Est. 1946
www.gibraltarolivepress.com LT D
Cookshop, Household Goods, General Hardware, Beach Accessories & more
The Rock’s original community newspaper
FREE
46 Irish Town, Gibraltar Tel: +350 200 75188 Email: bia@gibraltar.gi Facebook: GibraltarBIA
SEE PAGE 6
Vol. 3 Issue 66 www.gibraltarolivepress.com March 14th - March 27th 2018
NOT GUILTY: Riddell
Post boss cleared of rape THE ex-boss of Gibraltar’s postal service has been cleared of two rape charges. Christopher Riddell was found not-guilty of raping a woman he met at the Seawave restaurant. A Supreme Court jury returned a unanimous verdict that he had not forced her to have sex after walking her home from the Catalan Bay eaterie in March 2016
Vigorous
The former Post Office CEO, 54, had allegedly raped her while she looked for her house keys. He claimed that he had consensual sex with the woman, who had been the ‘driving force’ behind the ‘vigorous’ outdoor sex. Riddell had told the court: “Before you completely ruin someone’s life, please look at the logical facts here,” he said. He gave no statement following the trial.
SPANISH police have again expressed their concerns over a creeping lawlessness in the Campo de Gibraltar area. It comes after a pair of masked men attempted to torch two new patrol boats in Algeciras. In the brazen 6.45am attack, the pair managed to pour petrol into one of the vessels, while anchored in port. Fortunately a security guard was able to stop them setting the boat alight, but the pair were able to flee, shouting: “Sooner or later we will burn them.” The latest drug-related incident comes just days after an off-duty Guardia Civil officer was attacked in broad daylight by a group of drug smugglers in La Linea. The officer had spotted a group of smugglers unloading bales of drugs while he was driving home after his shift. When the group realised they had
1
Women on the Rock recount their harrowing stories of being forced to have abortions in Spain as campaign launched to change draconian outdated law
March 14th - March 27th 2018
Now, we’ll torch your boats!
ARSON ATTEMPT: By drug gang
been spotted they set upon the officer and his car, demonstrating a ‘growing fearlessness of the Spanish authorities’. Fortunately the officer escaped unharmed but the gang smashed his rear windscreen before he could drive off. A spokesman from the Spanish Association for the Guardia Civil has once more demanded that more police are
sent to the region. “We are living in the same situation that occurred years ago in the Basque Country: officers do not want to be sent there because of the alarming insecurity,” the spokesman said. “We still do not understand why the Ministry of the Interior has not dealt with the serious security problem throughout the area.”
We WON’T be pawns! By Joe Wallen
THE leader of the Liberal Democrat party fears Gibraltar could be ‘sacrificed’ to get a better Brexit deal. Vince Cable insists Gibraltarians must not become ‘sacrificial pawns’ in the knife-edge negotiations with the EU. In a damning analysis of Prime Minister Theresa May’s muddled Brussels position, Sir Vince insists the EU will end up dictating terms.
Chief Minister joins Lib Dem leader to demand that Gibraltar must not be sacrificed for better Brexit deal He said the UK’s ‘very weak’ negotiating position was leading to considerable anxiety in Gibraltar about the issue of joint sovereignty. “If the government is going to take a tough
line on Brexit in these negotiations, this is one of the things they should be tough about,” he said. “Currently they have been very, very weak and created an enormous sense of anxiety
2for1 glasses from 59€ MAYFAIR ONMAIN
Gibraltar’s luxury hair salon experience where quality & service matter
including free Sun and uV tint on one pair
See our ad inside for details
286 Main Street Gibraltar, GX11 1AA (+350) 200 75913 info@mayfaironmain.gi www.mayfaironmain.gi OLIVE PRESS – 70mm x 40mm FRONT COVER 14 March
and insecurity. “It is an issue of fundamental principle, Gibraltar has been attached to the UK for two centuries. “We have seen off repeated demands by Spain to have control over the Rock. “We should not allow Brexit to be used as a cloak for giving away what is a substantial British commitment.”
Afraid
He added: “The Gibraltarian Government is afraid that their people – our people, British citizens – will be sacrificial pawns in this needless rush for the EU exit door.” His concerns were backed up by Chief Minister Fabian Picardo, when he insisted sovereignty should not be ‘bartered’ with. He told BBC Radio 4: “You don’t barter with sovereignty today… what you do is look at the interests of people, you talk to people and ask them what matters for the future.” Politicians in the UK have
also demanded the government reject any Spanish veto over aspects of the deal signed between the EU and UK. Currently Spain can veto any future UK/EU trade agreement relating to Gibraltar, according to Clause 24 of the EU’s negotiating guidelines. Despite ongoing uncertainty Picardo has vowed to work with his Spanish counterparts in the Campo to mitigate any negative fallout from Brexit. “Let’s make Brexit the success we didn’t choose and promote that it should create a rainbow of opportunities for Gibraltar and the Campo,” he wrote on social media.
Opportunity
Spanish thinktank the Elcano Royal Institute has echoed Picardo’s optimism, stating that Brexit offers the UK and Spain a unique opportunity to decide on a new status for Gibraltar that it hopes will benefit all parties.
2
CRIME
www.gibraltarolivepress.com
NEWS IN BRIEF
Money laundering IN a joint operation the Policia Nacional, Judicial Police of Portugal and Europol dismantled a counterfeit currency operation and seized 70,000 euros.
Family affair A GIBRALTARIAN father and son have been charged with drug and firearm possession after police seized drugs with a street value of 11,500 at their home.
Slave labour SEVEN people have been detained in Valladolid and Zamora after a 16 and 17-year-old were sold by their own sister for 10,000 euros each.
093
Stories and features in this edition of Gibraltar’s original community newspaper
March 14th - March 27th 2018
Paedophile court drama
Convicted child abuser ‘tried to injure himself’ after guilty verdict was read out A GIBRALTARIAN paedophile has tried to injure himself in court after being found guilty of sexually abusing a ten-yearold boy. Richard Dellipiani, 66, had to be restrained by police after being found guilty of the sex crimes. During the trial, Dellipiani from Lime Kiln Steps, protest-
ed his innocence, saying he would ‘rather kill himself than touch kids’. But prosecutor Johann Fernandez argued his evidence had been ‘over dramatic and hard to believe’. He added he was a ‘liar who had taken advantage of a young boy’. Dellipiani was found guilty on
two counts of causing, assisting or encouraging a child under the age of 13 to engage in sexual activity and one count of sexual activity with a child. Dellipiani carried out the offences in 2004 when he would invite a group of children from his neighbourhood to his house to play on his Xbox game console. While at his house the victim saw his friend engage in sexual activity and went on to do the same. “Sometimes sexual abuse is not
Police boost POLICING on the Rock is set for a revamp with a new independent regulation body. The Gibraltar Police Federation (GPF) will allow officers and other staff to raise concerns privately with the commissioner, the authority and the Government. It will replace the current
MINISTER:Costa
TWO Gibraltarian fugitives have been arrested in La Linea following a joint operation by police from both sides of the border. Christopher Nunez, 22, allegedly fled the Rock shortly after seriously assaulting someone in August 2017. He was sentenced in absentia to seven years in jail after earlier pleading guilty to ‘conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm with intent’. The other individual arrested was also wanted in connection with the same assault. Gibraltarian police said they were delighted to have tracked down the pair by working together with their Spanish counterparts.
Joint operation FIRST PICTURE: Scum
Gibraltar Police Association. Justice Minister Neil Costa stressed it was important the new body was recognised as an ‘independent entity’, to represent our officers. “The Federation will serve to identify and raise any matters for the benefit of our police force,” he said.
Teamwork triumph
spoken of out of fear of what could be taking place,” said Puisne Judge Karen Ramagge Prescott. “They may fear they will not be believed, or punished, or embarrassed that the attention they received was enjoyable, or sometimes they can blank it out until it is possible and they are ready to speak out”. Dellipiani will now appear at the Supreme Court on Friday to es-
CANNABIS worth £4 million has been seized by the Royal Gibraltar Police after a hightension sea chase. The RGP pursued four smugglers for half an hour and while they got away they threw 800kg of the drug overboard in the process. Smugglers often dispose of their illicit cargo if chased as it makes their lightweight RHIB boats travel faster. HM Customs assisted the RGP in picking up the contraband.
2for1 glasses from 59€ including free sun and uV tint on one pair
Marbella Avda. Ricardo Soriano, 12 (next to Massimo Dutti). Tel. 952 863 332 Request an appointment online at specsavers.es
Cannot be used with other offers. Second pair from 59€-229€ ranges, to the same price range or below and to the same prescription. One pair with free sun and UV tint - usually 30€. 59€-229€ ranges: standard 1.5 single-vision lenses included in both pairs. For 1.5 Standard varifocal or bifocal lenses you pay for the lenses in your first pair. 199€ Fineform and Rimless ranges: standard 1.6 single-vision lenses included in both pairs. For 1.6 Standard varifocal or bifocal lenses you pay for the lenses in your first pair. All lenses are scratch-resistant. Extra Options available at an additional charge on both pairs. Excludes safety eyewear. ©2018 Specsavers Opticas.
OLIVE PRESS (GIBRALTAR) – 170mm x 256mm – Colour
14 March
Ne ws
www.gibraltarolivepress.com
Laid back style HE is known for his outlandish fashion creations. So it was no surprise when Gibraltarian-born designer John Galliano debuted his ‘comfort shoes for women’ they were slightly unorthodox. Dubbed the ‘Security Margiela Sneaker’, the shoes have thick soles resembling small mattresses. Galliano presented his creations as part of Maison Margiela’s Autumn 2018 collection. He is currently creative director of the Paris-based fashion house and has been previously named British Designer of the Year four times.
There is a god!
CAST OUT: The TOWIE posse have cancelled Marbella trip
March 14th - March 27th 2018
IT is safe to go back to Marbella. The dead-beat coterie of clowns from TOWIE have cancelled their annual trip to the resort. The group of pampered reality TV stars from The Only Way is Essex are heading to Barcelona instead for their annual Spring jaunt. The catchphrase ‘no more carbs before Marbs’ will be obsolete, as they head to the Catalan capital to kick off the 22nd series of the show this month. It is the end of an era as their annual special, the The Only Way is Marbs, has taken place over the last six years.
3
The decision is likely to upset local restaurateur Elliot Wright, from Olivias La Cala, who previously starred in the show and normally hosted the cast for at least one bash when over. His trials and tribulations of opening a restaurant in Malaga, spun off into his own show Playa in Marbella and later Elliot Wright, the Wedding. Gemma Collins and the rest of the team will be getting "reem" for Barcelona, filming there on March 12, 13 and 14. Mike Hassini, Amber Dowding and boyfriend Chris Clark will allegedly not be appearing on the ITVBe show.
Back to her roots Corrie star films BBC show on the Rock as she traces family history
Hat-trick hero WORLD CUP hero Sir Geoff Hurst has paid a landmark visit to the Rock. Hurst joined revellers to celebrate Chestertons tenth anniversary at Grand Battery House, causing great delight when he said he was thinking of staying permanently. “I am thinking of moving to Gibraltar, subject to my wife’s approval,” Hurst joked. As part of the celebrations a charity auction was held, raising £4,500 for Cancer Relief Gibraltar and the Bobby Moore Cancer Fund. Hurst is the only man to have ever scored a hat-trick in a World Cup final, during England’s historic 4-2 triumph over West Germany in 1966. His visit came about as the owner of Chestertons Mike Nicholls is a massive West Ham fan.
It is the popular column which has taken the Rock by storm. Voices of Gibraltar speaks to everyday Gibraltarians about what matters the most to them, providing a unique insight into people’s minds. In this week’s edition, Joseph Alecio discusses the importance of being creative, whether it be through fashion, music or art. Keep your eyes peeled - you could see a familiar face!
Everyone’s favourite Coronation Street starlet, who played Tina McIntyre for six years, also discovers she has connections to the Suffragettes while tracing her ancestry on the programme’s 15th series. Keegan, 30, who married to former TOWIE star Mark Wright in May 2015, was on the Rock to visit her grandmother, who lives there.
Connections
V G
I AIN’T YOUR MAMA
GIB-BOUND: Keegan
Her episode promises to be one of the most exciting in the programme’s history, as filming took her to the Pankhurst Centre in Manchester, where she discovered some Suffragette connections. “Given her incredible family history, producers were thrilled,” revealed a source.
of
STYLE: And comfort
MICHELLE Keegan has been retracing her roots in Gibraltar as part of hit BBC show Who Do You Think You Are?
“It got quite emotional and it was particularly timely given all the attention there has been on girl power this year with the #MeToo movement. “She is really excited about the project and it makes such a difference to her day-to-day drama roles.” Who Do You Think You Are has been running on the BBC for 15 years.
PENELOPE Cruz has been on strike from domestic duties, leaving the dishes, laundry and ironing to hubby Javier Bardem. The Oscar-winning actress announced she took a break from all chores last week to mark International Women’s Day. It came as thousands of women went on strike across the country to demand equal treatment.
Voices of Gibraltar The Priceless gift Kids should be influenced in a positive manner; it is upon parents to orientate their children into the arts world and to find a creative outlet which will set the foundations for a liberal thinker. Schools will make your kids into doctors, lawyers, bankers, officers and sometimes into musicians and artists, yet for the most part schools are great at making workers. In a society that forces a nine to five routine on anyone who wants to partake in it, it is critical to have an outlet for stress whether it be going for a walk, a jog or even fishing, yet I have found that artistic crafts such as music, arts and even crafting, not only serve as an outlet but also widen the mind in the sense that the learning process never ends due to the infinite nature of these arts. Surly one of the best things we can pass onto
Joseph Alecio, 28, Quantity Surveyor the next generation is the ability to create and think, the gift of creativity. We cannot force anyone to do anything that would just be wrong, nor do we ourselves need to be creative to provide the means for an individual to flourish in a given practice. Buy an instrument, leave it in the presence of your child, get a scrap book and pencils leave them on the living room table, sing with them. Remember that acknowledgment goes a long way - a child who sings and is criticized on how badly they are will probably not sing again, simply to avoid negative criticism. Show support and water that flower of creativity. Everyone recognizes a doctor yet everyone notes and respects a doctor who can also play some decent guitar!
4
www.gibraltarolivepress.com
March 14th - March 27th 2018
www.gibraltarolivepress.com
Abortion challenge to politicians ‘sitting on fence’
THE Equality Rights Group has announced that it is looking into launching legal action to overturn Gibraltar’s outdated abortion laws. The group plans to challenge the rules that currently make abortion punishable by life imprisonment. It cited the United Nations Human Rights Committee, which obligates countries to provide safe and legal abortion. “We have been saying it for years, and recently said it again in support of the Gibraltar Women’s Association’s call: we fully support a woman’s right to terminate a pregnancy on a number of grounds,” an ERG spokesperson said. “Women’s rights in Gibraltar need to be robustly defended and advanced to ensure women are able to freely decide for themselves. “Too many political figures are robustly sitting on the fence on this.” A time for change on page 6
COMPROMISE: Trade
‘NO-ONE will get everything they want from Brexit’, according to the UK Prime Minister. Theresa May made the statement as she insisted the UK would leave the single market, customs union and the jurisdiction of the European Court of
Man overboard!
ne ws
Brexit trade hopes Prime Minister breaks down the new terms of UK’s departure By Joe Wallen
Justice. However, the Tory leader revealed details about the ideal trading relationship she would like to facilitate with the EU on the UK’s departure in March 2019.
TWO sailors had to be rescued in Gibraltar after their boat capsized due to strong winds. The Royal Gibraltar Police rushed to the duo, before deploying a line and securing the capsized vessel. Officers helped the two occupants of the boat to turn it upright and return it to its berth. They did not sustain any injuries.
While she admitted UKbased banks will lose the right to passport across the EU, a new system will be brought in to allow ‘the same regulatory outcomes over time’. She also hopes the UK will be granted associate membership of EU medicine, chemical and aviation agencies.
Contribution
She said the UK was willing to accept their rules and make ‘appropriate’ financial contributions. She also wants the UK to
March 14th - March 27th 2018
have continued participation in EU science, education and cultural programmes. The UK has also vowed to keep its own regulatory standards ‘as high as the EU’s’ to ensure further trade can be done as smoothly as possible. In a benchmark speech, outlining the key terms for Brexit, she said any future deal with the EU hinges on ‘five tests’. She revealed these would be: delivering an enduring solution, protecting security and prosperity, leaving Britain as an open, outward-looking, tolerant, European democracy and strengthening the union of the UK.
Criticism
Opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn, criticised May for alleged inaction over Brexit. “After 20 wasted months, Theresa May has once again failed to bring real clarity to the negotiations – and worryingly, she admitted that her approach will reduce our access to European markets,” he said. “She read out a long list of problems but failed to provide solutions, particularly on the urgent question of preventing a hard border in Northern Ireland.”
5
NEWS IN BRIEF
Working together THE UK has shared its knowledge with Gibraltar after HMRC Investigators flew over to train local custom officers.
Message in bottle A MESSAGE in a bottle has been discovered in Mundaka, near Bilbao eight years after it was written by a boy in New Zealand.
Social scare UK headteachers are calling for new media laws after a poll by the Association of School and College Leaders revealed social media sites are harming pupils’ mental health.
Lotto bull Gibraltar-based Lottoland has had its app removed from app stores after alleged 'fake' five-star reviews.
BUY 1 GET 1 FREE
To Celebrate 10 Years of Fitness On The Rock Our Membership Just Got Bigger And Better! Join The Infinity Club, The Atlantic Health Club or Ocean Health Club and Get Unlimited
Membership As Part Of Your Package.
www.atlanticsuiteshealthclub.gi • www.sunborninfinity.gi • www.reshape-rumble.gi • www.oceanvillagehealthclub.gi
6
www.gibraltarolivepress.com The Rock’s only investigative
local newspaper
A campaigning, community newspaper, the Gibraltar Olive Press represents the local and expatriate communities working or living on the Rock with 10,000 copies distributed fortnightly.
OPINION Baby drama The issue of abortion is one which has dominated the headlines in Gibraltar over the last few months. As always, it is a topic which greatly divides opinion and can initiate frenzied debate even between close friends and family. We believe that when it really comes down to it, it is an issue which affects mothers themselves. Therefore mothers should have the opportunity whether to get an abortion or not - it shouldn’t be decided by politicians or religious groups. Legalising the procedure on the Rock is very different to encouraging women to go ahead with having an abortion. Both the Gibraltarian government and religious lobby are well aware that women in Gibraltar are already crossing the border fairly regularly for the operations. They do not try to stop this. To us, this sounds counterintuitive. If the government knows that the procedures are taking place and that women will readily cross the border to get one already, surely the best course of action is offering the procedure in Gibraltar. This allows women to have the same procedure but in an environment better suited for their physical and mental health and they do not have to live with a such a big secret for the rest of their lives.
Better together
It is heartening to hear that Fabian Picardo is advocating for better relations with his Spanish counterparts. We cannot recall a time where a Gibraltarian Chief Minister would refer to his ‘close friendship’ with the Mayor of La Linea. Here at the Olive Press we think that while Brexit poses the Rock a number of challenges, it also clearly poses the same challenges to the Campo. Much like how the Gibraltarian Marine Section will work with their Spanish counterparts when faced with challenge of drug smuggling, so should politicians work together. We hope that once Brexit is done - although this feels like it is never ending at this stage - this positive bilateral relationship can be maintained.
Publisher/ Editor
Jon Clarke jon@theolivepress.es
Newsdesk newsdesk@theolivepress.es Tel: (+34) 665 798 618 News editor
SALES: sales@theolivepress.es Admin (+34) 951 273 575 admin@theolivepress.es
Laurence Dollimore laurence@theolivepress.es
Accounts Héctor Santaella (+34) 658 750 424 accounts@theolivepress.es
reporters Joe Wallen joe@theolivepress.es Aleesha Hansel aleesha@theolivepress.es Designer James Partington design@theolivepress.es
Maria Angeles Vázquez mangeles@theolivepress.es Admin and account assistant Distribution Graham Warters distribution@theolivepress.es
Clarke Media Ltd. Registration number: 113878 Suite 2B, 143 Main Street, Gibraltar Printed by Corporación de Medios de Andalucía S.A. Desposito legal 834-2017
AWARDS
2016/2017 Best expat paper in Spain and the second best in the world. The Expat Survey Consumer Awards.
2012 - 2017
Named the best English language publication in Andalucia by the Rough Guides group.
Time for change Fe at u re
March 14th - March 27th 2018
Following our recent front page article, Joe Wallen spoke to a trio of women forced to go to Spain for an abortion to avoid life imprisonment in Gibraltar
C
arefully concealing her face, Maria Povedano*, a 26-year-old Gibraltarian woman confides in me. “I am not brave enough to show you who I am, but I feel compelled to tell you my story. “In 2012, I became pregnant.” Terrified of what might become of her and making an impossibly difficult choice, Maria travelled to mainland Spain in order to seek an abortion – an act punishable by life imprisonment in Gibraltar. “At the clinic in Spain they didn’t tell me everything about the procedure. “When I walked up the stairs to the room to have the operation, I started crying hysterically. “I kept on asking if I was going to die, panic overwhelmed me. “After the operation tears could not stop running down my face, I cannot describe the guilt I felt. Six years later, Maria still resides in Gibraltar. “Fast forward to 2018 – I am not with my soul mate – we have two beautiful children. “However, after giving birth to my eldest I entered into a deep depression. “I couldn’t leave my house and was having lots of suicidal thoughts, I couldn’t live with myself. “Seeing my children smile and laugh is the best feeling in the world, but for me it is also the most painful thing in the world because it fills me with vivid memories of travelling to Spain for the abortion.” Unlike Maria, crossing the border from Gibraltar to Spain is, for many Gibraltarians, a pleasurable, everyday occurrence. They are welcome back on their return by the Rock towering majestically above them. Lights twinkle in the booming offices of the World Trade Centre, a global fintech hub and laughter echoes from the deck of the Sunborn, the world’s first 5-star superyacht hotel. Indeed, on first impressions, Gibraltar has all the trappings of a thriving modern citystate, in the mould of Hong Kong or Singapore. It is certainly affluent enough to match its rivals. In 2017, Gibraltar’s Gross Domestic Product per capita was £56,612 – the fourth highest in the world. But not everything seems to have advanced at the pace of its booming economy. Yolanda Garcia*, 29, travels from Gibraltar into Spain several times a week. “Everyone in Gibraltar crosses regularly, we all have business in Spain, most of us have family there, things are very different these days,” she told the Olive Press. However, there was one journey across the border which changed her life forever. In late 2016, Yolanda discovered she was pregnant. After much deliberation, she decided to get an abortion. “It was the most difficult decision of my life,” she sighs. “But, as I was not with the father and it would have put my career in jeopardy I decided to go ahead with the termination.”
FLASHBACK: February 14 issue
“I did not feel comfortable - his practice was dirty” DECISION: That many have to face alone Yolanda, like countless other Gibraltarian women, was forced to cross the frontier into Spain to get a backstreet abortion in one of the nearby border towns, such as La Linea de la Concepcion or Algeciras. Gibraltar possesses the harshest penalty for abortion in the entirety of Europe. According to Section 162(1) of the 2011 Crimes Act: “A pregnant woman who, with intent to procure her own miscarriage, unlawfully administers to herself any poison or other noxious thing, or unlawfully uses any other means with that intent, commits an offence or is liable on conviction to imprisonment for life.” Yolanda felt this law gave her no choice. “The whole thing cost me €500 all in,” she says. “I couldn’t afford to go to a proper specialist clinic in the UK or one in a bigger Spanish city like Malaga so I had to go to a doctor in La Linea. “Immediately, I did not feel comfortable – his practice was dirty and his staff rude. I felt like I was on a conveyor belt.” However, unable financially to consider an alternative, Yolanda went ahead with the termination. In the immediate aftermath she knew something was wrong. “I couldn’t stop throwing up and had awful cramps in my stomach and pelvic region over the next 48 hours,” she groans remembering the experience. Too afraid to visit a doctor in Gibraltar with her symptoms, she borrowed money from a close friend she swore to secrecy and visited a private doctor, again in Spain. During the abortion, Yolanda had contracted endometritis, an infection in the lining of the uterus and genital tract. While the initial infection fortunately cleared up after a course of antibiotics, Yolanda says she continues to endure daily stomach cramps. Furthermore, despite trying to conceive
over the last months, she has not become pregnant. She worries this is because her abortion has affected her ability to have children. “My partner doesn’t understand why I haven’t conceived,” she says shaking her head. “Worst of all, I can’t tell him my fears – I’m worried he’d leave me and word will spread around Gibraltar, it is such a small place. “Who knows what would happen to me if word got out here, I could get in serious trouble with the law and my family might never speak to me again. “It really is incredible in Gibraltar, where politicians boast that we have some of the best healthcare treatment in the world, yet women like me are risking their health going across the border in secret for dangerous operations.” Yolanda continues to suffer the physical and mental trauma of her botched abortion. Yet, for future generations of Gibraltarian women, two local figures are standing up and seeking change. Tamsin Suarez, 43, and Anne-Marie Struggles, 51, are two members on the committee of the Gibraltar Women’s Association. Despite being threatened online, they have spoken out publicly in support of decriminalising abortion in Gibraltar and giving women the choice as a basic human right. “Gibraltar is such a conservative place,” Struggles told the Olive Press. “We like to think we are Gibraltarian suffragettes – we don’t encourage women to get abortions but we think they should have the choice, we are pro-choice.” They aim to present their research into the experiences of Gibraltarian women like Maria and Yolanda to the government over the upcoming months. “There is a lack of women’s rights in Gibraltar, it is a patriarchal society,” rebukes Suarez. “We believe that the criminalisation of abortion leads to discrimination and in-
October 2015 Page views:xxxxxxxxx
www.gibraltarolivepress.com
Visitors: xxxxxxxx
Fe at u re
7
March 14th - March 27th 2018
Most read this fortnight on
fringes on women’s dignity. which is equal with those in non“It is so sad when you hear anony- developed countries, it is very mous stories from women that are shocking. unable to get any advice here or to “Women have no information help with their situations and can here, they are rushing into it never talk about this big secret in and not getting the before or the back of their minds.” after care,” Suarez continWell informed and aware that the ues shaking her head. United Nations has opened dia- “With abortion it is like logue with the three other nations we have gone back one in Europe where abortion is illegal hundred years – we – Malta, the Republic of Ireland can’t just stay where and Poland – the pair plan to write we are because there to the UN in the hope a delegation are some powerful can put pressure on Gibraltarian voices against us.” leaders to change the law. Rose Thompson*, 35, The pair believe the ‘prehistoric’ had an abortion when law still exists today thanks to the she fell pregnant for the influence that religious groups, in third time, knowing the birth particular the Catholic Church, still of another child would tie her wield on the Rock. to her abusive partner. Furthermore, the small town feel of “I was married to a man who Gibraltar means that many women was emotionally and physically do not feel comfortable approach- abusive,” Rose confided in the Oling doctors or health-care practi- ive Press. tioners for fear of word spreading “Any sexual relations we had, was around the community. forced by him. Their concern helps to cement the “When I fell pregnant for the third idea that abortion is inherently time I was devastated, I was alwrong. ready suffering with severe deWhen contacted, the Gibraltarian pression, sleep deprivation and government refused was trying to find to consider the posa way to leave my “Nobody... sibility of changing partner. the law. “When I informed deserves to be “Abortion other than him I was pregbacked into the in certain, defined, nant, he was medically certified corner of having a elated but I felt circumstances, is iltrapped. legal under Gibraltar baby they did not “Although he dislaw,” a government agreed with my plan” spokesman said. decision, he drove “The Cabinet has not me to a clinic in considered changing this policy. Spain, I was terrified as I didn’t “The matter is not one on which actually know what the procedure the parties that form the govern- entailed. ment sought a policy mandate to “After getting home I had no one pursue a reform of the existing po- to turn to. sition.” “No one knew what I had just Davinia Caruana*, 34, booked done, I was alone with the a secret termination in Spain weight of the world on my shoulbut changed her mind at the last ders. minute and she believes in her “I felt guilty – but not for termiinstance she made the right deci- nating my pregnancy. I felt guilty sion. that I wasn’t able to love my baby Regardless, she thinks it should the same way as I loved the two be up to the woman in question to children I already had. decide what to do should she fall “But I knew I made the right depregnant. cision and I left my abusive “Nobody, young or old, wise or fool- husband seven months ish, deserves to be backed into the later. corner of having a baby they did “Three years later I not plan or they did not want,” she was happier, safer says. and I gave birth “Let’s talk about this, let’s put to another abortion on the agenda, because baby. once it is there we not only em- “Every time power women with the choices I look at about their bodies, but we inspire her, I am our children to be a little bit more totally reopen minded, and we encourage assured societal change.” that I The ‘Gibraltarian Suffragettes’ m a d e know they have a long way to go. t h e But, like their resolute sisters from r i g h t 100 years ago, they won’t give up. deci“I think we have to move away from sion.” personal and religious choice and think about human rights issues *names for all,” says Suarez. changed “We are not with other developed to procountries, we have a law here tect the
olive press online
www.theolivepress.es
Costa del Sol on weather alert
with dropping temperatures and more rain - 4616 views
Gibraltar’s best English daily news website
VIDEO: Floods hit Costa del Sol The top five most readrain stories on as heavy continues - 4604 www.gibraltarolivepress.com views in the past two weeks:
1 2 3 4 5
- EXCLUSIVE: Gibraltargovernment refuses to chanGangsters’ paradise: A look at ge draconian abortion ban the key figures past and present of Costa del Crime - 3872 views - Gibraltarian landlordsthe receive tax concessions on residential property Torremolinos to open Anda-
biggest shopping leisure of - Olive Press Investigateslucia’s smuggling in theandstraits centre - 3122 views Gibraltar
- Manilva residents split€176 million lottery Gibraltar schoolgirl reacheswin semi -final of Spanish TV talent show -
-Spanish study questions3065 amount views tobacco imported into Gibraltar Statistics for: February 27 to March 12 SOCIALMEDIA
OlivePressNewspaper olivepress olivepressnews +TheolivepressEs
Useful numbers BE ‘APPY!
EMERGENCIES
Ambulance/ Fire brigade/ Police 112 Local police 092 Medical 061 Fire 080 Guardia civil 062
Airport Malaga - 952 048 844* *For English press 9 Gibraltar00350 22073026
Download our app now and Granada - Jaen 245 the 200 begin958 enjoying best Spanish 956 150 000 newsJerez on the-go.
Sevilla 954 449 000
The Olive Press TOP for news in Spain!
Villas & Fincas is urgently looking for Quality Properties for clients Country Villas – Beach Villas – Equestrian Vineyards – Olive Farms – Cortijos In the area of: Casares, Estepona, Inland Sotogrande, Gaucin, Ronda, Jimena, El Cuarton, Tarifa, Vejer de la Frontera, Caños de Meca, Atlanterra, Zahara de los Atunes or large cortijos inland Andalucia Bedrooms: 5 Bathrooms: 5 m² Built: 573m² Plot m²: 25,000 Garden: Private Garage: Private Pool: Private
“After getting home I had no one to turn to.”
RONDA – 1.295.000 €
Ref. Nr. 186-00259P
LUXURY MODERN COUNTRY HOUSE, CORTIJO
Villas & Fincas | Casares Property Agent Ctra. de Casares s/n, 29690 Casares Malaga SPAIN Phone: + 34 952 895 139 Mobile: +34 636 546 796 E-mail: info@villasfincas.com
www.villasfincas.com
-final of Spanish TV talent show 3065 views
8
8
Do you have a what’s on?
www.gibraltarolivepress.com Send your information to newsdesk@theolivepress.es
what’s on
G
ibraltar Drama Festival, March 20 - 24
A FOUR day drama festival showcasing 10 different plays will be taking over Ince’s Hall Theatre. Tickets priced at £5 per adult.
S
t. Patrick’s Weekend, March 16 - 18
CELEBRATING St. Paddy’s Day, O’Reilley’s Irish Pub will host live bands, a pub crawl, fancy dress and the Six Nations final. Tickets priced at £5 per adult.
H
idden Canvas: Street Art in the City, March 21
A BEGINNER’S guide to the biggest art movement since pop art, Hidden Canvases, explores street art’s growth. The talk takes place from 6.30pm - 9pm at the basement of O’Callaghan Elliot Hotel.
G
arden Tours of the Alameda, March 24
GUIDED garden tours of the Gibraltar Botanic Gardens will take place at 10.30am. Tickets priced at £5 per adult and free for kids.
la cultura c ampo
March 14th - March 27th 2018
Attack
Stone had planned to kill Gerry Adams, then leader of Sinn Fein, and Martin McGuinness, former IRA leader, but instead killed Caoimhín Mac Brádaig, Thomas McErlean and John Murray injuring 60 others including pensioners and children. The whole incident was captured by news cameras who were filming the funeral in Belfast. The IRA trio killed in Gibraltar, Daniel McCann, Seán Savage and Mairéad Farrell, were believed to be planning a car bomb attack on British military personnel.
March 14th - March 27th 2018
OlivePressNewspaper
olivepress olivepressnews
Rock of time BE ‘APPY!
Documentary on IRA soldiers killed in Gibraltar to be aired on BBC THE 30th anniversary of the Milltown Massacre will be marked by the airing of a BBC documentary. The Funeral Murders features accounts from family members of three men killed by Ulster Defence volunteer Michael Stone. During the funeral of three Provisional IRA members that were killed in Gibraltar, Stone attacked the mourners using hand grenades and guns.
SOCIALMEDIA
+TheolivepressEs
SHOCKING: Murder on the Rock
THE first video footage of Gibraltar has been released. Shared by the Gibraltar National Archives, the film titled “Gibraltar: Britain’s £50,000,000 Fortress”, dates to 1911. Download our app back now and The British Film Institute hails begin enjoying the this best Spanish as the earliest camera renews on the go. cording footage of Gibraltar. Filmed by Joseph Rosenthal, one of Britain’s pioneering filmmakers in the early 20th century, the silent footage shows black and white scenes of military troops marching down the streets of Gibraltar, the Rock and the harbour. footage was one of a numThe OliveThe berPress of short documentaries created by Rosenthal’s company, Film, during a ‘tour into TOP for newsRosie in Spain! the wilds’, in which the cameraman filmed places few Northern Europeans would visit at the time, such as Southern Europe and Africa. You can watch the video at nationalarchives.gi nies from ex-army and ex-Royal Ulster Constabulary figures. Engle said: “Beyond its value as a document of historical record, the film also has contemporary resonance, 30 years on from the funerals in showing how enduring conflict arises when groups of people have politically polarised views.” VINTAGE: Footage
Reliving the horror As a result, plain-clothed SAS soldiers approached them at a petrol station forecourt and opened fire. It was later found that they were unarmed and no bomb was discovered. Stone was sentenced to a total of 682 years, for the Milltown Massacre and the killing of
three paramilitary members on a separate occasion, but was released after serving 13 years as a result of the Good Friday Agreement. The film made by acclaimed film-maker Vanessa Engle includes interviews with republicans and loyalists as well as never heard before testimo-
Next Generation Radio...
Mix 106 playing all the best music ever made on one frequency from Gibraltar to Nerja Listen to Mix 106 on 106 fm; via the Radio Mix 106 App from Google Play; online at www.radiomix106.com; on the TuneIn App; Best TV Channel 195; Kodi; and most other popular radio platforms. • • • • •
Great Music Local News What’s On on the Costa del Sol and Gibraltar International News Business and Showbiz News
Visit and like our Facebook Page and join our Facebook Group for news on the local and international music scene, great competitions and features including an opportunity to win 2 tickets to see Ed Sheeran at Wembley Stadium on 15th June 2018! Tel: (+34) 856 830 003 | studio@radiomix106.com www.radiomix106.com Manía, Urb Taraje, 53-75 Camino de Brijan s/n 29680 Estepona, Málaga. Urb Taraje, Mundo 53-75 Camino de Brijan s/n 29680 Estepona, Málaga. Exit CANCELADA on the A7.
WORLDOF OFFUN FUNFOR FOREVERYONE EVERYONE AA WORLD T: (+34) 952 938 173 | info@mundo-mania.com | www.mundo-mania.com
T: (+34) 952 938 173 | info@mundo-mania.com | www.mundo-mania.com
A
Costa Tropical
www.gibraltarolivepress.com ll about
Vol. 12 Issue 287
www.theolivepress.es
March 14th - March 27th 2018
Magic of the Orient March 14th - March 27th 2018
‘The sugar-canes rattled like bones on the wind, and the dark-blue mountains stood close around, sharp and jagged, like a cordon of police’
S
O wrote Laurie Lee of his first visit to the Costa Tropical, just before Spain was engulfed in its murderous civil war. Drive along the coast today and you can still appreciate his dramatic imagery. Once upon a time this stretch of the Mediterranean was dubbed the Costa del Sol Oriental. Then, believing that they were being sidelined by the rival resorts up the road in Malaga province, the folk in Granada province woke up. They decided to call their coast the Costa Tropical. And with good reason… not only does it play host to one of the best climates in Europe, it is also one of the most scenic stretches of coastline on the Med. To be exact, the Costa Tropical extends from the eastern edge of Malaga province close to Nerja, to the frontier with Almería and La Rabita; some 80 kilometres of stunningly varied scenery. Development has yet to make heavy inroads because of the rugged terrain, so forget the miles of ribbon developments you see around Benalmadena and Fuengirola. It’s unspoilt here. Soaring headlands and cliffs are interspersed with small coves, except where the Guadalfeo river flows across a flat, fertile delta near Motril. Here and there, on prominent headlands, ancient watchtowers guard the coast. These torres vigía or atalayas are a reminder of the time when the cry “¡Hay moros en la costa!” warned of invaders from Africa and sent whole communities rushing for the hills.
David Baird takes a drive through the fabulous, little explored region of the Costa Tropical These days they are great to have a poke around and get a photo with the stunning backdrop of the mountains dropping into the sea. The first village encountered heading east out of Nerja is La Herradura, on a beautiful horseshoe bay. Until tourism arrived it was one of the poorest villages on the coast. These days it’s a charming spot, sitting on a pretty stretch of coastline and with an attractive low rise feel to it. Plenty of expensive homes dot the Punta de la Mona area, and include that of Spain’s celebrated guitarist Andrés Segovia, who had a house
9
here. Make sure to head into town to see the seafront monument that recalls Spain’s biggest naval disaster. It occurred in 1562 when 28 ships carrying provisions and the families of soldiers from Málaga to Orán on the African coast took refuge here from a storm. The wind turned, with extreme violence, trapping the fleet between two headlands, Cerro Gordo and Punta de la Mona. Altogether, an incredible 25 vessels sank leading to 5,000 people losing their lives.
Moving along, we come to the other key resort of the Costa Tropical, Almuñecar. When Laurie Lee trekked across Spain in 1935 — vividly recorded in his book As I Walked Out One Midsummer Morning — he came to a halt in ‘Castillo’, a village, ‘backed by a bandsaw of mountains and fronted by a strip of grey sand which some hoped would be an attraction for tourists’. Castillo was in fact Almuñecar. Lee changed the name to protect his friends. Continues on Page 10
10
A
ll about
Costa Tropical
www.gibraltarolivepress.com
From Page 9
Today modern apartment blocks line the coast here, but fortunately the old town, crowned by castle ramparts, has been preserved. It is an attractive labyrinth of narrow streets. While large numbers of north Europeans visit in winter, it attracts mainly Spanish visitors and retains its Spanish character. Behind the town thousands of tropical fruit trees flourish in the sheltered Río Verde and Río Seco valleys. The unique micro-climate allows the growth of mangos, custard apples and avocados. Sadly though, 1000 years of sugar production on the southern coast of Spain came to an end in 2006 when the last azucarera (cane refinery) closed at nearby Salobreña. Few towns are as impressive on first sight as Salobreña. Its dazzling white houses, topped Rum is produced in by ancient ramclothe a the area on a small parts, huge rock rising steeply from flat scale. You can farmland. A long buy Ron Pálido in sandy beach, split by a large local shops rock (reminiscent of a basking whale), juts into the sea. Nearby is Motril, the bustling administrative centre of the Costa Tropical. It was known in the 18th and 19th centuries as ‘Little Cuba’ because of the importance of its sugar production. Rum is still being produced in the area on a small scale. You can buy Ron Pálido in local shops. It comes from the surviving distillery, run by Paco Montero. Since the decline of that industry last century, Motril has opted for tourism. It’s worth paying a visit to the Parque de los Pueblos de América, which claims to be the most important tropical botanic garden in Europe, with 36 botanic species imported from the Americas, including coconut palms, jacarandas, magnolias. Meanwhile, learn all about sugar cane production at the Centro de Interpretación at this park. And you can gain a fascinating insight into the rise and fall of Motril’s sugar industry at the Museo Pre Industrial
March 14th - March 27th 2018
SOARING: Salobreña castle and Velez de Benaudalla (below)
EXPLORE: The caves by Costa
del Azúcar, in the El Ingenio de la Palma. Inland from here you will find the motorway to Granada city and a short drive inland you will come to some spectacular mountain scenery, dotted with sleepy villages including charming Velez de Benaudalla (right) You must visit Lecrín valley, or the Valley of Happiness as it was known to the Moors. This is a pleas-
ant, slow-paced corner of Granada province where comedian Alexei Sayle has a home. Seismic movements and erosion have gouged deep ravines and soaring cliffs out of these foothills of the Sierra Nevada. Towering over the valley is the Cerro del Caballo, 3,013 metres high. In winter it is often capped with snow while in the sheltered valley below oranges
Drama unravels
T
he dramatic curves and peaks of the Costa Tropical are all thanks to the African continental plate, which is pushing its way under the Eurasian plate, causing a climate and geology unlike any other in Spain. Winter rains and melting snow has cut deep ravines into the once-forested hillsides, which having lost their fertile topsoil, are mostly now home to almond, olive and car-
Welcome
THE Costa Tropical of Granada is a real paradise. fertile It’s a place to enjoy beaches, mountains and and valleys, cut through with rivers and with woodl areas above, perfect for outdoor sports. stay We also have a great range of quality places to ge, and a rich cultural herita which frequently comes alive in the streets, squares and theatres. On top of that we have an extensive and varied gastronomy, numerous museums and historic monuments, which range from the Prehistoric to the present day. We invite you to come and get to know better our region, an area of privilege, full of life and much to discover. Welcome to the Costa Tropical!
Sergio García President Mancomunidad de Municipios de la Costa Tropical de Granada
ob trees. Above towers the imposing Sierra Nevada mountain range, which protects the coastline from the worst of the central plateau winter, while Africa shields it from the harsh effects of the Mediterranean and Atlantic weather. The result is a sub-tropical climate which explains the variety of exotic local produce, including mangoes and avocados.
www.gibraltarolivepress.com
11
March 14th - March 27th 2018
March 1st - March 14th 2018
Instead of continuing east into Almería province, turn left and head up into the mountains. Soon you reach La Contraviesa, a bleak, largely uninhabited range of beautiful mountains. From its upper reaches, rising as high as 1,800 metres, you look across the deep Guadalfeo valley to the villages dotting the Alpujarras, as the area on the southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada is known. The panorama is particularly spectacular in Spring when the almond blossom contrasts with the distant snow-capped mountains. A traditional part of meals along the coast and in the Alpujarras is the Vino de la Contraviesa, a hearty rosado. Until recently the region’s wines never rated much attention from connoisseurs. Today, however, half a dozen bodegas are making serious attempts to produce quality vintages by introducing new grape varieties and modernising their methods and making some fine reds and whites. Conditions are unique, as the Tempranillo, Garnacha, Cabernet Sauvignon and native vines are wafted by breezes from both the Sierra Nevada and the Mediterranean. Definitely worth a little exploration.
Tropical and the olive oil museums
and lemons flourish. If you head east of Motril on the Almería road the coast loses some of its charm. The beaches, backed by steep rocky slopes, tend to be grey and gritty. New farming methods have enhanced local incomes but not the scenery. Terraces have been hacked out of the hillsides and shrouded in plastic to allow intensive crop produc-
tion. Guaranteed sunshine and sophisticated irrigation methods produce crops from once-barren terrain. Hemmed in by greenhouses, Castell de Ferro has grown into a minor tourist resort, with mainly Spanish visitors. Breakwaters protect the beaches here and at tiny La Mamola, which has acquired a promenade. It
On your hike!
There is so much beauty to see by foot along the Costa Tropical
T
HE Costa Tropical offers great hiking opportunities for all ages all year around. There is a complete network of trails along the coastline while the inland villages offer a perfect way to enjoy the stunning nature and subtropical climate while getting in some exercise too! There really is a route for everyone, from beginners to experts. They include gentle walks between coastal beaches along the Costa Tropical coast path,
easy circular trails through the valleys among tropical fruit farms, rural tracks that connect the small villages of the Rio Verde and the trails of the Junta de los Rios. For tree lovers, be sure to check out the Camino del Nacimiento and the ancient olive trees of Velez de Benaudalla. There are also beautiful trails running through vineyards and almond trees in blossom in Polopos, Sorvilan, Rubite, Albondon, Murtas and the charming village of Turon.
attracts summer vacationers and apartment blocks have sprung up. If you are seeking a tranquil hideaway, this could be the ideal spot. Backed by arid, bleak mountains, La Rábita (population around 1,500) has spruced up its seafront and boasts a handsome promenade bordered by palm trees. The name comes from rábitas, fortifications built by the Moors as military-religious sanctuaries.
David Baird is the author of the best-selling East of Malaga - Your guide to the Axarquia and Costa Tropical. He has lived in the area for decades and also written about the infamous rebels who fought on against Fr a n co after the civil war in his book Between Two Fires - Guerrilla war in the Spanish sierras, much of it based in the Costa Tropical. His comprehensive guide to Granada province, The Glories of Yesterday, is due out soon.
CAPTION Pore cus. Imus eati rat. Temquis doluptae. Muscita tecerchil int utet aliquaeped magnati atiatatur, omnis pe et
12
A
ll about
Costa Tropical
www.gibraltarolivepress.com
HARDY: Laurence was impressed with the area - and its prices
No tropical downpour can dampen the delights of Motril and Almuñecar, towns with different pasts whose Costa Tropical location makes them siblings under the skin, writes Laurence Dollimore
Sister March 14th - March 27th 2018
C
OSTA ‘Tropical’ it certainly was. The monsoon-like March rains lashing southern Spain showed no mercy as I arrived in Almuñecar, one of the most important tourist towns in the province of Granada. But no time for complaining, I headed to lively seafront eatery Mar de Plata, where four glasses of wine, two soft drinks and an oversized tapas of hearty Irish stew came in at just €12. It’s one of many food bargains you’ll find in this ancient town, where tapas is often provided free of charge with every drink - not something you would see in the likes of Marbella, where one drink alone can cost the equivalent of my entire lunch bill. After a short sprint back to the hotel, it wasn’t long before tums were rumbling again. It was off to Da Nicola’s pizzeria, owned by friendly British expat Nigel, who moved to the seaside village 12 years ago after more than 20 years in Lanzarote. “Life is just so much more tranquil here,” he told me, “there’s a great international community too, mostly British, Swedish and German.” The businessman set up his restaurant just over two years ago. “People move here for a relaxed way of STRONG FOUNlife and they definitely get that, it’s not as DATIONS: Roman chaotic as the Costa del Sol but there’s water system in still a nice buzz about the place, espeAlmuñecar still cially in summer.” stands todayE An hour’s drive from Benalmadena, Almunecar is more famously known as an important setting in British author Laurie Lee’s account of the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War. His book - As I Walked Out One Midsummer Morning - referred to the town as ‘Castillo’, in an attempt to disguise people’s identities. But Almunecar’s history goes much deeper than the Civil War. It was originally called Sexi when it was founded as a colony by the Phoenicians around 800 BC - a fact not lost on some residents today, who still refer to themselves as Sexitanos. Over the next 600 years it would become an important port and town with a large fish salting and curing industry that was a major supplier to Greece The Roman and Rome. The Romans took over the town aqueduct are still during war with the Phoenistanding - and cians in 218 BC. Almunecar thrived and was recin use - after ognised for its loyalty to Rome 2000 years in 49 BC thanks to its fishy forte. Evidence of this was uncovered during excavations in the Majuelo Botanical Gardens in the 1980s, a large section of which is still on display. As they needed huge amounts of fish and sea salt and a constant supply of fresh running water, the Romans built more than 8 km of water conduits in the valleys of the Rio Seco and the Rio Verde in 1 AD, including five significant aqueducts. They are all still standing and amazingly, after 2,000 years, four of them are still in use. The Roman water supply also served the town and recent excavations in the centre uncovered the fifth aqueduct and a Roman baths. You can see the most impressive aqueduct (top) just a three-
PICTURESQUE: One of the many beautiful historic buildings in Motril
minute drive from the centre of town. The Romans are believed to have been the first to fortify the Castle of Saint Miguel, although frequent rebuilding has destroyed most of its very extensive fortifications. Just below the castle on the landward side is the Cueva de Siete Palacios, although it is less a cave and more the largest
remnant of a Roman palace yet found in Almunecar. It survived for hundreds of years as ‘social housing’ until the ‘cave dwellers’ were re-housed in the 1970s. Only then did its true origins become apparent and it now houses the town museum. It means there is lots to do and see if you need to pass the
act
www.gibraltarolivepress.com
March 14th - March 27th 2018
13 13
March 1st - March 14th 2018
A SLICE OF HISTORY: The historic roman aqueduct (left) and the leftover Roman ruins from as far back as 1AD in Almuñecar (right)
WHAT A VIEW: You can see from the coastline to the snowy mountains from the Castillo de San Miguel
time on the very few rainy days here. In summer, you can head to one of over a dozen beaches that play host to thousands of tourists every year. And if you’re looking for more of a city vibe, drive 20 minutes east to Motril, Granada’s second biggest town and the capital
of its coast. Here you’ll find great food at great prices, and of course, the legendary free tapa per drink. Once the sugar refinery capital of Andalucia and, arguably, Spain there are still eight old sugar refineries standing tall
today. They were once seen as the future of the city, now they are legacies. The Nuestra Señora de la Cabeza is another vestige of the town’s commercial heritage. Both a refinery and a distillery, it sits next to the public swimming pool and the Parque de las Américas. It was founded by the Larios gin family in 1885 but due to the low salaries paid, the workers tried to burn it down. The town hall also wanted rid of it but the Junta disagreed and has declared it a property of historical heritage to protect its distillery, chimney, store and terrain. Study the history of gin or drink it and get your free tapa, a trip to the Costa Tropical can offer both ... whatever the weather.
hotelmiba
14
www.gibraltarolivepress.com
restaurant & skybar C/N340, Km 325, 18680 Salobreña, Granada, España Tlf: +34 958 617 228 www.hotelmiba.es
14
A
ll about
WHERE TO EAT
Costa Tropical March 14th - March 27th 2018
Coast with the most
The food scene on the Costa Tropical is really starting to grow, writes Jon Clarke
F Méson Nacimiento R E S TAU R A N T & TA PA S B A R
An incomparable setting where you enjoy homemade food, and delicious pizzas and meats in our wood-fired oven
Open 12.00-17.00 & 19.30-23.00 Closed Tuesday paconacimiento@hotmail.com tel: 958 622 196 Paseo de Nacimiento, 14, 18670, Velez de Benaudalla
OR foodies and hotel snobs there is an exciting adventure to be had away from the famous Granada ski slopes. The food scene on the Costa Tropical just gets better and better with new restaurants opening every month. One of the most exciting is No.20, which combines the very rare, and usually volatile cocktail of a Frenchman and an Englishman. Combining the food skills of English chef Mark Parris, 43, with the business nous of French manager Laurent Hue, 40, this La Herradura eaterie is one place not to be missed. Mark, from Kent, has considerable pedigree in the kitchen, having trained under Albert Roux at Le Gavroche in London, before doing stints at the Oxo Tower, Harvey Nichols and Souffle. He made a name for himself locally at Los Laureles, in Almunecar, before setting up No20 with Laurent, who trained at Switzerland’s top cook- BEACH FARE: Squid at El Peñon ery school. I was very impressed with the attention to detail below the town. and the lovely mix of flavours in Mark’s original I’ve eaten here on various occasions over the starters, which came (sort of) in combos. last two decades and rarely been disappointed, Take the duck number, it truly quacked with duck not just with the excellent ambience and views, foie, duck ham and duck breast, flavoured with but also by the service. feta cheese, raspberries and apple sauce. Professionally run, by two local friends, it focuses Meanwhile a series of blinis, with vodka and dill on top quality fish and seafood, including lobcured salmon, with salmon pate was a true win- sters, and has an excellent wine list to boot. ner, while a superb vegetarian starter of grilled And in Salobrena there is now even more with halloumi cheese, with courgettes, asparagus, the exciting addition of Arais restaurant in the pine nuts and baba ganoush was a treat. heart of the town. I even ate my first souffle for years in Andalucia, a This stunning spot is the creation passion fruit number, which rose of Francisco ‘Paco’ Izquierdo, like the messiah! an ambitious chap, who has not Up the coast in Salobrena, I This is one place only cooked since his teens, but found another equally alluring also makes his own rum, from a that, if he gets local dish, which combined the factory in the town. superb mangoes and avocados Dubbing his food as ‘an advenit right, could be from the area with a splendidly ture’ his place is certainly well cooked red snapper. tilting for a Michelin out of the ordinary. Whipped up by Motril chef Jose Beautifully decorated, it is split star one day Miguel, at Restaurante La Bainto two parts, a bustling bar hia, it was as surprising as it area, full of creative furniture was delicious, served in a pesto and lighting, and a stylish dining sauce, with shavings of mozzarella on top. room next door. The chiringuito-style restaurant is certainly any- With a kitchen to die for and a team of chefs from thing but your usual fried fish affair, and apart around Spain, this is one place that, if he gets it from the cool jazz music, there were a number of right, could be tilting for a Michelin star one day. interesting dishes. A big fan of local and seasonal produce, his menu These included the so-called ‘queda bien’, a changes regularly and there are two choices of clam and langoustine stew, which was delicious, Menu Degustacion, one starting at just €36. The as well as an excellent value rich and creamy fish food presentation is second to none. soup at just €6. I ate with him in the bar, where he explained why Literally next door, you must also look out for the the celebrated Motril shrimps are partly blue and legendary Restaurante el Penon, which sits how to make rum from the local sugar cane. in pole position literally built on the famous rock We tasted the shrimps in a passion fruit soup, as well as a delicious braised octopus, all washed down with some excellent local Granada wines and a couple of chestnuts from Bierzo. This is a man to watch. My next port of call was up in the hills, towards Granada at the atmospheric spot, el Nacimiento, in Velez de Benaudalla. This is one trip well worth the journey, particularly to take in the Museum of Olive Oil, en route. Hidden up a tiny track on the edge of the village, you will find this charming spot beside a roaring stream and waterfall. Once an olive mill, it is a great place for lunch or dinner and the menu is a good range of dishes typical from the Granada region. TRIP TO THE SOURCE: El Nacimiento
www.gibraltarolivepress.com
March 14th - March 27th 2018
15
March 1st - March 14th 2018
WHERE TO STAY
Bedding down Y TEAMWORK: At No.20, chef Jose at La Bahia and (below) Arais and its chef Paco
OU are spoilt for choice with excellent places to stay on the Costa Tropical. There is something for every budget, from cheap hostels to incredible inland estates. These include the stunning Palacete de Cazulas, which costs from €4,600 a week in low season. An ancient Arabic redoubt, it still has its deeds from when it was sold by its Moorish owners to a Christian in the 16th century. Almost as old and also with Arabic roots, Casa de los Bates is an amazing 19th century Italianate mansion, with sumptuous bedrooms and well appointed dining and sitting rooms. The place oozes history and the family home, now owned by two charming brothers Borja and Inaki, is full of antiques and photos of its illustrious guests, which have included Nelson Mandela and the King of Spain. It sits in amazing grounds, divided into two distinct sections, one from the 18th and one from the 19th century. In total contrast, you must consider the ultra-hip hotel Hotel Miba, which perches on an escarpment overlooking Salobrena town. Every inch of this modern hotel maximises on the incredible views, be it across to the breathtaking
ANCIENT AND MODERN: Casa de los Bates and Hotel Miba
nearby town, which soars up like a wedding cake from stage left, or stage right to the snow-capped Sierra Nevada mountains. The creation of South African Martin and Swedish Eva it is a true cornucopia of style, and its bedrooms are spacious and comfortable to the max, each with their own terrace. Best of all, you can also eat in the hotel, which has a restaurant highly-rated locally and rapidly garnering a reputation further afield. It’s a regular hang out for local business folk and the food has plenty of contemporary twists and a hip dining room.
COME AND LET THE HISTORY WASH OVER YOU Historic 19th century hotel with award-winning 18th & 19th century gardens, Arabic roots and luxurious service
Restaurant open by appointment Email.: info@casadelosbates.com Telephone restaurant.: 672 35 73 36 Carretera Nacional 340 – km. 329,5 (Motril – Salobreña) 18600 – Motril Tel.: (+34) 95 834 94 95
www.casadelosbates.com
www.gibraltarolivepress.com
ON EY *
March 14th - March 27th 2018
CA N
9 SA 0 VE % M
16
PROPERTY IN SPAIN?
Save money on your electricity and get your bill and customer service in English Call +34 916 358 626 Energy Nordic is your English-speaking electricity supplier in Spain. Everything we say and write to you will be in clear, direct English. Should you have any questions, you will always have an English-speaking customer service team ready to assist you. Quite simple! We have an office in Fuengirola and you are always very welcome to drop by. Find out more at energynordic.com
*At the moment 9 out of 10 can save money on their energy bill if they switch to Energy Nordic (based on our current customer profile)
Energy Nordic S.L. C/San Pancracio 18 29640 Fuengirola +34 916 358 626 energynordic.com
-final of Spanish TV talent show 3065 views
SOCIALMEDIA www.gibraltarolivepress.com OlivePressNewspaper
olivepress olivepressnews
Ticketing website +TheolivepressEs wins top small business award BE ‘APPY!
AN online ticketing website has won this year’s Gibraltar Federation of Small Businesses Innovation Award. The website buytickets.gi run by Jordan Lopez has sold 30,000 tickets, equal to the population Download our app now and of Gibraltar, since it set up three begin enjoying the best Spanish years ago. on the go.to the need “It grew as news a response to buy tickets and for event organisers to sell tickets in as smooth a way as possible,” Lopez explained.
Business
17
17 17
March 14th - March 27th 2018
March 14th - March 27th 2018
Just the ticket WINNING: Jordan with cheques
“It is great recognition for the work of the technical team with whom we worked to develop the site.” Lopez was awarded £2,000 worth of IT and telecommunications equipment for his win and he says he plans to expand his business into the tourism industry. “We were very impressed with the level and amount of innovation from local entrepreneurs whose
businesses are exploring and attracting new markets,” said competition judge Stephen Reyes. “The winner is a highly customised product which at the same time provides a platform for other local businesses to attract customers to their events. “They are also growing into new, exciting markets, currently in the process of evolving a service for the local tourism sector.”
Airbust THOUSANDS of jobs across Europe are at risk after Airbus confirmed it is cutting production of two aircraft. Some 860 jobs in Spain, most of them at a factory in Sevilla, are likely to be most at risk after it was announced production of the A380 superjumbo and the A400M military plane would be scaled back. Some 1,925 jobs in Germany, 465 in the UK and 470 in France are also under threat.
The Olive Press TOP for news in Spain!
PARLIAMENT: Votes
Tax-dodge crackdown THE EU has dealt a blow to businesses which use cross-border tax avoidance schemes. MEPs overwhelmingly voted to back a new proposal which states that companies must now report their plans for any avoidance scheme to a central EU directory. The information collected by the directory will then be made available to national tax authorities in EU member states. MEPs also demanded more transparency over the EU blacklist of tax havens, requesting clearer criteria for when a country should be added to the list. “The European Parliament remains steadfast in its commitment to greater transparency and strong measure to tackle tax avoidance and evasion,” a spokesman said. “When it comes to aggressive tax planning, public authorities must clean up the mess; they cannot limit themselves to the flow of new schemes, they have to tackle the stock.”
Under new management SPAIN’S economy is under new direction. Roman Escolano, currently Vice-President of the European Investment Bank (EIB) has taken over the hot seat from former Economy Minister Luis De Guindos, who will become vicepresident of the European Central Bank (ECB). Under Escola- NEW: Roman no’s leadership Spain is set to try and cut the public deficit to within EU guidelines of less than 3% of gross domestic product. Escolano will also play a big role in dealing with the fallout from Catalunya and Britain’s planned exit from the EU. The 53-year-old has previously served as chief economic adviser to the thenPrime-Minister Jose Maria Aznar from 2000 to 2004.
The new moneycorp bank explorer Mastercard® With you every step of the way. Our new explorer card is the ideal solution for anyone looking for a smart way to spend overseas, allowing you to load multiple currencies at once, and access your money at millions of locations worldwide, online and in person. The best bit - all your overseas withdrawals will be completely fee-free*.
What do you get? Lock in exchange rates before traveling
Use the card to make online payments
Load funds in up to 10 currencies
Withdraw cash at an ATM fee-free*
The card is accepted in millions of locations and
Move funds to and from your moneycorp bank
ATMs worldwide
deposit account in a few clicks
Manage your account online 24/7
Chip and PIN protected
To open your moneycorp bank account and begin to benefit from our explorer card and other banking services: Visit www.moneycorpbank.com Call us on +350 222 55604 Or email us at enquiries.bank@moneycorp.com
- Helping you cross foreign exchange borders. *moneycorpbank will not charge you an ATM fee but you should always check that there is no additional charge applied by the ATM provider. The explorer multicurrency card is issued by MoneyCorp Bank Limited, pursuant to license by Mastercard International Inc. Mastercard is a registered trademark and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated. Moneycorp Bank Limited is authorised and regulated by the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission(reference number FSC0062BNK) and is permitted to issue e-money. Moneycorp Bank Limited is a company registered in Gibraltar under company number 113151 with its registered office at 7/b King’s Yard Lane, Gibraltar, GX11 1AA.
MCB Advert.indd 1
08/08/2017 15:49:17
18
www.gibraltarolivepress.com
lockhead
By Christopher Cousins of Igniteratings.com
Incubation stage
Chris Cousins explains how Ignite Ratings new ‘incubator’ provides ICOs with all the tools they need to be successful IGNITE is excited and proud to announce the launch of Gibraltar’s first full-service blockchain incubator. The Catalyst incubator helps bring the most promising early stage ICO projects to life by providing them with necessary capital, legal services, finance/accounting services, IT and development services, marketing, management and ongoing consultancy.
Access
The Ignite “HIVE”, Ignite’s online ratings community, will be used to decide which projects are accepted into our Catalyst Incubator and, as IGNT token holders, will have exclusive access to early stage pre-ICO fundraising rounds of Catalystincubated projects. Catalyst is currently working with three projects which it aims to bring to ICO over the next 9 months. More information on these projects will be made available to the HIVE following the close
of the Ignite crowdsale. “Cerveza Coin” (actual project name confidential) is the world’s first token to support the development of the rapidly-growing craft beer market. The Cerveza Coin team already own a large brewery in southern Spain and are in negotiations to open Gibraltar’s first operational microbrewery. The plan is to create a cooperative network of craft beer producers across the globe who will accept Cerveza Coin as payment and leverage the networks buying power to secure discounts on equipment and beer production supplies. “Token Bond” (actual project name confidential) is developing the world’s first fully-regulated and securitised bond designed purely to assist with the considerable financing requirements faced by emerging blockchain start-ups. Currently, funds and money managers access to crypto projects is limited and thus trillions of dollars are being prevented from having access to lucrative blockchain project oppor-
tunities. The Catalyst incubator is heavily involved in making Token Bond a reality and is working with financial specialists, regulated funds and leaders in finance to create a game changing vehicle which links traditional investment to the crypto world. “Domain Coin” (actual project name confidential) is a regulated ICANN domain registry which operates exclusively for the blockchain industry, the network plans to offer improved security and verification for all projects in order to help prevent many of the more common ICO scams, and social engineering attempts that plagues the industry. Further, Domain Coin intends to revolutionise how people access and utilise ‘premium’ domain names, by giving them access to one of the largest ever compiled premium domain inventories from a number of leading international internet registries.
18
FINTECH
Fintech firms happy with access to UK markets for at least three years THE British government has pledged to give Gibraltarian financial services firms continued access to the UK market until at least 2020. It is news that will bring relief to the Rock’s burgeoning fintech and online gaming industries, with access promised even in the event of a total no-deal on Brexit. The Gibraltarian government is ‘delighted’ with the deal, which will reduce uncertainty in the business community. The British government also committed to work alongside
March 14th -March March14th 27th- 2018 March 27th 2018
Brexit, what Brexit? its Gibraltarian counterparts to design a framework to ensure access for after 2020. The agreement was made at
Lend-ing a hand FINTECH firm Lendo is the talk of the Rock after playing an integral role at the recent Gibraltar International Fintech Forum 2018. Lendo’s CEO, David Honeyman, joined a panel of experts including the managing director of the Gibraltar Stock Exchange Nick Cowan to discuss the crypto industry. Honeyman praised the recent implementation of DLT regulation arguing that it firmly establishes Gibraltar at the forefront of the fintech world. He also revealed that Lendo, a key sponsor at the event, would apply to be fully licensed under the DLT regulation and to be listed on the Gibraltar Blockchain Exchange (GBX). “Gibraltar is leading Europe in blockchain technology regulation and the newly formed Gibraltar Blockchain Exchange aims to be a world-leading institutional-grade token sale platform and cryptocurrency exchange and we want Lendo to be part of this robust regulatory environment,” said Honeyman. “Being licensed in Gibraltar and listed on the GBX will further consolidate Lendo’s core values of transparency and trust.”
a meeting of the Joint Ministerial Council in London, attended by the Chief Minister. “The work we have done with the teams led by Secretary of State David Davis and Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson is bearing fruit,” said Fabian Picardo.
Patients
“Today our bilateral relationship grows stronger and the terms for it to endure are further cemented as we realise the commitment to maintain and enhance market access for Gibraltar service providers into the UK post-Brexit.” The British government also promised that prospective British students living in Gibraltar will still be eligible for higher education home fee status in the UK after Brexit. The Rock will also be able to continue referring patients to the UK for free healthcare treatment.
-final of Spanish TV talent show 3065 views
SOCIALMEDIA olivepress
The EuroCity +TheolivepressEs development of 366 BE flats finally ‘APPY! comes up for sale SALES are set to begin on a new luxury apartment complex. The EuroCity development will see the first tranche of its 366 flats put up for sale in April. Download our app now The apartments built overandthree separate begin buildings in best theSpanish Euroenjoying the port area offer spectacular views on the go. of Spain news and Africa. They have been designed by awardwinning British architect Jonathan
The Olive Press TOP for news in Spain!
www.theolivepress.es
Property
www.gibraltarolivepress.com
OlivePressNewspaper
olivepressnews
Property
STRUGGLING March TO29th - April 11th 2017 SELL YOUR SPANISH PROPERTY?
olive press
15
Behind on your mortgage payments and need assistance?
See page 16 for details
Anything but a dump - March March 14th 27thmiss 2018 Don’t
www.theolivepress.es
March 29th - April 11th 2017
Issue 13
To find out more, go to www.sellmypropertyinspain.com
or call 673 669 105 today
Mogul’s Marbella TV debut
PAGE III
Tivoli world makeover
PAGE V
A dedicated Spanish architect has spent more than 30 years turning a rundown cement factory into his perfect home and office space
Page XI
BAD PRACTIC E I T is a practice that most property professionals had hoped was a thing of the past. But Olive Press Property can reveal that tionable practice of charging buyers the ethically quesrearing its head again on the Costa del as well as sellers is Sol. According to sources, at least two agents in the Marbella area have recently stung their buyers with bills of up to 5%. scene’, especially when you consider The so called ‘finder’s fees’ are in addition they already have very from taking com- high purchase taxes mission from the seller. which are often in “We as agents are paid by the sellers excess of 10%. “It’s disgusting,” said Terra Meridiana’s and we never nothing wrong with finder’s fees if you Adam Neale, “I have a fee to a buyer,” he said, “On the whole our industrycharge works ent beforehand, but I have heard from agree it with the cli- very well as it is, without the need to start charging such high certain agents are adding a 5% fee with several buyers that additional fees to buyers. We should be encouraging them to invest here!” “It’s bad ethics and gives agents on the no prior warning. Costa del Sol a bad Ben Bateman name.” of Holmes in Sotogrande added he was aware of the practice happening ‘in a few cases’. Mike Smith, Chairman of Marbella-based agreed that charging potential buyers First Choice Spain, “It is totally unethical and gives our business a bad reputasuch fees was ‘ob- tion for sharp practices,” he said.
EXCLUSIVE: Agents unite as some ‘bad apples’ are slapping finders fees on buyers without warning
February 28th - March 13th 2018
“I have no objection to agents operating but I do object when these so called with a finder’s fee, without declaring from the outset that buyers bill both sides He added: “When unscrupulous agentsthey will be doing so.” abuse the system by adding extra amounts, the whole industry suffers. “Beware of this sharp practise.” Legal expert Antonio Flores added that such practises can be deemed illegal. “It is not illegal to have your commission with the agreement of the vendor,” he built into the price, The problem is when an agent adds told the Olive Press. but does not tell the buyer or seller. a commission on top “This happens when the agent is the middle man and the parties are not in touch via their lawyers. This is actually a criminal offence.”
Have you been a victim? Email newsdesk@theolivepress.es
STRUGGLING TO SELL YOUR SPANISH
Granada’s new eco-village
PAGE XIV
our bi-monthly Property magazine out in April
1919
Andalucia’s highest towns
PAGE XVII
PROPERTY?
Live the dream Behind on your mortgage payments and need assistance?
We know how to make your property stand out in the market and can advance funds to cover your mortgage until your property is sold. See page 16 for more details.
To find out more, go to www.sellmypropertyinspain.co
m or call 673 669 105 today
By Joe Wallen
Mauser, while the gardens are being created by Chelsea Flower Show winner, Andy Sturgeon. “The Gibraltar property market has remained robust, with little sign of faltering in the face of Brexit uncertainty,” said Mike Nicholls, of Chestertons, who is
handling the initial sales. “Gibraltar is seen as an attractive, safe haven for high net-worth individuals and property investors alike and we expect this appeal to grow as projects like EuroCity come to fruition.” The development by the Bentley Investments Group will boast a 24-hour concierge, car parking, a gym and three swimming pools.
“EuroCity combines first class sustainable architecture, lush landscaping, management and amenities - there is no other development like this in Gibraltar,” said Evgeny Cherepakhov, Chairman of the Bentley Investments Group. “It offers the chance to invest in a product that will eventually change the face of the Rock.”
EXCITING: New project
The more € 60 you take out, the € € 6 0 60 more you get back.
Until 25th Jun e 2018
CashbaCk
UPGRADE: Go ahead
Main Street revamp THE redevelopment of a building on Main Street has finally been given the green light. An initial proposal for 91 Main Street, which houses a ground-floor electrical shop, was blocked in November. The Development and Planning Commission rejected it due to concerns an extra storey and height increase would put it at odds with the rest of the Rock’s iconic street. But developers LB Alwani reduced the proposed height by seven metres and committed to maintaining the existing window openings and design on the street-facing side.
Tax-free rentals LANDLORDS have been handed a boost after it was confirmed they will get tax concessions on property rented for residential purposes. If you have constructed a property in Gibraltar after July 1 2016 you can receive a tax credit equal to the tax payable on the profits earned during your first 24 months of rent. The credit can then be offset against any other tax owed. The concession is only available on construction projects until December 31 2018.
Cas hba Ck
aCk Cashb
Already a customer? You could get...
60€
+
60
+ €
60
New client? Big savings for you too...
= 180 € CASHBACK
€
for 3 new policies
30€
+
60
If you are an existing Liberty Seguros customer, each time you take out a new Home, Car or Life policy you get 60€ Cashback. If you are a new client, your first policy will give you 30€ Cashback and we will refund you 60€ from your second policy onwards. No limit on policies! No limit on Cashback!
+ €
60
= 150 € CASHBACK
€
for 3 new policies
The Expats’ No.1 Choice
Visit your agent, call 91 342 25 49 or go to www.libertyexpatriates.es Offer valid from 23rd February 2018 to 25th June 2018. Policies must be paid by direct debit. Not for renewals or replacements. Applies only to new comprehensive car, home and life policies. Conditions and minimum premiums will be applied in all cases. Visit our website or ask your broker/agent for full details.
The Olive Press – 250 x 200mm (Junior Page)
14 March
-final of Spanish TV talent show 3065 views
20
20
HEALTH
www.gibraltarolivepress.com
March 14th - March 27th 2018
Step to it
Cambridge Weight Plan’s steps to shifting the weight
T
HE Cambridge Weight Plan (CWP) method of weight loss is based on a tried and tested range of tasty meal replacement products; all of which contain approximately 200 kcal of energy. Each meal substitute is nutritionally balanced and contributes a third of the nutrients that the body requires daily. Our steps programme combines these products with conventional food and has been used to help millions of individuals lose weight safely and effectively over the last 32 years. In Spain, CWP offers a five step flexible program of between 800 and 1500 kcals per day, depending on the individual weight loss goal. There is also a weight stabilization programme and finally the long term maintenance step; known as “my life”. By following our advice and recommendations, many of our clients have successfully maintained their target weight for many years. Contrary to popular belief, the company has a wide and varied range of easy to prepare products including handy pocket sized bars, hot meals, soups, porridge, ready to drink “Tetras” as well as the better known shakes and smoothies in a wide range of flavours. These products are used in conjunction with varying amounts of regular foods and regular low calorie meals. During the program, clients get 1-2-1 support from a trained and accredited independent CWP consultant who is able to recommend which steps are most appropriate and which products are more suited to an individual palate. Most people following our low calorie steps programmes find that weight loss is steady and controlled. Our meal replacements are nutritionally balanced, so you will get all the vitamins and minerals that your body requires without having to buy additional expensive supplements. Replacing one of your regular meals with a CWP product will automatically provide you with 1/3 of your daily vitamin and mineral requirement at the same time as minimizing the total calories you consume. The lowest calorie step 1 (based on 800kcal) may not be suitable for some whose lifestyle includes moderate to high levels of physical activity. The most challenging part of this step is the reduction of regular traditional meals. Exchanging them for a
SOCIALMEDIA March 14th - March 27th 2018
OlivePressNewspaper
olivepress olivepressnews
About blood-y time! +TheolivepressEs
BE ‘APPY!
Download our app now and begin enjoying the best Spanish news on the go.
New blood test machine arrives at St Bernard’s hospital LOSE WEIGHT: Feel great bar or shake can sometimes be monotonous. For this reason, it is important to receive the continued support of your consultant and keep the diet plan personalized to your daily needs and individual lifestyle. In conclusion, safe, controlled weight loss can be very motivating and this plan is very effective. There are now many independent medical studies utilizing or products which demonstrate how effective a 12 week Cambridge Weight Plan diet programme of between 800 and 1200 kcal can be. Our Steps program is extremely flexible, meaning that a client can chose to start on the most appropriate Step for their lifestyle and health requirements. So as summer approaches, if you still want to lose a few unwanted kilos left over from Christmas whilst still assuring you proper nutrition with tasty products which are easy to make and take with you whatever you are doing, contact us today and make an appointment to speak to a local Consultant. Remember, Summer Bodies are best made in the Winter!! So call 965 295 746 and start making yours today!! #METODOCAMBRIDGE
CRITICAL decisions into pa- the-art equipment is capable tient care are now being made of testing a small amount of faster after a blood gas ma- freshly taken blood from an archine has been installed at St tery within minutes. The Press Bernard’s A&E. A&EOlive Associate Specialist Dr The new kit measures the lev- Albrecht Kussner said: “We els of various gases in a pa-TOPmake useinofSpain! the blood gas for good news tient’s blood stream, such as machine on a daily basis. Literoxygen and carbon dioxide. ally, within hours of commisThe blood gas test can deter- sioning, the analyser was used mine how well your lungs are to guide treatment of a patient able to move oxygen into the in cardiac arrest, who was stablood and remove carbon di- bilised and transferred to ITU. oxide from the blood. “Undoubtedly, near-patient Imbalances in the oxygen, testing of the range of criticarbon dioxide, and pH levels cal parameters this machine of your blood can indicate the provides expedites decision presence of certain medical making and spells an invaluconditions, including kidney able asset to our Emergency failure, heart failure and un- Department.” controlled diabetes. Minister for Health, Neil Costa Previously all blood tests had vowed that the Government to be sent to the upstairs labo- would continue to improve ratory, which was not open 24 medical services across the hours. board and focus on reducing However the new state-of- A&E waiting times.
-final of Spanish TV talent show 3065 views
SOCIALMEDIA
Food, drink & travel
www.gibraltarolivepress.com
OlivePressNewspaper olivepress
March 14th - March 27th 2018
2121
with DINING SECRETS of ANDALUCIA.com
olivepressnews
Incredible +TheolivepressEs 20 Michelin starred chefs BE40 ‘APPY! with stars between them - to descend on Marbella
A starry night
A WHO’S who of Spain’s top Download our app and chefs will be cooking up anow storm begin enjoying the best Spanish to pay tribute to legend Juan Mari Arzak in the Marbella next news on go. week. A total of 20 Michelin starred chefs will be whisking in to the A Cuatro Manos event at the Puente Romano hotel from tained the three stars at his same name restaurant - tripleMarch 18 to 20. Hosted by Marbella’s very own starred Juan Roca and Martin superchef Dani Garcia, the Berasategui - who has a total group - who hold 40 stars be- of eight stars - will also be on The Olive tween them - comprise thePress very hand. They are set to be joined by best of New Basque cuisine. Ramon Freixa, Paco Roncero As wellTOP as Arzak’s very own for news in Spain! daughter Elena - who has main- and Andoni Luis Aduriz, who is
LEGEND: Arzak tribute
ranked as the third best chef in the world. Also set to grace the stage are Asturias’ top chef Nacho Manzano (who the Olive Press reviewed last year), as well as legendary Peruvian chef Gaston Acurio, who has won the Best Chef in South America award.
STARS: Spain’s hottest chefs are coming to the Costa del Sol
And such an event wouldn’t be the same without Ferran Adria, whose El Bulli restaurant won the Best Restaurant in the World award for five years in a row. Two years ago, at the same event, he told the Olive Press that it was ‘one of the best collections of chefs he had ever come across in the world’. Now in its fifth year, the A Cuatro Manos event, is billed as ‘where the creativity and talent of the participants is the driving force of unique, exclusive and unrepeatable nights’. Marbella mayor Angeles Munoz described the event as a ‘key international event’ which helps to put Marbella on the food map. "Marbella can now boast of top haute cuisine and has an unparalleled offer of quality and excellence,” she said.
Bullipedia comes to the boil HE is easily Spain’s most famous chef of all time. So it’s appropriate that Ferran Adria - whose El Bulli restaurant was named Best in the World on five separate occasions - is helping to create the definitive culinary encyclopedia. The 35-volume collection - called Bullipedia - has already begun with the first book published in November. Now he is looking at the second part of the Bebidas section, looking at the history, composition and culture of beverages. “This is the project of crazy people, and it will take years and years to create,” explained Adria. In total, there will be nine separate books - each 500 pages long - just on drinks alone, before the food section starts. "There are only two liquids in the world that are not elaborate beverages, mountain water and freshly milked milk. All others are classified as processed beverages,” he explains. A pioneer in molecular gastronomy, Adria shocked the gastronomic world when he closed down El Bulli in 2011. Starting his career as a dishwasher at 18, he became head chef of El Bulli by 24. He now runs a cookery school at the same El Bulli venue, in Catalunya, and travels the world as a food diplomat. His encyclopedia will be released bit by bit over the next five years. Each book will cost THROWBACK: Jon around €75. Clarke with Adria
WE’RE BACK!
MOLINO DEL SANTO IS OPEN AGAIN FROM
16th MARCH 2018 (until the 4th November) We’re looking forward to another successful season with...
3 The Same Friendly Team 3 Comfortable Rooms for Overnight Stays 3 Our Famous Delicious Food 3 A Stunning Mountain Setting 3 The Local Train Stopping near our Door
3 Perfect Base for Exploring the Ronda Area 3 Ideal Venue for Special Celebrations 3 Wild Flowers in the Spring to Take your Breath Away
3 Last Minute Room Rates with Breakfast from €99 (Mention the Olive Press; last
minute rates available within 7 days of arrival)
FOR RESERVATIONS OR MORE INFORMATION OF ANY KIND: Phone 952 16 71 51 to speak to our English-speaking staff OR e-mail info@molinodelsanto.com
QUALITY AND SATISFACTION GUARANTEED Visit to find out why thousands of people return to Molino del Santo every year
MOLINO DEL SANTO - HOTEL RESTAURANT AND BAR ESTACIÓN DE BENAOJÁN, NEAR RONDA, MALAGA www.molinodelsanto.com • Tlf 952 16 71 51 • e-mail info@molinodelsanto.com
Panoramic Terrace – Open every day from 12 to 12 Plaza de España 16, Vejer de la Frontera, Cádiz tel: 956 44 77 30 CalifaVejer.com
22 22
www.gibraltarolivepress.com
The cheeky made-inManilva ales making an entree onto fine dining tables
I
T’s styled on brown ale, a bevvy that reminds me of Newcastle and working mens’ clubs ‘up north’. But Gran de Select’s Vintage dark ale has greater ambitions than to be supped from a mug at a bar. This is a craft beer to be opened with a champagne pop and sipped from long-stemmed
Columnists
Beer ‘n’ vittles?
glasses in fine dining restaurants to complement dessert or the cheese course. Every artisan ale hailing from this boutique brewery is produced by the champagne method. Each undergoes a second fermentation in an elegant Italian glass bottle fitted with a cork made from the trees in neighbouring
Los Alcornocales Natural Park. There’s golden Pilsner – a match for white meat, sushi and seafood; amber Reserva, a pale ale partner for red meat and spicy foods; and limited editions with drink-me names like Passion, Spice and Wild to make it a party. Brewed by Danes, probably the best beer makers
in the world, co-founder Mads Sorenson’s grandfather had a lifetime job with Carlsberg and pioneered one of the world’s first microbreweries. You can try some on the house at an Open Day (see their Facebook page). Their microbrewery in the hills is within spitting distance – only, with beer you don’t spit – of
The Water Margin
A
March 14th - March 27th 2018 March 14th - March 27th 2018
s the saying goes ‘be careful what you wish for’. Regular readers of this column will know that I have been bleating on for months about the lack of rainfall in Andalucía over winter with dire warnings about impending water shortages and widespread drought. My wooden fishing boats had become landlocked, the normally submerged houses, abandoned when the reservoir that I live on was created in 1970, had started to appear and Marbella’s 4x4 aficionados were using the lake bed as a test track. While most of the population of Marbella took social media selfies boasting about the weather, I stalked my terrace, scanning the lakebed and muttering in darkly dystopian tones about the approaching arid apocalypse. Then the rains came. One of the many things that I have always loved about Spain is it doesn’t do anything
We prayed for rain and boy did it come, writes Giles Brown – food, drink, sport, life – in halves. It’s either all or nothing and this even applies to the weather. Coming from north Staffordshire I am used to rain, but UK rain is an insidious drizzle that seeps under your jacket and seems to last for nine months. The rain in Spain doesn’t muck about. One minute we we’re all posting pictures of lunches on the playa and sunny strolls on the paseo and the next. – BOOM, CRASH, DRAMATIC CLAP OF THUNDER – we were scurrying for cover as the heavens opened cien por cien el maximo as they say in these parts. We had obviously upset the ancient Andalus agua deity ‘Congas’. The now traditional chaos reigned. Homes
lost power, beaches were washed away, the traditional lagoon formed outside the Puente Romano Hotel (and how dare anyone suggest that while they were giving that particular stretch of road a facelift before the Davis Cup, perhaps fitting a decent drainage system might have been a good idea) and drivers blithely ignored the conditions and charged headlong into the spray. Once again, some Herbert ignored the warning signs and got his car stuck on the flooded bridge between La Campana and San Pedro and the rescue efforts made the local news. Standing on my terrace in full Ahab mode, resplendent in my Drizzabone, Wellies and Beanie hat, I watched the lake level rise dramatically in little under a week, posted daily social media videos, and contemplated on battening down the hatches, upgrading the tyres on the 4x4 or, alternatively, investing in an ark…
the sulphur springs where Julius Caesar took a bath circa 60BC. Added to Manilva’s award-winning wines, the town is becoming quite the watering hole! The mineral-rich water also makes great ale, one of the reasons this family of master brewers came here to create a worthy competitor for the new gastro sport of beer pairing. Not so long ago, if you sat down in a posh restaurant and ordered a pint of ale, you would have been shown the wine list or even the door. Now it’s quite the thing Stateside, where ‘beer sommeliers’ are suddenly in big demand. Gran de Select is endorsed by Martin Berasategui,
CHEERS: Bottom’s up
Spain’s most Michelin-starred chef and beer corks are starting to pop in swanky restaurants along the Costa. We sampled Spice, a wicked little winter warmer with orange notes and a hint of fizz. It came with an artisan beer-infused burger slathered in artisan onion jam, which you can also buy on the premises – a warehouse on an industrial estate accessed by a road Caesar himself might have travelled on, judging from the profusion of weeds and potholes.
Tasting
But you get to see the shiny brew kettles, smell the barley and hops, visit the cellars and sample the finished product. Commercial sessions in a bijou tasting room can also be arranged for companies and groups. And after a fair bit of extra sampling ourselves, at discounted prices, we clanked out with enough bubbly-shaped bottles to launch a fleet of ships. I’m not sure how Newcastle Brown bros will take to champagne ales at cava prices, or purists who like their craft beers on tap from oak casks. But with restaurants under pressure to roll out ever more avant garde gastronomic offerings, who knows brown ale and tiramisu could be a maridaje made in heaven!
-final of Spanish TV talent show 3065 views
SOCIALMEDIA
Sport
www.gibraltarolivepress.com OlivePressNewspaper
olivepress olivepressnews +TheolivepressEs
BE ‘APPY!
March 14th - March 27th 2018
SPONSORED BY:
23 23
March 14th - March 27th 2018
Yellow peril!
PEP Guardiola has been fined £20,000 by the UK’s FA for wearing a yellow ribbon in Download our app now andsupport of Catalunya. The Manchester City boss wore begin enjoying the best Spanish the accessory to press confernews on the go. ences and on the touchline, as a show of support for four Catalan politicians who have been WELSHMAN Ryan Day imprisoned since the ‘illegal’ made short work of China's referendum last year. Cao Yupeng in the final of The issue has been a source of the snooker Gibraltar Open, contention, with the Cataloclaiming a 4-0 victory with nian arguing the symbol is not a superb individual perfor- political but ‘humanitarian.’ The Spaniard has now acceptmance. The Olive Press Cao hadn't potted a single ed that the ribbon breaches FA ball at the start of the fourth regulations and vowed to stop news in Spain! wearing it during games. frame, butTOP Day for did give him a chance with a few sloppy However Guardiola will continue to wear the ribbon for shots.
ON FORM: Day
Winning Day
Spanish football boss fined tens of thousands for supporting Catalunya
FINED: Pep
All you need is
‘Bringing music to your ears, and Gibraltar to your screen’
March on GBC TV includes: ‘#followME’ ‘Speaking Volumes’ ‘Access All Areas’ ‘City Pulse’ ‘The Hub’ ‘Viewpoint’ GBC TELEVISION
RADIO GIBRALTAR
GBC ONLINE
Available on: Gibraltar Freeview & Online
91.3, 92.6 & 100.5FM 1458AM, DAB+, Gibraltar Freeview & Online
GBC TV Live GBC TV Player Radio Gibraltar Live Radio Gibraltar On Demand Latest local news
pre and post-match media commitments, as is permitted, with the FA's kit and advertising regulations referring specifically to the technical area during games. He can also wear it during Champions League matches because it is not a breach of UEFA codes. He was charged after last month's FA Cup loss at Wigan and since then he has either not worn the ribbon or covered it up while on the touch-
line. Guardiola said: "I accept the decision because I have to do but that doesn't mean I agree or not, or they are right or not. "I am here, I am working here, and there are rules and I accept them. "I said from the beginning if the FA considers I shouldn't wear the yellow ribbon I would accept it but the fact that I wear it or not doesn't mean anything, because the yellow ribbon is always going to be there, whether you see it or not, even if I wear it in the press conference, post-match, it doesn't matter, the situation doesn't change, there are still people in prison in an unfair way."
Back of the net CRISTIANO Ronaldo is on his way to being crowned as the top scorer of La Liga this season despite a terrible start. The Real Madrid striker had only scored four goals by the halfway stage but ramped it up in the second half, scoring 14.
Goals
It means he is only three behind Luis Suarez and six behind Lionel Messi, both at Barca, in the race to be crowned ‘Pichichi’, the league’s top scorer. While Messi didn't play last weekend due to the birth of his third child, Ronaldo scored twice in Eibar to keep the pressure on.
24
www.gibraltarolivepress.com
The Rock’s only
March 14th - March 27th 2018
investigative
local newspaper
FREE
Advertise here for as little as as £75 per issue
FINAL WORDS
Full steam ahead THE world’s largest cruise ship will be unveiled in Malaga ahead of its maiden voyage on March 27. Owned by Royal Caribbean, the ‘Symphony of the Seas’ is five times the size of the Titanic.
Tech hub TECH giant Apple has chosen three Spanish schools to trial an ‘everyone can code’ project which will enable pupils to develop mobile apps.
On set ANDALUCIA film director Santi Amodeo has been shooting his latest film in Sotogrande. He was nominated for best new director at the 2014 Goya awards.
Vol. 3 Issue 66 www.gibraltarolivepress.com March 14th - March 27th 2018 A HOST of seasoned celebrities have taken part in Spain’s most famous pilgrimage as part of a new TV show. Strictly Come Dancing star Debbie McGee was joined by comedian Ed Byrne, M People singer Heather Small and Neil Morrissey along the legendary Camino de Santiago route. In total, the group of seven celebrities walked the 500mile religious trek from the French border to Santiago de Compostela.
BARCELONA is one of the key cocaine capitals of Europe, according to analysis of wastewater in 56 European cities. On average Barcelonians get through 965.2mg each day for every 1,000 residents. This is the highest amount recorded since the project started and represents a 34% increase on the inaugural result found in Antwerp, Belgium in 2011. Just one British city made it into the top 10 with Bristol coming in at sixth. London, which was previously deemed as the capital in 2014 and 2015 did not feature this year. Zurich in Switzerland, came second with 934.4mg daily per 1,000 and following the trend became the second highest figure ever recorded. This comes after a separate EU drugs report found that more than 13% of Spaniards between the ages of 15 and 34 have tried cocaine at least once in their lifetime. With the EU average at 6.3% Spain has the highest figure in ful than childbirth.’ The vicar confessed that she Europe. found debates about religion Spain’s youth are also the ‘very tough’ and felt under most habitual coke snorters in Europe, with 4.4% admitting pressure to explain her faith. they've consumed the drug in the last year and 2% in the last Pilgrimage: The Road to month. Santiago will air on BBC In addition to cocaine, BarceTwo on Friday at 10pm lona ranked 7th in Europe for MDMA use. Spanish time.
It’s magic Group of celebs, including late Paul Daniels’ wife Debbie McGee, undertake Camino de Santiago
Bonding
Joining a group of regular walkers, the seven trekked from Saint-Jean-Pied-dePort in the French Pyrenees to the famous city in Galicia. The group was made up of atheists as well as a priest and believers - making it an interesting watch as they retraced the steps of medieval pilgrims. There were discussions about personal beliefs and values with some of the celebs fearing they might 'catch religion'.
Barca nosing ahead
Journalist Raphael Rowe described the trip as 'eyeopening', saying: “It made me think differently about myself, about other people, about religion and faith. “I learnt more about religion [on the camino] than I ever have in my life.” The celebs stayed in pilgrims' hostels and had to walk in ex-
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
treme heat and driving rain. They said that the experience created a bond between them and that they have stayed in touch after completing the Camino. Gogglebox star and vicar Kate Bottley admitted she struggled with the physical demands of the journey adding that it was ‘more pain-