Olive Press Newspaper – Issue 290 by Olive Press Newspaper Spain

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Vol. 12 Issue 290

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We’ve been through hell!

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KILL THE DRUG A SPANISH health network has warned its staff about a deadly painkiller that has left countless expats for dead. It comes after an Olive Press campaign into the drug Nolotil was picked up by a legal translator, leading to the ‘biggest’ drug probe in Spanish history. Marina Salud, which has dozens of health centres in Alicante, has issued a warning for staff to avoid giving Nolotil (Metamozil) to Anglo Saxon patients. It comes after the Denia-based group took heed that the drug can have serious side effects on patients, in particular from northern Europe. “We have issued a notice, not a ban, to preferably administer a different painkiller as a substitute,” a spokesperson told the Olive Press. Her body is expected to be the first of many to take a similar step around Spain. “It has been a long time in coming,” said campaigner Garcia del Campo, who has found up to 100 victims following on from our 1,000-strong Olive Press petition last year. Dose of reality p6

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EXCLUSIVE By Aleesha Hansel

A BRITISH couple have told the Olive Press about their ‘eight years of hell’ after losing more than €1 million in a mis-selling case by a Danish bank. Pensioners Eric, 70, and Mary Mould, 68, have slammed the ‘callous’ behaviour by staff at Nykredit and Sydbank after an appeal court finally awarded them almost €500,000 and allowed them to keep their home. The Marbella-based expats had been just days away from having their €1.7million villa repossessed, when the Malaga appeal court overruled an earlier victory for the banks. In the landmark ruling, the judge stated that neither en-

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Expats slam ‘callous’ bankers after dramatic appeal court ruling allows them to keep their home plus €500,000

MIS-SOLD: Nykredit and Sydbank duped Brit couple tity was authorised in Spain to offer an equity release mortgage in 2007. “It led to eight years of hell, but I was always confident justice would prevail,” Eric, 70, originally from Essex, told the Olive Press. “What I can’t believe is how

callous the bank staff were and how long it has all taken,” added the former film industry boss, who claims to have had two strokes as a result of the stress. “They showed absolutely no compassion and completely ignored any deals we offered

them. “They even came out of court laughing and joking when we all knew they were lying.” The Malaga appeal court found that the pair were missold their mortgage, the likes of which have been banned in the UK since the 1990s. The pair had initially wanted to release €150,000 of equity from their property, but were encouraged by the banks, working in tandem, to instead take out almost €1.2million. They were led to believe that around €1 million of this money would be invested by Sydbank through its Swiss branch. The investment would then return enough money to pay

off the original €150,000 loan. However, Sydbank mishandled the money and lost over half of the original investment, leading Nykredit - the biggest lender in Denmark - to call it in and force the Moulds to foreclose on their house to repay. After a long auction process, a winning bidder was just ten days from forcing them to register the property into their names, when the appeal judgement ruled the mortgage void. It was found that Sydbank was never registered to operate in Spain, despite an office in Fuengirola and that Nykredit had no authorisation from the Danish regulator to grant loans in Spain for investment purposes. Continues on Page 2

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crime

www.theolivepress.es NEWS IN BRIEF

Bad prank A YOUTUBER is facing up to two years in prison for filming himself giving Oreo cookies filled with toothpaste to a homeless man in Barcelona.

Man hunt THE Guardia Civil are searching for a Brit who seemingly abandoned his injured passenger after they plummeted 30 metres, landing near the Guadalmedina river on April 22.

Dark web FIGURES released by the Internet Watch Foundation, a charity that searches for and removes online child sexual abuse imagery, show a 37% increase in child sexual abuse URLs, with Europe hosting 65% of found websites.

Home at last A 54-YEAR-OLD man ‘stolen’ from his parents at birth by nuns in Valencia in 1964 has been reunited with his biological mother and four siblings.

By Elisa Menendez

A MURDER suspect accused of killing teenager Stephen Lawrence has been seen living the high life on the Costa del Sol. British fugitive, Jamie Acourt - who was one of five suspected of murdering Londoner Lawrence, 18, in a racially motivated attack - has been spotted in a series of top restaurants between Marbella and Mijas. Acourt, 41, features on Crimestoppers’ Most Wanted list over his alleged involvement in a €4.5 million cannabis smuggling ring. His brother, Neil, 42, is currently serving a prison sentence for other drugrelated crimes. “Acourt is enjoying the very lively nightlife. He rears his head every once in a while even though he knows cops are looking for him,” a source told a UK newspaper. The news comes on the 25th anniversary of the

Thug accused of killing UK teen ‘living the high life’ on the Costa del Sol

April 25th - May 8th 2018

Find him!

LAWRENCE: Life allegedly cut short by Acourt (right)

A PENSIONER has stabbed his daughter’s killer some 33 years after she was found dead in a well in Andalucia. Juan Jose Fernandez attacked Enrique Sanchez, his brother-in-law, who spent more than 20 years behind bars for the sexual assault and murder of Ana Isabel, 4. It is the third time Fernandez has attacked the killer since he was released from prison and returned to Granada.

tragic murder of Lawrence, who was stabbed by a gang of men as he waited at a bus stop in 1993. Theresa May announced April 22 as a day of national commemoration of the teen. It will take place every year. Acourt has always been accused of his involvement in the killing of the teen but has never faced trial. Two of his former gang members are currently in prison after being found guilty.

Father’s revenge He had previously tried to run him over with a car and attacked him in a bar. The disappearance of Ana Isabel was similar to the recent Gabriel Cruz case in Almeria. The girl disappeared on May 25, 1985, before the whole town participated in the

search operation, including the killer, Enrique. She was found dead in a well and police soon learned she had drowned after Enrique locked her down there after luring her away with sweets and attempting to rape her.

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We were conned From front

The court noted that even if the banks had been authorised, there was a lack of evidence showing full disclosure had been given to the novice investors. The judge deemed that the case was so serious that he awarded the Moulds the remaining €462,000 left from the initial investment. “They are just callous,” Eric continued on the bittersweet victory, which the banks are attempting to appeal in Brussels. “They are mercenaries that are not concerned with anyone’s health worries. I’d say I’ve had my two strokes because of this.” The funds are currently in an account in Switzerland however as Sydbank Switzerland has recently declared itself bankrupt no access has been granted. Eric said: “We are still waiting for things to settle down as Nykredit have raised an objection to the ruling.” He added: “However we have come through it as a family and if anything it has made us stronger.” The couples’ lawyer, Antonio Flores, of Lawbird, in Marbella, praised their strength. “They have been amazingly strong, in spite of the odds stacked against them at beginning of this procedure. As for the bank’s employees, they have and still behave with unbearable arrogance, without exception”.

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April 25th - May 8th 2018

Stranger things have happened GROWING up among the shifting, footloose population of the Costa del Sol has helped shape her into one of the most influential people in the world. Former expat actress Millie Bobby Brown, who lived for years near Marbella, has been named among Time Magazine’s top 100 most influential figures globally. The Stranger Things star, who was born on the coast, was cred-

Rest in peace HE has been a regular on the Spanish DJ circuit for years. So it will come as a shock to many that DJ Avicii has died aged just 28. The world-famous musician, real-name Tim Berling, died before a scheduled performance in Oman. The double-Grammy winner’s last performance was in Ibiza.

Revealed

The cause of the death has not yet been revealed, although he took a break in August 2016 citing health reasons. The Stockholm-native collaborated with many highprofile artists, including Madonna, Jon Bon Jovi and Robbie Williams.

ited for her ‘timeless spirit and mind’. Hollywood star Aaron Paul, of Breaking Bad fame, explained: “She somehow understands the human experience as if she has lived it for a thousand years.” Millie, who is a frequent visitor to the Costa del Sol, rose to superstar status playing Stranger Things’ Eleven, a telekinetic runaway from a government agency.

Shereen the machine Gibraltar doctor blasts fellow contestants on Bear Grylls show

treme conditions of the show, however, helped her campmates change their unhealthy lifestyles for the better. “I was shocked at how well their group did at surviving, because they were unfit and overweight,” she said.

A GIBRALTAR doctor has blasted her fellow contestants for entering a top TV show ‘overweight and unfit’. GP Shereen, 48, aka ‘Shereen the machine’, slammed the group appearing with her on The Island with survival expert Bear Grylls.

Hunter

Camp

SHOCK: Avicii was just 28 when he died

Shereen Saleh, who put herself through a ketogenic diet plan before arriving in the isolated Pacific location, said she had a head-start compared to her fellow participants, thanks to her familiarity with fasting and food restriction. The Channel4 show aims to highlight financial disparity between the two teams, with one group high-earning professionals, dubbed ‘Camp snob’ each taking home an average of £100,000 a year and the other, ‘Camp peasant’ all earning below

the UK average wage. Shereen, who was raised by nuns, said Camp peasant were not ‘fit enough’ to hunter and gather and complained of ‘missing their Maccy D’s’. The single mother-ofthree added that the ex-

“You could say they had bodily reserves but to be a hunter gather you need to work for your food, if you are not fit how can you hunt and gather?” “I personally think that the people who went on the island, it has benefited them. It is good to fast.” The Island with Bear Grylls, abandons 16 Brits on uninhabited islands in the Pacific where they have to fend for themselves. In the fifth series, two separate groups were abandoned at opposite ends of a remote uninhabited island in the Pacific Ocean.

we’re in ora UK singing sensation Rita Ora is to make a welcome return to the Gibraltar Calling festival. The star will make her second appearance at the MTV festival, having wowed the crowds in 2014. The two-day event on September 21 and 22 will also welcome Chase & Status, performing one of their now legendary DJ sets. “Gibraltar Calling will be a great show - we can’t wait to smash up the main stage this summer,” announced the pair. Scottish rock/pop band Texas will appear as part of their revival tour, alongside rockers America, 80s ska band Bad Manners and British glam rockers Sweet. The acts join Stormzy, Rag’n’Bone Man and Two Door Cinema Club, who are already confirmed. Tickets available at www.gibraltarcalling.com.

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Killing for money THE killing of thousands of animals at the notorious Parque Animal shelter had financial motives, a Malaga judge has confirmed. As first revealed by an Olive Press investigation five years ago, the nonprofit refuge, in Torremolinos, was used as a way to generate cash for boss Carmen Marin and her family. While Marin is now in prison for animal cruelty and falsifying documents, the inquiry moves onto her two children, her sonin-law and her assistant at the shelter. It is alleged Marin’s assistant spent more than €14,000 on a car, while her daughter spent €104,000 on a total refit of her cosmetic clinic is Los Alamos. Marin went on shopping sprees and used money obtained from killing the animals to rent cars, pay for gym memberships, driving lessons and stays at luxury hotels in Marbella, Lisbon, Marrakech and the US.

April 25th - May 8th 2018

Congrats winner!

Spanish judge makes a shock decision to release Simon Corner By Laurence Dollimore and Elisa Menendez

A MAN probed over the death of British expat Lisa Brown is to be released. Simon Corner will be allowed to go free after a Spanish judge shelved the investigation against the prime suspect in the murder case. Judge Garcia Ramila made the shock decision after Corner was arrested at London Heathrow airport after apparently going on the run. The judge acted after state prosecutors requested he ‘freeze’ his two-and-a-half year investigation. It comes after expat Corner made himself the subject of an arrest warrant after failing to regularly appear at San Roque’s court number 2 after being

FREED: Simon Corner to be released from London cell

SHAMBLES awarded bail. Before the shock decision, Lisa’s Brother Craig Douglas told the Olive Press: “We’d be flabbergasted and majorly disappointed if he doesn’t get bail again. We really can’t see that happening.” The 35-year-old will now be set free from his London cell where he had been held for a week. Meanwhile, five other suspects

Marbella train rejected A RAILWAY extension that would connect Marbella with Estepona has been rejected. The Platform for the Coastal Train, made up of various professional bodies and associations, claim that the proposed plans made little sense as they do

not provide a competitive alternative to private car or bus travel. Two alternative ideas have been put forward by the platform, including a 55km overground line, running parallel to the toll motorway with connections to Marbella and San Pedro.

in the case have also had their bail conditions lifted by the same judge. In a shocking 10-page ruling, the judge admitted he was legally obliged to take into account the lack of ‘concrete proof’ against Corner, but insisted he could still be tried if Lisa’s body is found or new evidence against him comes to light. The investigation into Lisa’s disappearance from Guadiaro, near Sotogrande, in November 2015, has revealed there was a violent struggle at the Scottish expat’s home, which she shared on and off with Corner. But Judge Garcia said: “This court has serious doubts that Corner is the person responsible for the crimes of homicide or unlawful detention being investigated.

WILLIAM Norton, 88, from Mollina, was one of our lucky competition winners to get a rucksack. The Geordie expat said: “Many thanks for this useful gift, the rucksack is great.” Take a look at the man himself who’s ‘happy as larry’ sporting his new favourite bag. More than 100 readers took part in the comp.

HAPPY: William with new foldable rucksack

902 123 282 *Offer ends 31/06/18. Not valid for renewals. Subject to conditions.

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no such thing as a free hug

UNDER FIRE: Cifuentes

She must still go! A LEADING politician has been forced to apologise after it emerged she faked her university degree. The PP President of the Madrid region, Cristina Cifuentes, has renounced her masters qualification and apologized to the university. In a grovelling U-turn she admitted she didn’t gain the Masters in public law. However, she insisted she had not ‘committed any illegal act’ in her letter to the dean of the Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (URJC), Javier Ramos. She confirmed she had renounced the certificate in a Twitter post, after her letter was leaked to the press. She insisted she still has the documents that prove payment of fees for the course, and blamed the university for ‘various administrative irregularities’.The embarrassing row came after she claimed she had merely ‘misplaced’ her degree certificate, when news broke that the regional leader had failed to complete the degree.

SPANISH police have warned of an increase in jewellery thefts using an ageold hugging trick. Police claim there has been a rise of criminals approaching victims on the street saying that they look identical to one of their relatives. By Laurence Dollimore

A LEADING human rights group has blasted Spain’s anti-terrorism laws after eight men were put on trial for terrorism after being involved in a bar brawl. The fight, which broke out in the Navarra region, saw two policemen and their partners injured.

Terrorism

But the eight defendants, aged 19-24, are facing up to 50 years in jail after they were charged under anti-terrorism laws. Amnesty International has slammed the charges, insisting the case should be dropped and investigated as a normal fight. “This is a blatant misuse of Spain’s counter-terrorism laws,” said campaigner Eda Seyhan. “While injuring people of course warrants criminal investigation, charges of terrorism are entirely inappropriate.”

They then proceed to give a hug them while slyly removing jewellery. “You are walking down the street and suddenly a stranger is super friendly with you and gives you a hug,” reads the warning, issued in Alicante. “Either because they ask you to help them find

somewhere, or because they say that you look just like someone they know! Don’t Fall For It! “They are delinquents who will steal your jewellery by means of the well-known hug method. “If it happens to you, do not hesitate to get in contact with the Guardia Civil.”

50 years for bar fight

Group charged under anti-terrorism laws for brawl in a bar involving police

She added that the case was ‘emblematic of the dangers that lurk within

April 25th - May 8th 2018

overly-broad and vaguely worded legislation’. Amnesty has long criticized Spain’s broad counter-terrorism laws and warned against amendments in 2015 that expanded the definition of terrorism. Since the fight broke out in a bar in Alsasua in Oc-

tober 2016, three of the accused have been in pretrial detention. The terrorism charge came about after one of the defendants made ‘terrorist’ threats, after telling the officers: “This is what you will get every time you come here”.

Bigger pizza the action SPAIN has a bigger economy than Italy - official. The country’s gross domestic product overtook that of Italy in 2017, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The IMF also predicts that Spain will become 7% richer than Italy over the next five years.

Fortunes

It is a massive rise given that only a decade ago Italy was 10% richer per capita. The numbers show the sharply different fortunes of two countries that were severely hit by the financial crash in 2007/8. While Spain is now one of the fastest growing countries in the EU, Italy is slacking. “Since the 16th century Italy and Spain keep overtaking each other — but they have something on us now,” said Carlo Alberto Carnevale Maffè, a professor at Milan’s Bocconi University. “Spain has been on a more robust growth trajectory since at least 2011.”

902 123 282 * Fu l l y co m p re h e n s i ve o f fe r v a l i d fo r n e w c u s to m e r s o n l y. Ty r e C o v e r a v a i l a b l e w i t h o p t i o n a l Tr a v e l A s s i s t a n c e . S u b j e c t t o c o n d i t i o n s . E n d s 3 1 / 0 6 / 1 8 .

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www.theolivepress.es Voted top expat paper in Spain

A campaigning, community newspaper, the Olive Press represents the huge expatriate community in Spain with an estimated readership, including the websites, of more than 500,000 people a month.

OPINION When will it end? WE have backed the search for Lisa Brown since its infancy and this latest installment in the tragedy has obviously affected the family and bought all their emotions back to the forefront. We all hope that one day closure can happen and that they will be given the full facts as to what happened on that fateful day. We will continue to support their efforts and raise awareness and wish them all the strength they can muster to get them through each day. Any expat who knows what happened to Lisa MUST come forward, and shame on those who know the truth but have kept their mouths shut and left the Brown family in the dark and without answers for years. Publisher/ Editor

Jon Clarke jon@theolivepress.es Head of SALES Sarah Adams sales@theolivepress.es Admin Maria Angeles Vázquez (+34) 951 273 575 admin@theolivepress.es

Newsdesk newsdesk@theolivepress.es Tel: (+34) 665 798 618 Laurence Dollimore laurence@theolivepress.es Elisa Menendez Elisa@theolivepress.es Joe Wallen joe@theolivepress.es Aleesha Hansel aleesha@theolivepress.es Designer James Partington design@theolivepress.es

Office manager Héctor Santaella (+34) 658 750 424 accounts@theolivepress.es Distribution Graham Warters distribution@theolivepress.es

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Dose of reality

KILL THE DRUG

FTER tragically claiming the lives of countless expats and tourists it seems the UK-banned drug, Nolotil, is finally coming under fire. Health network Marina Salud, Departamento de Salud de Dénia, has taken action to protect expats from the life-threatening side effects of the commonly prescribed painkiller. Marina Salud, based on the Costa Blanca, issued a warning to staff last week to avoid prescribing the drug - also known as Metamizol - to Anglo Saxon and Scandinavian patients where possible. The breakthrough move comes after an Olive Press campaign was followed up by an Alicante-based legal and medical translator, Cristina Garcia del Campo, who began to personally investigate the drug and took her findings to Spanish authorities. “There is a reason why British people are not given this medication in the UK and they should not be given it here either, unless they specifically want it,” she added. Since breaking the story last issue, the

In the last edition of the Olive Press, we broke the news of a fresh probe into the painkiller, Nolotil. Now we speak to relatives of victims and campaigners about their hopes of regulating the lethal drug, writes Elisa Menendez

Within 24 hours she was in intensive care with her white blood cells at zero Olive Press has received numerous calls and Facebook messages from concerned expats who have been taking Nolotil. Many have now decided to stop. A 71-year-old man told the Olive Press he had been taking the painkiller for around six weeks following a road accident and had been feeling ‘very unwell’. The elderly man cares for his older brother and expressed his concerns about his own health. “I hope it’s not too late for me,” he said. It is for Londoner, Graeme Ward, who tragically lost his wife, Mary, 59, in 2006 after she was prescribed the drug following a double mastectomy at the Costa del Sol Hospital in Marbella. “Within 24 hours she was in intensive care, and her white blood cell count plummeted to zero within days,” explained Ward, a former computer technician, based in Marbella. Mary never regained consciousness and was on a life support machine for four months, before spending three years fighting the impact of the drug, which led to organ failure.

WAKING UP: Hospital de Denia has finally issued warnings over Nolotil Voted BEST

expat paper in Spain

Mijas Costa Vol. 11 Issue 271

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Save our home!

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EXCluSiVE By laurence dollimore

A BRITISH expat couple are fighting to save their Malaga home from demolition over a technicality. Gill and Bob Ward, both 74, have been locked in a battle with their town hall, which claims their house in Almayate is illegal. Just yesterday the retired couple from Cornwall were given

Continues on Page 8

August 2nd - August 15th 2017

EXCluSiVE By laurence dollimore

Voted

EXCLUSIVE: Poems from Gibraltar soldier locked up in Andalucia prison for murder

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gET in iT TO win iT!

THE Olive Press is giving away three conpairs of tickets for two of the best certs on the Costa del Sol this summer... simAnd all you have to do is answer two ple questions! an Michael Bolton takes to the stage for emotive end of season night at Marbella’s EstePuente Romano on August 10, while years in pona is set for its biggest rock concert with mammoth

Doctors and dentists join Olive Press appeal for ban on dangerous painkiller Nolotil

one month to knock down their only property (pictured above). In a court order seen by the Olive Press, the Wards are warned they will be held criminally responsible if they refuse. “I don’t know what to do anymore, I’m at the end of my tether” Gill told the Olive Press, “I’m totally exhausted from the whole ordeal.” The retired pair, who have now spent thousands of euros on legal costs, bought the old farmhouse ‘in ruins’ in 2004, and were given permission from Velez-Malaga town hall to rebuild it. But when the original wall collapsed of its own accord during construction, the Wards’ architect told them it would be fine and that he would let the town hall know. Unfortunately for

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Vol. 12 Issue 289 www.theolivepress.es April 11th - April 24th 2018

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and tribute bands Think Floyd, Deeper Purple hits Whole Lotta Led rocking out the greatest Zeppelin of Pink Floyd, Deep Purple and Led at the Plaza del Toros on August 26. to see For a chance to win a pair of tickets what year Bolton, just answer the question; was Michael Bolton born in? just For the Pink Purple Zep Fest in Estepona, Email tell us; Where was Jimmy Page born? Fest tickets ress.es. WIN WIN WIN: Bolton and Pink Purple Zep answers to the newsdesk@theolivep

Kill ThE drug

CAMPAIGNER: Cristina

olive Press medical campaign finally draws blood with Nolotil regulation close EXclUSiVE By Elisa menendez

AN Olive Press health campaign has led to ‘the biggest’

research drug probes in Spanish history. need for morein Marbella, fully supportsOur investigation into the mys-

Dr Nina King, of Oasis Dental Care the drug is not somethingterious deaths of expats from the campaign, telling the Olive Press the painkiller Nolotil last year, she prescribes. is finally being acted on. and standard medication,” “It’s not a drug I use, I stick to safe In a landmark breakthrough, it can do, it’s a drug she said, “And after seeing what damage a national probe is expected to I won’t be using in the future.” lead to new regulation of the Victoria María Chacón Marbella-based private doctor Dra. drug, which is banned in the “I don’t prescribe Almeda also agrees the drug is dangerous. UK and most of Europe. “I have lots of British pathe drug,” she told the Olive Press,capable of doing. “It has been a long time in comtients and I am aware of what it is ing and by raising so much impact.” its on research more lot a “There needs to be awareness, I am sure lives have already been saved,” medical The dad-of-two and legal translator Cristina doctor to get a later died from Garcia – del Campo told the Olive renewal in April, septic shock Press. be The medical professional tests showed the believed to found our 1000-strong petition drug had caused linked to taking online and took it forward after a toxic poisoning the Nolotil. one of her patients died from Britin his bone marAnother the drug. “Spain wants to help, wife, and Billy Smyth row and his white HAPPIER TIMES: Graham with ish expat Hugh Wilcox was preMetamizole, Nolotil is banned blood cell was again. UK, Ireland and dangerously low. the same the US, scribed the in if alive be RRP 3,000€ “He said she would for medication most of Europe, but it is pre- Billy, a keen she hadn’t taken it, but I have scribed widely in Spain. sportsman, develshoulder mild heard from dozens of Brits Irishman ‘Billy’ oped sepsis and William pain on the Costa and Irish who have been given Smyth was given a five-day necrotising fascidel Sol. it,” added Graeme. and Februresult a in as head itis drug course of the He developed severe It is the third victim of the ary. required ‘radical surgery’ to OUR PRICE drug the Olive Press has re- But when the 66-year-old re- remove the affected tissue in Continues on Page 2 his life. ported on in under a year. 1,200€ turned to a different Spanish an attempt to save Sometimes known also as

loomS TRAGIC: Graeme Ward with wife Mary (left) and Billy Smyth, who both died from Nolotil

that’s for sure. I have had support from every healthcare professional I have spoken to. “If I hadn’t come across your article I wouldn’t have realised what was happening to the English community,” she added. We launched our ‘Kill the Drug’ campaign against the painkiller last August, after learning that dozens of British and Irish expats had died after their immune systems were allegedly destroyed by the commonly prescribed drug. A trio of families told us how their relatives had died unnecessarily in excruciating pain. Yet, authorities refused to take our claims seriously, despite the evidence being backed up by local doctors. Fortunately, Ali-

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THE Olive Press is giving away three pairs of tickets for two of the best concerts on the Costa del Sol this summer... And all you have to do is answer two simple questions! Michael Bolton takes to the stage for an emotive end of season night at Marbella’s Puente Romano on August 10, while Estepona is set for its biggest rock concert in years with mammoth

Doctors and dentists join Olive Press appeal for ban on dangerous painkiller Nolotil EXCluSiVE By laurence dollimore

tribute bands Think Floyd, Deeper Purple and Whole Lotta Led rocking out the greatest hits of Pink Floyd, Deep Purple and Led Zeppelin at the Plaza del Toros on August 26. For a chance to win a pair of tickets to see Bolton, just answer the question; what year was Michael Bolton born in? For the Pink Purple Zep Fest in Estepona, just tell us; Where was Jimmy Page born? Email answers to the newsdesk@theolivepress.es.

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Dr Nina King, of Oasis Dental Care in Marbella, fully supports the campaign, telling the Olive Press the drug is not something she prescribes. “It’s not a drug I use, I stick to safe and standard medication,” she said, “And after seeing what damage it can do, it’s a drug I won’t be using in the future.” Marbella-based private doctor Dra. Victoria María Chacón Almeda also agrees the drug is dangerous. “I don’t prescribe the drug,” she told the Olive Press, “I have lots of British patients and I am aware of what it is capable of doing. “There needs to be a lot more research on its impact.” doctor to get a renewal in April, tests showed the drug had caused a toxic poisoning in his bone marrow and his white blood cell was dangerously low. Billy, a keen sportsman, developed sepsis and necrotising fasciitis as a result and required ‘radical surgery’ to remove the affected tissue in an attempt to save his life.

The dad-of-two later died from septic shock – believed to be linked to taking the Nolotil. Another British expat Hugh Wilcox was prescribed the same medication for mild shoulder pain on the Costa del Sol. He developed severe head Continues on Page 2

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Nolotil, or Metamizol, is still one of the most popular painkillers in Spain, yet the most feared side effect is agranulocytosis, a severe and rapid drop in white blood cells, which leaves patients unable to fight infections. Garcia del Campo noticed that a large number of other English

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locytosis, necrotizing fasciitis and sepsis, they are considered ‘very rare’ affecting one in every 10,000. The figures did not seem to add up to Garcia del Campo so she set about doing her own research. However, no information existed in Spanish media. The only articles she could find on the drug and its lethal side effects was in the Olive Press. “I was in disbelief,” continued the Javea-based translator, who lived in the UK for 18 years. “I thought this was surely wellknown and someone was doing something about it. Except it wasn’t. “I felt I had to inform Spain

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2 TRAGIC: (Left to right) Graeme Ward with late wife, Billy Smyth, campaigner Cristina and carer Rosina Wills

DID YOU

KNOW

►► After its mass production in 1922, Nolotil was first banned in Sweden in 1974, followed by the US in 1979 and subsequently most of the EU. ►► It is still the go-to painkiller in Spain and is still available over-the-counter in Russia, with reports suggesting it makes up around 80% of the region’s painkiller market. (It’s also available in Mexico, India and Brazil). ►► Unlike other painkillers Nolotil does not cause problems to the stomach or liver. ►► Adverse effects appear to affect those of Anglo Saxon and Scandinavian heritage more than Spaniards. The most severe side-effects are: ►► Sepsis: an infection in which the immune system attacks the body ►► Necrotizing fasciitis: a flesh-eating disease ►► Agranulocytosis: a severe and rapid drop in white blood cells scribed it but was told that as it was legally on the market I would not have a case… So I then tried to raise awareness,” he said. Ward was furious when some years later he was prescribed the painkiller by his Spanish dentist, after suffering from a difficult abscess. “That was when I restarted the campaign and contacted the Olive Press,” he added. The 76-year-old has been campaigning ever since to regulate the drug. British carer, Rosina Wills, said one of her patients who had been taking Nolotil looked like the ‘walking dead’, while another five had suffered ‘serious detrimental side effects’. The Alicante-based carer treated a woman with cancer who took Nolotil for 17 months and said her ‘blood count was so low we couldn’t believe she was still alive.’ Wills said the patient had a ‘terrible constant itch over her body’ and was pulling her hair out. After discovering the side effects of Nolotil, she advised her to stop taking it. By the end of the week the patient had

stopped scratching. “The lady became much brighter and in better health after stopping the drug. She had energy,” added the carer. The patient, who suffered from breast cancer, also had swollen lymph nodes in her armpits which had looked ‘angry and alive’

but started to dull and and dry up after stopping the drug. “I am constantly coming across new patients who are being prescribed it and I find it a battle with certain nursing staff who do not agree, or do not want to fight the Spanish healthcare system. “I just think this has got to stop,” added

64-year-old Wills, who wrote to the British Consulate in a bid to raise awareness for expats in Spain. Many expats, however, have contacted authorities with no support and have been left unsure of where to turn. Luckily for them, medical translator, Garcia del Campo, was compelled to protect the expat community after coming across a large number of British and Irish patients who were suffering with sepsis as a result of taking Nolotil. Despite the breakthrough following Garcia del Campo’s findings, she said it ‘hasn’t been easy’ over the past four months. Although many expats got in touch to tell her they had lost a relative or suffered terrible side effects after taking Nolotil, they were not prepared to go on the record. “It is not possible to notify cases of people by just reading their comment. “I need certain information and unless they give it to me, their case does not get notified and that way, they are not helping anybody,” she added. The translator said it hindered the investigation at times and she has been close to giving up. “I have also had to put up with some ignorant comments from people who were very insulting. “One even accused me of being racist because I said Nolotil seemed to be affecting Anglo Saxons more than Spanish people,” she added. Despite this, Garcia del Campo greatly praised expat social media groups, such as Javea Connect, and the many victims who have come forward. Spanish healthcare professionals supported the investigation as soon as she raised her concerns, which she said has now led to a nationwide probe. Hearing the news of the investigation this week, Ward added: “Without Nolotil my wife would still be alive today. It’s high time for it to be banned and the manufacturers should be ashamed of themselves. “I’m so pleased something is hopefully being done.” Speaking of Marina Salud’s decision to issue a warning, Wills added ‘anything is better than nothing’ and is keeping her fingers crossed for further regulation in Spain. Garcia del Campo is still urging expats and holidaymakers affected by Nolotil to come forward by messaging her at cristinadrugresearch@gmail.com.

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Giving them respect WORK has finally begun to exhume the bodies of victims from the Spanish Civil War at Spain’s most infamous burial site. Experts have started excavating at the Valley of the Fallen - a vast mausoleum outside of Madrid - where the remains of former dictator Francisco Franco is also buried. It comes after a six year legal battle was launched by relatives of four victims, from both sides of the war, in a bid to give them a dignified burial with a ceremony. Built under Franco’s regime between 1940 to 1958, the Valley of the Fallen holds the remains of over 30,000 people from both sides of the civil war. The mausoleum was largely built by Republican political prisoners and has faced huge criticism as it is the only remaining monument dedicated to a fascist leader in Europe. Some 500,000 soldiers and civilians were killed during the brutal civil war in the 1930s. Their bodies were scattered across Spain in mass graves, without the families’ consent or knowledge.

By Elisa Menendez

A SCOTTISH expat is calling on the British government to introduce MPs for Brits living abroad. Alastair Stewart, a teacher in Almeria, has launched a petition, which already boasts over 1,000 signatures. The 30-year-old from Edinburgh said the motivation came from a ‘profound sense of powerlessness’ following the EU referendum. “Brexit has shown that when things go foul, you need someone,” said Stewart, a former press officer for Scottish Parliament. Currently the only point of contact for expats is their

ne ws

April 25th - May 8th 2018

Give us MPs

Petition launches for British expats in Spain to get political representation in UK

constituent MP back in the UK, or the British Embassy. “The problem is there’s a massive concentration of expatriates living on the Costa del Sol and Spain,

Bodega boogy A FAMOUS bodega in the heart of Malaga is set to welcome dozens of musicians to raise money for local charities. The event will be held on April 28 at the legendary El Pimpi, which has been graced by the likes of Tony Blair, Antonio Banderas and even Pablo Picasso, whose autographs all adorn the wine barrels stacked to the ceiling in the restaurant. Organised by the El Pimpi Foundation, Soles de Malaga, will be the first event of its kind and aims to raise money for around 10 local Malaga charities.

BARRELS: At El Pimpi

but they’re scattered from around 650 constituents in the UK. Even if we all band together, there’s no direct person to speak to. “That’s 650 different MPs and 650 ways to waste their time,” he added. Stewart, who splits his time between Spain, Edinburgh and Macedonia, believes there should be UK MPs representing expats in every foreign country. “We’re all going to have the same issues and concerns and there’s no point map for representation,” he added. The expat’s end goal is to get 100,000 signatures the required number for a petition to be considered for debate in Parliament. Other countries, including the likes of Germany and France, already have MPs who represent the foreign expats living there.

Sickness cure NEW rules for tourists who attempt to scam tour operators over bogus holiday sickness claims are set to be introduced in the UK. The curbs will close a loophole that allows holidaymakers to issue fraudulent claims. It comes after travel industry experts said the rising number of holiday illness claims has become an ‘epidemic’, with a whopping 500% increase in recent years. Some 5,000 claims were issued in 2013, which raised to 35,000 in 2016, revealed The Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA). This is despite the fact travel industry data on global trends reported that the incidence of sickness in holiday resorts has declined in the past few years. Up to now, the legal costs for overseas travel claims have not been controlled, which means tour operators have been slapped with huge damage bills, leading many companies to deal with the claims outside of court, rather than challenge them. Under new rules, a cap is to put on legal costs tour operators will have to pay to deal with the claims, making it no longer lucrative for ambulance-chasing legal firms. UK Minister of Justice, Rory Stewart, said: “Claiming compensation for being sick on holiday, when you haven’t been, is fraud.

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Ebola scare AN isolated case of the ebola tree disease has been detected in olive trees in Almeria. A strain of the deadly bacteria, Xylella Fastidiosa, was found in three plants in a garden centre in El Ejido. The Ministry of Agriculture insisted this is merely an isolated case. The olive trees are thought to have been in-

fected by the same insect carrying the virus. Officials revealed the virus was detected in a routine control test. As the trees were in a greenhouse and no insect carrying the bacteria was found, it is believed this is merely an isolated case. This is reportedly the first positive presence of the bacteria in Andalucia.

Solar gains

SOLAR power will be the most dominant form of energy in Spain by 2030. That’s according to a report by the country’s Industry Ministry, which has predicted savings of around €9.6 billion on the current trajectory of renewable energy growth. The move to solar will also

Energy from the sun will power most of Spain by 2030 as investment pours in

cut CO2 emissions by more than half while extra revenue will come from selling energy to France.

Tragic end A SICK horse has died while many others have collapsed at the Feria de Abril in Sevilla. The animal, which suffered from enteritis - an inflammation of the intestine - tragically died on Sunday after it had lugged a carriage across the city without eating or drinking all day. Emergency services in Sevilla confirmed via Twitter that the owner of the horse has been denounced. Police have now opened an investigation into the owner’s actions which could result in a fine of up to €1,500. Animal rights party, PACMA, has condemned the incident and others on social media. In a tweet, PACMA, said: “What is happening in this country? The animals need politicians who defend them.”

Euthanasia ban A NEW rule is set to ban the euthanization of healthy animals at rescue shelters in Estepona. The town hall has reportedly backed a PSOE motion to prohibit killing healthy pets at rescue centres within the town, revealed dog rescue charity, ADANA, today. Officials have also pledged to support campaigns for sterilisation, castration and education regarding the care of animals in Estepona schools. Reportedly, a new department dealing with animal welfare will be created within the town hall. The issue of euthanasia within animal rescue shel-

ters has been greatly contested for some time in the town, as the Costa del Sol is overrun with stray animals. ADANA, which rehomes around 300 dogs a year, said it has a ‘strict’ policy of never euthanizing a healthy animal. “We are extremely pleased that this is now the official policy of the Estepona Town Council,” said president of ADANA, Mary Page. She added that the charity is looking forward to further discussions with PP councillors, Ana Velasco and Susana Casano. It is yet to be decided when the new rules will be implemented in the town.

The most optimistic figures predict solar will reach a power production capacity of 47.1 TWh (Terra watts) by 2030, becoming Spain’s biggest energy resource, followed by wind (31 TWh), recycling plants (24.5 TWh), hydropower (23 TWh) and nuclear power (7.1 TWh). It means renewable energy would supply 70% of the country’s electricity. Even in the most conservative of forecasts, solar will still be the biggest and cheapest power source in Spain by 2030, having a 40 TWh power production capacity. Renewable energy sources would still represent 67% of the country’s electricity. It comes after a plunge in the price of solar panels and lower construction costs brought investors back to the Spanish solar market. Iberdrola, Spain's largest power company, launched a solar project in March with a capacity of 425 megawatts. Just a few weeks ago, Spanish renewable energy firm Cox Energy signed a deal for the construction of a 495 megawatts plant in Spain, and another 165 megawatts in neighbouring Portugal, in a €400 million investment. Companies have sought authorisation for solar power projects across Spain with a total capacity of 24,000 megawatts, according to the director general of Spanish solar power lobby UNEF, Jose Donoso.

ANDALUCIA RESERVOIR LEVELS This week: 67.54% Same week last year: 56.70% Same week in 2008: 69.60%

April 25th - May 8th 2018

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Mystery death probe By Susie Granic

MYSTERY continues to surround the death of a British national on the Rock. Police have launched an appeal for witnesses after Paul Peter Whiffin was found lying on the ground near Dudley Ward Tunnel. The coroner’s office is still investigating the death of the 52-year-old, whose reason for being on the Rock is unknown. Police have so far only confirmed the man died from severe head injuries at St Bernard’s Hospital not long after he was found. A post mortem examination was set to be carried out to determine the exact cause of death, whether from a fall or after being struck. The Royal Gibraltar Police have launched a witness appeal but are yet to state whether any witnesses have come forward. Officers state they wish to speak to anyone who may have been near the Dudley Ward Tunnel on Tuesday April 10 between 2.20 and 2.40pm and who may have seen Whiffin in the area. They say they are hopeful that someone may have seen something which would help them piece together the circumstances leading to the injuries.

April 25th - May 8th 2018

Deal with the devil By Laurence Dollimore

Trust linked to Gib government minister buys key property from Syria’s ‘Butcher of Hama’

Isola and two of his relatives, is selling 6-9 Europort owned by ‘the Butcher of Hama’ Rifaat al-Assad for £13 million under a valuation price, a court judgement shows.

GREEN groups are warning that pollution from ships could be seriously damaging the health of Gibraltarians. A damning report by Ecologistas en Accion, alongside German ecological group NABU, claims that ultra-fine particles from boats in the Straits are up to 70 times higher than in cities. The study claimed that one recent reading measured 143,000 ultra-fine particles per cubic centimetre in the air near the Rock. While the local group Verdemar admitted the measure was taken just after the departure of a ship the difference between ‘normal’ city levels of approximately 2,000 particles per cubic centimetre is ‘alarming’. It added such levels could cause ‘serious environmental and health problems’ to the local population. The European Commision has already calcu-

The sensational ruling - which the Isola family tried to keep private - reveals that the property was bought for £17.5 million, well under its official £31 million value.

CHOKING

lated that up to 50,000 people die prematurely from air pollution caused by ships, in particular due to emissions of sulphur and nitrogen oxide. Both groups are calling for much stricter regulations on pollutants by these vessels, in a bid to cut back on pollution. They are also calling for restrictions on the amount of ships allowed to enter the Campo de Gibraltar area.They point out that such restrictions already exist in the English Channel, the Baltic Sea and the North Sea. Maritime traffic in the Straits is now over 100,000 ships per year - one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world - is predicted to increase by two and a half times over the next 30 years.

And furthermore, the controversial deal was brokered by a sister company - Fiduciary - also run by the family trusts of Lawrence, Albert and Peter Isola. The purchase is set to go through despite hundreds of Assad’s properties around France, Spain and the UK being currently embargoed by the authorities, while he is being probed for money laundering, corruption and tax evasion. It also comes to light in the same month that Syrian dictator Bashar Assad was accused again of gassing opponents and his own civilians - including many children - during the bloody civil war. Ironically the building houses various key government bodies, including the Financial Intelligence Unit (GFIU) and even Albert Isola’s own Ministry of Financial Services. Under the deal, which has been revealed by a public Supreme court ruling, the property is being sold to Glenthorne Trust, which, again, is 75% owned by the family trusts of Lawrence, Albert and Peter Isola. As revealed by the Olive Press, last issue, Rifaat - who earned the nickname ‘the Butcher of

Hama’ when he killed up to 25,000 people in a ruthless crackdown on Sunni Muslims in 1982 - is currently under investigation in many countries. He is alleged to have invested hundreds of millions into property in France and Spain - with more than 500 properties in Marbella alone, it has been alleged. Spanish police raided 15 of his properties in Marbella last year after judge Jose de la Mata launched a money laundering investigation. Many of his Spanish properties were allegedly bought through trusts set up in Gibraltar. According to a high level Gibraltar source, Assad is ‘likely selling the Gibraltar property to unlock some cash while his accounts and property have been embargoed in Spain and France’. He added: “Whatever way you look at this, this is bad for Gibraltar PLC. It is not good for our reputation. “It is surprising that the French and Spanish judges did not force an embargo in Gibraltar too. “Ultimately where did this money come from in the first place?”

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Immerse yourself in the Malaga exhibition of one of the world’s most famous artists

Download our app now and ANDY Warhol’s work is begin enjoying the best Spanishcoming to the Costa del Sol. A MALAGA-based news on the go. artist is A special curated exhibition facing up to three years in at Museo Picasso in Malaga prison for plastering historic will showcase the complex buildings with his artwork. artistic production of one of Known only as Invader, the the biggest names in art hisFrench artist began creating tory. mosaics on buildings across The show will centre on the the capital in May last year. development of Warhol’s His canvases included Epis- legacy during his career. copal Palace, the Palace of Salinas The and other OlivebuildPress Contrived ings of the Historic Center of Malaga, protected by the It will demonstrate the ‘refor news in Spain! petitive, schematizing and Law ofTOP Historical Heritage contrived nature of Andy of Andalucia. The offence is being consid- Warhol’s visual works’ that ered as a ‘penal infraction’ the artist has explored and by a Malaga court which exhibited for more than is punishable by anything three decades ‘through his from a fine to three years in feverish creative activity.’ Entitled Warhol. Mechaniprison. A judge has asked the affect- cal Art, the exhibition will ed buildings for the costs of show off the iconic pieces repairing the ‘damage’ be- that made his career one of the most succesful in the fore making its decision. The works have created a 20th century, including bitter dispute between local Campbell’s Soup Cans. authorities and the Junta, There will be almost 400 the former of which sees the pieces on display, including 29 different mosaics as ur- his paintings, sculptures, ban art and has advocated for it to remain in place.

what’s on

enalmadena, May 20

A WALKATHON, from two to 10km, for cancer charity Cudeca, starting in front of the Sunset Beach Club Hotel, visit cudeca-eventos.org or call 952 564 910 to reserve places.

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MORE than seven tons of seafood will be up for sale with 5,000 litres of beer. ORIGINAL: Pop Art maestro Andy Warhol will have major retrospective

popping over

drawings, silkscreen paintings, installations, artist books, films, record sleeves, posters, magazines, designer objects and photographs. Every piece has been sourced on loan from 45

Dream team MALAGUEÑO Antonio Banderas will feature in Pedro Almodovar’s next film alongside Penelope Cruz. Dolor y Gloria will begin filming this July and is described as a film with male protagonists – in contrast to his last outing, Julieta – Dolor y Gloria (Pain and Glory) stars Banderas and

Banking on Banksy Asier Etxeandía in the leading roles. The film recounts ‘a series of meetings, some physical, others remembered decades later, of a film director now in his twilight years,’ according to Almodovar. He added that it will encompass ‘the first loves, the second loves, the mother, mortality, an actor with whom the director worked, the 60s, the 80s, current times, and the emptiness, a sense of incommensurate emptiness, caused by the inability to go on making films.’ There is expected to be much speculation over how much the film is inspired by Almodovar’s own life.

Do you have a what’s on?

April 25th - May 8th 2018

olivepressnews +TheolivepressEs

green

RESIDENTS of a small town in Spain have woken up to what they believe is the country's first Banksy. The wall in Ferrol de Coruña, Galicia, has received the graffiti treatment in the style of the British artist in a space that has been reserved for him for years. The piece shows two Guardia Civil officers kissing and appears to have been signed off by the world famous enigma, whose work sells for millions of euros at auction. It comes after the Meninas de Canido initiative, sponsored by Estrella beer, was launched several years ago, pleading for Banksy to use their walls for a new piece. The spot, by number 23 on calle Muiño de Vento, was reserved for the British artist as part of a regeneration plan for the neighbourhood which began eight years ago. Last September 35,000 people attended the eighth edition of its urban art festival. A spokesman said: "We do not know if the work which has appeared in the reserved space is original or not." If confirmed by Banksy, it would be the first of its kind in Spain, after one found in San Sebastian was erased after not getting confirmation of its authorship.

different sources. Warhol was the master and creator of pop art, creating iconic portraits of the likes of Marilyn Monroe, Liz Taylor and Jackie Kennedy. His work has remained pop-

ular and worth millions to this day.

Andy Warhol’s Mechanical Art is scheduled to be on view from May 31 through September 16.

xx-travagant BRIT Indie band, The xx, have announced their latest Night + Day festival will be held in Bilbao. Pop-up shows, film screenings, radio, gigs and DJ parties curated by the band will take over the Basque city from July 6 to 11. Pioneering English DJ, Jamie xx, is set to host his own exclusive party with guest bands at the extravagant Guggenheim Museum. Tickets for the week-long festival will go on sale on Friday 13 at 10am (English time) at thexxnightandday.com

green la cultura

14 14

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April 25th - May 8th 2018 April 25th - May 8th 2018

Battle crying... with laughter

The ‘Battle’ of Parsley Island is much more comedy than tragedy, writes Jack Giaoni

ITH a good pair of binoculars on a clear day, from just about anywhere along the Costa del Sol, you can make out the outline of Parsley Island. It lies about 300 metres off the coast from Morocco and about 13 kilometres directly across the Iberian Peninsula. It is populated solely by lizards, bugs, nesting birds and goats. Yet in 2002 this island was the focal point of a confrontation between Spain and Morocco that quickly reverberated throughout the world. The turn of events fits the clinical definition of a tragic-comedy--only with less of the former and more of the latter. It is an overstatement to refer to this episode as ‘The Battle of Parsley Island’. It was hardly a ‘battle’ in that not a shot was fired and there were no fatalities. In fact to call it an ‘island’ is a stretch. It is more like a pile of rocks about the size of a rugby field. Furthermore, there’s hardly any parsley on it - just ask the Moroccan goat-herder Ramji Lachili (more about her later). In July 2002, tensions rose as six Moroccan soldiers landed (via row-boats) on the island ostensibly to monitor illegal immigration and the drug trade endemic in the Straits of Gibraltar. Armed with a few rifles and a radio, the Moroccans set up camp (it consisted of two tents) and haphazardly raised the Moroccan flag. Meanwhile, a Spanish Guardia Civil patrol boat on a routine mission from Ceuta (5km away), noticed the flag and disembarked to investigate. Turned away at gunpoint, the crew returned to Ceuta and reported the incident. In a flash, the incident took on a life of its own. The Spanish media - namely El Mundo - raged that ‘the

One in five voters wanted the island stormed by Spanish commandos King of Morocco had chosen a path of confrontation with one of the great European democracies and this should have serious consequences for him’. They were quick to publish a poll that showed one in five voters wanted the island stormed by Spanish commandos. Spanish radio stations were inundated with call-ins demanding the Moroccans ‘be driven back into the sea.’ Mariano Rajoy, then deputy Prime Minister, called the occupation of Parsley Island ‘incomprehensible and an act of hostility.’ The response (or lack thereof) from the Moroccan government was one of comical indifference. As these events were taking place, Morocco was preoccupied with a three-week festival celebrating the marriage of the popular King Mohammed VI. Street parties, feasting, music and dance were just some of the lavish celebrations throughout Morocco. Three hundred other couples in the Kingdom married in public weddings to honour their king. The royal guest list numbered close to two thousand. Former US President Bill Clinton and daughter Chelsea were personal guests at the royal palace. In Madrid, news of the situation quickly boiled over. Under mounting public pressure, Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar launched Operation Romeo-Sierra. From the Straits of Gibraltar, the amphibious ship Castilla coordinated the naval effort. Two submarines began to circle the island while patrol boats raced towards Parsley Island. The Spanish air force deployed F-18 and Mirage F-1 fighters to provide air cover for the 28 Special Forces commandos who stormed ashore in Cougar helicopters. Within a matter of minutes all of the Moroccans were taken pris-

RE-CAPTURED: Spanish troops plant their flag on Parsley Island and (right) the land mass on a map

DID YOU

KNOW

► ► In 2010, the internet giant Google wrongly identified Parsley Island as belonging to Morocco. The company apologized to Spain and quickly made changes to its Google Maps app. ► ► In 2016 the movie La Isla debuted in cinemas across Spain. It is based loosely on the events of the Battle of Parsley Island. You can find it on Netflix or Hulu streaming services and yes, it is in the comedy section.

TINY: Parsley Island is not much bigger than a rugby pitch

CAPTION. oners and the island was ‘secured.’ Taken to Guardia Civil headquarters in Ceuta, the ‘combatants’ were promptly escorted to the Moroccan border outside of town and released unharmed. Mission Accomplished? Hardly - ‘The Battle of Pars-

ley Island’ misunderstanding did not go unnoticed internationally. Quite the contrary. The European Union met and unanimously supported Spain’s objectives labeling the incident as the first military invasion of western European soil since World War II.

The Arab League issued a statement claiming that Parsley Island, like Ceuta and Melilla fell under the jurisdiction of Morocco. NATO publicly acknowledged that technically the island belongs to an area under their protectorate. In the US, Secretary of State Colin Powell became involved in ‘intensive mediation’ in an effort to ease the tensions over the contested island. Powell was quick to stress the importance of the US/Spain NATO alliance but also to acknowledge the long-standing good relations with the moderate Arab state Morocco. He proceeded to make personal telephone contacts with both foreign leaders in hopes of returning the island to what it was before the ‘misunderstanding’. The Battle of Parsley Island is an example of a geopolitical incident that took on a dimension amplified far beyond the reality of the situation. The overreaction of Spain and the under reaction of Morocco had all the elements of a tragic-comedy. Perhaps the experience of Ramja Lachili, a Moroccan goat herder is the best example of this. Not long after the ‘battle’, Lachili demanded compensation from Spain claiming that the invading Spanish troops either shot four of her goats in retaliation for her country’s invasion or, that the helicopters that landed on the island simply frightened her goats to death. Spain’s defense minister acknowledged that they did indeed find some goat remains when they stormed the island but claimed that the goats had been butchered and eaten for lunch by the Moroccans. A tragedy for Luchili and her goats but ridiculously amusing nonetheless… Seriously… you can’t make this stuff up!

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Brit expats using fake money By Elisa Menendez

FOUR Brits have been arrested for handing out fake bank notes at businesses in Magaluf. Alarm bells went off when locals realised the criminals were paying with false €20 and €50 notes in bars and restaurants. Although the notes looked identical to real ones, the texture of them was not perfect which made vendors suspicious. Guardia Civil and Policia Nacional detained the suspects on Monday night in Torrenova. After spending the night in a cell on Monday, the next

BUSTED: Fraudsters morning the expats were taken by police to the apartments where they were registered in Terranova. In their bedrooms, officers found €5,000 in cash - €2,000 of which were false notes. It is still being confirmed if the remaining sum is real money. The Brits have reportedly been ‘living their lives to the full’ in Mallorca for some time now and regularly hang out in Magaluf’s famous tourist areas. Investigators are trying to find out if the gang is merely a group of friends financing their stay on the island, or if they are part of a wider organisation.

SEE MORE IN THE RESTAURANT SECTION INSIDE1 Untitled-1.pdf

CARNAGE! TRAGIC: German cyclist Christoph Bohnen (left)

killed after group of nine were mowed down by Porsche

Cayenne

Reckless driver who killed cyclist had been nicked three times for drug use

at the roadside. She also denied she was coming back from a late night party, and insisted the cyclists drove into her. “I'm not a drug addict who goes out on the road to kill eight people,” the young woman said. According to Anais, she was coming back from a nearby cleaning job.

By Gillian Keller

THE driver of a Porsche Cayenne who ran over nine German cyclists – killing one – has been arrested for driving while high on three separate occasions. The 28-year-old Spaniard who tested positive for marijuana, after running into the cyclists in the Capdepera area - was caught drug driving in 2015, it has been revealed. Named as Anais MB, she was also arrested the following year as part of a clamp down, known as Operation Formosa, on drugtaking on the island. She was one of 19 people charged 15:36 in the Llevant 16/06/2017 area, after 2.5 kilos of co-

Wreckage

LOCKED UP: Driver had a history of driving under

caine, four kilos of MDMA, 300 grams of speed and 300 marijuana plants were seized. The resident of Arta has now been charged with reckless homicide, after her

the influence car swerved into the group remain in serious condition of cyclists killing Christoph in hospital, while six others Bohnen, 47, from Bavaria. received minor injuries. The father-of-two died af- While Anais claimed ter being rushed to hospital was not driving under she the with multiple organ failure. influence at the time of the Two of his fellow cyclists accident, she tested positive

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She said: "When I was going to overtake, they were two in two, but suddenly four went in parallel, occupying almost the entire lane. “Suddenly I see that I am on top of the cyclists and hit the brakes". She later claimed that the sun had blinded her, and when she went to put her visor down she hit a cyclist.

Seven ambulances were called out to the wreckage, and victims were transferred to three different hospitals. The courts have refused to grant her bail while she awaits trial.

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Costa brings in regualtion of drug after OP probe Getting things done

Tragic end

It is with humility that I report a probable success. My wife, Mary, died in 2006 having been poisoned by a drug called Nolotil. At the time, I did everything I could to tell her story and even got the Hospital Costa del Sol to ban if for a while. I told my story and, hopefully, saved some lives. Last July I had an abscess and went to a local private clinic where I had been a member for many years. To my amazement they prescribed Nolotil. They have so many Anglo Saxon members that I presume they must have killed a few with this drug. I was so incensed that I got in touch with Olive Press and asked for help with my campaign. Mosquito where?? Your response was magnifiANTHONY’S Screens cent. You checked my story out and the launched your ‘Kill the Drug’ campaign. Long story short, the story caught eye of a health campaigner, Christine Garcia del Campo, she took the campaign forward and now the Spanish Government have launched the biggest ever national study in medication and this must result in getting Nolotil banned in Spain as it is in most of Europe. My grateful thanks to Olive Press and, particularly, Laurence Dollimore, for giving life to my one man crusade and getting things done.

My close friend of nine years died in considerable pain on February 25 and had been taking Metalgial (a form of Nolotil). This is the only one of his many medications I had failed to return to the chemist for disposal. So can not comment on any of the other drug contents. He had been expected to live a year with his failed right kidney due to cancer but had deteriorated fast in the final month. Naturally I now worry he was taken from me and his family in the UK too early due to use of this drug not having been banned in Spain and suffering so much final pain. I had taken care of him since the beginning of January. I support the banning of this drug.

See page xx 4

olive Press medical campaign finally draws blood with Nolotil regulation close

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AN Olive Press health campaign has led to ‘the biggest’ drug probes in Spanish history. Our investigation into the mysterious deaths of expats from the painkiller Nolotil last year, is finally being acted on. In a landmark breakthrough, a national probe is expected to lead to new regulation of the drug, which is banned in the UK and most of Europe. “It has been a long time in coming and by raising so much awareness, I am sure lives have already been saved,” medical and legal translator Cristina Garcia del Campo told the Olive Press. The medical professional found our 1000-strong petition online and took it forward after one of her patients died from TRAGIC: Graeme Ward with wife Mary (left) and the drug. “Spain wants to help, Billy Smyth, who both died from Nolotil

Continues on Page 4

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Trust linked to government minister buys key Rock property from Syria’s evil ‘Butcher of Hama’

By Laurence Dollimore and Jon Clarke

A GIBRALTAR office building owned by the uncle of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad is being bought in a knock-down deal by a company linked to a government minister. Europort Trust, managed by Financial Services Minister Albert Isola and two of his relatives, is buying 6-9 Europort from ‘the Butcher of Hama’ Rifaat alAssad for £13 million under a valuation price, a court judgement shows. The sensational ruling - which the Isola family tried to keep private - reveals that the property was bought for £17.5 million, well under its official £31 million value. And furthermore, the controversial deal was brokered by a sister company - Fiduciary

CAPTION:

- also run by the family trusts of Lawrence, Albert and Peter Isola. The purchase is set to go through despite hundreds of Assad’s properties around France, Spain and the UK being currently embargoed by the authorities, while he is being probed for money laundering, corruption and tax evasion. It also comes to light in the same month that Syrian dictator Bashar Assad was accused again of gassing opponents and his own civilians - including many children - during the bloody civil war. Ironically the building houses

ish properties were allegedly various key government bodbought through trusts set up in ies, including the Financial Gibraltar. Intelligence Unit (GFIU) and According to a even Albert Isola’s high level Giown Ministry of CRIME source, braltar Financial Services No bail for Assad is ‘likely Spanish office. jewelselling thief the GibralUnder the deal, tar property to which has been reunlock some cash vealed by a public while his accounts Supreme court ruland property have ing, the property FOUND IN FUENGIROLA been embargoed in is being sold to and France’. Spain Trust, Glenthorne 091 He added: “Whatwhich, again, is ever way you look 75% owned by the is bad this this, at family trusts of for Gibraltar PLC. Lawrence, Albert CAPTION: It is not good for and Peter Isola. our reputation. As revealed by “It is surprising that the French the Olive Press, last issue, RiSick of smudges? and Spanish judges did not nickname faat - who earned the force an embargo in Gibraltar ‘the Butcher of Hama’ when he killed up to 25,000 people in a ruthless crackdown on Sunni Muslims in 1982 - is currently under investigation in many countries. He is alleged to have invested hundreds of millions into property in France and Spain - with more than 500 properties in Marbella alone, it has been alleged. police Spanish raided 15 of his properties in Marbella last year after judge Jose de la Mata launched a money laundering investigation. Many of his SpanCAPTION: 2

www.gibraltarolivepress.com

NEWS IN BRIEF

Walk of shame

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

Ganja getaway

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

Dole dupe

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

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

Trial set for exiled Syrian who used Gib companies to invest ‘stolen money’ into Spanish properties

Washed out

April 11th - April 24th 2018

THE uncle of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is finally set to face trial following a Europe-wide probe into alleged ill-gotten gains. Dubbed the ‘Butcher of his properties in Marbella from Syria’s coffers by Hama’, Rifaat al-Assad, 80, and Puerto Banus last year when he was exiled Rifaat in the amassed his fortune in Syria after judge Jose de la Mata 1980s. during the 1980s, before al- launched a money laundering Rifaat and his relatives are legedly using companies in investigation. believed to have bought 503 Gibraltar and Panama to pur- A total of 76 companies and properties, including garages, chase more than 500 proper- 16 people connected to the holiday homes, luxury ties in Spain and dozens of property empire, had their apartments and countryhotel esaccounts frozen. chateaus in France. tates. Spanish cops raided 15 of Some €300 million is be- Most of the properties are lieved to have been looted in the Marbella as well as in

AN Irish expat wanted for the murder of for his trial and disappeared a dissident republican five years with his ago has girlfriend. been arrested on the Costa del Sol. Evans, along with 35-year-old Dean Evans, from Dublin, is one Edward men charged with the murder ofof three McGrathand and 46-year-old Sharif Kelfather- ly, was due to stand trial of-three Peter Butterfly, who was shot nected with the murderon charges condead in a car park in County Meath of 35-year-old in Butterfly. Butterfly was found March 2013. collapsed in a car park after he had Spanish police arrested 27-year-old Ev- from a car and died shortly been shot at ans on Thursday lunchtime in Fuengi- It was alleged that Evans after. rola. shot Butterfly while he was sat in the back of the A European arrest warrant was car. by the Special Criminal Court in issued McGrath and Kelly were sentenced to Ireland life in prison after standing last year, after Evans failed to show trial without up Evans.

A SPANISH thief has been refused bail after being caught with watches and jewellery worth 50,000 pounds. Builder Antonio Miguel Leon Sanchez, from Marbella, has been charged with theft at the property in Cormorant Wharf, where he was undertaking a renovation job. The owners informed police of items missing

once the ‘BUTCHER’: Rifaat works had been completed. While France. Sanchez denied His largest property in Spain the theft forensic analysis is the 3,000 hectare estate of matched his DNA to DNA La Maquina, which takes up a found on the jewellery boxthird of the area of Benahavis es. and is worth a reported €60 The builder argued in court million. that he had merely moved The total market value of the boxes and all the family’s properties sonal belongings other perstored in a in Spain is reported to be a wardrobe so he could replace whopping €691 million. flooring. Last year, €862 million was confiscated by the French auScientific thorities, where he is set to go on trial later this year. However this He may also face charges in with his initial was at odds police interSwitzerland, where he has view when he denied seeing been under investigation them or touching anything since 2013 for war crimes allegedly committed in the inside the wardrobe. Stipendiary Magistrate 1980s. Rifaat’s brother expelled him Charles Pitto denied bail, from Syria in the 80s because insisting his account was at he feared he was organising a odds with the court’s evipolitical coup. An announce- dence and the supporting ment on a trial is expected in scientific evidence. Sanchez will next appear in the coming weeks. court on May 2.

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EXCluSiVE By laurence dollimore

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gET in iT TO win iT!

THE Olive Press is giving away three pairs of tickets for two of the best concerts on the Costa del Sol this summer... And all you have to do is answer two simple questions! Michael Bolton takes to the stage for an emotive end of season night at Marbella’s Puente Romano on August 10, while pona is set for its biggest rock concert Estein years with mammoth

Doctors and dentists join Olive Press appeal for ban on dangerous painkiller Nolotil

tribute bands Think Floyd, Deeper Purple Whole Lotta Led rocking out the greatest and hits of Pink Floyd, Deep Purple and Led at the Plaza del Toros on August 26. Zeppelin For a chance to win a pair of tickets Bolton, just answer the question; whatto see year was Michael Bolton born in? For the Pink Purple Zep Fest in Estepona, tell us; Where was Jimmy Page born? just Email answers to the newsdesk@theolivepress.es.

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need for more research

Dr Nina King, of Oasis Dental Care the campaign, telling the Olive Pressin Marbella, fully supports the drug is not something she prescribes. “It’s not a drug I use, I stick to safe and standard medication,” she said, “And after seeing what damage it can do, it’s a drug I won’t be using in the future.” Marbella-based private doctor Dra. Victoria María Chacón Almeda also agrees the drug is dangerous. “I don’t prescribe the drug,” she told the Olive Press, tients and I am aware of what it is “I have lots of British pacapable of doing. “There needs to be a lot more research on its impact.”

doctor to get a renewal in April, tests showed the drug had caused a toxic poisoning in his bone marrow and his white blood cell was dangerously low. Billy, a keen sportsman, developed sepsis and necrotising fasciitis as a result and required ‘radical surgery’ to remove the affected tissue in an attempt to save his life.

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and Irish patients had been suffering with sepsis at hospitals along the Costa Blanca. “I thought, this can’t be normal,” explained the translator, from Madrid. And after looking at patients’ notes, she found that each had one thing in common - they were all taking Nolotil. Although manufacturers list side effects such as agranulocytosis, necrotizing fasciitis and sepsis, they are considered ‘very rare’ affecting one in every 10,000. The figures did not seem to add up to Garcia del Campo so she set about doing her own research. However, no information existed in Spanish media. The only articles she could find on the drug and its lethal side effects was in the Olive Press. “I was in disbelief,” continued the Javea-based translator, who lived in the UK for 18 years. “I thought this was surely wellknown and someone was doing something about it. Except it wasn’t. “I felt I had to inform Spain Continues on Page 2

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See page 18 xx

EXCluSiVE By laurence dollimore

THE Olive Press is calling on Spain to ban a lethal painkiller that is killing countless of unsuspecting expats. British dentists and doctors are supporting the ban after Briton Graham Ward, 75, complained to the Olive Press of how he was prescribed the deadly Nolotil drug by a dentist last week. It’s the very one month to knock down their same drug that was blamed only property (pictured above). for killing his wife in 2006. In a court order seen by the The Marbella-based expat Olive Press, the Wards are was furious when he was told warned they will be held crimito take the painkiller by his nally responsible if they refuse. Spanish dentist, after suffer“I don’t know what to do anying from a difficult abscess. more, I’m at the end of my His wife Mary, 59, had died aftether” Gill told the Olive Press, ter being prescribed the same “I’m totally exhausted from the drug following a double vasecwhole ordeal.” tomy at Costa del Sol Hospital. The retired pair, who have now “Within 24 hours she was spent thousands of euros on lein intensive care, her white gal costs, bought the old farmblood cell count plummeted house ‘in ruins’ in 2004, and to zero within days,” explains were given permission from Graham, a former computer Velez-Malaga town hall to reHAPPIER TIMES: Graham with technician, from London. wife, and Billy Smyth build it. She never regained conscious- again. But when the original wall colMetamizole, Nolotil is banned ness and was on a life support “He said she would be alive if in the US, the UK, Ireland lapsed of its own accord during machine for FOUR months, she hadn’t taken and it, but I have most of Europe, but construction, the Wards’ archibefore spending three years heard from dozens it is pretect told them it would be fine fighting the impact of the and Irish who have of Brits scribed widely in Spain. and that he would let the town William drug, which led to organ fail- it,” added Graeme. been given Irishman ‘Billy’ hall know. Unfortunately for Smyth was given a five-day ure. It is the third victim “The chief surgeon at the hos- drug the Olive Press of the course of the drug in FebruContinues on Page 8 has re- ary. pital promised me he would ported on in under But when the 66-year-old renever prescribe that drug Sometimes knowna year. also as turned to a different Spanish

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million. Last year, €862 million was confiscated by the French authorit i e s , where he is set to go on trial too. Ultimately where did thislater this money come from in the firstyear. place?” A legal source added: “This is huge and the whole thing stinks. It’s unlikely to go away in a hurry.” Dubbed the ‘Butcher of Hama’, Rifaat al-Assad, 80, amassed his fortune in Syria during the 1980s, before allegedly using companies in Gibraltar and Panama to purchase more than 500 properties in Spain and dozens of chateaus in France. Spanish cops raided 15 of his properties in Marbella and Puerto Banus last year after judge Jose de la Mata launched a money laundering investigation. A total of 76 companies and 16 people connected to the property empire, had their accounts frozen. Some €300 million is believed to have been looted from Syria’s coffers by Rifaat when he was exiled in the 1980s. Rifaat and his relatives are believed to have bought 503 properties, including garages, holiday homes, luxury hotel apartments and country estates. Most of the properties are in the Marbella as well as in France. His largest property in Spain is the 3,000 hectare estate of La Maquina, which takes up a third of the area of Benahavis and is worth a reported €60 million. The total market value of all the family’s properties in Spain is reported to be a whopping €691

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Just been reading your article about the Nolotil drug. My husband went to the doctors last Monday with a tendon pain in his leg he was prescribe Nolotil. After reading about these drugs in your article he stopped taking them (he had only taken the one) ...thank God he hadn't taken any more of them. This is very scary and of course could have been fatal.

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It added such levels could cause ‘serious environmental and health problems’ to the local population. The European Commision has already calculated that up to 50,000 people die prematurely from air pollution caused by ships, in particular due to emissions of sulphur and nitrogen oxide. Both groups are calling for much stricter regulations on pollutants by these vessels, in a bid to cut back on pollution.

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CHOKING GREEN groups are warning that pollution from ships could be seriously damaging the health of Gibraltarians. A damning report by Ecologistas en Accion, alongside German ecological group NABU, claims that ultra-fine particles from boats in the Straits are up to 70 times higher than in cities. The study claimed that one recent reading measured 143,000 ultra-fine particles per cubic centimetre in the air near the Rock. While the local group Verdemar admitted the measure was taken just after the departure of a ship the difference between ‘normal’ city levels of approximately 2,000 particles per cubic centimetre is ‘alarming’.

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OPINION About time! After countless expats and holidaymakers tragically lost loved ones to the lethal drug Nolotil, it seems we may finally be close to achieving justice for them. Campaigns, petitions, official complaints and word of mouth previously failed to catch the attention of Spanish authorities but now the information is in the hands of the right people, healthcare officials are treating this highly seriously. Thanks to the incredible efforts of Cristina Garcia del Campo, who has worked tirelessly day and night around a full-time job for months, she has managed to gather around 100 case studies and vital information which have been the foundation of the investigation. The Olive Press also want to thank the many victims and carers who bravely came forward to share their stories with us, along with the 1,000 expats who supported our petition. Let’s hope we finally achieve what we set out to do almost two years ago. Watch this space as results are set to be released in the coming weeks. Publisher/ editor

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I want to share with you the extraordinary experience that happened to me at Granada airport on April 6 2018. I was at the end of a wonderful holiday in Spain including a hike with Granada as the final highlight. was in the line to board my flighI heading back to home in Austra-t lia. I reached into my pocket and to my shock my wallet was gone As I had just bought something ! at the snack bar I rushed back but staff there had not seen the wallet. I rushed outside through security to the bar but it was not there. At this stage I was resigned to the fact that my wallet was lost. So I hurried back to the end of the line to board the aircraft. At least I had my passport. At that moment a man across the room called ‘Senor’. He had the wallet and recognised me from the photo on my drivers licence. I took the wallet and rushed to the end of the boarding line. All I said was ‘gracias’ and in moments I was on the plane. I wish I knew who this good person was so I could thank him properly. I wish I had at least said ‘muchas gracias’ but I don’t speak Spanish. I would be very grateful if you could publish my letter so that this good person can be identified and properly thanked for his kindness I enjoyed the hospitality of Spai . n very much. People were so friendly and kind. Especially that wonderful man at Granada airport on Friday afternoon April 6. Anthony Dare, Australia

Tread carefully

I am a resident of Jimena and met Nick Faulkner just over two years ago. After moving to the village he quickly acquired a reputation for being very aggressive and British soldier convicted of murder in Andalucia pens poems an exceptionally heavy drinker. I kept my to tell his side of the story I distance! On his Birthday in question, I saw him at our local campsite, sitting by himself, drinking heavily and he invited me to join GHB him. I declined and left quickly. The next day I returned to the camp site and was told by the amazed barman that he had drunk an entire bottle of vodka that afternoon, on his own. Although Nick 600 kilos lived just 100 meters away from the bar he had driven there in his white van. The barman was horrified to report that Nick drove off after his session and he could see that Nick did not drive home, but off towards the coast. It was only a few days later that we discovered what happened next outside the brothel in la Linea. I would have been prepared to be a witness in court if necessary (my friends and family use those roads). So what if he has CONTROVERSIAL: Prison letters become something of a poet, I don't think that the mother of the boy he killed would want to read his poThe cheapest way to get fantastic new ems. I am writing this bedesigner jewellery is to remodel cause I wanted you to your own jewellery know what sort of person he was and will ask 30 Years Experience | Diamond Sales you not to publish my name as I am scared of Design & Remodeling | Repairs what his 'friends' may do as I am a lady living alone. I love your paper, and have been a follower for years Contact Tim keep up the good work! FAULKNER: In happier times at home with children

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

Near seven hours he just sits there, Had a couple of vodkas, Then sat NOT DRINKING, just stared,

Didn’t get noisy or fall down, Piss off the punters or act the clown, Didn’t sing sing sing or show them his ring, Still woke up in a cell, Not knowing a thing!

Woke uP IN a cell, There’s one man dead, Got no memory in my head, The drink they say, It must be true, ‘You’re an alki Nick,’ ‘look at you,’

I’m an alki yes, But something’s wrong, Where’s the missing nine hours gone?

Two years pass accepting my fate, ‘You were drunk and driving, ‘Get on with it mate’, If they had dropped intent, I was happy to stay, Secure in prison, ‘keep me away’,

MourNING THe cHIlD I kIlleD THaT NIGHt, Gets to the trial, What? There wasn’t a fight! alcohol too low, no stumbling stuff, Agreed with the fiscal, The drink wasn’t enough

Destroyed my defence, But the jury heard, How the doorman recognised my truthful word, Stuck to my guns, Got 30 years,

t’S not everyday the Olive Press receives mail from a prison inmate. At first glance the letter appeared to be a selection of requests, asking if certain people had received his correspondence and if he could have a copy of ‘our esteemed publication’ sent to him. But what it actually contained was a treasure trove of poems, detailing how Nicholas Faulkner, who served as a solider in Gibraltar for much of his life, came to be sentenced to 25 years in an Algeciras prison. Not much has been reported on the case,

other than that the former squaddie at the 7th Parachute Regiment Royal Horse Artillery, ran over and killed a young man from La Linea. The tragic event unfolded two years ago outside a strip club in Cadiz. The court heard how he’d argued with a group of three men, who he then ran over with his van. Two of the men did not sustain serious injuries, with the third - known as Juan Carlos dying on the spot. The judge in Algeciras also ordered him to pay €170,000 in compensation to the deceased’s mother and sister. Thank our lady for that jury, But now, through a selection of For justice only briefly deferred poems that can be exclusively revealed by the Olive Press, Faulkner If I was drinking I would have been weeping lulling has given his side of the story. about the bar, In one poem, entitled GHB, he all alone again without my children, tells the story of the night of the The drunks depressingly familiar moan, incident that would change his life forever, while 600 Kilos is a witty left alone, on of all days my birthday! commentary on corruption within The staff would have got me home, Spain’s Guardia Civil police force, both are as poignant as they are Would have been in bed by 10 o’clock, articulate. Full of sobs, But with my dogs, on my own, IN aNGuISHeD HearTBreak, But at least I still had jobs, No more money spent, No families rent, apart by sudden death,

If the killers hadn’t drugged my vodka, Juan carlos would still be alive, I would be working on my gardens, and our parents need never have cried, all victims of a criminal act of envy with malicious intent, Because I escaped his evil clutches and wasn’t living in a tent,

Now it’s suspended, the prosecution, While they investigate the cause, I can hear the little birds tweeting, echoes around these prison walls,

I know who spiked the vodka, Will be no surprise in Jimena town, everYoNe WIll kNoW WHo DoNe IT, as soon as word gets round,

How many came before me? Can we find them all?In time. I told Pepe I’d planned a garden for Juan carlos, We will build a shrine

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

Lots of cash and lots of power, We hand it all to them, Supply of a non-toxic, nonaddictive natural remedy, Controlled by criminal men,

The ones that benefit mostly, Are the ones that buy the laws, A stick with which to beat us, They twist it in their claws.

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

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Letter

Anonymous

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Estepona

www.theolivepress.es ll about

Vol. 12 Issue 290

April 25th - May 8th 2018

Flower power www.theolivepress.es

April 25th - May 8th 2018

Estepona’s garden city looks bloomin’ marvellous in the merry month of May, writes Chloe Glover

IN BLOOM: Flowers bedeck a church steps, while (right) a mural brightens up a tower block

IKE through a cool green mountain forest in the morning, savour mango mojitos and mariscos under palm trees on the beach for lunch, then lose yourself in a maze of flower-strewn streets where tapas temptations are served under arcades of orange blossom. Welcome to Estepona, the unrivalled Garden of the Costa del Sol. An enviable oasis of greenery blossoming between the concrete jungles of neighbouring resorts, Estepona’s picturesque charm is in full flower right now. And in the face of Andalucia’s tourist boom, its potpourri of attractions have never been riper for the plucking. Sandwiched between the Sierra Bermeja and the Mediterranean sea, its surf and turf offer encompasses everything from diving and horse riding to wildlife safaris, flamenco, a modern museum of ancient burial chambers and a nocturnal vibe that will

make you feel very much alive. Estepona’s casco antiguo (old town) with its kaleidoscopic potted flowers is love at first sight ... and scent. The entire town has been florally rejuvenated over the last five years, with tens of thousands of pots to be planted this year alone! “It was a wonderful idea,” explains one local agent. “Around 100 streets have been renovated over the last five years. “The buildings have been restored while plant pots have been added to each one so that now they burst with the colour of the flowers. “It’s really revived the old town.” The four-kilometre Paseo Maritimo is another sparkling jewel in Estepona’s floral crown. Drift along the pretty coastal path, ice cream in hand, to the rhythm of gently swaying tropical trees alive with chirruping birds. Stop for a breather at one of the stylContinues on Page 18

Estepona

ll about www.theolivepress.es

April 25th - May 8th 2018

SHIMMERING: The puerto is a delight in the summer

From Page 18

FAMOUS: Estepona’s love for floral decorations

ish wooden chiringuitos along the beachfront serving up rainbow salads, cocktails and freshly-caught sardines chargrilling on spits from freshly-painted old rowing boats making good use of their retirement. The sizzling aroma wafts the whole length of Estepona’s 21km shoreline, Estepona’s mountain, basking in a purple haze in the background, offers other foodie and floral delights. Towering 1,508 metres into the sky, Sierra Bermeja’s dense green woodlands feel like a different continent. You could be in a south American jungle. Get on your bike or hike along one of the dozens of walking and cycling trails or drive up the winding road to appreciate the sheer, jawdropping size of the mountain.

Port side

Biodiverse and the only place to find rust red peridotita rocks and pinsapo Spanish firs together, a huge community campaign is underway to turn it into a national park. You’ll wonder why this is still an undiscovered

www.theolivepress.es

April 25th - May 8th 2018 April 25th - May 8th 2018

SPANISH VIBES: The cobbled and flower-adorned streets are a draw

secret side to Estepona as you tuck into a a giant sardine through town during Carnaslice of cake and a glass of sweet Malaga val and follow the procession of prancing wine in the atmospheric mountain top refu- Andalucian horses during May’s romeria. gio, lit only by gas lamps! Dive for sweets thrown off floats by the Back in the chocolate box plazas of the old Three Kings in January and bring your town, a further feast of cultural delights best fancy dress hat to wear in the Plaza wait to stimulate all the senses. de Reloj while attempting the ‘12 grapes With 50-odd murals, dozens of poetry wall challenge’ - swallow one at every chime of plaques inscribed with inspirational verses the church bell - that heralds every Spanish and a trail of modern and classical sculp- New Year. tures, local and national artAside from its packed fiesta LIVELY: The town is full of art and there are music festivals all year round ists have created delightful calendar, Estepona promotes You’ll find surprises at every street’s its Andalucian charm with twist and turn. a weekly programme of uneverything There’s a walking route dedimissable events. cated to them and you can Experience the passion of from the latest pick up a free trail guide from flamenco at Teatro Felipe, the tourist office in Plaza de fashions to spice where spectaculars are prelas Flores to make sure you sided over by internationallyshops email: belobelo501@gmail.com see them all. renowned performers Paco “The murals are yet another Javier Jimeno and Ana FarAvenida de España, 64 great source of pride for Esgas. 29680 Estepona tepona, also commissioned by our current Brush up on your bartering skills at the mayor,” explained a local tourist guide. grand Wednesday mercadillo or the small“With a great mural contest planned for er Sunday farmer’s market in Plaza ABC July, we hope to introduce 10 more simul- where stalls groan under the weight of taneously. fresh produce. “What other town has so many murals or a The more tourist-orientated Sunday port poetry route?” market is a honey pot for bargain-seekers, Plaza de las Flores, Estepona’s largest who come in their droves to snap up xxxx flower-bedecked square, lives up to its designer goods such as sunglasses and name. wallets. With a bubbling fountain and an arc of A pleasant half-hour walk along the orange trees, it is easy to see why this seafront from the centre, it’s a mecidyllic spot and neighbouring Plaza Dr. ca for early birds and night owls. Arce is so popular with visitors who Sailing, diving, paddle and kite surfstop here for a tinto de verano reing are just some of the nautical fresher or delicious homemade ice activities on offer for watersports cream from La Italiana. sorts. Or join the yacht set and But the real treasure hunt starts rent a boat for a day for a comwhen you venture up one of the adpletely different view of the coast. joining labyrinthine streets, where If all that sea air has given you an other secluded squares wait to seappetite, you can weigh anchor and duce passers by. eat right on the waterfront. More gems can be found in the town With 40 restaurants and bars servcentre, where an impressive numing up an ethnic variety of dishes Erik’s Jazz Bar ber of hip boutiques and artisan you can take your tastebuds on a shops stretch off in every direction round-world cruise. Chinese, Thai, from the main shopping drags of Indian, Italian, Irish, Belgian and Calle Terraza and Calle Real. American are among the ports of In the winding streets, not unlike call on offer. The Lanes in Brighton, you’ll find Or dine out on seafood fresh off everything from the latest fashions the boats at Escollera, a local faand leather shoes to spice shops, vourite that’s always packed to the delicatessens and decor stores. gunnels. Atmospheric any time of year, bank The port party scene cranks up at holidays turn up the local colour to 8pm, when revellers descend on full volume. Reinaldo’s bar to take advantage Stand in awe inhaling the incenseof its renowned happy hour. heavy air as pointy-hooded nazaReggaeton, rock and pop renos navigate huge golden soundtracks fill the air and in thrones through the town’s typical Spanish stay-out-alltight passageways during the night style, the fiesta doesn’t solemn Semana Santa prostop until the sun comes up. cessions. Continues on Page 20 Join the throngs who parade

Tel: 952 155 756

19 19

From Page 19

Estepona

ll about www.theolivepress.es

These days the port has a lot more competition from the town centre where a glut of high quality eateries and character bars have set out their stalls with artisan tapas temptations. Head to Calle Real for lip-smacking good multicultural fare or venture up one of the winding side streets to unearth other foodie gems. If you’re planning to indulge in the excellent range of local wines and sherries, Estepona will put you up in style. Rest your head at the wonderfully atmospheric Hotel Boutique Vera Cruz which has breathed fresh life into a historic building, now beautifully restored; wake up to the sparkling sea views from beachfront hotels Mediterraneo and Buenavista; or splurge on a night of luxury at the five- star Kempinski Bahia or four-star H10 As well as having Estepona Palace. Both equipped with heits own beach amd are donistic spas and pools where a whole weekend children’s play easily be whiled area, the laid back could away without leaving the resorts at all. zone is perfect For self-catering and budget options, the family-friendly neighbourhood of Benavista on Estepona’s eastern edge has an abundance of apartments, hotels, shops, bars and restaurants. As well as having its own beach and children’s play area, the laid back zone is the perfect base for taking advantage of Estepona’s biggest attractions. Kids and adults alike will go wild for Selwo Aventura in nearby Cancelada, a safari park without bars where visitors can get up close to giraffes, rhinos and elephants in jeeps. Or saddle up for a course in Andalucian dressage at one of the biggest equestrian centres in Spain. The Escuela de Arte Ecuestre Costa del Sol nurtures all levels of riders, from experts to absolute beginners. Just 10 minutes away from the town centre by car

April 25th - May 8th 2018

Prettty as a picture

or bus, Benavista is another melting pot of multicultural cuisine, with some top-rated Indian and contemporary Spanish restaurants. You can work off the calories at one of Benavista’s gentlysloping golf courses, a great compliment to the manicured

BONING UP: A statue of a newspaper reader is one of many

fairways on the western side of the town. Yes, even the grass looks greener in this fertile Costa del Sol garden where everyone is welcome. No other resort has found a better way to say it with flowers.

Estepona boasts two of the Costa del Golf’s founding courses, and a whole lot more

WO of the genuine grandes dames of the Costa del Golf are found in Estepona. Both El Paraiso and Atalaya rank with the oldest courses on the coast and were established in the days when you could build a golf course just about anywhere you liked. As a result, the quality of the courses is fantastic, built on wonderfully flat land with the mountainous backdrop of the Sierra de las Nieves. It means you don’t lose so many balls and the courses are easy to walk around. El Paraiso caters for every kind of golfer, boasting seven different types of membership and up to eight competitions a week for varying abilities. It also has an active ladies section, with more than 200 members. Atalaya Golf Club proudly dates back to 1968, when the design of the course was more important than fitting it between apartment blocks. Eucalyptus trees, cacti and palms line the club’s two 18-hole courses - Atalaya Old and Atalaya New - whose wide, easy-walking fairways pass fountains and flower beds. As a members’ club that is open to guests, the course has a lively community feel and there is always a buzz around the clubhouse. Although a younger course, dating from 1989, Estepona Golf is famous for superb putting sur-

PITCH PERFECT: Estepona courses

Greens are go! faces and sea views. Featuring strong par 3s, it provides an excellent round for players of all standards. “Estepona has the best golfing temperatures in Europe, with over 320 days of sunshine a year and an average of 22 degrees,” explains Jason Callow, of Estepona Golf. “This coast is one of the best

places in Europe for golf, due to the weather, the breathtaking panoramic views across mountains and sea, and of course the great choice on offer.” Contact El Paraiso on 952 883 835 or email info@elparaisogolfclub.com For Estepona Golf, call 952 937 605, or email information@esteponagolf.com

www.theolivepress.es

April 25th - May 8th 2018

21 21

April 25th - May 8th 2018

So much more than just potted plants and beaches I T’S the coastline that keeps on giving... from the secret coves to the secret concert venues (far left) at Sonora, while (above right) learning to sail in the port and (left) trick or treating in the old town.

Discover why Estepona is nicknamed the Garden of the Costa del Sol

Floral tribute

HE first seeds were sown back in 2012, when Estepona Mayor Jose Maria Garcia Urbano and his fellow councillors drew up the design for a green walking city dedicated to culture and art. The mural trail was born that year, an ongoing project that is transforming dowdy tower blocks with eye-catching frescos depicting local scenes The intention was to shine light on the town’s forgotten neighbourhoods and attract more foreign tourists. Ambling through the sinewy flower-laden streets of the old town, it’s clear to see how these efforts have borne fruit, and how welldeserved is Estepona’s nickname. Marielle Maulenberg, an MA student and English teacher, has watched the whole town blossom. “I'm really impressed with how they’ve done it up.” “Before, it was much quieter but the mural trail and street renovations have really transformed it,” she tells me appreciatively. Estepona’s flower pot-strewn pedestrianised streets and squares are some of the prettiest on the Costa del Sol. Its scented town centre is one of the reasons Michael Ventress, a retired bank worker from Basingstoke, chose it as his holiday destination. Michael, along with countless other tourists, come to admire the photogenic centre and wander around in search of the murals. Because not only do they beautify the town, they provide handy landmarks to help navigate the streets. Head in any direction and your walk will take you on a floral trail graced with sculptures by local artists and poetic verses penned

by Spanish bards showcased on ceramic plaques. Potted plants hang off whitewashed walls, scattering a confetti of crimson, lilac and magenta petals. You can see rarer plants at the Orchidarium, an indoor perfumed garden where 1,300 varieties are joined by the notorious Amorphophallus Titanum or 'corpse flower', named for its foul odour. Visitors have not yet had the dubious pleasure of taking a sniff as it hasn’t yet breached the soil's surface. When it does, it could potentially grow up to three metres high. Then there are the floral plazas, typified by Plaza de las Flores which lives up to its name, where you can get trail guides from the tourist office and study them at one of the pavement cafes. Others you'll happen upon while meandering through the streets, like Plaza de Begines which has a stage set up. Local resident Manuela Reinoso, 50, tells me it’s for the May Day celebrations. Let curiosity be your guide to discover these hidden treasures for yourself and you’ll understand without doubt why no other town can hold a petal to Estepona’s Garden of the Costa del Sol.

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VINTAGE: Estepona was once a quaint fishing village

OLD SCHOOL: Locals march in a procession

WHITE-WASHED: The area surrounding the beautiful centre was once grazing ground for cattle

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April 25th - May 8th 2018

Fishy finesse S TILL a working fishing town, much of Estepona’s cash flow surges from the port. The importance of the maritime trade is obvious at the Ethnographic Museum, which showcases the ancient craft of boat making and the cornucopia of marine life living off this golden coast. Museum guide Mariano Jobreas, who moved to the town from Madrid, shows me a wall displaying dozens of complicated knots. “To become a fisherman you have to learn to tie every single one of these. “You have to be prepared for all eventualities out at sea,” he says gravely. The models of fishing boats still in use look so real, he jestingly assures me that the working vessels are much bigger.

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April 25th - May 8th 2018

HUB: The port is still a hive for fishermen, but also offers a melting-pot of bars and restaurants these days

Estepona’s seafaring tradition is the salt adding seasoning to its tourist offer, writes Laura Duckett On a trip to the port to see if I can spot any of them in action, I bump into Miguel Ferrer Gonzalez. “I came here because Estepona is more of a family town,” he beams, explaining that he spends his days sailing around in search of dolphins. It sounds like money for old rope as dolphins aren’t hard to find - beach goers often spot shoals of them frolicking offshore. “It’s not an office job, and if you like the sea, this is the job for you,” agrees Miguel.

If you’d like a turn at the helm yourself, the Real Club Nautico houses a sailing and kayak school with a dry dock for sailboats and a nautically-themed restaurant for hungry sailors returning home from the sea. Estepona is still home to hundreds of working fishing families whose ancestors have been casting their nets here for centuries. Now this great maritime tradition is continued by their offspring who continue to brave the elements to this day to put fresh fish on local dining tables.

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Estepona

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April 25th - May 8th 2018

Stepping out of the shadows

Authentic Estepona is attracting an evermore exclusive crowd when it comes to property, writes Adam Neale, of Terra Meridiana

AVE you visited Estepona recently? If not, you may be in for an agreeable surprise. Emerging from the shadows of ever-popular Marbella, a remarkable transformation has taken place under the leadership of Mayor José García Urbano. From a sleepy, Andalucian seaside town, Estepona has been revitalised and is seeing a surge of inward investment. Constituting part of the Golden Triangle, an area encompassing Marbella, Benahavís and Estepona, the town has, however, lost none of the authentic appeal for which it is known. One of the mayor’s grand initiatives, The Garden of the Costa del Sol, serves to enhance its charm with roadside flowers and shrubs in bloom all year round, the walls of the historic town festooned with painted polka-dot pots, large-scale murals and porcelain plaques of poetry. Estepona is now also gaining a following among the wellheeled, who seek out the best, and it is now registering

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Building for the future Beneath the cosmetic and culinary improvements, however, lies a serious desire to improve the local infrastructure, attested to by the soon-to-be-completed district hospital. Due to open in December 2018, this €15 million project affirms the commitment of the town hall and the Junta de Andalucía to the improvement of the area. Such modernisation, coupled with a town-planning department that is quick and receptive to the needs of property developers, has proved attractive to investors capitalising on a healthy real estate market. Marbella is as popular as ever, yet a select offering of luxury developments is raising Estepona’s profile among a wealthier clientele.

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on the gastro-maps of foodies who once remained firmly within the borders of the Marbella municipality. The Kempinski Hotel’s recently revamped restaurants and inspiring tapas bars that are appearing in the town centre, as well as the much-anticipated gastro-market, have set the town firmly in the sights of gourmands with a desire to try something new.

BEACH SIDE: At The Island, inside the Kempinski and (below) the new hospital

High on the list is the luxury development of Los Granados del Mar located next to the Kempinski hotel with indoor pool, spa, gym and direct access to the beach. Also worthy of mention is the recently completed luxurious apartments of Les Rivages and Doncella Beach located close to Playa del Cristo to the west of Estepona. Also located in the west end is the The Island, a project of unique townhouses with the qualities of the most luxurious of single homes –situated on a privileged vantage point just metres from the beachfront. Owners are swathed in a luxury lifestyle from the minute they enter the lavishly landscaped environment, relaxing in the on-site spa or within their spacious homes constructed to the highest of standards with top quality materials. Recently launched, Darya, a project from the same developer, offers luxury living in a landmark building within an unrivalled seafront setting situated in the heart of the town centre. Several top class developments are breaking boundaries in the Estepona area, using the best and brightest architects and designers in their arena, and we are delighted to see that their efforts are being rewarded, with a new wave of luxury clientele bringing a boost to the local economy. Long may it continue!

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April 25th - May 8th 2018

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April 25th - May 8th 2018

T’S easy to speak warmly about a wonderful place like Estepona - a genuine town with all year round vegetable markets and ham festivals, solemn processions and spirited parades. Its cultural life is vibrant with outdoor concerts and arty murals.

Flirt

The beaches are long, wide and invite you to play, flirt or exercise while the popular boardwalk is always active with people rollerblading, walking the dog or just sitting and watching the world go by. You can enjoy strolling between the town’s cafés and the beach's chiringuitos, or the simple restaurants that offer little more than deliciously grilled fish on the spit. You are rarely dressed up, the line between the beach

Viking invasion This is why the Scandis love Estepona, writes resident Swede Lotti Ander, from Nest Bostads Maklarna

and the city flows together and gives life that relaxed

feel. And as if that wasn’t enough, the quality of restaurants is remarkably good, with the food market soon to make its culinary contribution. Estepona was once a slumbering fishing village, but today the city has spread

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The last quarter of 2017 saw more than 1,000 Swedes purchase property in Spain and a third of these were on the Costa del Sol. It is a 34% increase compared with the same period in 2016. The forecast for 2018 is more than 4,000 purchases. There are currently more than 35,000 Swedes living on the coast

along the coast and up the mountains while consciously keeping its low skyline. So even though it has ‘grown up’, now home to more than 70,000 people, it has managed to maintain its ‘Spanish-ness’ and its openness towards us foreigners who are curious and want to be involved, understand and participate. Estepona is a natural and less well-groomed little sister to Marbella, less ‘bling bling’ and more genuine and cool - and that’s why Estepona ‘es mejor’! OFFICE PROUD: Lotti and Peter

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Only way is up

April 25th - May 8th 2018 April 25th - May 8th 2018

ON THE UP: The Spanish Estate Agent is optimistic about Estepona’s future

Things are looking good for one of Estepona’s youngest agents, explains Chloe Williams

What changes have you seen in the past two years?

We came to Estepona because we had heard that it was one of the nicest places to live on the Costa del Sol - beautiful climate, a welcoming community and a great mix of International and Spanish residents and we are delighted to see that there has been NO change there. The biggest change is that the town is going from strength to strength with its investment; keeping its traditional Spanish style with improvements such as the new plaza being built above Playa del Cristo, the refurbishment of the central avenue and the new hospital. Every day clients walk into the agency on the Paseo Maritimo, dying to find the perfect place to live in the area.

Who is buying in Estepona? As we are a French-based company, the Francophone market has always been very important to us. We have clients from all over Europe and beyond, and we have found that French and Belgian clients love Estepona. I think in the past, it was Marbella but for those clients who are looking for new developments with up to date building standards etc, then Estepona beats

Buying or selling?

Marbella hands down! The old town of Estepona continues to be a firm favourite, however for many clients they are also looking for a nice resort feel with swimming pools and other facilities. Luckily with the recent new developments in Estepona, we can offer clients both walking distance to everything that the town has to offer as well as a luxury resort destination.

How has the company grown since opening in Estepona? We started the company two years ago with two of us based full time in the business. Now we have eight sales agents who speak seven languages between them and who each have a tremendous amount of experience in the area. We are delighted to think that we are contributing to the local community and bringing business and employment to Estepona. We have also seen a growth in the number of real estate companies opening branches in Estepona. We know that we have to offer the best customer

service combined with a real understanding of Estepona to keep our clients 100% satisfied.

How do you see Estépona developing over next two years? There is no question that Estepona is a prime destination for people wanting to enjoy the top quality lifestyle on the Costa del Sol. We can see that prices are going up and we are advis-

ing serious clients to get here as soon as possible to lock in today's price. New developments are going to become increasingly important as clients want to have the latest contemporary designs and top building standards. We are delighted with how we have been able to build the business here and only see Estepona getting better and better over the years to come. With a beautiful town like Estepona as our base, we think we have the best job in European real estate!

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April 25th - May 8th 2018 April 25th - May 8th 2018

SIMPLY STUNNING: Estepona is filled with gorgeous properties

Genius Properties can help you with EVERY aspect of the real estate sector WITH almost one in every three customers of Genius Properties being referrals, the company’s reputation speaks for itself. “From day one we know what can and can’t be done, either legally or feasibly and can help a client narrow down their options to a point where the client himself is in informed enough position to decide the best way forward,” explains owner Neil Parsons. After living in central Estepona for over 10 years - and the surrounding the areas for much longer Neil is adamant that his local knowledge has been the key to expanding the business and making it through the financial crisis. Having previously been an engineer in the British Armed Forces before moving into investment management, scouting and acquiring properties, Neil’s disciplined and analytical mind means that he revels in making sure you are always getting the best deal and that ‘’The job is done properly’’ as he puts it. Foreign investors, downsizers or anyone simply looking to relocate can all be catered for from a budget in the ‘late hundreds of thousands to upwards of two

We can help!

million euros’. If you are a homeowner, who lives abroad, you will be kept in the loop on your property via video and whatsapp so you can always relax in the knowledge that someone is taking care of everything whilst you are away. “Strength is no longer in office or staff numbers, it’s in the ability to harness the array of tools the modern World provides us with and utilise well established

tel: +34 633 913 773 email: info@geniusproperties.com www.geniusproperties.com Calle Malaga 86 / Calle San Nicolas 8 Estepona, 29680 Malaga, Spain

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local connections, that’s what makes the difference” adds Neil. Meanwhile, the team of four are likely to speak your language, covering in particular English, Spanish and German among others. “We may be small, but we are efficient and well integrated. We are like an adopted family in the community and I love that,” he said. “We have access to every listing in Estepona old town and our reach goes much further than

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Estepona

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April 25th - May 8th 2018

Walking guru Guy Hunter-Watts heads out on Estepona’s most exciting hike the ascent of Pico Reales

T PEAK FITNESS: Two climbers reach the top

HIS easy circuit leads to the highest point of the Sierra Bermeja nature reserve, known as the Pico Reales. Standing just eight kilometres inland from Estepona, this mighty vermilion massif rises to 1,450m - that’s not far off the height of Ben Nevis! From its antennae-topped peak there’s a dizzy, panoramic vista of a huge slice of Andalucia: north to the Sierra de las Nieves, east to the Sierra de Ojen, west to the Alcornocales Natural Park and south to Gibraltar and Africa. And to add to that, the walk goes through the Pinsapar de los Reales, home to one of the few existing stands of the uniquely beautiful pine, Abies Pinsapo Boix. This botanical jewel is only found in less than half a dozen places in the world. Furthermore, there’s a second great viewing point on the walk, the Mirador de Salvador Guerrero, which entails a short diversion but

route which is well worth the extra effort. And the drive up to the starting point is something of an adventure in its own right. To reach the trail head you’ll need to follow a snaking mountain road inland from the town for about 20 minutes. But that’s all part of the fun.

Getting to the beginning of the walk From Estepona take the MA8301 towards Jubrique (it begins next to the Mercadona supermarket on the north side of the town) for

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April 25th - May 8th 2018

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April 25th - May 8th 2018

route to the top 15kms to the top of the pass, Puerto de Peñas Blancas. Here turn left past a sign for Los Reales, pass a green barrier then continue for 2.75kms to a signboard to the right of the road marking the beginning of the Pinsapo walk, Paseo de Los Pinsapos.

The walk From the signboard Paseo de los Pinsapos head down a narrow, rocky path which drops away from the road into the pinsapo forest. Just 75m after crossing a small concrete bridge you reach a junction. Cut left following the sign Los Realillos/Los Reales for 2.2km. The path leads past a signboard about pinsapo pines then on past a ceramic sign of a poem by Lorca inspired by trees. The path climbs steeply through dense undergrowth: as you climb higher Mediterranean pines begin to take the place of the pinsapos. Careful! Some five minutes beyond the ceramic sign of Lorca’s poem you reach a junction marked by twin stone mounds. Here cut hard left and continue your ascent, zigzagging up through the pines and the reddish rocks. Passing a small breach in the rocks the path runs up to the top of the ridge where views open out to the southwest and the Bay of Algeciras. (30 mins) Here the path bears left towards the transmitter antennae atop the Reales peak, through another swathe of pinsapo pines. Marker posts help guide you up. Passing across another jagged ridge the path bears right and continues to climb. Reach-

Premier service VIEW FROM THE TOP: Inland and out to sea, and a refugio restaurant right at the top

Circuit to the Pico Reales and the top of the Sierra Bermeja

THE NITTY-GRITTY Distance: 8 km (up and down) Time required: About 2.5 hours (inc. breaks) Rating: Easy/Medium Total height gain: 5,300m Map(s): IGN 1:50000 Jimena de la Frontera 1071 (14-46) & Estepona 1072 (15-46) Water: Tap with unchlorinated water @ 1 hr 15 mins ing a flatter area and bearing left it runs on up to the antennae. Here, reaching a white hut, cut right, pass a second hut then follow a narrow path up to the trig point marking the top of Los Reales (1,450m). (50 mins) This is a great spot to take a break and drink in the incredible panorama that lies before you. Leaving the peak retrace your footsteps back towards the first white hut which you passed earlier. Five metres before the hut cut right on a narrow path which drops down to the track leading to the transmitter masts where you’ll see a signboard for Sendero de los Realillos. Here angle right down a stony track which loops down the eastern flank of Los Reales, shortly passing by another transmitter mast. Looping on down past a group of forestry buildings you reach a junction with another track and a plaque

dedicated to Edmond Boissier who first catalogued the unique pinsapo pine. (1 hr 10 mins) Here, cutting right for 100m you reach a picnic area, Área Recreativa, where there are picnic tables and, just beneath, the Mirador de la Costa del Sol. There’s a tap with water to the right: a sign warns that it isn’t chlorinated but the taste is all the better for that. Continuing on along the track you reach a turning circle and a sign Mirador de Salvador Guerrero. From here continue along a narrow path to reach one of the Costa del Sol’s most spectacular viewing points. After visting the mirador trace your steps back to the Boissier plaque then follow the track on for approximately 1.6 kms to return to your point of departure. (1 hr 55 mins).

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Estepona

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April 25th - May 8th 2018

Bowling for Benavista Expats are very much at home in Estepona’s ‘East end’

ENAVISTA is one of the most popular places for British expats to put down roots on the Costa del Sol. Less developed and lower rise than many of its neighbours, Estepona’s ‘east end’ is aptly named - you get a better vista in Benavista! A family favourite resort that has grown up around the beautiful (and arguably best) beaches between Estepona and San Pedro, the thriving community of foreign residents has shaped it into what it is today, and there’s always something going on. “We are so spoilt for choice,” says Hughie Holgate, 67, who runs the popular Benavista Bowls Club and its Green Bar. Taking the club from 50 members to hundreds, Hughie has transformed the run-down kitchen facilities he inherited into a thriving bar which

serves tapas and daily specials. “There are at least half a dozen golf courses within a mile of here and the facilities for fami-

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lies are great. Down from here a necklace of well set-up ur“On top of that, you are only a short drive from banisations – Diana Park, Benavista and El Pithe hills via the Ubrique or San Pedro roads.” lar – offer every variety of shop and service, all The bowls club is a real magnet for the area, with an expat twist. added entrepreneur father-ofThey include a range of excelfour. lent butchers and cake shops, “We have many members who as well as English supermarThey include a play in leagues up and down the kets, curry houses and British Costa del Sol,” he says. “And range of excellent bars. non-members have their own It is also the Spanish headquarbutchers, cake green.” ters of British construction comNext door, restaurant Los Arcos shops and English pany Roger Bullivant. has been given a makeover that One of the best shops is Cath’s supermarkets the whole family can enjoy. Cards, which stocks a fabulous A giant play area, cinema room, range of greetings cards, balbar and restaurant – not to loons and party accessories. mention five big screens to watch the football And don’t forget, cross the footbridge and you and a five-a-side pitch to play – are just some of are in Benamara, which is just two minutes’ the new attractions at the bar-cum-restaurant walk to the beach!

Man up!

IT is one of Estepona’s distinctly different eastern districts. But how many people know how Man Friday got its name? The area of shops between Estepona and San Pedro was actually named after a Spaniard Jose Maria, who moved and married a Scottish woman in the 1970s. The all round handyman and engineer returned to the Benamara area of the coast with his new wife Maria Weldon 30 years ago. “He was a real handyman and we called him Robinson Crusoe, Man Friday and the name just sticked,” explains friendly Maria, who runs the Aliprox supermarket, which is now for sale. Her son Stefan is also running the popular Amara bar and restaurant, which is usually packed at lunch time, particularly if the sun is out. “It’s a great mix of Spanish and English businesses and clients,” he explains. “There has always been a nice atmosphere here and we even have a couple of upmarket French clients.” It is not hard to see why this small parade of shops is a popular stopping off place. Not only can you always park your car, but you have a good range of shops and even a hairdresser David, a keen Spurs fan.

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“We have strong morals and always conduct business in a clear and transparent way and this is reflected with our returning customer base,” a spokesperson said. “We are well known on the Costa del Sol and our reputation speaks for itself.” Please contact us if you wish to meet and discuss any of your boating needs.

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Classic act There’s no place else on the Costa for vintage cars and repairs

CLASSIC cars have been a long time pas- from the Mustang Club of America in 2013. sion of Andreas Ullstein, owner of Coast “It’s the stories behind the cars that drive Classics in Estepona. the projects,” says German Andreas, who His love affair started when he was 19 and has been living in Spain for 26 years. bought his first - a quintessential Ford Mus- “Whether that be that the car is one of only tang. five made in the world, or a grandparents Fast forward a few years and with many a that needs restoring to its original glory.” race behind him, including The team can fix up any clasthe Paris to Dakar rally, his sic car and provide any serfriends questioned why Anvice imaginable, including dreas hadn’t used his knowl- ‘Most importantly maintenance, repair, restoredge and expertise further. ing, consignments and sales. So eight years ago, the we are extremely Using the latest computer award-winning Coast Classic passionate about technology, the workshop cars was born. has made a name for itself what we do’ Walking into the showroom in being among the best mein the Estepona poligono, chanics in the country. customers are greeted with a “Most importantly we are exsalon in the style of a 1950s tremely passionate in what american diner before being shown the ar- we do,” adds Andreas, “We love the work ray of collectible motors. and take pride in every job, and that shines None of the cars on show are younger than through.” 25 - 30 years. Andreas and his team are so good that a 1969 Contact Coast Classics on 619 270 000 Ford Mustang Mach 1 won the Gold Award or email classics@coast-classics.com

Up a gear

HEN it comes to gearboxes, nobody is boxing Robert and James Sutcliffe into a corner. And now the gearbox specialists at Transmatic are celebrating their quarter century in Estepona with some brand new signs and logos. Former in 1991, the company is the Costa del Sol’s leading specialist in the repair and service of gearboxes for all makes of car. Says Robert: “While most drivers understand they need to regularly service their car to keep it on the road few realise the gearbox can suffer from high amounts of wear and tear.” In many cases, he insists, even main dealers fail to change the oil and filter during servicing as they lack the knowledge and tools for the specialist job Email info@transmatic.es or call 952796166

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Mural magic RECORD: Fishing Day (below) holds the record in Spain , whilw (above) Jose Rios is inspired

T’S quite literally the most off-the-wall collection of urban art on the Costa del Sol. Everyone from top international artists to creative prison inmates have contributed to Estepona’s amazing al fresco art gallery of 51 murals glamming up bleak concrete buildings around town. Every other high rise is bursting with colour and imaginative designs – from dancers and divers to optical illusions which deceive the eye from a distance. One of the latest additions to the ‘Artistic Murals Route’ is a gardener cutting bougainvillea on the side of Victor de la Serna school by Jaen painter Jose Fernandez Rios. The impressive Fishing Day mural, also by Jose Fernandez, occupies 1,000m2 across six separate buildings – and holds the record for the largest vertical mural in Spain. Artistic inmates of Alhaurin prison meanwhile created six-metre-long metal sculptures for one mural which recreates the sea floor as part of the Moraga Collective initiative. Erin Aman whose work is featured in San Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, is another of the famous contributors to the offbeat outdoor expo.

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Estepona

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Melting pot! T

HE look of concentration on his face is only matched by the cut of his jib. Dressed smartly in his civvies, he takes pride of place in the heart of the kitchen, carefully filleting a large chunk of Cadiz’ finest bluefin tuna. “It’s a job he always insists on doing,” explains a waiter outside. “He really enjoys doing it and no-one is going to argue with the boss.” This is Manuel Marquez Caravaca (far right), better known as ‘Manolo’ at La Rada, a restaurant that has been serving up Estepona’s finest seafood for three decades.

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Estepona has a great mix of places to eat, writes Dining Secrets of Andalucia editor Jon Clarke It’s certainly been something of a success story for Caravaca, who started working at La Rada with his father, when it was just a tiny cafe beside the main coast road, well before the motorway arrived. Today it serves up to 500 people on a busy day in summer, which is no surprise, going on the knowledge of Manolo, who buys as much as possible from Andalucia’s BEACH-SIDE: The throng at El Pescador at the weekends, much thanks to Alfonso (right)

own waters and insists - adamantly - on wild, organic fish. “While difficult, it’s entirely possible still, you just have to work a bit harder and buy what’s good on each given day,” he explains. Another man who’s as passionate about fish - and just as insistent on cooking it in his own kitchen - is Alfonso (left) at Estepona’s other seafood stalwart, El Pescador. Sitting slap bang on the main beach, few places have developed as quickly and as stylishly in the town over the last decade. Through sheer hard work and a clever eye for quality and panache, he has turned his place into the other key fish restaurant in town… and it is perhaps no surprise that he used to work at La Rada just over a decade ago.

PROUD: La Rada’s Manolo shows off his wares and skills

Continues on Page 36

Enjoy the best fish and seafood while overlooking the sea

RESERVAS: 952 80 43 93 Paseo Marítimo Pedro Manrique 1, 29680. Estepona. Málaga

Local Spain issue 65.qxp_The Local Issue 5 07/07/17 10:26 Page 39

KOKOMO RESTAURANT, GARDEN & GRILL

We kut the mustard

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From Page 35

Estepona

You sit by the promenade overlooking the sea and eat only the best fresh fish from the nearby port. My tip is the sea bass in salt, an absolute joy. It is certainly a hard act to follow but Estepona is slowly developing a food culture to rival that of nearby Marbella. Little by little, more exciting and varied places are opening up around the town and along its coastline, dishing up every kind of cuisine, from Japanese to Venezuelan and Goan to Peruvian. Driven by an influx of wealthy and more demanding expats, particularly Scandinavians over the last few years,

Tasty dishes including prawn pil pil samosas and crab spring rolls

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the town’s chefs have had to up their game. Take Erik’s Jazz Bar right on the front; this friendly Swede has spent a fortune setting up this charming spot in honour of his new Venezuelan wife. Bringing a new style of cooking to the front, the menu varies by the day and depending on what the cooks can get hold of at the local markets. Best of all, the place does what it says on the tin...offers some of the best jazz to be had in the town, in particular at weekends, starting on Friday

Page 39 Please mention The Local Spain when responding to advertisements

CAPABLE: Simon at Kokomo and Juan at Sur

THE LOCAL TALENTS nights. And jazz buffs will love the array of original posters and album covers, including Miles Davis’ seminal Bitches Brew. Just up the road you will find the excellent chiringuito Palm Beach, one of the best on the coast for quality. Set up by talented former Dutch bro-

ker Erwin Vanderdonck, it has a range of tasty dishes including prawn pil pil samosas and crab spring rolls, which are melt-in-the-mouth amazing. The perfect place for families (with some great dishes catering for kids) you sit on the sand watching the day go by while your children can dive in and out of the sea.

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GALLIC FLAIR: The team at Lolas

PLACE TO BE: Erik’s Jazz Bar

Another superb chiringuito, just outside the port, up on the ‘secret’ Playa del Cristo you will find chiringuito Lolailo, where a

friendly team serves up the freshest fish that one would expect from a good beach restaurant.

Another long term favourite is Kokomo, where former Savoy chef Simon TaylorLane, gets busier as the years go on at the newer, bigger venue, up in Nueva Atalaya. Having also trained with Marco Pierre White, he has the classic knack of creating culinary classics and, best of all, at amazing value set lunch. He and wife Sally run a tight ship and it is incredible how busy their place gets. Up in the heart of Estepona meanwhile, there has been a quiet revolution going on with a string of new and stylish terrace restaurants opening of late. There are dozens of good places to graze, starting from Plaza Ortiz heading west up Calle Real or Calle Caridad towards Casa de las Flores and above. One of the nicest is easily the excellent Argentinian Sur, where well travelled owner Juan is never standing still, always trying new things in terms of decor, wines and dishes. A classic family affair, you often find father, wife, son and daughter, not to menContinues on Page 38

TOP TUCKER: Palm Beach terrace and food

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Bar y restaurante tel: +34 952 797 180

Serving International Breakfasts, Lunches & Evening Meals Opening Hours - Horario de apertura Monday to Friday de Lunes a Viernes 09:00 - 22:00 Saturday & Sunday Sabado y Domingo 09:30 - 22:00 Puerto paraiso 29, 29680 Estepona E-mail:delamar952@gmail.com

From Page 37

tion son-in-law serving up juicy empanadas, lamb tagines and, of course, the best steaks imaginable. If it is a good Italian you are after few places come as good as Rincon Toscana, run by Uri, who previously ran POLE POSITION: Tables at Casa Dona Jeronima and (left) Juan at La Pava a B&B near Siena. As well as great Italian wines, you will eat the freshest A little further up in Plaza de los run by a French couple from Avignon, pasta and the best pizzas around. Up on Calle Caridad don’t miss re- Flores you will love the style of Casa who have classic gallic flair and a nice Dona Jeronima, which mix of tapas and wines. cently opened La Para, is beautifully designed Meanwhile up in the port you will find run by a fabulous gourmet Juan Trapero, from There are some with a living plant wall some superb places including De la and stunning natural Mar, where Dutch owners Helene Algeciras, who has a excellent fresh lighting inside and a and Pim have moved into the world of great eye for interior degreat terrace right in the dining, having previously run a pub. cor AND tapas. fish and grilled heart of Estepona’s best With a distinct international feel, This is a superb place to there is some excellent fresh fish chill out and watch the meats and tasty square. Nearby, Casa del Rey and grilled meats and some tasty world and his dog go by… tapas has around 70 wines tapas. you might even catch the by the glass and some Last, but not least if you find yourself entertaining Olive Press excellent pairing tips for up in Benavista, check out the excelcolumnist Adam Neale, its excellent tapas. lent Green Bar, which is always busy who works at Terra Meridiana oppoNearby, you must look out for Lola’s, and has a great menu del dia as well site.

P.S. GOURMET MARKET THE icing on the cake is about to turn Estepona’s ancient market into the most exciting gourmet innovation in decades. The final touches are now being made before the Mercado San Luis gourmet market opens this Spring. The market has nearly been completely renovated and when open will create up to 100 jobs across 28 stalls, each serving up a different type of food.

BAR

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Jon Clarke reviews Claro Beach Club, one of the coolest spots to head for on Estepona’s coast

OU are sitting right by the sea under palm trees in one the most alluring sleepy corners of Costa Estepona. This is Claro Beach Club, where you can combine the breaking of the waves, with shady palm trees and gourmet food to boot. The brainchild of a Belgium publisher Axel and his wife Christine, it is the

Clear as daylight RELAX: After a gourmet lunch

VIEW: Up the new walkway very epitome of chill and a place you start to unwind the minute you walk through the door. While benefiting from the easy parking and branding of Laguna Village, it has a rather different feel. “It’s less St Tropez and bling bling and more hippy chic,” explains Christine. “We wanted to create a place for families and children, with good food and

SERVICE WITH A SMILE: An ox burger and crujientes we fell in love with the place the minute we saw it.” Describing herself and her husband

as gourmets she wants their clients to expect in their place, what they expect in other restaurants.

“As Estepona comes up in terms of quality real estate and wealthier buyers, we wanted to bring the quality of food up, but also with good service,” she continues. As well as a varied menu, with a good mix of local and international dishes, they have a late music licence, meaning some events, such as salsa nights and other live events, can go on until 3am. I sat and watched a pair of fishermen by the shore, before tucking into the first ‘espeto’ sardines of the season, cooked absolutely perfectly to a tee in the special bbq boat house. Next up I tried some beautifully presented goats cheese ‘crujientes’, a sort of cross between croquettes, with

almonds. There was also fried squid in a kimchee sauce, as well as a ceviche of sea bass and cigalas with tiger milk and mango. Sadly the carpaccio of beef, with spices and a truffle vinagarette with parmesan had run out, but a delicious ox burger with bacon that followed more than made up for it. All in all there is a good price to quality ratio and I expect this place to become increasingly busy come summer time. And best of all, after a big splurge you can burn off the calories taking the pleasant walk west towards Estepona town centre, along the recently finished wooden coast walkway. Or take a dip right there.

Claro Beach club, Laguna village - A7 exit 160, Reservation: 952 800 873 or info@clarobeachclub.com

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Property

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Print your own home A SPANISH startup claims it can 3D print houses in as little as eight hours. Be More 3D says its BEM1 Pro printer reduces the building costs by up to 35%. The company is already working to increase the size of the houses it can build from 24m2 to multi-storey structures. The BEM1 pro is being used to 3D print seven houses in the city of Cuenca, Castille-Mancha, complete with bedrooms, bathrooms, living and dining rooms. The new technology has been much talked-about as a possible solution to homelessness in underdeveloped areas and places stricken by war or natural disaster.

Express delivery AMAZON has revealed it will go ahead with its first distribution centre in Malaga city. The 13,000m2 building will be constructed on Calle Alegria in Los Prados and will be operational by next June. The plant will hire at least 80 staff.

COSTA DEL SOLD MARBELLA, Estepona and Benahavis are officially the hottest and ‘most mature’ markets in Spain. The three towns saw sales increase by 11.15% in 2017 compared to the year before, exceeding pre-2007 levels by 10.4%. The rest of Spain, meanwhile, still lags 21% behind pre-financial crisis levels. The figures come from The Marbella Property Market Report 2018, compiled by Christopher Clover at Panorama Properties - Marbella’s longest-running estate agency. Estepona saw sales rocket by 28.3% last year, while Marbella saw a 6.9% boost. This is mainly due to Estepona having greater availability of urbanizable land, while there are delays of a year or more when applying for building permits in Marbella. Estepona is also cheaper.

Property of the Week

Three Costa towns are driving Malaga’s property market into the top rankings

Demand in the most soughtafter areas of Marbella is outstripping supply and in urbanisations like Casablanca on the Golden Mile, prices have almost doubled. Meanwhile, in Benahavís, 499 Sold boards went up, representing 6.7% of the total

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7,487 purchases made in the three municipalities. The National Institute of Statistics (INE) has confirmed that Malaga - driven by hotspots like Marbella - had the fourth highest amount of sales last year (30,064 compared to 15,917 in the Balearic Islands), beaten only by Madrid, Barcelona and Alicante. And the sales boom is having a positive knock-on effect in attracting new businesses. In 2017 there was a net increase of 924 start-ups in the municipality of Marbella. Panorama CEO Clover said 2018 and the years to come ‘represent an exceptional time, perhaps even a historic opportunity to acquire properties in this area.’

La Mina - Cordoba 841 97.500 € Cordoba, Rute -VLTH3555 42.500€ Beautiful townhouse in large open This delightful single story property of a central area where easy. Ground floor hall way that parking leads to a is bright good size lounge hasfireplace living room, dining room, bedroom, with and air conditioning, 3 spacious doukitchen, large bathroom, patio, ble bedrooms all with plenty of natural light and on androom, private withwith to a fireplace separate dining fullyterrace fitted kitchen great views. On the first floor there plenty of storage and a full family bathroom. are three bedrooms. A must see!

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Property

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WANTED

Real Estate Professionals - no knowledge or ethics necessary

EAL estate is arguably the most important economic activity on the Costa del Sol and employs a good deal of its working population. A prime sector like this should be well protected but in reality there isn’t enough regulation. In fact, the only region in the country where the property sector is regulated and subject to qualitative control is Catalunya. In other regions like Andalucía, the sector depends primarily on self-regulation by individual companies, reputation and, if all else fails, the legal system. There have been calls for greater regulation and control, as well as the establishment of professional qualifications as seen in some other countries, but for now these are largely restricted to private initiatives. An example of this is the professional indemnity insurance cover provided to members through professional organisations such as API (Agente de Propiedad Inmobiliaria) and GIPE (Gestor Intermediario en Promociones de Edificiones), as well as the gathering of renowned property companies under joint quality brands such as the Leading Property Agents of Spain. But until the authorities establish strict controls to include registration of companies and professionals, professional educational requirements, insurance and the enforcement of quality standards and ethical business practices, the sector will be largely dependent upon self-management. The lack of barriers to entry means the number of ‘property agents’ swells when market conditions are good, only to de-

flate rapidly during down cycles. According to the national business registry compiled by the Spanish Institute of Statistics (INE), there were 67,812 companies selling property in 2017, compared to 106,375 at the peak in 2008. But their numbers are swelling again, rising from 149,000 in 2015 to 169,000 in 2017. Many new Costa arrivals think that selling property is an easy way to make money. It is estimated that there could be well over 3,000 agencies on the Costa del Sol, but as no specific statistics exist the exact figure is not known. Practically anyone with a mobile phone can operate as a real estate agent, meaning the actual number is much higher than official figures suggest. To make matters worse, it is relatively easy for anyone to pose as a credible and established player: all they need is an off-the-shelf, professional-looking website, a paid subscription to a Multiple Listing Service (MLS) giving them access to thousands of shared properties, a mobile phone and an email account. For the consumer who has no knowledge of the property market, it can be difficult to establish whether their estate agent is bluffing or really knows what’s what. One would have hoped the experience of the last boom had taught the Spanish authorities to keep watch for signs of market abuse and irrational exuberance. Alas, this does not seem to be the case. Long-term, the growing calls for improved regulation could well lead to the passing of new laws like those in Catalunya. But for now, look out for well-established, professional companies with a reputation that speaks for itself.

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Green cotton

MANGO has committed to sourcing 50% of its cotton from sustainable sources by 2022. It comes after the Spanish clothing giant joined the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI), which aims to transform the global cotton industry.

Download our app now and enjoying shopping the best Spanish SPAIN’Sbegin luxury market is expected news on the go.to more than double by 2025. It comes after a report by Bain & Co and Spanish luxury industry group Circulo Fortuny showed the Spanish luxury market was growing at twice the global average rate. Worth €9.2 billion last year, SPAIN will not meet its defiit is still three times smaller cit targets for this year or the The Press than France andOlive Italy, but it next, the IMF has predicted. will more than double to €20 The international body, billion by 2025. TOP for news in Spain! headed by Christine Lagarde, The news is set to benefit has forecast the country will Spanish luxury brands like end this year with a deficit of Loewe, Puig, Tous and San 2.5%, 0.3 away from its 2.2% Patrick, which are looking to target. capitalise on this growth. In 2019, meanwhile, Lagarde “The Spanish luxury market predicts it will have a 2.1% is still quite small, but it is deficit, well off the 1.3% stipugrowing fast,” said Claudia lated in the country’s budget D’Arpizio, a partner at Bain stability plan. and lead author of the report. It comes after the Bank of “It is a big opportunity for Spain and the Independent companies in this sector.” Authority for Fiscal ResponsiThe growth comes as Spain bility (AIReF), both doubted exits its decade-long finan- the government’s forecasts, cial crisis and has since 2014 predicting a deviation of 0.3 turned into one of Europe’s for 2018 also. fastest-growing economies. While the Spanish govern-

Spain will not meet any of its deficit targets and debt is too high, warns IMF

Part of the initiative sees farmers receive training on how to use water efficiently, care for the health of the soil and natural habitats, reduce use of the most harmful chemicals and apply decent work principles. GOING GREEN: Mango

Not good enough LAGARDE: IMF boss

ment under Mariano Rajoy has insisted economic growth will meet the targets, the IMF has warned that there are too many toxic assets that could risk another crisis. The IMF’s forecasts are not positive on public debt either. While the agency believes that debt as a percentage of GDP will sit at 96.7% by the end of 2018, in line with the Government’s forecast, it estimates that its reduction will be extremely slow to the point

that in 2023 it will still be at 90.9% of GDP. In fact, according to the data in the report, Spain will not comply with the objective set in the stability law of reducing debt to 60% of GDP by 2020, since in that year it will stand at 90%. The AIReF has called for the Government to adopt a realistic objective. The tax authority estimates that this level of debt (60%) will not be reached until 2035.

Holiday boom

SPANIARDS are travelling more and spending billions while doing it. New figures released by the National Institute of Statistics have revealed the Spanish took 6.5% more holidays or trips in 2017 than the year before. Half of the 193 million trips taken last year were holidays, with Spaniards spending €44.2 billion, 6.9% higher year-on-year. Some 91.1% of the trips were within Spain. Most travellers visited Andalucia, with the sunny region attracting 16.8% of all trips made by Spaniards last year. This was followed by Catalunya, with 13%, and the Valencian Community, with 9.6%.

HOMEGROWN: Travel

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Strike reprisals UNIONS in Spain have accused Amazon of firing more than 100 workers because they went on strike for better working conditions. The CGT union condemned the US company’s largest logistic centre in Spain and said the move to not renew the temporary workers’ contracts was politically motivated. Workers first went on strike on March 21 and 22, but some turned up to work out of fear of reprisals. Now, just days before the next strike, more than 100 employees at the San Fernando de Henares centre, near Madrid, have been let go. Employees have also complained that the company usually gives an early notice when there's going to be layoffs, but that this time

Amazon accused of victimizing workers who went on strike last month usual for this time of year, dismissing Amazon’s ‘excuses’. The employees claimed the company is trying to cheapen labour, eliminate guarantees for a salary

increase and get rid of protection clauses in case of temporary disability. Workers are now planning strikes on the company’s busiest days, including Black Friday.

‘silence reigned.’ “Not Friday night, not Saturday, neither Sunday: it's been this morning (Monday). The Whatsapp groups are on fire because our colleagues have been confirming their dismissals,” one worker said. In its defense, the e-commerce firm said it hires temporary workers to handle high demand seasons, and then turn their contracts into permanent ones if possible. “Precisely due to this seasonal nature, it's not possible to turn all contracts into indefinite ones. “Since the beginning of our operations in Spain, we have turned hundreds of temporary contracts into permanent ones,” said a spokesperson, adding that the mass firing happened due to a drop in demand. But workers that have been in the company for a while argue that such layoffs are un-

OH SNAP! BRITISH favourite KitKat is set to lose its EU-wide trademark status allowing anyone to produce a chocolate bar mimicking its iconic shape. The four-fingered treat, made by Nestle, lost an appeal at the European Court of Justice (CoJ) on the grounds that it was not well enough known in Belgium, Ireland, Greece and Portugal. In order to obtain full protection the Swiss company had to prove the design was recognised as distinctive across all member states. Advocate general Melchior Wathelet, whose advice is not legally binding but often followed, said sufficient evidence had only been provided for Denmark, Germany, Spain, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Austria, Finland, Sweden and the UK Status had previously been granted by the EU intellectual property office back in 2006. Nestle is the latest company to have lost a decision over shape protection, including the challenging Rubik’s Cube after the CoJ decided it was not distinctive enough back in November 2016.

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business

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April 25th - May 8th 2018 April 25th - May 8th 2018

Property AGONY ANT

Just desserts

YOUR LEGAL PROBLEMS ADDRESSED BY ANTONIO FLORES

Tenants and occupants could face jail for theft and damage

RECENT writ by a Murcia-based prosecutor is a stark reminder that certain illegal practices by toxic tenants, and other occupants of real estate, will not enjoy impunity. The writ refers to a non-paying tenant who -in the middle of an eviction process- chose to retaliate against the landlord by stealing, among other items, 2 fans, a mattress, a washing machine, a dishwasher, hobs, curtains, a coffee machine, a microwave oven, a table and four chairs.

ture, consequence of ‘a deep resentment and a direct intention of causing financial and emotional harm to the owner’, according to the sentencing Judge.

Maximum

In Barcelona, the Appeal Court (Section 10) handed a prison term to a tenant who, with the intention of causing the maximum possible damage, knocked walls, pulled pipes and cables, broke shutters and tore curtains and generally left the property in a lamentable state of despair. It’s worth noting that in all the rulings, the actions caused by the tenant show a deliberate and intentional desire to cause monetary loss to the owner. If the above scenarios want to be avoided by both tenants and owners, it is highly recommendable that parties carefully examine the property to be rented and draw up an inventory (photographic or video if possible) before granting possession.

Prison

The State Prosecutor is asking that the tenant serves a minimum of 2 years in prison as the value of items stolen exceeds 400 euros. In a similar case, Criminal Court 15 in Valencia has imposed a 14-month prison sentence to a tenant for misappropriating furniture items and a 3,000 fine for causing damage to various other items of furni-

Email Antonio at aflores@lawbird.com

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Cancer climb SKIN cancer operations increased by almost a third on the Costa del Sol last year. Around 1,064 procedures to remove malignant melanoma were carried out in 2017 at the Costa del Sol Hospital, in comparison to the annual average of 700. Distrito Sanitario and the Costa del Sol Hospital warned the numbers will continue to increase. The high number of hours of sun exposure and an increase in the expat population, has made the Costa del Sol one of the regions with the highest cases of skin cancer in Spain. It is believed the region has some of the highest figures in Europe. Although statistics are worrying, more people are going to the doctor with potential skin problems, which means patients are being diagnosed earlier. A campaign tackling skin protection awareness will be put into action from May 21 to 25 on the Costa del Sol. Advertorial

Care for a job? THE Good Care Group – an award-winning provider of Live In (24 hour) care in the UK. We deliver truly individual care that empowers the elderly and their families to live the way they choose. On May 23 we will be holding a FREE open day for anyone who is interested in knowing more about becoming a live in carer with us. This will be held at the Salles Hotel Centro - Calle Mármoles, Málaga. The role:Professional carer for the elderly - you will be living in the client’s house providing them with the support they need from personal care to making meals and housework. Working as a Live In carer you will be visiting clients in their own homes in the UK providing them with vital care and support. This can range from companionship and cooking to housework and personal care. We believe in shorter, more flexible shifts to ensure your personal well-being is protected. Our rota patterns give you the flexibility to work in the UK and still enjoy family time at home back in Spain. Requirements: Experience in caring for the elderly – either as a paid carer or volunteer / looking after family, a kind and caring nature, a good understanding of English, both written and spoken, positive references – including at least two from you former employers. We offer pay up to £665 per week, 24 hour support for you, working in a safe environment, a dedicated care manager – there to support you and your client, a variety of rotas to suit your lifestyle with a regular client, free training with free accommodation, paid holidays, travel expenses: We cover all of your travel within the UK and contribute towards any flights that are above £150 for a return trip. For more information please call Tracy on 951507423 or 622047351 or email Tracy.Jackson@thegoodcaregroup.com.

health

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April 25th - May 8th 2018

Save our dad

Expat family urgently appeal to get father to Russia for MS treatment

A BRITISH expat family have launched a fundraising appeal for the father to receive potentially life-changing treatment for his Multiple Sclerosis in Russia. Paul Morrison, who moved to Andalucia with his family eight years ago, was diagnosed with MS last year. The builder had moved his family from Rochdale to Almeria for a new life in the sun. Paul continued to work as a builder in Spain, while his wife Claire was a full-time mum to their children. The 6ft builder was ‘never off his feet’ and worked six days a week to make sure his family were well looked after. But last year, Paul was diagnosed with the debilitating neurological condition MS. The 45-year-old can now barely walk with crutches, struggles with memory loss, and has blurry vision in one eye. He has been unable to work since the diagnosis. His wife Claire has had to become a full time English teacher to provide for children Charlotte, 18, Ben, 16 and Alvaro, 7. Claire told MEN: “It was

47 April 25th - May 8th 2018

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awful when he was told he has got MS, it’s just been a rollercoaster since that moment. “It’s like he’s a different person, a different man, different dad. It’s just heartbreaking to watch someone that you love go through this. He puts on a brave face, he’s a very proud man.” His one chance of getting better lies in a stem cell treatment in Russia, which can help stop the disease and improve symptoms. It wipes out the immune system and builds it back up

from scratch, and is the only hope of giving Paul a fighting chance to be a normal dad again. You can donate here: https://www.gofundme.com/paulsfighttowalk

CONTACT Phone: 676 14 89 94 Phone: 679 04 20 73 Email: integralhomeassistance@gmail.com integralhomeassistance

PART OF

Norovirus outbreak SOME 39 people have become infected by norovirus after eating contaminated frozen mussels. The outbreak occured in Valencia, but the infected batch had already been distributed to Andalucia, the Balearic Islands and nine other regions. The Spanish Agency for Consumer Affairs, Food Safety and Nutrition has issued a warning to anyone who has bought frozen mussels from the batch to throw them away immediately. The product is frozen cooked mussels from Galicia, called Mejillón media concha súper, under the Estrella Polar brand. Any packaging containing the lot number 010DOP-18 should be thrown out. Authorities across the 11 regions affected have been informed and are removing the product from shelves.

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Food, drink & travel April 25th - May 8th 2018

with DINING SECRETS of ANDALUCIA.com

Snap to it… a lunch for David

Contemporary fine dining

Wed to Sun 1-4pm, 2 Course Lunch €20 & Tues to Sat 6.30-10.30pm, A La Carte Dinner

tel: 952 493 909 or 658 748 919 reservations@joffreyslasmimosas.com Urbanización las Mimosas, 3A, La Cala De Mijas, 29649 Mijas, Málaga Plenty of parking available outside restaurant www.joffreyslasmimosas.com

TRAGIC: David Toms before accident

ONE of Marbella’s top restaurants is hosting a fundraising lunch for expat photographer David Toms, who was tragically paralysed following a motorbike accident. The €50 ticket will get you cava on arrival, a two-course lunch, a €10 gift drinks voucher at La Sala and front row seats to a fashion show. There will also be raffle prizes and live performances, while a diamond necklace will also go up for auction at La Sala, in Puerto Banus on June 8. €10 from each ticket will be donated to David’s Fund. Toms, who took photos for numerous events and publications on the coast for years, was paralysed

Jiminy cricket!

A SPANISH supermarket has launched a new range of creepy crawly edibles. The new treats at 300 Carrefour stores include ‘spicy chilli buffalo worms’, energy bars made from chocolate, figs and ‘powdered crickets’, and pasta and granola brimming with insect goodness.

when his bike hit a patch of sand, leaving him a quadriplegic. After six weeks in the intensive care unit in Málaga, he was transferred to a specialist spinal injury hospital in Toledo where his progress was fast. He has since been removed to a specialist centre in Granada and regained some movement in parts of his body. For more information email eliteeventsmarbella@hotmail.com or purchase at La Sala directly. Alternatively call 648490919 to arrange a meeting point to collect tickets

New line of bug goodies go on sale at one of Spain’s top supermarket chains “The idea is to offer customers the most innovative products and provide alternatives that are sustainable and respectful of the

Mercadona in UK SPAIN’S biggest supermarket has launched in the UK. The food giant has opened a trading office in Harrogate, Yorkshire, to handle fish from the North Sea. Mercadona, founded by Valencia-based businessman Juan Roig, has not yet announced any plans to open stores in Britain, but the buying office will save a considerable amount of travelling. Staff from the North Sea fish-purchasing management centre in Spain have had to fly to the UK each time they needed to sign paperwork or deal with any business issues.

environment,” explained a spokesman. “These products are made entirely in Europe. They are made by hand and use ingredients derived from eco-friendly farming.” The new items come with a premium price tag - a 14g box of Jimini’s crunchy crickets cost €7 for example. However the packaging is made from recycled paper and includes detailed information about both the ingredients and their nutritional values.

The supermarket claims that they are both nutritional and good for the environment, claiming the production of edible insects reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 99%. It also helps to limit water pollution and consumption and is part of a wider attempt to improve animal welfare and reduce the company’s environmental impact. According to the UN, at least two billion people regularly consume insects, and the tiny creatures could help meet the food needs of the world’s growing population.

Paella in a bottle battle

Open Tuesday to Sunday. until 22.00 Closed 12.00 until mid February

FOODIE: Spaniard Beatriz Albo

A SPANISH food whiz is taking her ‘paella in a bottle’ invention into a BBC food battle. Dr Beatriz Albo is to take her invention on to the show, Top of the Shop with Tom Kerridge. Her product Sabor de Amor is starring in the fourth episode of the show, which airs this week. The Spaniard will battle with three other amateur producers in the homemade cooking sauce category. The winner of each of the seven categories, which also includes cheese, smoked meat, and drink, will go on to be awarded a permanent space on super-

I’m bark next issue

market shelves up and down the country. The 50-year-old former research scientist and school teacher, recreates recipes passed down from three generations in her family, from Salamanca. “My family were all cooks - my grandparents had a restaurant in Salamanca at one point - and they would always tell me to get out of the kitchen,” she said. “I couldn’t even make pasta, so my mum started teaching me how to cook and would send me her own handwritten recipes.”

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April 25th - May 8th 2018

Star of Channel 4’s New Life in the Sun pens first column for the Olive Press

Bonjour!

REETINGS readers! Lisa Burgess here, newly minted restaurateur and now Olive Press columnist. Just to recap, in case you missed me on TV this year, I opened Joffrey’s French restaurant with my chef partner Joffrey Charles in La Cala de Mijas last year. Before I took the plunge into the minefield that is hospitality I was a television stylist for TV3 in Ireland for over a decade. And when I transitioned from fashion to restaurant owner I was a complete fish out of water, and all of it made considerably worse by being caught - excruciatingly for me - on camera for the last series of Channel 4’s A New Life in the Sun. Now following in its wake, I intend to write monthly on the trials and tribulations of owning a restaurant in southern Spain. Oh and give you the odd recipe and a few juicy tidbits on our guests, a few of them famous. The main thing to note is since the TV show aired in February we have been incredibly busy. We have seen a sharp increase in business, allowing us to fly in our new Malaga-born sous chef from London, Marcus Nieto, formerly of Michelin star restaurant Barrafina. Joffrey and Marcus are working on our new a la carte menu for May and there is heated debate over what favourites to keep or discard, such as duck parfait and our very popular creme brulee. They are tough decisions to make, when you know that certain dishes have become repeat customer favourites. But creativity and progress wins out. I always think customer feedback on new dishes is essential so last week the two chefs had, what we called, a ‘Scallop Off’. Two delighted customers tried two different scallop dishes by both chefs. The first by Marcus was a carpaccio with pickled fennel, apple vinaigrette and parsley oil, versus Joffrey’s pan fried Scallops with cauliflower puree and crispy ham. It was a tie according to our esteemed judges

though Joffrey’s expression resembled a famous Da Vinci portrait hanging in the Louvre. Some interesting customers have visited Joffrey’s recently. Much of it thanks to our twoCourse €20 lunch (a la Gordon Ramsay in the early days at Claridges).

Lock, stock These include actor Mark Mooney (below) from Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, who is reforming TV presenter Denise Van Outen’s new pad close by, as well as the British ambassador Simon Manley (thanks Jon), who turned up with his consul Charmaine Arbouin, and a few local politicians. My attempts at Fawlty Towers-style Spanish to an audience of chortling Spanish politicians was well received. Contrary to popular belief us restaurateurs do actually get on and so you can usually find our neighbours and friends Alison and Steve Hyatt from the Blue Marlin joining us regularly on a Sunday - our day off in the evenings (and Monday too). Recently we were also joined by Michele HarperSaunders of Little Geranium and a couple of other local foodies.

Royal rumpus

Moving forward we have been planning a Royal Wedding luncheon for Harry and Meghan’s big day on May 19. This has been a source of constant debate (truthfully, argument) between Joffrey and I. Not surprising given he is French. His vision for our restaurant is classy contemporary French fine dining which works... but now and then I like to throw a bloody good party! Here is a good tip from Joffrey for all those great His reasoning was he didn’t home cooks out there. Buy yourself a thermomix, want to do this luncheon and you and your purees will never look back. street party complete with Et voila this is his secret recipe for centuries old bunting, a sea of union jacks French Onion soup but just don’t tell him I told and a very British menu inyou ... cluding Coronation Chicken as we are French Fusion. 50g of lardon bacon Anyway, after a 100 years 3 onions war I won him over so I am 1.5l chicken stock now on to Amazon to get 1 bay leaf my lifesize cardboard cut2 sprigs of fresh thyme outs of the happy couple. Salt and pepper Just don’t tell the chef!

French onion soup

THE HILLS ARE ALIVE WITH THE SOUND OF MUSIC BIRD SONg RUSHINg STREAMS BUTTERFLIES’ WINgS AND... SILENCE! April 25th - May 8th 2018

IF YOU NEED A SLICE OF NATURE IN A BEAUTIFUL SETTING, WHY NOT HEAD TO MOLINO DEL SANTO NEAR RONDA IN THE MONTH OF MAY? A VERY SPECIAL LITTLE HOTEL, WITH A GREAT RESTAURANT, AWAITS YOU. YOUR FIRST VISIT? You are assured of a warm welcome to an old watermill by a rushing stream set in a Natural Park amidst stunning scenery. We have terraces by the water and great views of the surrounding mountains. Couple these with an excellent restaurant and friendly but efficient service and you may join the hundreds of people who wish they’d discovered us earlier. Mention this advertisement when you book and we’ll give you a 10% discount on our restaurant service until the 15th May. YOU’VE BEEN BEFORE? This is to remind you that we are open every day with the same high standards as always and we look forward to welcoming you back. It is always best to book - mention this advertisement and we’ll give you a 10% discount on our restaurant service until the 15th May. Molino del Santo has featured on BBC and ITV television, The Times, The Daily Telegraph, The Guardian, The Financial Times amongst many others.

Joffrey’s is open Tuesday to Saturday 6.30-10.30pm for A La Carte Dinner and Wednesday to Sunday for a 2 Course €20 Lunch. Call 952493909 or 658 748 919 for further information.

Olive crisis OLIVE farmers in Andalucia are facing tariffs on up to 25% of their exports following a series of trade levies by US president Donald Trump. AgroSevilla, which exports one quarter of its black olives to the States, has already had to lay off employees after the US introduced a more than 20% rise in duties. “We have lost many contracts and we have had to let people go for the first time ever," said president Gabriel Redondo. If the trade levies remain, some 16,000 farms and 8,000 full-time workers in Andalucia could be at risk.

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Wine time With Aleesha Hansel

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INK wine, known as rosé in France and rosado in Spain, has a somewhat mixed reputation. Seen as a bit of an inbetween, it has struggled to cement its position within the market, but with its surprising versatility it is definitely worthy of a try. The history of pink wine is not so clear cut. Many of the earliest red wines made would have been closer in colour to modern rosado than a Rioja. Recent winemaking techniques have allowed us to produce darker and more tannic wines, due to extended maceration and harder pressing not widely practiced in ancient winemaking. Both red and white grapes were pressed soon after harvest and often by hand or feet meaning little contact time with the grape skins leaving wines only lightly pigmented. While documents have been found going as far back at 1764 showing the sale of rosé Champagne by Ruinart the oldest Champagne house - the story of the pink drink took a dramatic turn following the end of the second world war. When Mateus and Lancers, two Portuguese wine

April 25th - May 8th 2018 Food, drink &&travel Food, DRINK TRAVEL Food, drink & travel

THINK PINK

‘Tis the season for rose - or pink wine in English - writes Aleesha Hansel

Navarra

Navarra DO, north of Rioja is the most noted rose region with more than half of area’s wine production dedicated to rosados. Grape varieties used in the production of reds and rosados represent 95% of the all vines planted in the DO, although this number is starting to decrease for more white varieties. Traditionally rosados from this area are made with Garnacha,

producers, released sweet, slightly sparkling rosado to the European and American markets. These wines would go to set record sales figures and dom-

representing 32% of planting. These days however Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are often incorporated in the blends or as stand alone varietals. Dry yet bursting with aromas of ripe strawberries, this easy to drink style with its intense pink colour goes well with stuffed red peppers and paellas containing chicken or chorizo.

inated the market until the development of drier styles i.e. Provencal rosé and American blush wines such as White Zinfandel.Perhaps it could come as a surprise then to

learn that Spain is the world’s second largest pink wine producer, after France, with 21% of global production according to 2016 figures. Here is a rundown over three regions.

Getting fizzy with it

w Ne lla rbe t a M o tsp ho www.cascadamarbella.com | +34 951567849 Urb Montua, 39, 29602 Marbella

A HOST of Spanish wineries have started adding bubbles to red Rioja. Eight vineyards are now producing sparkling versions of the traditional vino. It comes after Rioja’s regulatory council created a new sparkling category, ‘espumosos de calidad Rioja’, with bodegas including Muga, Faustino and Cune jumping on the bandwagon. Last year saw 389 million bottles of Rioja sold worldwide while in the UK, it accounts for 37.8% of sales of Spanish wine. Sales rose by 3.2% last year with an average price of around €7 a bottle. Javier Pascual, from wine magazine La Prensa del Rioja, said: “Producing fizzy wine is the new fashion in Rioja and it is basically to diversify a brand which is doing very well. “They are not trying to compete in the fizzy market with prosecco, champagne or cava . . . but simply want to offer customers something new.”

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April 25th - May 8th 2018 April 11th - April 24th 2018

Jumilla There are currently 32,000 hectares making rose under vine within the Jumilla DO, 45% of which are in Murcia and 55% in Albacete. While relatively unknown, the region is one of Spain’s oldest DO or Denominación de Origen, which indicates the geographical origin and the style of a wine and dictates various production conditions, having been granted in 1966. Monastrell is the most significant variety making up more than 85% of the vines planted. Expect a raspberry and cherry nose with enough weight and structure to match with light meats, rice and pasta.

Cava

Traditionally made with three white grapes, rosado cava will usually have Garnacha and Monastrell in the mix. Garnacha, also known as Grenache, brings strawberry and raspberry characteristics while Monastrell, aka Mourvedre, gives the wine a perfect pink hue. Cava, originating from the latin word for cave, refers to how the wine used to be preserved and aged. Made in the same way as Champagne, cava is typically dry - unless semi seco is stated on the label. Great with seafood dishes such as grilled prawns and langoustines but equally at home with charcuterie or fruit salad.

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O hear we go, ready for another summer season on the coast. The last of the spring rains have fallen - I know this because as I write, the din of a huge excavator is shattering the peace and quiet of the lake. Istan Town Hall sends this behemoth down once a year to smooth out the track to the lake as it is an ‘acceso publico’. Although after the deluge over the past couple of weeks, the ‘publico’ would need to be bravehearts indeed, and perhaps even clinically insane to attempt it, as it is not so much a public right of way as an action sequence location from Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. Needless to say, I tackle it daily. Almost as loud as the sounds of earth flattening around me are the sounds of the coast gearing up for another season. Once again, tourism experts are predicting record-breaking numbers of visitors, citing official statistics, airline predictions and ho-

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tel booking figures. In a less scientific manner, social media in the form of the data harvesting firm Facebook is full of club and beach bar promoters in Puerto Banus boasting that this summer – and this is a technical term dear reader – ‘Marbs 2018 is going to smash it!’. That’s as maybe. But if they really are intending to ‘smash it’, the tattoo and tanga tribe better keep

their kit on while doing it, and ditch the comedy props. An edict from Marbella Town Hall – desperate to clean up the town’s image as a luxury destination after last summer’s shenanigans – has proposed a decree that anyone found walking with their tops off, or carrying/wearing items of a sexual nature will face a fine of over €700. As this worthy organ reported online last summer, social media was treated to scenes of halfnaked drunken Brits staggering around Banus with giant inflatable dildos. My fervent wish for summer 2018, therefore, is that Marbella Mayor Muñoz (left) - who since regaining power in Marbella last year has shown a fondness for setting up action groups and special teams to tackle specific issues - takes similar action against the dildo louts. The Marbella Oversized Inflatable Sex Toy (MOIST for short) complaints hotline would be on my speed dial, that’s for sure!

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Lionel Messi overtakes Cristiano BE ‘APPY! Ronaldo to become highest paid footballer on the planet +TheolivepressEs

Messi earns Download our app nowLIONEL and every MINUTE begin enjoying the best€25,000 Spanish he plays on the pitch. news on the go. The shocking figures come

as the Barcelona forward takes over Cristiano Ronaldo to become the highest paid footballer in the world.

Rolling in it

plays all of Barcelona’s five remaining games. The two players who have split the last 10 Ballons d’Or are followed by Paris Revenues Saint-Germain’s Brazilian This season, including all The Olive Press star Neymar on €81.5mn commercial revenues and euros in the calculations bonuses, Messi is rakpublished by France TOP for news in Spain! SPAIN has been stripped ing in €126 million, while Football. of its right to host the 2018 Ronaldo will have to settle Rounding off the top five SPLASHING THE CASH: Messi European junior weightlif- with €92 million. highest earners in the ting championships becau- That works out at 25,000 in La Liga, the Champions international appeargame are Gareth Bale on se it refuses to recognise euros per minute pitch League, the Spanish Cup ances for Argentina this €44 million and Barca Kosovo as an independent time this season for Messi and Supercup and four season, and assuming he defender Gerard Pique state. on €29 million euros. Visas When it comes to the coachIt comes after, during a es, ManchesEuropean Weightlifting ter United’s Federation (EWF) ExecuMourinho retive Board meeting, the mains the bigcontinental weightlifting FIVE Spain rugby intergest earner with governing body stated that nationals have been giv€26 million. Spain must provide a suffien bans totalling more Next comes cient guarantee that Kosothan two years for conChina boss vo team members would Marcello Lippi fronting the referee afbe granted visas to take on €23 million, ter their team's contropart in the tournament. followed by Diversial World Cup qualiHead of the EWF Antonio ego Simeone at fying defeat by Belgium Urso gave the Spanish goAtletico Madrid in March. vernment and sports mi(€22 million), Spain lodged a formal nistries three weeks to reZinedine Zicomplaint after their solve the issue and ensure dane (€21 milshock 18-10 loss, which equal treatment for all the FURY: Spain rugby players lion), who has was refereed by Romacompetitors despite politiwon the last nian Vlad Iordachescu, committee had banned ers, Pierre Barthere, Lucal controversies. They faitwo Champions and which ensured Rotwo players, Guillaucas Guillame, and Maled to reply within the time League titles mania won an automatme Rouet and Sebasthieu Belie, have been at Real and limit, leading the board to ic qualifying spot. tien Rouet, for nine banned for three and a Pep Guardiola grant the hosting rights to Rugby's world govern- months and more than half months for 'threat(€20 million), Poland instead. ing body said it was 10 months respectively ening actions/words' to who has just Spain is reluctant to re‘deeply concerned’. for physical and verbal the official. led Manchescognise Kosovo given the Rugby Europe an- abuse of Iordachescu. ter City to the The players can appeal independence drive for English Premier nounced that its judicial Three other Spain play- the decision. one of its own territories, League. Catalunya.

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Copa del Crushed SEVILLA have been crushed 5-0 by Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final in Madrid. The defending champions came out strong in the first half, securing a 3-0 lead, with two goals coming from Luis Suarez and one from Lionel Messi, as Coutinho scored a second-half penalty kick and Andres Iniesta also scored. It was a dominant showing where Sevilla could do next to nothing. The underdogs had just one shot on goal all match long, as Barca won the domestic cup while having La Liga nearly wrapped up. Sevilla is probably left wondering when Messi will retire - the Argentine has scored more goals against them (30) than any other club in the world.

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MAKERS of Manchego are battling with Mexican copy-cat producers who are using the same name for a cheaper cheese. It comes after an EU decision allowed them both to continue trading with the Manchego brand.

Brexit swap ROTA, in Cádiz, will replace Northwood in the UK as one of the EU’s five operational military headquarters (OHQ), in March next year.

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dressed in uniform, inside we are not different from you,” the tweet read. “We work for your freedom and safety. If you need us, call 062.” When approached by the Olive Press a Guardia spokeswoman in Madrid insisted: “We have been inundated with calls about him and after holding a meeting we have decided to not reveal his identity.” And we were not the first, with ‘dozens of other newspapers and magazines’ also having got in touch with the same idea.

Manhunt for ‘hottest policeman ever’ hits dead end after Guardia Civil inundated with calls

POLICE in Spain have refused to reveal the identity of the ‘hottest cop ever’. It comes after a tweet including a photo of the handsome Guardia officer went viral last week. It has been liked by more than 11,000 Twitter users and

HEARTBREAKER: Policeman who broke the internet

retweeted more than 3,000 times.

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The tweet read: “Although from the outside you see us

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Spain jolly DO you fancy an all expenses paid trip to Ibiza and Barcelona? Would you like to visit various other Spanish cities and also hang out in the Balearic islands? Well now you can thanks to an ‘innovative’ new documentary series being made by BBC Three. In the reality TV show, groups of friends between 18 and 25 will have their antics filmed as they travel around. You need to be available for one month of filming between midJune and August this year. Email your name, age, contact details and Instagram account to BBCThree.Spain@bbc.co.uk.

Is that you, Donald Trump? A SPANISH woman who looks like US president Donald Trump has gone viral. Farmer, Dolores Leis Antelo, from La Coruna, became an internet sensation after images circulated of her following an interview.

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A SPANISH reality TV star has had her breasts exposed to a live audience. Oriana Marzoli, 26, who was in the final of Survivor Spain, accidentally lifted up her top in front of TV presenter Carmen Gahona. Oriana then dropped to the floor in shock as she tried to protect her modesty as the audience began laughing.

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