appy H Gibraltar NATIONAL Day
THE founder of National Day has revealed how the idea was formed by accident. In an exclusive interview, Sir Joe Bossano told the Olive Press how the idea came when he was Chief Minister. It came out of a rally organised in the Piazza before going to the UN for self-determination status in 1992. But, as it happened to be the 25th year since the famous 1967 referendum, it quickly gathered steam. “People spontaneously turned up dressed in the national colours and in numbers we had not expected,” he revealed. “Given that response, it seemed to me as the minister, that we had touched a chord in the people’s perception of their own identity. “It was too important to only do it once every 25 years, so we created it officially on September 10 and called it the National Day rally.”
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Vol. 5 Issue 130 www.theolivepress.es September 2nd - September 15th 2020
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Celebration
Bossano believes the celebration is still linked to the desire of Gibraltar to be recognised as a people in their own right by the United Nations. Gibraltar is regularly attacked by Spanish diplomats at the UN with the Committee of 24 tending to agree with them after they put in a lot of lobbying. On whether Gibraltar could ever become a state in its own right he said ‘nothing is impossible’. Some commentators have said that it is the resistance to Spain that has formed that identity, but he believes it is not the only reason, “I believe the hostility of Spain has been a factor which helps us to close ranks to protect our identity and defend our homeland,” he added.
INCINERATED: All that remains of Puro Beach after the devastating blaze
Luxury commercial centre gutted in weekend wildfire
See National Day celebrations on page 12
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SCORCHED and charred, this is the devastation left by a ravaging wildfire that left a popular Costa del Sol commercial centre in ashes. Estepona’s Laguna Village - which housed around 20 shops and restaurants - was completely gutted by the dramatic blaze, which ripped through it in little over an hour on Saturday. Eerie photographs show the moment the flames took hold, as intense weather conditions propelled a mega-blaze from nearby scrubland across the busy A-7 motorway. Meanwhile, dramatic videos showed the moment that families, many eating lunch, rushed out in panic, some screaming for their children. According to neighbours the fire began close to the former Prado World waterpark, leaving burnt-out fields covered in ash, a charred electricity line and the
By Kirsty McKenzie
rubble of destroyed homes. On top of the hill overlooking the motorway, a finca crumbled, blackened with soot.
Tel: 952 147 834 TM
Culprits
Exhausted firefighters had to work through the night after the out-of-control fire tore down both sides of the A-7 motorway, leaving a path of destruction in the Rio Padron area. A couple have now been charged with gross negligence, property damage and theft, after they allegedly caused the fire by illegally tapping into overhead electricity cables. The Spanish man and woman, 43 and 51, had been living in a shack close to the motorway, near a riding stables. Police revealed that the fire was most likely caused when an See page 16 electrical appliance malfunctioned in their home, causing a spark to start the fire.
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CRIME
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Case builds
NEWS IN BRIEF Mystery boat AN abandoned launch was found off Eastern Beach by the Customs after the Guardia Civil reported it had been spotted with ten people on board.
Break-in fail LOCAL man Christian Scott Baglietto, 42, from Glacis Estate, was arrested on Thursday afternoon in connection with a burglary in Ocean Village where cash was stolen
Gun chaos POLICE have broken up a number of gunfights recently between rival gang members in Algeciras which they believe was as a result of a stolen hash shipment.
Accused of offering €20,000 cash bribe
Hash stash A POLICE raid on a Rock address has led to the discovery of 10kg of cannabis resin. A Gibraltarian, 53, was arrested in connection with the bust. The man has been questioned and released on bail over charges of possession and with intent to supply a class B drug. The raid comes after information received by the police was investigated by Drug Squad officers.
THE Managing Director of one of Gibraltar’s biggest international construction companies has pled not guilty of bribery. Helder Mendes Da Silva, 49, of Casais Gibraltar, was detained and charged with bribery but was later released on bail. The arrest follows nearly three months of investigation by the Royal Gibraltar Police. Two senior construction company officials were arrested back in May 12 on suspicion of bribery and released on bail. Mendes Da Silva was formal-
‘Killer’ freed
Hit ‘n’ run THREE people from Jerez de la Frontera have been arrested for mowing down a local policeman after refusing to stop at a checkpoint in La Linea.
GIRL FRIEND: Mily Leonard
September 2nd - September 15th 2020
DEAD: Carl Carr
ly accused of having made a €20,000 cash bribe to a third party in April 2020.
AN IRISHMAN accused of beating a friend to death in a fit of jealous rage has been freed from jail after 18 months in custody. Wayne Walsh, 32, from Kilkennny, was released by a Torrevieja judge after posting bail worth €3,000. His freedom is conditional on having to report daily to the court. In January 2019, the body of fellow Irishman Carl Carr, 38, was discovered in a shallow grave off the AP-7 highway in the Rojales area. He died in an apartment in Torrevieja in September 2018 when housemate Walsh confronted Carr over a relationship he was having with his ‘on-off’ girlfriend, British model Mily Leonard.
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The RGP said this is suspected to have happened ‘during the course of commercial discussions relating to payments of construction works’, According to the police, the payment was allegedly made ‘to encourage a third-party to approve disputed works on a project’ valued at nearly £2 million. The investigation was carried out after a criminal complaint was made for a project which Casais was working on. Casais have been responsible for a number of high profile projects including the two comprehensive schools in record time last year. The court case will be held in November.
Stubbed out NEARLY £50,000 in cash and almost 4,000 cartons of cigarettes have been confiscated in two separate raids by Customs. A suspected Spanish smuggler and shop owner were arrested in one operation although in the other the suspects fled the scene. The Customs caught the first pair loading a car in the Ocean Heights area at around 5pm. The Spaniard driving the vehicle was arrested on the spot as he had 200 cartons of cigarettes in his car. Customs officers then went into the shop and arrested its director. They then confiscated 438 cartons of cigarettes, €32,850 and £18,825 that was in the shop. In the other incident, the Customs saw a car speeding into Eastern Beach at around 1am on Tuesday night. When the Customs patrol car arrived, they saw the vehicle had been abandoned with the doors left wide open. When the locally registered vehicle and nearby area was searched, 3,000 cartons of cigarettes were found of different brands. In another incident, Customs chased a car to the frontier. Although the driver managed to escape over the fence, his car was abandoned with 300 cartons of cigarettes inside. All cars and the cigarettes were impounded, with investigations continuing.
NEWS
www.theolivepress.es CRISTIANO Ronaldo could be signing the biggest contract of his life - after a recent pic sparked speculation of a glitzy engagement to longterm Georgina Rodriguez. Rumours are swirling that the 35-year-old football ace popped the question to Georgina after she shared a series of sizzling snaps on the pair on social media. The couple, who are sunning themselves in the French Riviera with their kids, posed for photos while holidaying onboard their €6.1 million yacht. The first picture showed the former Real Madrid star dressed to the nines smiling with the 26-year-old in an incredible sunset snap.
Engaged ROYAL wedding bells will soon be ringing again after the cousin of Spain’s King Felipe announced his engagement. P r i n c e Philippos of Greece – nephew of Queen Sofia and fifth son of her brother King Constatine and Queen Anne - will marry his bride Nina Flohr. The Greek court officially announced the news this week, although no date has been set for the big day. The youngest cousin of King Felipe, 34, started dating Flohr, from Switzerland, in 2018 after bumping into each other at many social events in London and New York. Prince Philippos, like his older brothers, studied at the Hellenic College in London and completed his secondary education in New Mexico (United States).
Ronald-i-do
The pair scored high in the fashion stakes, with Georgina stunning in a scarlet dress while Ronaldo wore a navy printed Louis Vuitton shirt with ivory trousers. Although Georgina’s hand was hidden, fans were quick to guess that Ronaldo had already proposed when she captioned the photo ‘YESSS’ followed with a rose emoji. The former Gucci shop assistant, who has been dating the football superstar for three years, then posted another glamorous snap of herself flaunting a giant ring on her wedding finger and holding a rose.
IN LOVE: The happy couple
Claudia Schiffer shares special moments from five decades of Spanish holidays
Swashbuckling back Antonio Banderas has survived his brush with COVID-19. The Zorro star is swashbuckling back on the streets of Malaga again after 21 days of quarantine. “I was not asymptomatic. I had fever and pains, but I feel very well now,” he revealed. “My thoughts go to those who weren’t as fortunate as me, and to those who suffered more than I did. I also wish strength to the ones who are in the middle of the fight,” he wrote. He announced he had contracted the virus and was in quarantine on the day he turned 60 on August 10. It was a good way to avoid having to
IN STYLE: Claudia celebrates in Spain
Balearic gem, having celebrated her birthday there many times over the last few decades...with Port d’Andratx being her favourite haunt. The German beauty also holds a deep adoration for the uber-exclusive La Cuchara in Palma, owned by friend Peter Newman and a favourite of King Juan Carlos, which closed its doors permanently in 2015. She was such a big fan of the island that in 1997 she be cheerful on what would have been built an iman angst-ridden day for many. pressive
ESTUCO INTERIORS
mansion in Camp de Mar and spent many summers there with her British film director husband Matthew Vaughn alongside their three children. She has always held a reputation for being particularly warm and polite to the press who without surprise followed Schiffer wherever she went. However, she became famously enraged when a photographer took pictures of her topless during a sailing trip with music legend Peter Gabriel. Concerned with her privacy, the supermodel decided to sell her property in 2017 to a European investor for a whopping €5 million. Despite no longer owning a home on the island, Schiffer will always have a connection with Mallorca since she financed the restoration of the stunning Cap Andritxol tower in 2004.
ONE might have expected him to be heading for a desert island. But - fresh from his high profile brush with the courts, described as a ‘wife beater’ - Johnny Depp is heading to a Balearic isle next month. The US film legend, who just fought a legal battle against the Sun newspaper in the London High Courts, is set to appear at the Fiesta! Film Festival in Palma de Mallorca. In the fifth edition of the festival, Depp will be promoting his latest role in the movie Waiting for the Barbarians. Directed by Colombian filmmaker Ciro Guerra the film is based on the novel of the same-name by J. M. Coetzee, and also stars Mark Rylance, Robert Pattinson and Greta Scacchi. The festival serves to promote Italian filmmaking, this year forging ties with those working within the industry in Spain. Depp, best known for his performances in Eduardo Scissorhands and the Pirates of the Caribbean, has confirmed his attendance for the October 14 to 17 festival. The Hollywood legend has had countless legal issues after his split from ex-wife Amber Heard, who accused him of verbal and physical abuse. Depp alleges the many claims she made were ‘completely untrue,’ ‘one-sided’ and ‘not researched at all’ by the media.
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Viva Espana GLOBAL supermodel Claudia Schiffer has paid a glowing tribute to Spain as she hits her landmark 50th birthday. To celebrate the beginning of a new decade, the 90’s fashion icon shared a series of special moments from her childhood summers spent on her favourite holiday island of Mallorca. Schiffer has an extensive history with the
September 2nd - September 15th 2020
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Testing doubts
Healthy signs THE new Minister for Health has made a pledge she will improve the GP appointment system. Samantha Sacramento took on the responsibility from Paul Balban after the Cabinet reshuffle caused by the departure to the backbenches of Gilbert Licudi. (See Ripoff, right) Sacramento visited the Primary Care Centre (PCC) and has promised to ‘understand its systems’ and clear the backlog of repeat prescriptions. In July, the backlog consisted of 741 phone requests for repeat prescriptions and over 500 requests sent by email. “As of mid-August, this backlog had been completely removed, except for the turnover of about 120 requests per day which are dealt with on the basis of a 48 hour turnaround,” said Sacramento.
VISITING football players from Kosovo who tested positive for COVID-19 have put into doubt the Gibral-
tar swabbing technology. The Prishtina players were forced to forfeit their match against Lincoln Red Imps
EXPERIMENT: Scientists explain inconsistent testing
Coming in hot
after testing positive on two separate occasions. However, upon returning home they tested negative. Minister for Public Health John Cortes said this could have been down to several factors. “In the event the Kosovan footballers were genuinely positive for COVID RNA, this was at a very low level,” said Cortes. “Very low level positives can be caused by viral RNA fragments which can persist for weeks after infection or from external sources, including environmental contamination.” The authorities had been
TWO Royal Navy ships, HMS Blyth and HMS Ledbury are set to arrive in Gibraltar to stock up on supplies. Both vessels are returning to the UK following three years as part of a UK minehunting fleet in the Persian Gulf.
September 2nd - September 15th 2020
Virus science queries after football debacle
Ripoff
very careful to remove any threat to others catching the virus from the visitors. “They did not interact with anyone and were not allowed to use any facilities such as changing rooms,” said the Gibraltar Government.
CRITICS have questioned how Gilbert Licudi could step down as a minister but still remain in parliament as a backbencher. The surprise announcement was greeted by dismay by Together Gibraltar, Gibraltar’s third party. “This has not been an easy decision to take,” said Licudi about his desire to step down as a minister, which was effective at the weekend. “The experience of the last few months with COVID-19 has led me to re-evaluate my position and to change my outlook and my priorities. “I will return to private practice as a lawyer.” Licudi will not sit on the government bench but will still be able to vote and take part in discussions. The Chief Minister has denied the need for a by-election and said there was no discord between them. Chief Minister Fabian Picardo said it was ‘absolutely right’ that Licudi should step down ‘to put his family first’. “The pandemic has touched all our lives in different ways,” said Picardo. However, Marlene Hassan Nahon, leader of the Together Gibraltar party, was having none of it. “We doubt very much that the people of Gibraltar will consider Gilbert Licudi’s next three years to be the value for money that people deserve and voted for,” she said.
Deported
“Irrespective of this, the subs, benches and goals and any other possible source of contamination were sanitised directly after.” As soon as the positive tests came through the players were told to remain in their hotel. The match was cancelled and they were taken to the airport to leave on their charter flight ‘as soon as reasonably possible’.
Disunited TRADE union Unite and the Chamber of Commerce have become embroiled in a war of words over worker layoffs. Unite first put out a statement saying that ‘some employers are taking advantage of COVID-19 to hit hard on workers’. The Chamber of Commerce struck back saying that these were ‘unfounded allegations’ that cause ‘distress and alarm’.
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NEWS FEATURE
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A campaigning, community newspaper, the Olive Press represents the huge expatriate community in Spain with an estimated readership, including the websites, of more than two million people a month.
OPINION Will of the people GIBRALTAR National Day is the biggest day of the year for many locals on the Rock. But this year celebrations are going to be muted. Due to a resurgence of coronavirus cases, the government is taking no chances and has virtually cancelled all planned events. There will be no concerts, no fireworks – no fun. People are urged to stay at home and watch pre-recorded celebrations on TV. But this does not take away from the central and most important theme of the day – to assert Gibraltarians’ right to choose their own future. And that is a message that needs no fireworks or music to drive home – just the will of the Gibraltar people.
Paradise burns SUMMER may be coming to an end but the authorities are rightfully feeling the heat after a series of fires scalded the Spanish costas. Each blaze is tackled, at huge expense, but the true cost of these fires feels insurmountable: businesses are lost, homes are reduced to rubble and families mourn the lives lost by those not lucky enough to escape alive. That was reinforced when a huge fire at Hotel Sisu in Marbella left one French holidaymaker dead and nine others seriously injured, with dozens more jumping for their lives after finding themselves trapped inside. Less than 15km away, in Estepona, an even bigger inferno in the Rio Padron wiped out the entire Laguna Village shopping complex, while in Huelva, 3200 were forced to flee from their homes to safety, with nearly 2000 still unable to return home almost a week later. We can attribute the majority of wildfires here to human error (whether through arson, downed power lines or a carelessly dropped cigarette) and southern Spain’s warm climate, often with stiff winds, that provides fuel for flames to gather at speed every summer. But the authorities need to do more to ensure that no more lives, homes and businesses are lost needlessly to flames. Tighter restrictions on building materials, inspections within premises to ensure working fire alarms and better guidelines - now’s the time to save lives, not cents.
Publisher / Editor
Jon Clarke, jon@theolivepress.es Dilip Kuner dilip@theolivepress.es
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Should have smelt a RAT! Isha Sesay on being floored by COVID-19 on an outing from her sitting room to her kitchen - to catch a rodent
F
OR the best part of this year coronavirus has entirely consumed my existence alongside, I assume, many Olive Press readers. Not only due to the nature of my work as a journalist, but because of my father’s profession – a leading scientist working on the frontlines in Africa to help curb the spread of the virus. I have written dozens of stories and read every scientific study on COVID as dad made a habit of relentlessly drilling down my throat the risks of ‘gallivanting’ around Mallorca, where I have lived for a couple of years. Truth be known, I am anything but the gallivanting type. I am actually quite anti-social and enjoy my own company, preferring to hang out with my cat than most humans. So, never in my wildest dreams would I have thought of contracting COVID-19 in the comfort of my very own home. It came after I called a ratcatcher into my Palma flat having heard some strange noises at night and finding Werther’s Originals wrappers I had left on the kitchen countertop eerily appearing under my fridge, washing machine and, wait for it, my bed. Talk about unsettling. After finding a grand total of 11 wrappers scattered around my flat, a call was swiftly made to the landlord. I am sure he thought I was making it up to get a reduction in my rent, but he valiantly called around and helped me set up some traps. Both masked up, we went around laying down bait and poison, before he headed off with a wave and a ‘good luck’. I should, of course, have guessed it, as it turned out I got much more than
the capture of my furry squatter, who I christened Jimmy. Some two days later I got a call from the ‘COVID-19 Primary Care Tracker Team’ on the island, telling me that my landlord had tested positive for coronavirus. The next morning two health workers were at my door, much to the shock of my decidedly nosey neighbour (I saw you peeping through your letterbox Sheila!) and by the end of the next day it was confirmed – I too had My ‘friends’ on the island became coronavirus. So, you are all probably wonder- oddly busy and quiet during my period ing what the symptoms of a healthy of isolation. 33-year-old exactly were…well it took Anyone would think I’d been diaga few days, but when it hit, I felt like nosed with Ebola, which is illustrative of the fear instilled in so many over absolute crap! this coronavirus crisis. As well as breaking the Luckily I found a new Guinness World Record – Mercadona for the longest sleep in I experienced amigo home delivery… and on history (I challenge you to fevers so day three I had enough beat 18.5 hours), I expedelights to last me for six rienced fevers so strong strong I felt months, but oh how I unI felt like I was in a tsulike I was in a derestimated my ability nami. to eat. I was struggling to tsunami On day five, I ran out of breathe and feeling realfood. I learnt to pace myly alone and quite frankly self by the end of the two scared. I started to worry that I would most weeks, and by that I mean sticking an likely starve to death, that’s if the A4 sheet of paper on the fridge that bubonic plague didn’t get to me first, read ‘You greedy b****rd!’ as Jimmy was still definitely still alive As the days passed, I began to accept my need to sleep, welcomed my new and kicking. found addiction of re-runs of Judge Judy and realised exactly who cared and who didn’t care about me in times of need. Shout-out to my parents, my cat, my colleagues at the Olive Press, and of course, Jimmy, who god bless his soul was found dead on day 13. The daily telephone conversation with my father Abdul definitely helped the most, and I think it worked both ways given the amount of pressure he is now under with his work in the Gambia. Dedicating his life to genetics for almost 40 years in London he is now in charge of the British-run National Institute of Medical Research there. Specialising in the sequencing of infectious diseases (best to Google that one), he has now been nabbed by the country’s Ministry of Health and is busy working all hours of the day to set up testing points around the country. “The majority of people live in poverty and the health system is poor. We do not have enough hospital beds for the seriously unwell and two months ago, testing was practically non-existent,” he explained. With just under 2,000 active cases there, 97 deaths, four of which my father personally knew, the struggle in Africa is real and only makes me appreciate how very easy overcoming the virus was for me in Spain. I’m now on the road to recovery and thankfully my flat is finally rat free! SAGE ADVICE: Isha’s dad Abdul is a COVID scientist
June 24th - July 7th 2020
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Safeguarding real news After two years of rapid expansion, the Olive Press announces an online pay wall
A
S the Olive Press approaches its 15th anniversary it’s a good time to take stock of what we have experienced down the years. But even more important is to take the lessons we have learned as Spain’s only English language investigative newspaper and apply them for the next 15 years. Back in 2006 when a small but dedicated band launched the very first issues out of Ronda we couldn’t have dreamed how much we would expand in the coming years. A move to our head office in Sabinillas near Esteponsa proved to be a key move and within a few short years we went from covering all of Andalucia to launching editions in Gibraltar, Mallorca and the Costa Blanca North and
South. But perhaps the biggest change has been the rise of the internet as the medium through which we can reach a hugely expanded audience. We have striven to provide engaging, well researched and original content, with regularly over 20 stories and features a day. This has involved a heavy investment in the most important factor for any news organisation – the staff. Our dozens of fully-trained, NCTJ-qualified reporters have uncovered hundreds of exclusives which would make many a ‘bigger’ media group proud. It helps that many of our team have worked at UK national newspapers, including Dilip Kuner at the Sunday Mirror, Kirsty McKenzie at The Daily
Olive Press online ‘Spain’s best English news website’
The top five most read stories on www.theolivepress.es in the past two weeks are:
Village engulfed in mammoth 2- Laguna fire on Spain’s Costa del Sol (27,542) Levante Beach to end 3- Benidorm’s restrictions this Monday as domestic tourist season ends (24,402) footage from inside Laguna 4- Terrifying Village fire on Spain’s Costa del Sol (21,677) Fire at Estepona’s Laguna Village: 5-Exclusive pictures from the scene (19,212) Get in touch today at sales@theolivepress.es or call us at 00 34 951273575 for a special quote
Olive Press is following in the footsteps of The Times, Telegraph and New York Times and respected Spanish dailies such as El Mundo, El Pais and Diario Sur to introduce a pay wall. And it is extremely positive news. For, by charging just €4.99 a month (or €49 a year) we can dramatically increase investment employing more journalists and writers to provide a news service that
upgrades to an even better unparalleled news service.
Less adverts and pop ups Best of all, anyone joining will find the service so much easier and cleaner to use, with only one advert allowed per story and a much simpler, faster loading time.
Please contact us at newsdesk@theolivepress.es for any questions
Win a luxury romantic break
TO celebrate the biggest relaunch in the Olive Press website’s history we are giving readers a chance to win prizes in our 3-2-1 competition. Top prize for one lucky reader will be a two-night stay and gourmet dinner in a luxurious villa on the Costa del Sol. Second place will get a free 12-month subs-
cription to the new site, while a third reader will scoop a six month subscription. Our first place winner will get to stay in the stunning La Perla De Torrenueva villa (left), which comes complete with its own private pool located between Marbella and Mijas. Set in an enclosed complex of eight villas surrounded by lush gardens, the villa has spectacular views over the Mediterranean, towards Gibraltar and the Rif Mountains of Morocco. The lucky winner will also get to enjoy a private three-course dinner cooked by French chef Joffrey Charles, who is well known on the coast. La Perla villa complex (www.laperladetorrenueva.com) manages three exclusive four bedroom villas, a cottage, an apartment and an ensuite bedroom and would be ideal for corporate groups and seminars. To enter the competition visit our website: www.theolivepress.es
competition time
1
- Benidorm officials say 130 million demolition bill for illegal towers is not in the public interest (30,996)
Record and Jon Clarke at the Mail on Sunday, while our Costa Blanca reporter Alex Trelinski worked for many years at the BBC. This highly experienced group of journalists help to bring our young trainees through, showing them how to stand up stories and how to find and develop the many entertaining features that go into the Olive Press. And it takes a lot of resources. Historically our business model relied mostly on advertising, allowing our papers and website to be freely accessed at all times. But one thing the coronavirus crisis has taught us is that to rely on advertising alone is too slender a reed to hang our entire business on. While confident that businesses in Spain will bounce back from the present crisis as they have in the past, our thoughts have turned on how to guarantee our next 15 years as Spain’s leading English news outlet. Sure, we could go down the easy route and just translate what is in the Spanish news. That is cheap and easy to do, but offers no value to the reader. We prefer to employ real journalists and writers to look behind the headlines and come up with original content. This is why from this week the
Yes, those subscribing will see a 90% drop in pop ups and adverts being served up every time you want to check up on your favourite English news site in Spain. And a fringe benefit is that our print editions will all remain free, just as they always have been. We are sure that our loyal readers will continue to support us. After all, when we asked for donations to help us provide news during the lockdown nearly 1000 of them rallied to the cause. And we in turn have not forgotten these generous and loyal readers. Anyone who donated €25 or more will get a free subscription for a year, while anyone who gave €5, €10 or €20 will get the first two months free. We thank them and look forward to welcoming aboard many new subscribers in the coming years as we strive to maintain our position as Spain’s premier English language news site.
FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL
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September 2nd - September 15th 2020
cooper of cordoba
H
IDDEN among vineyards, olive trees and centuries of history, stands Montilla, home to Casknolia, Artisan Coopers. Only 40 kilometres from Cordoba, Montilla is a town of wineries and a stroll through its historic centre will enchant you with its architectural treasures and unforgettable corners. In this Cordoban town, surrounded by an expanse of rolling hills, olive groves and vineyards, high-end casks specifically crafted for the finest whiskies in the world are made. The distinct aromatic tang from the fermentation and ageing of the wine that envelops the town gives way to smoky charred wood as I step into the craftsman’s workshop. At the entrance a young man, skilfully operating a forklift, meets me. I politely ask for Rafael Cabello, Master Cooper of the family-run business founded in 1974. Looking around as I wait for the head honcho to arrive, I observe the rows and rows of casks and towering slabs of American oak virgin wood, ready to be cut into staves and adapted to the final shape of the barrels. The young man jumps off the forklift, revealing his tattooed arm sleeve and heavy metal looking T-shirt which reads The Soul of Spirits. No doubt the name of some rock band I’m unfamiliar with. “I’m Rafa, pleased to meet you,” he says, his eyes twinkling, a smile doubtlessly hidden under his mandatory facemask. I instantly comprehend that this young man, the current driving force behind the 46-year-old business, has no qualms about getting stuck into the nitty gritty chores and with it, broke the mould of the typical pijo —snob—often deep-seated within the wealthy Spanish families of inland towns. A tour around the artisan workshop and I felt like I’d stepped back in time. Every stage of the barrel making process is handcrafted with utmost care. CONSTRUCTION: “Our Casknolia brand is an Building a cask example of innovation that respects tradition. Modern
Cristina Hodgson discovers the tradition of artisan Sherry casks made in the heart of southern Spain
ideas based on ancient values,” Rafa explained as he led me around the factory. Rafa continues to inform me that everything is done by eye in his workshop, making each barrel unique. As the young artisan explained, Casknolia is a newly released trademark of Toneleria del Sur, a company founded by his father, which has seen almost half a century of craftsmanship, and serves barrels of up to 500 litres to over 28 countries around the world. Sherry casks - also known as botas - are a crucial part of the ageing process of Sherry wines and they have also been used for well over 200 years to age Scotch whisky. “But what are distillers looking for when choosing casks?” I ask, intrigued to know how different casks can produce specific flavours. Rafa aptly helped make sense of it all. “A distiller wants a cask to contribute flavour to the maturing whisky - America oak will add exotic notes of vanilla, coconut, spice and coffee, TOUR GUIDE: Rafa and Cristina whereas European oak proffers tannin, resin, clove and dried fruits. “Here at Casknolia, we manufacture signature barrels because the distillers decide according to their needs. are crafted and seasoned, but went beyond the walls of the casks’ “The client can select from virgin wood barrels, seasoned barrels or workshop, from promoting art competitions on the barrels, to the infrom historic barrels- the latter, casks renovated from 30 years old vestigation of the region’s cooper history. sweet wine staves. Rafa’s next enterprising project, a cooperage museum, possibly the “The client can also choose the format and the level of char, of which first in Europe where visitors will experience, on site, the cooper trawe offer three levels: light, medium or heavy. dition. “Finally, the type of wine for seasoning and, even, the winery. It is a venture where Rafa hopes to display the barrel-making craft “All these compounds then interact over time with the maturing spir- from the moment the oak is selected, replicating with sensorial stimit,” he explained. ulations the woodland areas where the oak trees are grown, as well Casks are not mass produced, but artisan and moulded according to as the smell of the charred wood, and nuances of the final seasoned each distillers’ particular requirements. timber. I was fascinated to find out that one of the innovating ventures of He pays special attention to making the activities and site universally this artisan barrel-making company is their alliance with Bodegas friendly with a whiskey tasting session to round off the visit. Robles, a local winery, pioneers in the production of organic wine in “The cooper spirit is in every part of the process,” Rafa says as we the region. make our way to the entrance once more. Casks are seasoning with organic wine, a growing demand in the spir- I turn and re-read the slogan on his T-shirt The Soul of Spirits, finally it world where the essence of environmental care is the new trend. comprehending that the message wasn’t music related at all. It was clear after just a few minutes in the presence of this creative Rather it is the motto of this unique artisan business, where barrels young craftsman, that his ideas didn’t stop at the ways the barrels are made with soul, the soul of spirits.
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SCHOOL
September 2020
January 30th - February 12th 2019
9
Bubbling back
A
LL children over the age of six must wear masks when they go back to school next week. The latest rules for school in Andalucia will see pupils go back between September 10 and 15, while some private school pupils return this week. Spain’s central government and regional Education ministers have agreed that children under 14 will be welcomed back to classrooms but a series of conditions will need to be met. The new guidelines, signed up to by all 17 regions, except the Basque Country, state that face coverings must be worn by all children over six and hands must be washed at least five times a day. Each school must also have a Covid coordinator and schools must welcome all children aged 14 and under back to classrooms fulltime on the agreed dates. Parents will face sanctions if they allow their children to play truant. For children over 14, it is up to each school to decide the amount of remote learning that is suitable. Speaking after the virtual meeting with Madrid, regional minister for Education, Javier Imbroda, said that going to school was a ‘right’ and reiterated that parents had to send their children from six years onwards back to the classroom. “I understand the concern and fear of families, but I want to get over that we are working to make sure that all our children can get back into the classroom safely,” he said. He added that when positive cases are detected, ‘the group will be isolated and tracing of contacts carried out’. He added: “Where the number of cases is high, then the next stage will be closing a classroom, school or whatever is appropriate.” While the central government has issued a series of guidelines, it
Schools are due back from summer with class bubbles in and assemblies out... so how will education in Andalucia look when children return to the classrooms? Kirsty McKenzie finds out devolved powers over education and healthcare to the regions. Infant and primary pupils will be welcomed back to the classroom in Andalucia from September 10 while ESO, Baccalaureate and FP students will have to wait until September 15 before they can get back to class. Among other measures, teachers here will be required to take a PCR test each quarter and 300,000 liters of hydroalcoholic gel and three million masks will be distributed to schools across the area. Once seated at their table, if the safety distance is maintained, they do not have to use the masks. During break time, when waiting to go to the canteen or when being picked-up at the end of the day, the use of masks is again ‘recommended’. The level of prevention measures depends very much on establishing ‘air-tight’ ‘class bubbles.’ This includes minimising contacts between classes, with separate starting, finishing, lunch and break times. Additionally, it means no big group events like school assemblies and arranging classrooms with forward facing desks. Teachers will be requested to teach various subjects, in order to
keep the staff of each ‘bubble’ to a minimum. When the ‘bubble’ gets very big, the risk of transmission is greater and controlling its components becomes more complex. The creation of so-called class ‘bubbles’ will permit children to socialise and play together without having to maintain social distancing. The government had originally talked about class sizes of no more than 15 children, however authorities, due to lack of space, have gradually changed these numbers back to the standard 25 students per classroom as a maximum. In addition, Andalucia has hired thousands more special assistants to help out in the classrooms around the region. There are some additional rules being set up for private schools along the coast. At Laude, in San Pedro, for example, parents are not being allowed into the school at the beginning of the school day, and all students and staff will walk over a disinfectant mat and sanitise their hands as they enter the school campus. In addition all students and staff will have their temperature taken at the gate and any student who has a temperature will be moved to a separate safe area and the family will be required to collect them immediately. Prior to return to school they must provide either a doctor’s note or negative result for COVID-19. In each classroom there will be hand sanitisers, closed waste paper bins, tissues and disinfectant wipes, which will be used as pupils enter the class. Year 1 to 6 students will be given a school pencil case with basic equipment to be left in school overnight.
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www.theolivepress.es
September 2nd - September 15th 2020
Standards and safety top of the curriculum
W
HEN Gibraltar, along with most of the world, went into lockdown in March the Prior Park School community faced some difficult challenges and urgent decisions on how best to continue the delivery of our curriculum to students. Many of us have had to learn how to use various new technologies in a short space of time and for education it was no different. As a school we quickly enacted a Remote Teaching Policy, which allowed our staff to continue teaching their lessons directly to the students’ homes via Microsoft Teams. The usual daily timetable and routines continued and daily contact between teachers and students was sustained. The PE department was even able to deliver virtual Zumba lessons via video link and many other departments areas found creative ways to keep students engaged in their lessons. An important area of normal Prior Park School life is their pastoral care system and this remained a key consideration for students throughout the two month lockdown period. Every student had a chance to speak directly to their tutor each week to talk through concerns or worries and this is something that also eased the worries of parents. The feedback received on the Remote Teaching Programme was overwhelmingly positive and reassured the entire community that Prior Park can continue to offer a quality education, even in the toughest of circumstances. Somehow, all of a sudden, the school’s contingency planning for any changes post-BREXIT seemed so much more manageable! Over the summer break, they had welcomed students and parents to school for A Level and GCSE results days, albeit with some amendments due to
urricular nvironment. Prior cation right on your braltar and
Back to
Overcoming Speak the lingo difficult challenges L Learning Spanish may seem difficult but it is well worth it
COVID-19 restrictions. After weeks of uncertainty in the world of education across the UK, a significant amount of time and energy was invested into the internal moderation of their students’ grades, to ensure they were as fair and accurate as possible. Both the GCSE and A-level cohorts had put in two years of hard work to earn the fantastic outcomes they have and despite the two months of interrupted schooling, they held their nerve and should be extremely proud of their achievements. The GCSE cohort achieved a 100% pass rate and an incredible 71% of all grades were between a 7-9. One quarter of all their grades were the highest possible grade, Level 9. In the Sixth Form, Prior Park had their first ever set of A-Level results as a school, as the Year 13’s finished their two year courses. The students also achieved a 100% pass rate and 36% of all grades achieved were an A*. None of their Centre Assessed Grades were moderated down, demonstrating the confidence that the UK awarding bodies have in the school’s performance and progress. Staff have bid farewell to these students who are now embarked on their next adventure - higher education at some of the UK’s most prestigious universities to read
om
Physics, Economics, Medicine and other health-related degrees. Examination results since Prior Park opened four years ago have been outstanding and would compare very favourably with the best independent schools in the UK. A school spokesperson said: “Of course we want all of our students to do well academically, as do their parents, but we also work very hard to ensure that students keep their examination grades in perspective. They are but a small part of what we hope students will gain from their ‘Education for Life’ in their time with us.” Plans for September are well underway, with a safe return for all staff and students being given the highest priority. The start of term will see year groups operating in ‘bubbles’ within their lessons as well as staggered arrival, departure, break and lunch times. “We know that a return to a physical school setting will be daunting for some students who have not been in the building since March. Our main considerations will continue to be the health and wellbeing of our school community and our strong Tutor and House systems will ensure that there are multiple layers of care and support available to everyone – including staff!” said the spokesperson. “We are very much looking forward to a return to some ‘normality’ and to start a new academic year with a renewed gratitude for the privilege of education and a tight-knit school community.”
EARNING a new language can be difficult and, for many, intimidating. But whatever your age – whether a child or a granny – if you have made Spain your home then the ability to speak Spanish will make your life a whole lot easier and definitely more enjoyable. There are many different options and the indecipherable long lists of schools online would put off even the most enthusiastic of students. But here, the Olive Press has broken down all you need to know about picking the best language lessons for you. If you go solo you’ll have 100% of the tutor’s attention, making your lessons more intensive and solely structured around you. But many people find a group learning environment more beneficial, and that a sense of camaraderie boosts their enthusiasm. Learning from your peers is invaluable, and if you’ve recently moved to Spain language classes can be a good way to meet like-minded people in a similar situation. There are many ways of tracking down a tutor, the most useful way can be to check ads in community areas like post offices and newsagents and, of course, look online. The key factor for choosing a personal tutor is to find someone who you get on well with. Don’t be afraid of asking for a discounted first lesson, to make sure that the tutor is the kind of person you’re looking for.
Teachers of the future
s from prospective families are
ons om
SCHOOL
Using the latest technology to inspire the next generation THE appeal of CLIC International House has infiltrated every corner of the globe. With language students from the UK, Russia, Ireland, China and the US, their teaching methods and flexible timetables can suit just about everyone and anyone. Located in Malaga, Cadiz and Sevilla, the school stands out for its dedication to inspiring the next generation of English language teachers as well as helping expats brush up on their Spanish. But with coronavirus in mind, classes can now be taken online over Zoom. The live Spanish course means Brits won’t have to rely on isolated self learning but can instead connect with classmates from any country in the world and learn from expert teachers as a cohort. Meanwhile, those hoping to inspire the next generation of English speakers can enroll for the Cambridge accredited CELTA course. Taught in four weeks (in person) or in
five weeks (online via Zoom), CELTA is the most prestigious Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) qualification out there. Carefully designed, it allows budding teachers to develop confidence and expertise in the classroom. Like a passport to paradise, students who have completed the course have gone on to work in Mexico, New Zealand, New Zealand and Japan. Available throughout the year, the next round of classes runs from October 5 to November 6. With an emphasis on fun and practical exercises, the classes at CLIC are filled with laughter and upbeat learning with a great atmosphere. So, whether you’re a budding teacher or inquisitive student, you can carry on learning anywhere in the world. All you need is a comfy chair, enthusiasm and some wifi to get started. Contact Clic at www.clic.es
The search for a group class can be even more baffling, but if you are clear in your own mind about what you’re looking for, you can simplify the search before it even begins. These are the main factors to consider: The intensity of timetabling varies greatly from course to course. Some schools offer six hours of lessons a day, while others offer a couple of hours a week. Take into consideration how much time you want to dedicate to your lessons before choosing a course. Smaller classes are nearly always preferable, as they ensure you will get more time with the tutor and the class will progress more quickly. Look for schools that specify a number of pupils in each class, as the ones that don’t are likely to accept applications until the class is too big to handle. Check the credentials of the teaching staff - the schools that show the credentials are proud of the quality of their staff. The best schools offer several options. You can study in a classroom, have one to one lessons in your own home, and increasingly popular – especially during the coronavirus pandemic – are ‘virtual’ classes done online. These should not be confused with self-teaching – they are proper classes with a tutor with lessons tailored to your needs, conducted live. Whatever your choice – good luck!
Life is inspiring...
“ Outstanding academics, extensive co-curricular
programme and an inspiring learning environment. Prior Park School offers a quality British education right on your doorstep, for students age 11 to 18 in Gibraltar and Southern Spain
�
Please contact us for information on our open events, visits from prospective families are welcomed at any time.
Email Molly Mor in admissions mmor@priorparkschools.com Tel: +350 200 62006 www.priorparkgibraltar.com
G House party! 12
ibraltar NATIONAL Day
September 2nd - September 15th 2020
Celebrate National Day at home to halt coronavirus, government pleads
T
HERE will be no Nationtake place. al Day rally, fireworks or “Any celebrations at beaches, screens at Casemates this swimming pools or other pubyear to stop large crowds from lic areas must be kept to small potentially spreading COVID-19. groups and social distancing Gibraltarians are being urged requirements must be strictly to celebrate at home with famadhered to.” ily or in their small The departure from social bubbles inthe normal celestead. Enjoy National brations has been The change in plans performed by a Day at home from a low-key celevery careful and bration to practicalresponsible governand keep a ly none at all comes ment which has so safe distance after Public Health far stemmed the advice considered spread of the virus. this year all crowds to be a “This year’s NationCOVID-19 threat. al Day celebrations “The National Day will, unfortunately, fireworks display will not take feel very different,” said John place this year,” said the GibralCortes, Minister for Culture and tar Government. Public Health. “Television screens to broad“National Day is a demonstracast celebrations will not be tion of our community spirit and placed at beaches as previously a reminder of what we all hold announced. dear. “Members of the public are “This year, it is up to every Gistrongly encouraged to avoid braltarian to act responsibly areas such as beaches, swimin the best interests of Gibralming pools and other public tar, and protect our families, areas where National Day celfriends and community in these ebrations would traditionally extraordinary times.” T h e minisSuit ter has asked people to remain with their able families and normal social groupings to Wed for ding do the best for the community. s “Enjoy National Day at home, if you can,” continued Cortes. “If you do choose to make use of our beaches, bathing pavilion and swimming pools, keep group sizes to a minimum, keep a safe distance from others and practice good hand hygiene.
Broadcast
Fantastic opportunity to stay aboard 1 of 2 boutique Boatels in one of the best locations in Gibraltar Ocean Village beckons to enhance your stay, you are surrounded by the best bars, restaurants and duty free shopping. Enjoy excursions and watch beautiful dolphins at sunset, right on your doorstep, finish your day sipping a cocktail on deck. Contact Johnny & Tracey: jasminecoraljay@outlook.com or call 0044 7834953424 DON’T MISS OUT
tival 2020 in With the Gibraltar music fesal day don’t miss ion September and Gibraltar natommodation early to out on the fun! Book your acc tment avoid disappoin
“Above all, a happy National Day is a safe National Day.” This year all events have been pre-recorded and will be broadcast by GBC. The programme starts at 10am and will run until midnight with music, performances and the Political Rally.
HOME BUDDIES: National Day celebrations should be at home
The programme of events is: • 10 am to 12.20 pm: Music and Performances • 12.30 pm to 12.55 pm: Political Rally • 1 pm to 6.55 pm: GBC TV Programming • 7 pm to 8.20 pm: Rock Concert Part 1 • 9 pm to 9.50 pm: Rock Concert Part 2
• 10 pm: Fireworks Display from the Detached Mole (Choreographed to music)
• 10.30 pm to midnight: Rock Concert Part 3
13 September 2nd - September 15th 2020 EX-LEADER: Joe Bossano
John Culatto examines why National Day is so important to people on the Rock
T
HE message of Gi- always hoped braltarian unity to be something against diversity has more than just been thundered to second class its people on National Day citizens. for nearly 30 years. As a result This September 10, al- many fought though there will be no in World War big celebration, that same Two, becoming fighting spirit and togeth- heroes in their erness will continue to en- own right. dure. Now, you might wonder how a place so small, almost a town by British pop- The Association ulation standards, could for the Advanceever have a feeling of na- ment of Civil Rights (AACR) tionhood. Well, this feeling comes was born during from years of struggle that time and it against much more pow- went on to lead erful forces that have Gibraltar into a shaped it into what it is bright new future. today. First, a bit of history might The 1967 refsaw REOPENING: The frontier with Spain finally reopened in 1980 be important to under- erendum stand the feeling of na- Gibraltar vote to remain Brittionality. Gibraltar was captured in ish and the people were granted a new 1704 by Britconstitution ish and Dutch which gave forces. Over the years them more It was never rights under intended to workers came the Crown. be anything liance on the Ministry of when braltarians as the British but a fortress from all over the Even Defence and making it fascist dic- in the civil service. but over the Med to make a tator Franco Bossano, a keen Marxist, into a finance centre. years workers He also consolidated the closed the formed the Gibraltar Socame from new home Gibraltarian identity by frontier, the cialist Labour Party which all over the creating National Day in fight for more went on to form the govMediterra1992 after a visit to the rights con- ernment between 1988 nean to help United Nations. out at the then colony. The tinued. Under trade union and 1996. The UN has consistently thriving civilian population leader, Joe Bossano, they The charismatic pint-sized denied this collection of during the peaceful empire managed to clinch parity leader revolutionised the people, under pressure years of the 19th Century - the same wages for Gi- economy, stopping its re-
Heroes
Patriotism 101
with pride
AN exhibition that looks at the identity of Gibraltar through art and photos is one of the only events during this year’s national month. The ‘Our Gibraltar’ competitive exhibition is one of the few events that has survived the COVID-19 purge. The usual rally at Casemates Square on
OUR GIB: Competition celebrates the Rock
September 10, music festivals and street parties were the first to be scrapped. There will also be no screens or fireworks. A cool £2,000 top prize is up for grabs for the overall winner of the competition, provided by the Ministry of Culture. The winner will be revealed on August 25 along with lesser prizes of £750 for photographs and art when Culture Minister John Cortes opens the exhibition at the Fine Arts Gallery. The event is being organised by the Gibraltar Cultural Services, on behalf of the Self Determination for Gibraltar Group (SDGG). The competition is being produced in association with the Gibraltar Photographic Society and the Fine Arts Association. This resulting exhibition will be open to the public from August 26 to October 25 at the Casemates venue.
from Spanish diplomacy. Despite this, and run by the Self-Determination for Gibraltar Group (SDGG), National Day became a festive carnival of red and white, celebrating the Rock’s unique identity. Political rallies were held with British MPs and even regional separatists from
Spain which affirmed the same decision not to cede to Spanish pressure on September 10, 1967. Since then, that date has become a celebration of everything Gibraltar. Although it ebbed somewhat during 16 years when the social democrats came to power, the
return of Joe Bossano’s GSLP with the Liberals in 2011 saw it regain its former glory. Now, standing on a cliff edge called Brexit, it is more important than ever to have that national unity. Not content with the greater autonomy given by the 2006 constitution, Gibraltar now wants more say over its own future, especially after 96% voted to remain in the EU during the 2016 referendum.
Remain
Although COVID-19 might have cut off this growing sense of separate identity, it is clear that the Rock faces new challenges. It will surely meet them with the same ‘never say die’ attitude that has made it what it is today. With its Chief Minister Fabian Picardo at the helm, Gibraltar has always sought to fight for the good of all its people at every level and will continue to do so in the spirit of National Day.
BUSINESS No longer tax haven 14
GIBRALTAR’S Finance Centre has once again been given another clean bill of health by international watchdog OECD. Gibraltar has again achieved the second-highest OECD rating of ‘largely compliant’ in the latest OECD report on income tax information exchange. This standing places Gibraltar on a par with the USA, Germany, the UK and Spain. The review included a visit to Gibraltar by a Global Forum team in 2019. Gibraltar now has a legal
September 2nd - September 15th 2020
Clean bill of health from watchdog
and regulatory framework to allow exchange of information and treaties to be able to provide the information. The Income Tax Office and the Finance Centre Department all helped out in compiling the OECD report having been sharing tax information for the last ten years. Fabian Picardo, Chief Minister and Minister for finance and the international exchange of information, thanked these departments for their hard work.
“The Gibraltar authorities’ labour-intensive task has contributed to further consolidating Gibraltar’s solid reputation. “As an internationally-cooperative jurisdiction, it is notable for its transparency and the exchange of information for tax purposes” said Mr Picardo. Albert Isola MP, Minister for Financial Services, said: “This report confirms the findings of 2014 that I am very pleased with and we should all be proud of.”
OP Puzzle solutions Across: 7 Evade, 8 Romance, 10 Nowhere, 11 Tower, 12 Danish, 13 Player, 15 Deride, 17 Evicts, 21 Caber, 23 Toddler, 24 Outcome, 25 Niche. Down: 1 Pernod, 2 Taiwan, 3 Released, 4 Trees, 5 Emit, 6 Nearer, 9 Newly, 14 Loved one, 15 Doctor, 16 Rabat, 18 Calico, 19 Shriek, 20 Steel, 22 Rook.
SUDOKU
Quick Crossword
Brexit worries THE majority of the estimated 1.8 million Britons living in the European Union are ‘increasingly financially fearful over the risk of no-deal Brexit. The warning from James Green, deVere Group’s divisional manager of Europe, comes after the latest round of critical talks – the seventh - between the UK and EU ended in deadlock. EU’s chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier said he was ‘disappointed’ by the lack of progress. Green observed: “With just months to go until the end of the transition period, the risk of a nodeal Brexit is real and it’s rising. “Currently, there seems little hope of a deal getting done as both sides are showing no indications of altering their positions. “This saga is making Britons living across Europe increasingly financially fearful – and rightly so – as they could be disproportionately affected by the UK crashing out of the EU.” Research from deVere Group shows 36% of UK clients who live overseas have sought to mitigate the financial impact of Brexit.
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FINAL WORDS
A BARCELONA homeowner who seized his chance to brick up the doors when a couple who had been squatting in his flat for six years went on holiday could face criminal charges.
Not good ALL 27 residents of a home for elderly nuns in Huesca (Aragon) have tested positive for coronavirus, with two hospitalised and one dying.
Fire up A MADRID judge has annulled COVID-19 smoking restrictions in the capital, saying the regional government did not have the right to impose them, although the ruling does not apply to other regions.
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Vol. 5 Issue 130 www.theolivepress.es September 2nd - September 15th 2020
Ho ho hold on!
Xmas lights already going up in Spanish city ‘to forget COVID’ YOU really can’t blame anyone for wanting to forget 2020 and a city in Spain has decided to time travel to Christmas. In Vigo, Galicia, festive lights are already being set up around the town in a bid to compete with the world-famous displays in New York, London and Paris. The city’s mayor, Abel Caballero, has said the gargantuan display will have over 10 million LED lights. “Some people don’t like Christmas for ideo-
By Lydia Spencer-Elliott
logical reasons, but we do. We like it very much,” he said. The 73-year-old mayor has vowed to make the city’s Christmas lighting display the biggest in the world. Last year 465 Christmas trees, one of them 60 metres tall decorated 334 of the city’s 1,700 streets. The mayor’s decision to spend €800,000 on Christmas decorations during Spain’s OUTRAGED Brits on a delayed flight back to the UK from Gibraltar must now quarantine for two weeks after EasyJet bussed them over to accommodation in Cadiz. The Gatwick flight was delayed due to bad weather and forced passengers into an overnight stay.
SHIVERING: In the heart of summer in Galicia post-pandemic financial “It does not seem very reasonstruggle has lit up debate with able, sensible or responsible to us that right now the only conresidents. cern of city council is to inaugurate Christmas in August,” Xabier Pérez Igrexas of leftist-nationalist party BNG said Environmentalists have also criticised the plan due to the While many were givwaste in electricity. en rooms on The Rock, However, local hotel owners 80 unlucky travellers reported full occupancy when were forced to cross the city switched their display the Spanish border. On on last year and are hoping their return, they must they will get an early boost this self-isolate for two time round. weeks or face a fine.
Rocked off
A LESBIAN penguin couple at Oceanografic aquarium in Valencia have adopted a chick to raise as their own. The power couple, Electra and Viola, have incubated and raised an egg from another penguin family at the marine centre. “Although same-sex couples are common in more than 450 species in both zoos and nature, it’s the first time this has happened in our aquarium. Welcome to the world, little one,” said the Oceanografic. Penguin keepers noticed Electra and Viola were pining for a chick to raise when they started constructing nests out of pebbles.
Gender neutral
After monitoring this broody behaviour, the aquarium decided to give the pair a fertile egg to raise. Same sex penguin couples have also successfully fostered and incubated eggs in Sydney, London and Denmark. Liberal birds, penguins are intrinsically progressive. Last year, London Aquarium even announced its first-ever gender neutral penguin.
TM
952 147 834
*Based on third par ty. Offer valid for new customers only. Subject to conditions. Ends 31/12/20.
TheOlivePress-256x170-CAR0720.indd 1
20/7/20 13:08