment, clients at the Elite Clinic undertake three important tests: 1. Blood test: To check glucose, cholesterol and triglyceride levels 2. Calorimetry test: Using the latest Korr Medical equipment, developed in the USA, to establish patient’s Resting Metabolic Rate (AKA Meta-
bolic Fingerprint) 3. Body analysis: The Tanita Body Composition Analyser is used to establish a patient’s starting weight, body fat percentage, fat mass, visceral fat rating and metabloic age
Katie
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Diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and Hypoinsulism, Katie went on to lose 95 pounds after undergoing Gastric Mind Band Therapy. Featured in the Daily Mail, Katie described the treatments as ‘life changing’
Losing 105 pounds following her Gastric Mind Band treatment, Kay was interviewed on GMTV breakfast programme by Lorraine Kelly. As a result of her weight-loss Kay has also overcome her Diabetes as well
Weighing over 20 stone when she arrived at the centre, Sarah was registered as morbidly obese with a BMI of 46.7. Following her treatment, Sarah lost half her body weight and her story has featured in media across the world
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Second chance saloon? THE UK House of Commons will debate a petition calling for a second EU referendum after it was signed by more than four million people. The record-breaking petition, which was set up by a Brexit supporter before the referendum, called for the Government to annul the results if either side won by less than 60 per cent on a turnout of less than 75 per cent. Leavers won 51.97% of the votes with a turnout of under 75%. In what may be disappointing for Remainers, a House of Commons spokesman said the debate does not have the power to change the law and will not end with the Commons deciding whether or not to have a second referendum.
Foul mouthed BREXIT has become an early contender for ‘the most hated word in the English language’. Oxford Dictionaries has launched a worldwide search, with more than 10,000 people having already submitted their least favourite word on the #OneWordMap website. It is hoped to be the largest global survey on which parts of the English language makes people tick. ‘Brexit’ is facing stiff competition from the words ‘moist’, ‘like’, ‘British’ and ‘no’, while voters in Spain most hated the word ‘hello’.
Ripple effect THE economy of Spain could be negatively affected by Brexit, a leading Spanish bank has warned. BBVA said Britain’s departure from the EU will shave four tenths of growth from Spain’s economy. It has slashed its growth forecasts for 2017 by 0.4% to just 2.3% as a result. Although it did predict that some 800,000 new jobs will be created in 2017.
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Business as usual
The European Cooperation Agreements that will survive Brexit By Charles Gomez
WHILE tensions remain high and confusion is rampant postBrexit, there has in fact been some good news. Businesses and academics in Gibraltar and the Campo continue to work towards cooperation with this year’s Cadiz University seminars in San Roque and Gibraltar attracting huge media attention. However, probably the most thoughtprovoking intervention was that of Dr Martin Guillermo of the European Association of Frontier Regions, based in Berlin. Dr Guillermo explained that regardless of Brexit, institutional cooperation of the kind promoted by his high-powered organisation would survive the UK’s withdrawal from the EU when it comes to cross-border agreements involving Gibraltar. In recent times there has been a groundswell of interest among trade unions, business associations and citizens’ groups on both sides of the frontier aimed at strengthening neighbourly links. The work of the Trans-Frontier Group, led by a broad constituency of Gibraltarian and Spanish movers and shakers, has been particularly noteworthy. Its aim has been to promote and enhance links between Gibraltar and all the other towns and districts in the vicinity in terms of business and also in education, medical services, maritime security and so on. This was very much a work in progress but that monumental decision made on the 23 June 2016 put the future of such ini-
tiatives in doubt. Dr Guillermo’s lucid presentation at the Europa Point Campus of the University of Gibraltar highlighted that not only are such agreements still feasible post-Brexit, it is now even more important that they should be formed without more delay, and can be guaranteed support from European institutions. The economic advantages of these projects have not been missed by the more alert among the business people on both sides of the frontier. As well as being a barrister, I am an Honorary Professor of International Law at Cadiz University, and have for many years been involved in developing an understanding of English law, which applies in Gibraltar, among Spanish lawyers and undergraduates. Together with the highly re-
Gibraltarian barrister Charles Gomez set to start a Br is column from ne exit sue. Be sure to xt ischeck our Brexit bulle every issue for tin th latest EU up- e dates spected Professor Jesus Verdu Baeza, I have, since 2013, run common law courses for Cadiz University undergrads. Professor Verdu believes the links and general goodwill created in this way show how easy it can be to replicate the effects of friendship and cooperation at all levels for the greater prosperity of the region. Many will say that this shows how, regardless of decisions taken at a Europe-wide level, the reality is that trade and cooperation will continue and will include agreements recognised under European law which will survive Brexit.
Plan B-rexit THE chief executive of Gibraltar’s Chamber of Commerce has admitted some companies are setting up mirror operations following the Brexit vote. But Edward Macquisten struck a defiant note, adding that the Rock’s ‘business nous’ will ensure new markets emerge. Macquisten also underlined the ‘critical’ importance of keeping the border with Spain open in the coming years.
“Some companies in certain sectors are setting up mirror operations in other parts of the EU almost like an insurance policy,” he said. “We don’t know what the outcome of the negotiations is going to be and businesses can’t wait.” He added: “Gibraltar is not unfamiliar with adversity, it’s had plenty over the last 312 years.”
BOOST: For Catalan Independence
One out, all out PUBLIC support for Catalan independence has grown as a result of the UK’s vote for Brexit, according to political experts. The number of Catalonians wanting independence is now at an all time high of 48%, compared with just 42% wanting to remain part of a united Spain, according to an El Pais survey. It marks the first time that a vote to split from Spain is in the majority. Political analysts are now putting the surge in support for Catalan independence down to Brexit. “Brexit has been the force for the EU to reveal its pragmatic side,” Albert Royo, secretary general of the Public Diplomacy Council of Catalunya said. “Brexit has shown the EU as willing to maintain a relationship with Britain despite its decision to leave. “That gives Catalan independence campaigners a boost.” Campaigns for similar EU-exit referendums have also gathered speed in France and Germany following Britain’s vote to leave.
TALKING GIB: Picardo on BBC Radio
Brexit ‘threat’ to Rock A ‘HARD’ Brexit would be an ‘existential threat to Gibraltar’s economic model’, Chief Minister Fabian Picardo has reiterated. The removal of access to the single market and freedom of movement for people would hit hard, Picardo said in an interview with BBC radio’s Today programme filmed at the top of the Rock. But Picardo is determined to ensure Gibraltar retains both as he continues discussions with UK political leaders, including Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. “The terminology of Remain and Leave is the terminolo-
gy of the referendum,” said Picardo. “We are in a different world. “Gibraltar is looking at what type of participation we can have in the EU once the UK has decided what its Brexit looks like.” Picardo is not worried about joint sovereignty of the Rock as the price for ensuring continued access to the single market. “We’re not worried,” said Picardo. “For 312 years Gibraltar has been British. For most of those 312 years there has been absolute freedom of movement between Gibraltar and Spain.”
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GOLF
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Easy Ryder
August 31st - September 13th 2016 August 31st - September 13th 2016
AFTER outshining compatriot Sergio Garcia at the Rio Olympics, Rafael Cabrera-Bello has bagged himself a place at the Ryder Cup. Both Spaniards have been selected for the nine-man team, which also includes GB Olympic gold medalist Justin Rose. Shooting a seven-under-par round on day one at the Wyndham Championship in North Carolina, USA, Cabrera-Bello secured a late place on Europe’s Ryder Cup team. He was on the borderline of earning selection, with the top nine ranked players making the team automatically before captain Darren Clarke adds three more picks. “Rio was the first time I was really not playing for myself, just playing for my country and obviously it’s a huge honour but also a big responsibility, I wanted to do good and I was pleased with my result,” Cabrera-Bello told reporters. “I would have wanted to win a medal but given how it turned out it was a very good week.” He added: “The aim now is to play as well as possible for the Ryder Cup side.”
COMING TO THE COAST: Michele Wie eyes up Spain
Top female players on course for Costa del Sol Open PROUD: Rafael makes European team
Why does it always rain on me? A BRITISH pensioner is seeking legal action after a golf equipment supplier landed him in a water hazard. Anthony Medley is taking action after being ‘sold a dud’ golf cart from an eBay seller. The keen golfer bought a ‘waterproof’ Ogio cart - manufactured in Spain - from Style my Golf Ltd. However, to his astonishment, he and his clubs were both drenched in a downpour while out on a Nottinghamshire course. “I wanted a waterproof cart, the description did not specify so I called before buying and was assured that it was,” said Medley. “When it ar-
rived I did not see any tags saying it was even showerproof but I still believed what I was told. However, in January the rain poured while I was out on the course and everything got soaked.” He added: “I wasn’t happy at all and called them. They appeared very surprised and said they would look into it. Once I had made several more calls to them they finally sent me a returns label and said it would be tested.” After returning the cart, Medley was promised a ‘waterproof’ replacement would be sent from Spain. However after examining the manufacturer’s website he soon realised that no such cart existed.
WORLD-CLASS female golfers are heading to the Costa del Sol’s fairways. The return of the Andalucian Costa del Sol Open will see the likes of Lydia Ko and Michele Wie go head to head. Broadcast to more than
100 countries, the prestigious championships will be played at Aloha Golf
Different strokes SPAIN’S golfers have returned home from the Olympics empty-handed. Sergio Garcia had been tipped for a medal in Rio after a number of highprofile players - including world number one Rory McIlroy - pulled out of the competition. Great Britain’s Justin Rose took gold, Swede Henrik Stenson claimed silver and USA golfer Matt Kuchar took third place on the rostrum. Garcia finished nine points off the lead in eighth place overall, with compatriot Rafael Cabrera-Bello just missing out on a medal in fifth place.
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Birdies flock in Club from September 2225. Andalucia’s Minister
of Tourism and Sport, Francisco Fernandez, described it as a ‘highlight of the year’ to host the competition. “We are delighted to welcome the Ladies European Tour to Europe’s leading golf destination,” he said. “The Costa del Sol is a heaven for golfers, millions of visitors flock to Andalucía annually to experience the top-notch golf courses and whitesand beaches in yearround warm weather.
Exciting
“This exciting tournament will bring together the world’s best golfers so that fans and participants may enjoy the great beauty of the sport in an incomparable setting.” More than 100 golfers are set to take part in the tournament.
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Speedy rider MOTOGP rider Cal Crutchlow claimed victory at the Czech Republic Grand Prix, becoming the first Brit to win a MotoGP race in 35 years. Spain’s Marc Marquez remains 53 points ahead of the pack in the overall standings and is on course for his second title in three years. Crutchlow’s win was the first for a British rider since Barry Sheene in 1981. The British GP race takes place at Silverstone on September 4.
BLAZING: Crutchlow
August 31st - September 13th 2016 August 31st - September 13th 2016
Show off
FLASHY: Ronaldo’s motor
British cars stolen in southern Spain used by drug smuggling gang
CRISTIANO Ronaldo has been showing off his new €1.5 million car in Spain. The Real Madrid player posted photos of his new Bugatti Veyron with his son at the wheel. ‘My prince loves the car!’ he wrote. The 31-year-old treated himself to the supercar following his historic EURO 2016 win in July. He later took a selfie with his son in the back seat before taking him on a whistlestop tour of Madrid’s ice cream parlours.
Nipped in the bud
A MAJOR cannabis-smuggling ring that used stolen British cars to transport drugs from Spain to the UK has been smashed. Among those arrested in the joint operation between Spanish and UK police are 12 Brits, nine Spaniards and a German. Largely based on the Costa del Sol and the Costa Blanca, the gang would load up the stolen vehicles in Spain before driving through France and on to the UK via the Channel Tunnel. Cars stolen in the south of Spain would
BUSTED: Smuggling operation
Motorcycle diary TOWIE hunk Pete Wicks has been flaunting his chopper skills in Ibiza. The 26-year-old let his trademark biker hair down during a calendar photoshoot after burning rubber around the party island, Easy Rider-style. Flying back to Brentwood after a week’s stint on the ‘white isle’, Wicks will begin filming for the latest series of TOWIE in September.
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be taken to Barcelona to ‘cool off’ for a few months before being used in drug runs. Each car would transport around 100 kilos of cannabis concealed in speciallyadapted secret compartments. In total, around 300 kilos of cannabis has been impounded plus some €240,000 in cash. Some cars not used for smuggling were sold on in other countries, including Portugal and Italy, police investigators said.
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Transit man A BRITISH man has collected more than 6,000 transit van models since he was inspired by a trip to Spain 40 years ago. Peter Lee, from Buckinghamshire, bought his first life-sized transit van to travel around Spain for 13 months ‘as a hippie’. The experience fuelled the former Ford Transit assembly line worker to start his own collection. He has since amassed 7,000 items of transit van memorabilia including toy vans, cookie jars and stress balls. He displays the quirky collection in a purpose-built museum on the top floor of his home.
MAMMOTH: Collection
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Columnists
34 As Spain settles back to normality after the hectic summer season, blame the craziness on Caligula
E
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August 31st - September 13th 2016 August 31st - September 13th 2016
VER since the Roman soothsayer Thrasyllus told Caligula he had no more chance of becoming Emperor than of riding a horse across the Gulf of Baiae, man has travelled to distant lands in search of sun, sea and sand. Emperor Augustus may have given the hottest, most hassle-fraught month of the year its name but he’s not to blame for why you can’t get anything done in Spain, in August. It was the emperor who slept with his sisters, and made his horse a consul, who started the trend that brings traffic chaos to our roads, bodies to our favourite beaches and a general meltdown in anything that might pass for ‘service’ in Spain. Caligula had a bridge built across the gulf, rode across it in a splendid gold cloak and subsequently became Emperor, not only giving Thrasyllus the double finger and ruining the fortune-teller’s career but also establishing Baiae, in Italy, as the first known holiday resort. Excavations reveal sulphur baths and elaborate villas with mosaic swimming pools (remind you of anywhere close by, beginning with M)? There was even a casino. What went on there, historians can only surmise but Seneca the Younger penned a moral epistle on Baiae and Vice, describing the spa town
A Brief History of Holidays as a ‘vortex of luxury’ and a ‘harbour of vice’ not unlike Club Med, a couple of millennia later. Hailed as ‘2016’s must-do’ by internet travel sages, there’s nothing ground-breaking about the Camino de Santiago, trodden by pilgrims since the 9th century. And as Chaucer’s ribald Canterbury Tales illustrate, pilgrimages were a ‘holiday’ from the hardships of medieval life, in ‘holy day’ clothing. And just like modern tourists, pilgrims bought souvenirs (holy relics), obtained credit from foreign banks (money-changers) and took cruises. Early Santiago pilgrims from England booked passage on medieval wine ships bound for Vigo. Gap years? Flashpacking? Old hat. It’s been ‘the thing’ for the offspring of well-off families to take off on an ‘educational’ Grand Tour of Europe since the 17th century. The itinerary crossed the English Channel to Paris (history of art lectures for young ladies, French kissing for
VACATION: Historic holiday lover
young men), via the frescoes of Florence and the fleshpots of Rome to Greece to consult
Port of Abuse B Why Banus is on my banned list for summer
Y now, gentle reader, you should have survived another summer in southern Spain and be looking forward to September. It’s one of my favourite times of year as you check on friends, ring around your neighbours, restock on supplies and venture cautiously out in public, now that the madding and maddening hordes have gone. I imagine that survivors of earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and tidal waves have pretty much the same routine. But as we head towards autumn, ‘season of mists and mellow fruitfulness’ (and somewhere to park the car), I thought I’d reflect on what I’ve learned from the summer of 2016 which boils down to one guiding principle: stay out of Puerto Banus. I have a love/hate relationship with the ‘Port of Abuse’, as it’s where I spent my early teenage years (before moving on to full scale debauchery in Marbella’s Puerto Deportivo. My favourite bar there – which is still going – was called Locos, so I think you can draw your own conclusions). The Puerto Banus of the 80s (laidback and bohemian) and the Port of Abuse of today, with its TOWIE tsunami, are entirely different creatures. The Hottie Hippy had family over from the UK, however. So I felt duty bound as Unofficial Goodwill Ambassador of Marbella (I’ve been looking for a new role since I stopped being ‘The Voice of Brexit’ on UK Break-
fast TV ) to do the tourist thing and take them on a tour of Banus. In hindsight, it may have been an unwise move to do this slap bang in the middle of August. Puerto Banus was packed. Not just with TOWIE wannabes – and there are such poor unfortunate souls, trust me – but also the super wealthy. You know that you are in Marbella when you see more Lamborghinis than Minis, with the former sporting Kuwaiti number plates and seemingly being driven by teenagers. Stepping nimbly out of the way of the speeding supercars, the pavements were no safer. This summer’s must-have toy is the hoverboard and the pedestrian thoroughfare was heaving with the damn things, all being inexpertly piloted by overweight Middle Eastern kids. After having my clipped for the fifth time, then almost flattened by two kids on a Segway on a pedestrian crossing, I admitted defeat and slithered back up to my lake. “Wake me up when September ends,” I yelled over my shoulder, making a mental note not to try that again in a hurry.
oracles and study sculpture under amorous Athenians. They travelled with horses, carriages, servants and a tutor-chaperon known colloquially as a ‘bear-leader’, and never went anywhere without their trusty Baedeker – the Rough Guide of its time. Thomas Cook organised the first package tour in 1841: 570 temperance campaigners paid one shilling each for a return rail ticket from Leicester to a rally in Loughborough, 11 miles away, including entertainment, food and temperance beverages. Sounds like a fun do. One hundred and nine years later, Russian Vladimir Raitz of Horizon pioneered the package air holiday abroad, offering two-weeks camping in Corsica for £32.10s, advertising ‘meat and win with ALL meals’ – a banquet in the days of British post-war rationing. Back-packing? Voluntourism? Your parents and grandparents were doing that back in the Sixties: kibbutzing in Israel, promoting peace, love and flower power on the hippie trail to San Francisco or following the Silk Road out East to build monasteries, meditate transcendentally and drop acid. Space tourism is something new. A flight on Virgin Galactic, costs US$250,000 but it would be worth it to escape Spain’s orbit in August and put ‘crazy month’and my excitable Irish temperament at a safe distance.
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FOOD PORN: Lobster dish
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HERE are not many great meals that start with a picnic. But at Bilbao’s Azurmendi lunch begins in an unusual glass atrium, contemplating a rather twee basket that has suddenly been thrust in front of us. Inside is a leprechaun's picnic of tiny caipirinha balls, an eel sandwich and a spread of edible flowers on a ‘garden vegetable cake’ of hazelnut, chocolate and foie. Changing by the month and washed down with a fabulous glass of ice cold flinty Txakoli, this is the way that chef Eneko Atxa likes to welcome the fortunate guests that are able to get a reservation at his creative three-Michelin star cathedral of dining. A restaurant inspired by the environment, by its own surroundings and, very much, with an eye on sustainability, Azurmendi - voted 16th best in the world, by Restaurant magazine - is about as far from the conventional meal as I have ever tried. As much a social function as a place to fill up, Azurmendi uses geothermal heating, collects its own rainwater, has a fascinating seed bank on the roof, grows most of its own vegetables, and even makes its own wine. In short; this is an education, as much as an adventure. Like a visit to Charlie’s chocolate factory we are soon spirited away from the lobby picnic to another room filled with wonderful foodie creations. Here, a small group of culinary scientists proffer us a mixture
Life’s a picnic
As Spain’s top chef Eneko Atxa opens in London, Jon Clarke checks out the green and wacky world of his three-Michelin star Basque restaurant Azurmendi of amuses bouches including white balls of asparagus powder inspired by cotton, a dish of porcini, shiitake and oyster mushrooms grown in situ and a type of sweet corn milk, dubbed morokil. Next up we find ourselves in the corner of the giant kitchen, where 25 chefs from as far and wide as Korea, Mexico and even that celebrated corner of cuisine Albania, go about their business in the most calming, Zen-like fashion. This is everything that Gordon Ramsay isn’t, with all the chefs collectively welcoming us with the Basque word for hello agur - as we enter. It is a full half an hour before we are actually sitting down in the delightful cube-like dining room, with its clean lines, slate floors and acres of glass
and wood. Everything maximises the classic Basque countryside, the rolling green hills, stands of trees and, of course, the inevitable clouds that bob around in the distance, this being Spain’s wettest region. “It rains 130 days a year here and that shapes your personality,” Eneko, 39, tells me, before revealing how many of his dishes are inspired by rock music, quite a few by British bands. “Each plate has a different song and I come up with them at home before working on them here.” He doesn’t want to be specific, but admits he is a fan of Led Zeppelin, as well as the Prodigy and the Chemical Brothers. “But I am also heavily influenced by the Basque rock bands of the ´80s,” he adds. Passionate and enthusiastic about the environment, it is little surprise that Azurmendi has won prizes for
BACKDROP: Rolling green landscape and (above) a crab dish
Azurmendi 944 558 866
Sherry pricey! A SPANISH sherry has been valued as the most expensive wine in the world - and you’ll need a stiff one to get over the price. A bottle of Versos 1891 Amontillado from Sanlucar de Barrameda costs a cool €9,300- enough to make the vicar choke on his thimbleful. Barbadillio, the family-owned brand behind the rare vintage, has released just 100 limited edition bottles. The 19th century tipple has been hailed tops for its intense nutty flavour. It comes dressed to kill in a handmade crystal decanter, packaged in an exclusively-designed leather box made in the Andalusian town of Ubrique, famed for its flourishing leather industry.
email: info@azurmendi.biz
LEPRECHAUN´S DINNER: The picnic starter
sustainability. He is heavily influenced by the region and learnt a lot from the local masters, including Martin Berasategui and Juan Mari Arzak, and credits both his parents and grandmother as influences. This all comes over with the main meal that starts with his famous truffled egg dish (left), which could be the most delicious mouthful I have ever eaten. This is followed by easily one of the most beautiful; spider crab served with a Bloody Mary infusion (far left), which starts as a Monet and ends as a Jackson Pollock. Next up comes the most amazing roasted lobster, out of its shell on a bed of herbs and chive. This is food porn of the most explicit… not to mention luxurious. Indeed, of the seven main courses that follow, each is as rich as it is creative. There is roast suckling pig and even a cauliflower dish with fried eggs and truffle that tastes amazing. By the time the roasted duck comes I have run out of superlatives. Thank god there is a meaty 2008 Rioja Contino to keep it in its place. The only real disappointment are the puddings, which sort of drift in and out without fanfare and are hardly worth a mention. Wine-wise the advice was superb and it is impossible to fault the service, which is easily worthy of three Michelin stars. Eneko, if London doesn’t fall for you, then I’m a leprechaun… and please come south!
STAR: Jon meets Eneko
INVENTIVE: Seed bank and sweetcorn milk
Barrio Legina, s/n, 48195 Larrabetzu (Lezma)
Cockroach milk? Pull the udder one! Raising the bar BELIEVE it or not, cockroach milk could be the superfood of the future. An international team of scientists has sequenced a protein crystal located in the midgut of the world’s most reviled bug that is four times as nutritious as cow’s milk. Researchers believe it could prove vital in feeding the world’s growing population. Unlike most cockroaches the Diploptera Punctate species, the only one to give birth to live young, pumps out a type of ‘milk’ containing protein crystals to feed its offspring.
But scientists won’t be hooking up millions of mother cockroaches to milking machines. They plan to replicate the crystals in the lab. “The crystals are like a complete food, they have proteins, fats and sugars. If you look into the protein sequences, they have all the essential amino acids,” said Sanchari Banerjee, one of the team. Another vital factor is that this dense source of calories and nutrients is time released.
As the protein in the milk is digested, the crystals release more protein at an equivalent rate, to continue the digestion. “If you need food that is calorifically high, time released and complete, this is it,” said Subramanian Ramaswamy, who led the project. It is hoped the superfood can help combat malnutrition in Third World countries and in times of food shortage.
MORE bars opened than closed in Spain in 2015 for the first time in seven years, new figures have revealed. Spain has around 260,000 bars, or one for every 175 of its inhabitants, more than any other country in the world. It seems Spaniards are raising a toast to their economic recovery by indulging in wine, coffee and tapas. “Consumption has been one of the main growth drivers and this will be the case during the second half of the year,” said Yvan Mamalet, senior Euro-area economist at Societe Generale SA in London. Falling prices are also thought to be helping households have a little left over for a cana or two.
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Food, drink & travel
August 31st - September 13th 2016
British expat Lorraine Ereira’s life was turned upside down when her husband was diagnosed with cancer. But instead of falling apart, the feisty former sports therapist from Benalmadena embarked on a life-changing journey to discover what doctors and dieticians never told her: how
the disease can be fought with natural medicine and nutrition. Now in an exclusive excerpt from her new cookbook, Love and Wheatgrass, Olive Press readers can share her inspirational story of love, hope and courage, and the recipes that brought her husband back from the brink.
How we beat Cancer The C-word
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K KOKOMO RESTAURANT, GARDEN & GRILL
NCE, a long time ago, I climbed a mountain. It was hard, really hard, but I persevered and finally I reached the summit. And when I got there, I found the most amazing thing: that all the time I’d been climbing, pushing onwards and upwards, someone else had been climbing up the other side! I hadn’t known at the time that he was there, but when I reached the top and saw him, from that moment I knew that it wasn’t just my mountain anymore: I would share it forever with this man. We travelled on together then, and even though the journey got harder and much more dangerous, as we walked along our path we had each other. We held each other, never letting go. Sometimes one of us would stumble but the other always stopped the fall. There was one point on our journey where my man lost his footing, his feet slipping on uneven AUTHOR: Ereira with Love ground and he almost fell into the abyss be- and Wheatgrass, available on low. He hung onto a ledge, his fingers grasping at whatever they could find; but, I too had Amazon a hold of him, and I would not let go. It took nearly all my strength, with my back aching and my arms burning with the effort of holding his weight, but with sheer determination I held on tight and, with my help, he scrambled back onto the path, shaking with relief and falling into my arms with exhaustion. Then our path became much smoother, and we walked on level ground, laughing together as we enjoyed the beauty of the vistas around us. We even ran sometimes. Our love grew stronger every day: we were united in its strength. So when one day the clouds turned black, covering the sky, blocking the sun, so that for a moment we couldn’t see the path, I wasn’t ready. Fumbling in the darkness I found his hand, but his grip had no strength, his fingers lacking somehow. Something was wrong. I searched for my boys and finding them I held them close, needing their strength to fight once more for my man.
We walked into an annexe at the back of the hospital. That was good, I thought. It wasn’t a cancer wing or anything sinister, just an assessment unit. The waiting room was a large, open space with abstract art on the walls in garish colours – not very relaxing, but I suppose it was quite cheery, if you like that sort of thing. I sat there holding Saul’s hand and absently thumbing through a magazine. It seemed to be a long wait and the room was mainly empty, so I couldn’t really see why. I was sitting next to a glass door that opened onto a small patch of grass. Movement at the window caught my eye, and I turned to see a magpie – just one, on his own, looking at me beadily. I raised my hand to salute him, always superstitious, but before I could touch my brow he was gone. ‘Saul Hammond’, called an austere voice from behind us. We stood and walked into a tiny, cramped room at the back of the clinic. Two men sat there: the one who had called us had grey hair, and glasses perched on his nose; the other was a younger man with dark hair who smiled as we entered and offered his hand in greeting. “I’m Mr Southerland, Consultant Surgeon, and this is my registrar,” said the older man, waving towards the younger without looking up from his desk. “You’ve had several tests done I see, and you have cancer. It’s a secondary lesion, a squamous cell carcinoma,” he continued without pausing for breath, looking up or even giving us time to take on board the news that Saul had cancer! “What? Cancer, Saul’s got cancer?” I said stunned. Saul gripped my hand and calmly replied, “Can you please explain, Mr Southerland?”
Taking charge
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I dropped Saul off in the morning, and when I went back, he was sitting up in bed drinking the soup I had made for him. I didn’t want him to have any of the hospital food. His diet was the one thing I had control over, and I would make damn sure nothing bad went in. I was more determined now than ever to look after him the best way I knew how. His body was already being traumatised, and being filled with horrible drugs – the least I could do was to keep the food he ate as natural and healthy as possible. I had stopped the Vitamins C and E supplements the day before he started his chemo properly. The hospital had asked us not to mega dose with antioxidants, as there was some evidence that it might interfere. I had never found research to back this up. In fact, I had read research to the contrary, stating that it could not only help the patient cope with the side ef-
fects but may actually improve the effects of the chemotherapy. With the benefit of hindsight, I now firmly believe that supportive anti-oxidants are not only beneficial but critically important. But at the time I had been advised by Jason to listen to the doctors on this one, and I was still afraid of doing the wrong thing. However, although I had cut the antioxidant mega doses, I had started him on wheatgrass. I had learnt that wheatgrass is 70% chlorophyll and has a very similar chemical structure to haemoglobin: it helps to cleanse the blood, improving its oxygen supply, and is also packed with enzymes, vitamins and minerals. It has been shown to help many patients, even the terminally ill ‘10’. It is also a good source of magnesium, and Dr Wick had told us that the treatment (Cetuximab) depleted magnesium so I want-
ed to stay on top of this. I gave Saul live organic wheatgrass, which I had specially delivered frozen every month. In addition, he was taking reishi mushroom 11 in liquid form to help with his immune function and increase his chances of responding to conventional treatment; milk thistle to help his liver cope with the extra toxicity; a probiotic to keep his digestive flora healthy; and coconut water to help maintain electrolyte balance in the body (another side effect of Cetuximab was its effect on electrolytes). He was also still taking his digestive enzymes and the IP6 with inositol daily, and drinking vegetable smoothies with spinach, broccoli, avocado, beetroot, hemp oil and apple cider vinegar. I’m not going to pretend he liked it, he didn’t, not one bit, but he took it, every drop, every pill, every day, because he knew that his body was going to need all the help it could get.
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with DINING SECRETS of www.theolivepress.es ANDALUCIA.com
Recipes and remedies Breakfast Smoothie
• Kale, spinach, watercress, rocket (choose at least two) • Sprig of parsley • 1 small avocado (or banana for a sweeter smoothie) • Juice and zest of an orange • Handful of blueberries • Ground nuts (almond, brazil, walnut) • Seeds (sunflower, pumpkin) • 2 wheatgrass pods • 2 tbsps hemp or flax oil • Reishi mushroom drops • ¼ cup coconut water • 10 drops milk thistle Blend and enjoy.
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CONGRATULATIONS August 31st - September 13th 2016
SUE!!!
This isn’t the year I’d been hoping for Problems to deal with, bills galore Spending my days feeling fraught and stressed What I’d love right now is to escape and rest Saw Molino del Santo in Olive Press It couldn’t help but to really impress Tucked away in the mountains the perfect spot I read the reviews, it’s top of the lot Renowned for food that is really fine My hubby and I both love to dine Faultless service, boutique hotel Could I be the winner, time will tell? Time has told... and Sue Brick and Hubby from Mijas now know that she did win Molino del Santo’s recent prize competition and will soon be spending a night at the hotel and enjoying an evening meal on the house too. 20 lucky people also won vouchers to spend at the hotel or restaurant. See, not all competitions are fixed!
MOUNTAIN APOLOGIES Here at Molino del Santo in Benaoján Station near Ronda we are: SORRY that we are so busy that we have had to turn away lots of people in both hotel and restaurant.... Please book as early as you can SORRY for anyone on a diet, that our food is so tempting and good. Treat yourself - you’ll be pleased you did. SORRY that we are not closer to many of our customers - but the journey is worth the effort Thai Fish Cakes • 1 large clove garlic • 1cm fresh root ginger • Large sprig fresh coriander • Zest of a lime • 1 medium red chilli • 75g creamed coconut • ½ small red pepper • Fish fillets (either wild salmon or unsmoked,
undyed haddock) • Himalayan salt and black pepper Place garlic, ginger, coriander, lime zest, chilli, coconut and red pepper into blender and process to a smooth paste. Make into flat patties and toss in a little buckwheat flour. Heat coconut oil until hot, then lower heat before cooking fishcakes to a pale golden colour (about 30 secs– 1min each side). Serve with a green salad, and baked brown rice with onions
Salmon and Avocado Wraps • I small piece of lightly steamed (and cooled) wild salmon • ½ ripe avocado • 2 tbsps organic mayonnaise • ¼ cup green olives • 2 tbsps diced green chilies • 1 spring onion • 2 large leaves of lettuce (or your favourite green!) Cut olives in half and remove stones, and finely chop spring onion. Mash the avocado until it’s a creamy consistency and then mix with mayonnaise. Mash the salmon and add along with olives, spring onion, and diced green chillies to the avocado-mayo mixture. Place one scoop of salmon and avocado mix into a large leaf of lettuce, wrap, and enjoy!
SORRY that the train ride to us is so spectacular - your eyes will be assaulted with beauty SORRY for you if you’ve not been able to visit us yet - ask around for reassurance, we are well-known after 30 years. SORRY that we are addictive. So many people return for a regular fix of Molino magic. SORRY that we are only open until the 2nd of November 2016 plan your visit soon. (We re-open Mid March 2017) “This is the perfect spot for a break from the crazy coast.” JL 20-08-16 “Our first visit - but definitely the first of many.” RB 20-08-16 “Our favourite spot in the world.” M&P 20-08-16
WHEN ARE YOU VISITING MOLINO DEL SANTO? Contact reception - info@molinodelsanto.com or call 952167151 TODAY! Mention The Olive Press for special readers’ offers.
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More information of any kind e-mail
info@molinodelsanto.com
www.molinodelsanto.com | info@molinodelsanto.com | 952 16 71 51 ESTACIÓN DE BENAOJÁN, NEAR RONDA, MÁLAGA
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Food, drink & travel
WINE LOVER: At a taster
restaurant | lunch and dinner
August 31st - September 13th 2016 August 31st - September 13th 2016
Grape, rattle and roll!
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HE Costa del Sol and Gibraltar go crazy for grapes in September. From stomping to tasting, the small circular berries are celebrated and honoured with numerous festivities at this time of the year. Two of the most memorable annual events are the Manilva Grape Festival and the Gibraltar Wine Festival, where days are spent with international and local wine fans taking in the customs of a harvesting tradition, steeped in Spanish-Andalucian culture. Dating back to the 16th Century, the ‘Vendimia’ harvest festival in Manilva starts with a Mass before the Virgin is processioned through town in the early hours of the morning. The Virgin is then presented with Manilva’s very own sweet ‘moscatel’ grapes, before celebrations begin which eventually end in an evening of flamenco dancing, brass bands and food. Manilva took up winemaking as its main economic activity after the Spanish Civil War because of its ideally-suited climate and soil. As well as making the sweet dessert wine, the moscatel grapes are also dried on the hillsides to produce the famous ‘Malaga raisins’. And it now has another claim to fame; the only
Seasoned wine-lover Samantha Mordi unearths a couple of juicy local festivals
wine produced on the Costa del Sol calls Manilva home. Argimiro Martinez, the man behind Nilva wine, says his tipple is the first official local wine to be sold in restaurants and shops. Grown and fermented in a miniscule vineyard overlooking the Mediterranean, the dry fruity wine does more than wash down tapas. It’s also seen as a way to boost tourism in the area. “I believe we can attract a new cultured crowd to Manilva, aside from the traditional beach tourism,” claims Martinez. An estimated six million people come to Spain for wine tourism each year, but the ancient beverage is just as popular in Gibraltar. The Rock recently saw the birth of its very own Wine Festival, which includes private tasting sessions, talks from vineyard owners and a barbecue as well as the main bash, featuring over 80 different international wines. Now in its fourth year, the event pulls in over
5,000 attendees with local musicians ensuring punters have something to groove to after a few hours’ on the plonk. Host My Wines Gibraltar is expecting another great turn out. Festival first-timer and shop manager Lucy Martinez reveals: “Here in Gibraltar people are very involved, the majority of people pop in even if they are not drinkers, this event is really popular.” If that sounds like your cup of vino, then celebrations occur on September 2 in Gibraltar and in Manilva on September 5-6.
TOP FIVE WINES IN Andalucia
Spain produces some of the best wine in the world. Here are some of the finest Vinos in Andalucia. 1. PALO CORTADO TRADICION VORS This exclusive wine is aged for 32 years combining amontillado and the body of Oloroso. 2. LUSTAU VORS 30 YO This prestigious wine has a dark amber colour, with the scent on noble woods, a long finish and saline touches. 3. MANZANILLA SOLEAR BARBDILLIO WINERIES This elegant wine features chamomile, a pale yellow colour and is intense and dry on the palate.
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4.MANZANILLA SAN LEON HEREDEROS DE ARGUESO This wine is aged for 60 months, with a dry, wide and long finish. 5. AMONTILLADO 1890 VIEJISIMO FROM HEREDEROS TORRES BURGOS This wine is known for its amber colour,countersunk sharp aroma, complex sensations and large and powerful palate.
Sport
www.theolivepress.es First competitive cricket match between Spain and Gibraltar shows sport’s simple beauties, says Joe Duggan
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August 31st - September 13th 2016 August 31st - September 13th 2016
Breaking boundaries
HE first crack of willow against leather on August 20 signalled an historic moment in Spain and Gibraltar’s sporting history. Gibraltar’s maiden competitive cricket match against Spain took place in Stockholm in a World Cricket League Europe Division Two clash. Despite being bowled out for 91 (with Kierron Farray taking five wickets), Spain sneaked a nine-run win. The T-20 format is cricket’s shortest, but it marked a big step for the Rock’s first eleven - 90% of whom are Gibraltar born and bred - as manager Sunil Chandiramani explains. “Both countries have in fact met before in La Manga where we played a couple of friendlies a few years ago,” Chandiramani tells the Olive Press. “Both associations have a decent relationship with each other. They invited us and we travelled up to play a couple of friendlies in the past against Spain. “The Spain game was treated like the other four. We prepared the same and went out to win. “As it was the last game of the tournament, it could have had a slightly different edge to it as both sides could have been battling out for promotion in a winner-takes-all encounter.” Prior to the match, Allan Bacon, Interim Chairman of Spain’s cricket body International Espana, was unaware of any considerations outside the sporting arena.
TOGETHER: Gibraltar´s rugby team are battling for European recognition “Even with four players unfit we should be too good for Gibraltar,” he says. “We are part of the International Cricket Confederation (ICC) and so are Gibraltar. I doubt the Spanish government even knows the game is going ahead.” For some sports, however, arrangements have not been so straightforward or cordial. The 2013 decision to grant Gibraltar UEFA membership was a momentous occasion for the Rock’s football contingent. But it came with one crucial caveat.
“Gibraltar will not play qualifying matches with Spain,” said UEFA president Michel Platini at the time. “We also have this situation with Armenia and Azerbaijan.” Given the bitter 1988-1994 conflict between those two countries cost 6,000 lives and displaced over a million people, the two scenarios were hardly analogous. Nevertheless, UEFA acquiesced to Spain’s demands. When the draw arrived in February 2014, lo and behold, Gibraltar and Spain were
drawn together in Group C. But a switch as nifty as a Liam Walker turn saw Gibraltar quietly shifted over into Group D. It’s difficult not to see such a concession by UEFA as being at odds with its own values. On its website, UEFA states its aim is ‘to promote football in a spirit of unity, solidarity, peace, understanding and fair play, without any discrimination on the part of politics, race, religion, gender or any other reason’. Except where Spain and Gibraltar are concerned, it seems. Why should a Gi-
Sport news round-up Something special
Total refund
JOSE MOURINHO has revealed he received a huge offer from Spain when he departed from Chelsea last December. The 53 year old said he chose Manchester United because the English Premier League is ‘special’, before taking a dig at Spain’s La Liga.
REAL MADRID will TENNIS have to pay back state ROYALTY: funding in excess of €18 John million. The European CommisMcEnroe sion has ruled that the government will have to recover €18.4 million plus accrued interest that was handed to the club when the city’s mayor Alberto RuizGallardon was in power. The judgement read: ““The European Commission considers that Spain has illegally granted state aid to Real Madrid in contravention of Article 108, Paragraph 3, of the Maastricht Treaty.” Spain will have two JOHN MCENROE is coming to Marbella. months to present the The tennis legend will be playing in the Senior Master’s Cup at the total amountIfwith youinterhave a sports story, Resort. Puente Romano est to the EU and proof Joining the three-time Wimbledon champion will be Yannick contact newsdesk@theolivepress.es that it has ordered the Noah, Mats Wilander, Sebastien Grosjean and others. or call 0034 951 273 575 club to reimburse the The exhibition tournament will take place from September 22 - 24. funds. To purchase tickets call 902 400 222.
braltar football fan be denied the opportunity to see his or her team play Spain whereas a cricket fan is granted that right? Light heavyweight Kaelan Joyce says Gibraltar’s boxers don’t compete in international events in Spain. “We don’t compete in international events in Spain. We prefer to go to the UK in order to avoid any potential issues and also because we are British,” he told the Olive Press. Just six months ago, it was the turn of Gibraltar’s hockey fraternity to feel the petty wrath of Spanish government naysayers. Following a high-profile match between Gibraltar’s Grammarians Hockey Club and Spain’s Club Hockey San Fernando, Spain’s hockey authorities, the RFEH, instructed its members that no ‘clubs, teams, players, managers or referees’ were allowed to play in official or friendly matches against, or in, Gibraltar. The ruling came from the Spanish government’s sports department, the Consejo Superior de Deportes (CSD). “The reason is very simple,” a CSD spokesman told the Olive Press. “Gibraltar is not a state recognized by the United Nations or the International Olympic Committee.The rule applies to all federated sports, not only hockey.” The CSD eventually climbed down and overturned the ban on friendlies. But in theory, competitive games between Gibraltar and Spain are still not allowed. However, a match between Spain and Gibraltar is unlikely due to hockey’s ranking system, said Carl Rammage, president of the Gibraltar Hockey Association, explains.
Irony
“Here (in England) they want every club to compete,” he said, “not like in other countries, where the big clubs leave the rest behind.” Manchester United have been on a winning start under Mourinho, winning two out of two in the opening of the season. STAYING: Mourinho spurns Spain
My Golden boy! BARCELONA star Neymar Jr. has shared a snap of his son David Lucca on his fifth birthday holding his Olympic gold medal. The striker, who won gold for his country Brazil during the finals, said: “Congratulations Son ... May God bless you and light your way always. Daddy loves you.”
You cannot be serious!
FATHERLY LOVE: Neymar and son
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“Spain are currently at the Olympics and we are some way down from that level,” Rammage told the Olive Press. “So we’re unlikely to ever play them. “But it happened in the 1980s when the under-21s had to play Spain. The Spanish government said, ‘If you play Gibraltar we will stop your funding’.” In June, Spain’s rugby authorities were tackled by a court ruling, which annulled a 2013 vote blocking the Gibraltar Rugby Football Union (GRFU) from joining ruling body Rugby Europe. After that 2013 vote, Spain’s sports minister, Javier González Cancho, stated that ‘it’s good to see that in this case sport and politics have not mixed’. The irony of his remark appeared lost on him. Unfortunately for Canco, Rugby Europe’s general treasurer at the time, Spaniard Jose Maria Epalza, was reported to have given an unauthorised speech railing against Gibraltar’s membership. That speech led to June’s court victory for the GRFU, but as revealed in the Olive Press’s front-page story, Epalza’s lobbying cost Gibraltar membership in a vote last month.The battle for recognition in rugby’s corridors of power goes on. But courtrooms battles aren’t what excite sports crowds. And athletes want nothing more than to to test themselves against their opponent. Which is why Spain and Gibraltar’s cricket players pitting their wits against one another was a reason to celebrate the unalloyed purity of sporting competition. “Batters have been working on various aggressive and defensive shots and bowlers have been practising their skills,” Chandiramani said prior to the match. “We believe if we can out-field our opponents, it will help our chances.” Simple aims. The sort that define sport.
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Cat flew over the moon
Covering Andalucia with over 200,000 papers (130,000 digital) www.theolivepress.es
August 31st - September 13th 2016
and around 500,000 website visits each month…
Voted BEST expat paper in Spain FREE
No need for night bus A BRITISH tourist accidentally bought a €33,000 bus after a night of partying in the Ibiza club Ushuaia. The purchase is now in dispute.
FINAL WORDS
Good trade
SPAIN was one of the largest importers of Nigerian goods last year, taking €4bn of mostly oil and gas.
Rafa-lution
NEWCASTLE United football club have made red and yellow, Spanish inspired El Jefe hats in honour of their new Spanish manager Rafa Benitez.
In the red PUBLIC debt in Spain rose by €18.55 billion in June to reach a total of €1.11 trillion, the highest figure ever in absolute terms.
Vol. 10 Issue 247
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TAKING OFF: Dead cat strapped to drone
August 31st - September 13th 2016
The dare-diablo
THIS is the heart-stopping moment a man can be seen jumping on top of a dilapidated seaside church in Spain. A drone captured footage of the daredevil scaling the ruin in Los Realejos in Tenerife.
Vibrating with rage!
Catwoman
Holiday Brits outraged by sex toy vending machine
A BRITISH family looking for snacks got quite a surprise when they saw what was in the adjacent vending machine. Stuart Norris and wife Debbie, 42, had to shield their two daughters’ eyes when they noticed a machine full of sex toys and lubricants placed next to the one with fizzy drinks and crisps. The family were shocked to see the products available on a main road in seaside resort L’Estartit on the Costa Brava.
IS it a bird? Is it a plane? Or is it a stuffed former pet that has been turned into a drone? Thanks to dutch inventor Bart Jansen, it’s probably the latter. The solar panel fitter by day and taxidermist by night made his first creation when he was unwilling to bury his pet cat, Orville, in 2013. As a tribute he opted to create a custom quadcopter for him, with footage going viral online in Spain. Undeterred by criticisms which labelled the creations as ‘cruel’, Bart has since created the ‘Ostrichcopter’ and the unforgettable ‘Sharkjet’. His next project is his biggest yet, as he is hoping to create an animal-based aircraft capable of transporting a person.
“It is quite shocking, we had to hide the girls’ eyes when we realised what it was,” said Stuart, from Kent, “We’d only gone over to get a Wagon Wheel!” There was a big range of X-rated products on display, even including a blow up doll. Another parent, mum-of-four Louise Freeman, 47, also spoke of her shock at the sex toy machine, saying: “It’s not the sort of thing you expect to see in a family resort.”
A FORMER expat has spent thousands sending dozens of Spanish street cats back to the UK. Laura Inglis, 49, has splashed more than £8,000 on 41 furry friends rescued from her former hometown of Duquesa. The ex-Gibraltar project analyst is now based in Edinburgh at her 75-year-old mother’s house, alongside all 41 cats, having spent the money on passports, transportation and jabs. “The set up is not really suitable because I live in the city centre near busy roads,” said Inglis, who is hoping to raise £10,500 to pay for their
treatments. “I am now in the process of finding each of them a safe and loving home.” Laura spends £600 a month on food while the treatments the cats will need include extra blood tests and jabs which can cost £80 per cat.
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