The
OLIVE PRESS
Mijas Costa FREE
ANDALUCÍA
Your expat
voice in Spain
Vol. 13 Issue 351 www.theolivepress.es September 2nd - September 15th 2020 DESTROYED: Laguna village
Black lagoon
Parents divided EXPAT parents are completely split over whether it is the right time for children to return to school, an Olive Press reader survey shows that mums and dads are unsure whether September is too soon to send pupils back to the classroom. In our online poll, we asked readers to share how they felt about schools reopening for the first time since March. Exactly half said they were happy for their children to be back with their teachers and peers while the rest wanted a vaccine before they let their sons and daughters return.
Uncertainty
Photos by Greg Brennan and Kevin Airey
And while not all parents want to keep their little ones at home, 56% said that they did not feel their child would be safe on their return. A whopping 83% agreed that social distancing would be impossible to maintain in the classrooms and 78% thought all children should be made to wear masks at school. Ominously, just 28% of parents said it was likely that pupils would be able to complete a full school year. Spanish education officials have for weeks been debating how to get pupils safely back to school this month for in-person classes. Don’t miss our Back to School special inside:
INCINERATED: All that remains of Puro Beach after the devastating blaze
Luxury commercial centre gutted in weekend wildfire
How Olive Press columnist beat the big C with a helping hand from her hubby. See page 23
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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 scruTHE SKY bland across DOCTOR the busy A-7 ALL AREAS COVERED motorway. Meanwhile, dramatic vid4G UNLIMITED eos showed INTERNET the moment IDEAL FOR that families, STREAMING TV many eating ALSO IPTV, lunch, rushed SATELLITE TV out in panic, some screamtel: (0034) 952 763 840 ing for their info@theskydoctor.com children. www.theskydoctor.com According to
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By Kirsty McKenzie
neighbours the fire began close to the former Prado World waterpark, leaving burnt-out fields covered in ash, a charred electricity line and the rubble of destroyed homes. On top of the hill overlooking the motorway, a finca crumbled, blackened with soot.
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 electrical appliance malfunctioned in their home, causing a See page 5 & 22 spark to start the fire.
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See Gone in a Flash on page 5
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CRIME
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NEWS IN BRIEF Party’s Over AN illegal beach party of over 100 youngsters was broken up in the Tarifa by police after a flood of complained from residents.
Taps aff TWO men have been arrested after a chaotic fight erupted at a chiringuito in the El Palo area of Malaga. The fight started after they entered the bar and sat down without wearing t-shirts.
Paedo nabbed A WANTED paedophile has been extradited to the UK after being arrested in Benidorm. Mark Bowen, aged 25, fled to the popular resort to start a new life. Bowen, from Wales, was arrested in the UK in October 2017 after police discovered disturbing footage of a 12-year-old being raped on his mobile
STICKY FINGERS
September 2nd - September 15th 2020
‘Killer’ freed
Sugar thief strikes three times at popular British-owned restaurant A MARBELLA restaurant has been struck by the same robber three times in a week, on one occasion stealing sugar! British owners of the Boardwalk were furious after spotting the same man on CCTV cameras.
By Lydia Spencer-Elliott
Even worse, the masked man had managed to sidestep alarms, cameras and even a night time security guard to get his sticky fingers in the till.
SNEAK THIEF: The assailant at work
But what was more unusual was that, despite stealing cash, the thief also alleged-
Brothel bruiser
Body found
A BROTHEL in Antequera is under investigation after staff members allegedly tortured a client who owed thousands in unpaid bills. According to cops, the man arrived at the ‘club’ to buy narcotics and hire several of the sex workers. But an altercation ensued over an alleged unpaid tab totalling €2,700. The man was allegedly held for several hours, bound and beaten, until he coughed up the cash. His belongings were stolen and he was later diagnosed with a fractured nose, broken ribs and lacerations to his face and neck, police said.
POLICE have found the body of a man who was shot dead in a house near Puerto Banus. Cops discovered the corpse after launching an investigation into reports of gunshots in the area on August 28. Investigators confirmed the man was shot, but no further details have been released. Earlier this month a man who had been hospitalised after being shot was released from intensive care. The Spaniard, 29, had been shot in the face on August 6 and was rushed for emergency treatment at the Regional Hospital in Malaga.
ly pinched boxes of sugar from the kitchen. It led owner Kara Caradas to post on Facebook suggesting he is a drug addict. It is known that addicts who have kicked their addictions can experience intense sugar cravings during the early stages of recovery. Alongside a photo of the assailant, she posed the questions: “Someone Must know who he is?” She added: “Times may be hard. But taking from others is the lowest of the low. “Karma’s a bitch! I hope she gets him very soon!” Caradas has been helping to run the charity Food Fairies, which has been helping 850 underprivileged children and families along the Costa del Sol during the lockdown.
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, model Mily Leonard.
Not patient A NURSE has been coughed on and spat at by a suspected COVID-19 patient. A woman, who claimed to have coronavirus, arrived at the health centre in Coin and demanded assistance while shouting insults. After being thrown out by Policia Local, the patient returned and continued her barrage of insults and aggressive behaviour before being restrained by Guardia Civil.
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).
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
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
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
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DEPPING IN
Viva Espana
Swashbuckling back
SPOKEN
Ronald-i-do
September 2nd - September 15th 2020
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
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.
P O RTRA ITS
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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NEWS
4 www.theolivepress.es Pharaoh’s curse
THE West Nile virus, which has infected 35 people in Sevilla, has claimed three victims. All three were admitted to the Virgen del Rocio Hospital in Sevilla after suffering infected mosquito bites. Of a further 46 others infected, over 30 required treatment in hospital and four of them are
Estepona blaze destroys one of the coast’s most emblematic commercial centres in minutes, writes Kirsty McKenzie
still in intensive care. All the patients tested positive for meningitis caused by the viral infection. It is the most lethal outbreak of the West Nile virus ever recorded in Andalucia and centred on the towns of Coria del Rio and La Puebla del Rio, both near the Guadalquivir marshes.
September 2nd - September 15th 2020
Gone in a
WEEVER HORROR A TEENAGER has died after being stung by a weever fish while snorkelling near
Kid hero A CHILD has been praised after saving a three-yearold girl from drowning. The nine-year-old jumped into a community pool near Algeciras, when the girl suddenly got up and jumped in. The toddler, who was without armbands or a swim vest, immediately started to sink. Fortunately, Paloma Redondo, who swims with a local club, spotted her and without hesitation, dived in and grabbed the toddler by the waist and pulled her to safety.
Girona. His body was found when dozens of bathers joined in a search looking for him. According to an autopsy he suffered anaphylactic ‘shock’ due to a severe allergic reaction. A video he had shot on the incident showed how the fish had vanished before suddenly reappearing and stinging him on the lip. A small wound of between 2 and 3 millimetres was found on the boy’s trachea as well as marks on his face. This deadly creature, notoriously for their venomous spines, are widely distributed along the eastern Atlantic coastline from Norway to Morocco and in the Med.
Mean whale... A PAIR of whales, thought to be of the Rorqual family, have been sighted off Los Alamos beach in Torremolinos. The mammals were seen cruising, keeping most of their bodies submerged under the water as they swam.
SINGLE IMPLANT
I
T started with a spark at 3.20pm on a normal Saturday afternoon, while hundreds of families enjoyed lunch or shopping at the busy Laguna Village commercial centre. As they dined on gambas pil pil or picked up bargains from their various fashion shops, unbeknown to them a massive tsunami of fire was bearing down on them.
Literally within minutes of the blaze taking hold at a finca across the motorway, strong winds of up to 30 knots blew it to the fringes of the nearby Playa del Padron beach, torching the popular shopping complex with its celeb favourite Puro Beach and next door Camuri. Meanwhile over 80 guests at the nearby five star Kempinski hotel had to be evacuated, along with dozens of nearby
homes. Fire and Rescue Service sent three helicopters, dozens of vehicles and 30 firefighters specialised in dealing with wildfires to put out the huge blaze. So big was its plume that it could be seen from Marbella and in the hills above Gaucin. The embattled fire service declared the blaze a 'major incident' by 4pm and the mayor of Estepona, Jose Maria Garcia
HUELVA HELL
A MASSIVE 3200 people had to leave their homes in Huelva after a fourday wildfire took hold. Some 1,300 have now been able to re-
IMPLANT BRIDGE
turn to their homes after more than 500 firefighters worked around the clock to contain the fire that broke out in Almonaster la Real, last Thursday.
later confirmed the shopping centre ‘completely burned to the ground’ but ‘no one suffered injuries’. A total of 20 shops and restaurants were left devastated by the flames which raged during heatwave conditions. Fashion shop manager Kate Ozog, 40, told the Olive Press that she was home when she heard the devastating news that the outdoor complex had burnt to the ground. "All I was told was fire and my heart sank. I am stressed but there is nothing I can do," she said. "There is nothing left. The restaurants, the shops, everything is gone. They don't exist. 20 shops or something. All gone. "It has been such a tough summer and now the fire. We can do nothing. We have to start from scratch again." A photographer who captured the dramatic aftermath told the Olive Press it was the worst fires he'd experienced in years
IMPLANT DENTURE
NEWS
www.theolivepress.es
Flash
5
September 2nd - September 15th 2020
‘COULD HAVE BEEN A SPANISH GRENFELL’
NEWS IN BRIEF Sick note The Ministry of Labour has announced there will be no sick leave for parents with children in quarantine in Spain.
Homebound COSTAL STRIP: In flames and below fire team
DEVASTATED: Shop owner Kate Ozog lost everything of shooting emergency services in action. 'This fire is pretty bad. I've been taking pictures for about years and haven't seen anything like this before,” said James Courtenay. Meanwhile, Greg Brennan, a seasoned Fleet St veteran who was on holiday at his nearby villa, stopped to take pictures on his way back from Carrefour supermarket. “It was very dramatic and I couldn’t miss the opportunity to get some shots, although my wife wondered where her lunch had gone,” he told the Olive
Press. Holidaymakers at nearby five star hotel Kempinski were forced to evacuate their rooms and feared for their safety. "It was fully horrifying,” said Jesus Garcia, from Madrid. “We were very afraid. Obviously something like this is unexpected for all the guests. "Currently it seems to be under control but we continue to be scared. Seeing there is a forest fire across the road is definitely something to be worried about."
A MYSTERY blaze that left one hotel guest dead could have been ‘like Grenfell Tower’, claims a lawyer representing the building’s owners. Apart from the rapid spread of the late night fire, the controversial Sisu Boutique Hotel, in Marbella, had no functioning fire alarms, claimed fellow guests. While police continue to probe the August 21 blaze, which left a Frenchman, 30, dead and nine injured, lawyer Antonio Flores has slammed the potential negligence of the management, who were running the hotel. “The fire spread so fast. People thought they were going to die. It could have been like Grenfell Tower,” said Flores, who represents the company that owns the hotel. “I think it was arson. I believe it was deliberate. But we still have no update from the police.” He added: “The fire forced 100 guests to flee the hotel among
By Lydia Spencer-Elliott
flames and smoke, with many clambering down the facade of the building without shoes in a desperate bid to reach safety.” According to the town hall, it was a patrol from the town’s local police force that first raised the alarm on seeing a plume of smoke billowing from the hotel. A shoeless Belgian guest told the Olive Press outside the hotel: “No-one tried to evacuate us before we woke up around 6am. We were still in our room after the fire engines arrived. “It was really scary… like a warzone.” The fire comes after years of controversy at the hotel and a legal tussle between owner Gary Sanders and the management team run by Neil Acland. A hand grenade attack started another blaze at the hotel in 2017. Acland declined to comment.
A missing woman has been found in Asturias, after 25 years away from her home in León, as authorities were called to her house to treat her for dehydration.
Quick save Police stopped a man jumping off the Ibis Budget Hotel in Malaga after several minutes coaxing him off a railing so they could grab him.
Unearthed Archeologists have discovered the remains of a third century ‘Roman City called Suel’ in Fuengirola on the slope of Sohail castle.
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NEWS FEATURE
www.theolivepress.es Voted top expat paper in Spain
A campaigning, community newspaper, the Olive Press represents the huge expatriate community in Spain with an estimated readership, including the websites, of more than two million people a month.
OPINION 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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Kirsty McKenzie kirsty@olivepress.es
John Culatto johnc@theolivepress.es
Isha Sesay isha.sesay@hotmail.com
Lydia Spencer-Elliott lydia@theolivepress.es
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Alex Trelinski alex@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. still definitely still alive and kicking. After finding a grand total of 11 wrappers My ‘friends’ on the island became oddly scattered around my flat, a call was swiftly busy and quiet during my period of isolation. made to the landlord. Anyone would think I’d been diagnosed I am sure he thought I was making it up to with Ebola, which is illustrative of the fear get a reduction in my rent, but he valiantly instilled in so many over this coronavirus called around and helped me set up some crisis. traps. Luckily I found a new amigo Both masked up, we went – Mercadona home delivaround laying down bait and ery… and on day three I had I experienced poison, before he headed enough delights to last me fevers so off with a wave and a ‘good for six months, but oh how I luck’. underestimated my ability to strong I felt I should, of course, have eat. guessed it, as it turned out I like I was in a On day five, I ran out of food. got much more than the capI learnt to pace myself by the tsunami ture of my furry squatter, who end of the two weeks, and by I christened Jimmy. that I mean sticking an A4 Some two days later I got a sheet of paper on the fridge call from the ‘COVID-19 Primary Care Track- that read ‘You greedy b****rd!’ er Team’ on the island, telling me that my As the days passed, I began to accept my landlord had tested positive for coronavirus. need to sleep, welcomed my new found The next morning two health workers were addiction of re-runs of Judge Judy and realat my door, much to the shock of my decid- ised exactly who cared and who didn’t care edly nosey neighbour (I saw you peeping about me in times of need. through your letterbox Sheila!) and by the Shout-out to my parents, my cat, my colend of the next day it was confirmed – I too leagues at the Olive Press, and of course, Jimmy, who god bless his soul was found had coronavirus. So, you are all dead on day 13. probably wonder- The daily telephone conversation with my ing what the symp- father Abdul definitely helped the most, toms of a healthy and I think it worked both ways given the 33-year-old exactly amount of pressure he is now under with were…well it took a his work in the Gambia. few days, but when Dedicating his life to genetics for almost 40 it hit, I felt like abso- years in London he is now in charge of the British-run National Institute of Medical Relute crap! As well as breaking search there. the Guinness World Specialising in the sequencing of infectious Record for the lon- diseases (best to Google that one), he has gest sleep in history now been nabbed by the country’s Ministry (I challenge you to of Health and is busy working all hours of beat 18.5 hours), I the day to set up testing points around the experienced fevers country. so strong I felt like “The majority of people live in poverty and the health system is poor. We do not have I was in a tsunami. I was struggling to enough hospital beds for the seriously unbreathe and feel- well and two months ago, testing was pracing really alone tically non-existent,” he explained. and quite frankly With just under 2,000 active cases there, 97 deaths, four of which my father personscared. I started to worry ally knew, the struggle in Africa is real and that I would most only makes me appreciate how very easy likely starve to overcoming the virus was for me in Spain. death, that’s if the I’m now on the road to recovery and thankbubonic plague fully my flat is finally rat free! didn’t get to me Patient patient, See Page 23 first, as Jimmy was SAGE ADVICE: Isha’s dad Abdul is a COVID scientist
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NEWS FEATURE
September 2nd - September 15th 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
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- 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.
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Paedos in crime
EXCLUSIVE: Expat Maddie murder suspect may have had an accomplice in 2017 sex crime
The settings of some of Hollywood’s blockbusters are closer than you maybiggest think
Spain’s government dismisses fake news story that shook expat community
STEPPED IN: Fernando Simon dismissed lockdown claims
the UK embassy. Understandably,
ticularly amongst the expat comA media storm erupted, leading the story caused considerable panic in Spain, par- munity, with many people taking to several instances it for truth. of tourists cancelling holidays in September, adding to the substantial damage already inflicted on the fragile tourist market. However, a fierce backlash via social media has seen thousands NEW regulations have been introduced condemn the story with many government in a bid to stop the rapidly by the Spanish rising number of By Lydia Spencer-Elliott even calling for an advertising coronavirus cases across Spain, particularly amongst boycott of the newspaper group young people. tance must be kept between each party dining in the involved. It comes as the number of COVID-19 restaurant 34 year olds has increased by almostcases amongst 15- Capacity and groups cannot be larger than 10 people. Nationally, the story was largemust also be kept at 75%. 50% on the Costa ly ignored until various Spanish Blanca alone. Events with more than 400 people With a focus on nightlife, the new must now have websites followed up the story, measures authorisation from the public health including respected news organiorder that all nightclubs and bars So, it looks like the party is well and authority. sation el Correo. drinks-only licence must be closed with a truly over on the Costa Blanca. Finally, the government stepped But restaurants and bars with a down. cafe liThe move is aimed at halting the in at the weekend to deny the cence - the vast majority - can open. rise coronavirus cases, Health Minister of claims with Fernando Smoking on public roads is now SalSimon anprovador Illa said. grily stating at a press conference hibited. This Care homes have also been affected in Madrid that it was ‘a bulo’. measure also the measures. New residents and by “I have no information staff of a secincludes terreturning from holidays must have a ond lockdown and the idea has races, unless PCR test for symptoms. Visitors are not been mentioned. a two metre dispermitted to see their loved ones for only one tance between hour and one person at a time. smokers can be Hoax Minister Illa instructed Spain’s 17 autonoguaranteed. mous communities to bring in “They have printed a hoax story.” Valencia has taken the sures with some provinces adding the new mea- He added In Torrevieja, beaches close at 8.30pm additional rules. of August however, that the rest smoking ban a step further the Costa del Sol following suit and with Marbella on the spread is crucial in ensuring and prohibited lighting up on closing beaches at of the virus does not 9.30pm. all beaches in the province. spiral out of control. New regualtions have also been brought Hotels, restaurants and bars in for the Bale- "The priority is to control the arics, over and above the national with food licenses must be rules, including a ban transmission, to reach Septemon boat and pool parties. closed by 1am, with no new ber with the lowest possible levMinister Illa has also recommended customers permitted entry el," the contact as much as possible and citizens limit social "But weepidemiologist said. after midnight. avoid those from outhave to make an extra side their household. Additionally, a 1.5 metre diseffort now." If meeting friends, groups of 10 people or less are ad- The health chief added that with an exerted effort, the situation vised by the authorities. in September could actually imHowever, these safe- prove, guarding suggestions tinue but the public must conto be vigilant. are not currently en- He insisted See page 13 that schools would forced by the govern- still go back as planned next ment. month. "If a select amount of classrooms COVID round-up or schools need to close, it will see page 15 have to be done.”
Coronavirus clampdown: Last orders
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August 19th - September 1st 2020 Vol. 5 Issue 129 www.theolivepress.es
Last orders
GIBRALTAR residents heading of across the border will need to know new Spanish coronavirus restrictions. A ban on smoking in outdoor areas is where you cannot social distance one new measure. rise The move is aimed at halting the of cases, Minister Salvador Illa said.all Under new nightlife regulations, restaurants and bars with food licences must close at 1am with a final entry at midnight. be Additionally, restaurants can only peo75% full with a maximum of 10 ple per table and diners must keep 1.5m away from other groups. Meanwhile, nightclubs and bars without a food licence must remain closed entirely. Restaurants and bars with a cafe licence - the vast majority - can open.
VIRUS RETURNS COVID cases on the rise with tally at highest since April
Tests
Care homes have also been affected by the measures. New residents and staff returning from holidays must have a PCR test for symptoms.Visitors are only permitted to see their loved ones for one hour, one person at a time, unless the patient is near the end of their life. Illa instructed Spain’s 17 autonomous communities to bring in the new measures with some provinces adding additional rules. at In Marbella, beaches will close 9.30pm with people being allowed until 10pm to leave to leave the beach. In the Balearic Islands, boat and pool of parties have been banned, placesand worship limited to 50% capacity any protest or gathering of more than 300 people now requires approval from the Health Ministry.
Mobile testing areas have increased to declare another Major Incident. the aggressive swabbing proGovernment ministers, the new gramme started by the government. By John Culatto governor and Commander British Mobile testing continues at the Piagreed to meet more often azza, followed by three consecutive down restrictions were relaxed this Forcesfuture. month when the number of active in the the days at Morrison’s supermarket. It followed another meeting by the The government once again warned cases was brought down to zero, Contingencies Committee the public not to expose their loved According to the Gibraltar Govern- Civilbefore. to ment, the new cases were brought dayhis last live press conference the ones and especially the elderly, on by UK visitors and locals visiting In In- unnecessary physical contact. Chief Minister said that a Major Not one person has died in GibralSpain in August. cident was unlikely to be declared tar from the virus and none of the Two of the active cases are visitors the until autumn but he is now chang- current cases are hospitalised. to Rock, with ing his tune. Primary Care services are coming with a flexthe other “Platinum Command will continue in or- back online ‘slowly and 20 being to meet on a regular basis over ible approach’, according to the auder to maintain an oversight residents. thorities. re- the evolution of the pandemic in “Services cannot simply be fully In to s p o n s e Gibraltar should it be necessary restored in keeping with a pre-set this once again declare a Major Inci- deadline,” said the Gibraltar Govto ALL AREAS COVERED Fabian threat, the dent,” said Chief Minister ernment. without Picardo. Platinum that we “They cannot be carried Command “In this way we will ensure event out constant reassessments of the 4G UNLIMITED and to are once again ready in the met to be situation locally, regionally d i s c u s s that difficult decisions need INTERNET globally. w h e t h e r taken going forward.” “Patients can expect to IDEAL FOR see face-to-face appointSTREAMING TV ments and the return of established booking sysALSO IPTV, tems for the Primary Care SATELLITE TV Centre shortly.” See page 16 All health services were stopped in March when tel: (0034) 952 763 840 all staff were directed to info@theskydoctor.com handle a large breakout.
GIBRALTAR could declare another major incident after the COVID-19 Platinum Command announced cases are rising steadily. The number of active COVID-19 the cases was 22 at going to press, highest local tally since mid-April. This increase occurred as lock-
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Lockdown lies By Laurence Dollimore & Dilip Kuner
EXCLUSIVE: Expat Maddie murder suspect may have had an accomplice in 2017 sex crime
Your voice in Spain
Vol. 2 Issue 37 www.theolivepress.es August 20th - September 2nd 2020
Spain’s government dismisses fake news story that shook expat community
THE Spanish government was forced to step in after an English news site claimed the country would go into a second lockdown on September 18. Fernando Simon, director of health emergencies, made it clear that no such plan has existed. He singled out the story by the Euro Weekly News as ‘fake news’ - or ‘bulo' in Spanish - in a heated, late-a night press conference. And Minister of Defence, Margarita Robles, yesterday called the report ‘science fiction’, when questioned by the Spanish press. She said: “At this moment there are no plans for a new confinement.” She added that although there was no telling what could happen in the future, “no media, much less foreign media, knows this.” The story claimed the government would be introducing the extreme measure next month. It gave the specific date and cited 'two government ministers' it had allegedly spoken to. Written by 'journalist' Alistair Pike, it insisted the clampdown was need- newspaper group for a few months. ed – without explaining why. Incredibly, he and his publishers Pike, who is unknown to the stood by the story despite the Olive ive Press, has been writing for Ol- Press confirming with the the Spanish government and British embassy
STEPPED IN: Fernando Simon dismissed lockdown claims
NEW regulations have been introduced government in a bid to stop the rapidly by the Spanish ing ban a step further and prohibited lighting up on all rising numbeaches in the province. ber of coronavirus cases across Spain, particHotels, restaurants and bars with ularly amongst young people. food It comes as the number of COVID-19 must be closed by 1am, with no new licenses cases amongst 15-34 year olds has increased ers permitted entry after midnight. customby almost 50% on the Costa Blanca Additionally, a 1.5 metre distance alone. With a focus on nightlife, the new be kept between each party dining must in the sures order that all nightclubs and mearestaurant and groups cannot with a drinks-only licence must be bars than 10 people. Capacity mustbe larger also be down. But restaurants and bars closed kept at 75%. with a cafe licence - the vast majority Events with more than 400 people must Smoking on public roads is nowcan open. now have authorisation from prohibited. health authority. So, it looks like the public This measure also inthe party is well and truly over on the Costa Blanca. cludes terraces, unless a Something for everyone at The move is aimed at halting the two metre distance between € off smokers cases, Health Minister Salvador rise of coronavirus Illa said. can be guaranteed. Sunday Valencia has taken the smok- Care homes have also been affected by the measures. Roast New residents and staff returning have a PCR test for symptoms. from holidays must Visitors are only permitted to see their loved ones for one hour and one person at a time. Minister Illa instructed Spain’s 17 autonomous communities to bring in the new measures with some provinces adding additional rules. In Torrevieja, beaches close at 8.30pm and the Balearic Islands have banned boat and Minister Illa has also recommendedpool parties. citizens limit social contact as much as possible and avoid those from Breakfast 08.00-13.00 – Lunch 13.00-18.00 outside their household. If meeting friends, groups of 10 people or less are advised. Evening Meals 18.00-22.00 However, these safeguarding suggestions are not currently Thursday karaoke – Tuesday quiz enforced by night the government. LIVE music most Saturdays (check Facebook) Pool and Terrace ALL SPORT biggest screen in Moraira, enclosed terrace Open 7 days week, early until late SALES & RENTALS SPECIALISTS
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FINES: for not wearing masks
JUST DO IT
Caroline Gould, Lanark
Dear Olive Press, I really do apologise for questioning your statement that we do not have to renew and do our T.I.E. This is the latest emission from Andalucia Police Comisarios ( Malaga) on what to do from the Brexit agreement. You, The Olive Press and the UK Government and their press releases, are giving different advice to what Spain, and the Spanish Authorities are requesting us to do. I live here in Spain. If they tell me to do something, I jump and do it...not wait a year down the road and find out I was ill advised...my information for where I live is to do my T.I.E. at the Commisario. So I have done it. I recommend to avoid any future misunderstandings, or to be honest two completely different understandings of the Brexit Agreement, just do it! Kerri Howell, via email
Calm down It’s no different from a speeding fine, mobile phone whilst driving fine or a urinating in public fine!! It’s unbelievable that some folk are comparing it to communism or fascism. Teresa Ramsey, Fuente-Tojar
Crime deserves a fine Good. If fines are the only way people will learn then so be it. Hit them where it hurts because they sure as hell don’t give a damn about anyone but themselves.
Right move
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Fully expect it be double that come Christmas, UK predicting 2.5 million and that’s conservative... (Spanish job losses, Online August 24) Unemployment has a huge huge negative impact on a countries economy... the books don’t balance and something has to give....We need higher taxes or less public spending. Why people still criticise Sweden’s approach?
plan - something denied by the UK embassy. Understandably, the story caused considerable panic in Spain, particularly amongst the expat community, with many people taking it for truth. A media storm erupted, leading to several instances of tourists cancelling holidays in September, adding to the substantial damage already inflicted on the fragile tourist market. However, a fierce backlash via social media has seen thousands condemn the story with many even calling for an advertising boycott of the newspaper group involved. Nationally, the story was largely ignored until various Spanish websites followed up the story, including respected news organisation el Correo. Finally, the government stepped in at the weekend to deny the claims with Fernando Simon angrily stating at a press conference in Madrid that it was ‘a bulo’. “I have no information of a second lockdown and the idea has not been mentioned. “They have printed a hoax story.” He added however, that the rest August is crucial in ensuring of the spread of the virus does not spiral out of control. "The priority is to control the transmission, to reach September with the lowest possible level," the epidemiologist said. "But we have to make an extra effort now." The health chief added that with an exerted effort, the situation in September could actually improve, but the public must continue to be vigilant. He insisted that schools would still go back as planned next month. "If a select amount of classrooms or schools need to close, it will have to be done.”
Adrian Willey, Marbella
Property problem There are 3 fundamental problems here which have existed for as long as I can remember, (Spanish youngsters need to double their income to afford a mortgage, Online August 23) social security is too expensive so the employee gets €400 less on this wage and the purchase taxes of 8% plus are ridiculous, and the banks only offer an 80% maximum loan unless it’s one of their own properties which are never really a good deal. Graham Nield, Malaga
Heidi Schmid, Switzerland
The police should keep giving fines. Hammer people financially or send them to jail. Enough is enough of this stupid crap and people’s insubordination. Spain and its residents are getting as belligerent and insubordinate as the Americans and look what is going on there. Do people really want that for Spain? It’s mind blowing. People need to read the constitution and not act entitled because they’re English or Catalan. Robert Delgado-Perez , Denia
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Downward spiral
Why can the human race just not realise this is here for two years before we can get back to a normality. Every country had its rules if you do not like them then move on. So, comply or ship out.
that there was no basis to the claim. The group even added that the Spanish government was keeping UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson informed of the alleged lockdown
Coronavirus clampdown: Last orders
"
Snail speed This disaster is again the result of Spanish courts taking no action and businesses waiting years for a legal intervention, (Sisu hotel fire, Online August 21) You always end with this type of solution... Duncan Davies, Marbella
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Lockdown lies
this’. By Laurence Dollimore The story claimed the & Dilip Kuner government would be THE Spanish government was introducing the exforced to step in after an English treme measure next news site claimed the country month. would go into a second lockdown It gave the specific on September 18. date and cited 'two Fernando Simon, director government minishealth emergencies, made of ters' it had allegedly it clear that no such plan has exspoken to. isted. Written by 'journalHe singled out the story by the ist' Alistair Pike, it inEuro Weekly News as ‘fake news’ sisted the clampdown - or a ‘bulo' in Spanish - in a heat- was needed – without ed, late-night press conference. explaining why. And Minister of Defence, Mar- Pike, who is unknown garita Robles, yesterday called to the Olive Press, the report ‘science fiction’, when has been writing for questioned by the Spanish press. the newspaper group She said: “At this moment there for a few months. are no plans for a new confine- Incredibly, he and his ment.” She added that although publishers stood by there was no telling what could the story despite the happen in the future, ‘no media, Olive Press confirmmuch less foreign media, knows ing with the Spanish government and British embassy that there was no basis to the claim. The group even added that the Spanish government was keeping UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson informed of the alleged lockdown plan - something denied by
TheOlivePress-256x170-HOME02.indd
Olive Press readers respond to fines from €100 to €600,000 across Andalucia for non-compliance with COVID-19 health regulations,(Online August 22)
expat
voice in Spain
Vol. 4 Issue 87 www.theolivepress.es August 21st - September 3rd 2020
952 147 834
September 2nd - September 15th 2020
1 Anise-flavoured liqueur (6) 2 Nationalist China (6) 3 Freed (8) 4 Forest (5) 5 Send forth (4) 6 Closer (6) 9 Recently (5) 14 Cherished relation (5,3) 15 Physician (6) 16 Capital of Morocco (5) 18 Plain-woven cotton cloth (6) 19 Loud shrill cry (6) 20 Refined iron (5) 22 Chess piece (4)
All solutions are on page 22
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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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September 2020
Back to SCHOOL
MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE I
T is nearly time to get children back to school after what must count as the longest ‘holiday’ ever, thanks to coronavirus. Whether it is a blessed relief (for children and parents alike) or a bit of a wrench, the first day of term can be memorable – or nerve-wracking - especially when starting at a new school. Preparations for the big day get going long before it’s time to pile into the car for the first school run. Even before new shoes are purchased and buffed to a shine, parents will have thought long and hard about which school will suit their child. Fortunately in Andalucia, you really are spoilt for choice when it comes to a quality education, along with some of Spain’s premier sporting facilities and the perfect climate to enjoy them. Unfortunately, it makes picking the perfect launchpad for your child’s education as confusing VERY parent’s goal is to make sure dance was consistently as algebra - but we’ve worked on their children’s time at school is filled ‘amazing’ and pupils it with a cheat sheet checklist to with happy memories, making friends are now reaping help simplify your choice. and skills that will set them up for life. the benefits of an But in the middle of an ongoing pandemic, increased digital Keeping the right balance it’s understandable that mums and dads awareness. have never been more anxious to wave their “I want parents to Do you opt for an internationkids off at the school gate. feel reassured that al college or a Spanish state “That’s our job as teachers - to be clear and there are no gaps school? communicate with families to put their minds in their children’s It’s generally an easier decision to at ease,” explains principal Fiona Lee-Allan knowledge - if anything make for younger children, as pri(pictured right). they are more motivated and mary schools throughout Europe “It is understandable that families are feel- independent than ever before.” are more or less comparable. ing very anxious, which is why we have been This year will see the school introduce Around two thirds of expats transparent with them throughout the entire Chromebooks - pupils will be given the opsend their children to local state process and issued a very detailed protocol tion of buying one this year before the perschools – called ‘colegios’ (prion what they can expect going forward. sonal tablets become mandatory in 2021. mary schools) and ‘institutos’ “Our priority is making sure our pupils not only “Evolving and using technology will ensure (secondary schools). have a safe return to school but a happy one. that students are prepared for life beyond There are two serious advantagWe understand that coming back to school is school. The real benefit is that Chromebooks es to Spanish schools. going to be a daunting thing, but we’re here will put the learning in the pupils’ hands so One – children will learn Spanish to support parents and help learning will be student drivfast and should integrate well into pupils cope with the changes.” en and personalised.” their new home country. These adjustments include Fiona admits that while some Younger children, in general, “In many ways, ‘social bubbles’ for the primaparents are still nervous to thrive in state schools with the ry school classes, mandatory introduce technology to their the school is under nines normally picking up face coverings for Year 2 and children’s daily lives, working impressive spoken Spanish (usustronger than up, as well as staggered pick with equipment like personal ally, far better than their parents) up times and a strict ban on tablets and interactive whiteever” within a year, just by socialising visitors, who instead will be boards is completely safe. with their friends. invited to connect with the “We have the most amazing Two – state schooling is free of school over ‘digital hangouts’. filters that allow teachers to charge from the age of three, And while Fiona acknowledges that the five be seeing 100% of what the child is doing. when children can begin atmonths since pupils left classrooms may Everything is completely secure and supertending ‘infantil’ or ‘pre-escolar’, have been some of the toughest of their vised, while also allowing children to self equivalent to a nursery in the UK. lives, she’s also been delighted with the motivate and exercise independence in their The only costs you’ll have to cover resilience and independence her students learning.” are books, trips and, if the school have shown. Technology aside, Fiona promises that most has them, uniforms. “In many ways, the school is stronger than of school life will continue as normally as There are also plenty of downever,” she says. “We had assemblies, reg- possible, with the exact same timetable as sides to Spanish schools. Older istration and even sports days during lock- previous years and a full range of subjects and less extrovert kids with limdown and we’ve made sure that our ethos and extracurricular activities on offer. ited Spanish can have trouble and hard work has continued throughout. “It is important to remember that we are adjusting. Learning maths and “We even have a dedicated Wellbeing Team the same people, with the same visions for physics in a foreign idiom isn’t for and a site for parents, children and staff to learning and school ethos as before. the feint hearted! access whenever they are feeling anxious so “Our main goal is that all the children are Also throwing them into Spanish they always have the support they need.” smiling when they walk through the doors schools if they are over nine can Fiona adds that despite the challenges of this September - and keep smiling the whole be daunting in the extreme. having to learn from home, pupils atten- school year.” It is definitely worth considering extra language tuition outside
In Andalucia there are plenty of options for education
BACK TO SCHOOL
E
FUN AND GAMES: Playing netball at Prior Park school hours to help ease the School of Malaga and the hightransition. ly-respected Lady Elizabeth Budget up to €20 per hour for school in Javea, Alicante, as well private lessons - although there as dozens more globally. are plenty of excellent local acad- Most international schools follow emies offering Spanish and some a UK curriculum of GCSE and town halls even give free classes. A-levels but many also offer the Your child will not only be more International Baccalaureate (IB) able to keep up with lessons but programme as well as the local is far more likely to make friends secondary school qualification, if they can socialise in the same the Bachillerato. language. The IB – which may be unknown “It is fine if you get the kids into to some English readers – is the school early, at a young age, but if normal route to university for Euthey are nine or 10 then they will ropean students. find it harder,” advised one En- The main difference is that IB stuglish parent whose two children dents take six or seven subjects have been through the local sys- – which often include elements tem in Manilva. of community work and pub“They will almost certainly need lic-speaking – as opposed to just some extra tuition and watching three or four at A-level. carefully. It also helps if the parents get involved in the school Counting the cost and try to get to know the other Spanish parents. Joining the par- International schools are widely ents/teachers association cer- considered the best learning entainly helps.” vironments, although the most If you decide against the Spanish obvious downside is the cost. state system – either because Schools range from basic to luxuyou fear educational standards rious but they all come at a price. are low (according to reports, An- Fees range from €3,000 a year dalucia does indeed come well for primary school to between below average), or because you €6,000 and an eye watering prefer to have your children ed- €17,000 per year for secondary ucated in English – then you will schools. have no choice but to go private. And that generally doesn’t include the cost of books, school Top of their class trips or uniforms. A further downside is that chilIt’s likely you’ve already heard dren may find themselves in of some of the region’s more something of a language vacuwell-established private interna- um, unable to integrate with the tional schools. local community outside the EnThey include the leading Prior glish-speaking classroom. Park school, in Gibraltar, which But international schools are behas a sister school in Bath, as ginning to fight this effect, with well as Laude in San Pedro, many more Spanish extracurwhich is part of the UK’s Interna- ricular activities available, more tional Schools Partnership. access to local culture on school The same group also grouping trips and after-hours classes includes the excellent British such as flamenco dancing.
A Safe Return
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WE ARE THE ONLY BRITISH SCHOOL IN MALAGA CITY, AND PART OF THE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS PARTNERSHIP, WITH GLOBALLY RECOGNISED TEACHING AND LEARNING STANDARDS A: Avenida Centaurea 8, Cerrado de Calderรณn, 29018 Mร LAGA T: (+34) 952 290 149 E: admissions@britishschoolmalaga.com W: britishschoolmalaga.com
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Back to SCHOOL
12 September 2020
Standards and safety top of the curriculum
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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
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
Teachers of the future
s from prospective families are
ons om
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.
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!
Change is an Adventure Your future matters. Could a change of school at 16 make the difference? Time to change
What to think about
The last two years of your schooling are ever more important in today’s changing world. Do you want the best teachers? Personal attention individualised to your needs? Small classes? More freedom? At Phoenix College Málaga, we provide a Sixth Form College environment for young people who want to break free of a traditional school experience. We help students take responsibility for their learning and show them how to make the best of themselves – all in a friendly, positive, encouraging environment. Most of all, our staff are committed to helping each student reach their individual potential inside the classroom and out of it.
You have plenty of options and it’s important to explore them. Why choose A-levels instead of IB or Bachillerato? The UK A-level system, taught entirely in English, is certified at Phoenix College by Pearson Edexcel, and is respected by universities and employers all over the world. We offer PCE subjects (Selectividad) for entry into Spanish universities. Where to study? Location is key. Phoenix College is situated in the heart of Málaga, on the Plaza de Uncibay, easy to get to on public transport and surrounded by a wealth of Spanish Culture. How to get advice? We hold no-commitment individual meetings with students and their families to get to know their strengths, plans and hopes, which also gives them the chance to meet our teachers and see our classrooms, study facilities and fully-equipped laboratory.
be combined. We have students accepted into engineering degrees who have studied maths and physics alongside history or business.
Choosing subjects
Is this what you would like to be?
As in the A-level system, students can go to UK universities with only three subjects, choice of subjects is extremely important. Most students at 16 are still not sure of what they want to do when they finish school – though many know various things that they don’t want to do! It’s vital in this case to leave as many doors open as possible. Our students typically start with four subjects, giving the flexibility to apply to a huge range of degrees, and also drop a subject later on to focus on the others. Most students know whether they will follow a science or humanities route, though one of the many strengths of the A-level system is that the two can
An independent, mature young adult studying fascinating, internationally respected courses taught by inspiring teachers, experiencing commuting and city life, using traditional and digital learning methods at a College which is a bridge to your future goals?
For more information, contact info@phoenixcollegemalaga Telf. 952 22 02 75 www.phoenixcollegemalaga.com Kirsty Ridyard BA Oxon, MA Oxon is Co-Director of Phoenix College Málaga
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
LA CULTURA
Do you have a what’s on? Send your informa tion to newsdesk@theolivepr ess.es
September 2nd - September 15th 2020
Snappy find A TEAM of Spanish archaeologists has unearthed a hoard of 11 mummified crocodiles. The researchers from Andalucia’s Jaen University discovered the creatures in a necropolis in Aswan (Egypt). They believe the animals were an offering to the god Sobek (or Sebek), who is said to have created the Nile river with his own sweat, and represented fertility. He is usually represented as a crocodile or a man with a crocodile’s head. Although offerings of mummified animals to gods were common, the diggers were
By Dilip Kuner
not expecting to find crocodiles. Of the 11 specimens found, just one remains in a good condition. It had been embalmed.
Unearthed
The reptiles were found about five metres from the tomb of Shemay, a vizier, or top-ranking official serving the Pharaoh who is thought to have lived about 4,200 years ago. However, the crocodiles are thought to be much
Mummified crocs found by Spanish researchers younger, with the Jaen archaeologists dating them to after 31 BC in the time of Augustus Caesar. The creatures were found in necropolis Qubbet el-Hawa, which was reserved for nobles and governors. Although the team is reasonably confident with its
conclusions, the remains of the crocodiles will be examined by a specialist archaeozoologist for a more accurate dating. Excavation leader, Professor Alejandro Jimenez, said he hoped data from such an examination may help place the offerings into a better context.
Diver’s delight A DIVER had the find of his life when he stumbled across the remains of a pre-Roman era ship in the sea off Denia. Initial estimates suggest the vessel could date back to the fourth century BC. The man’s scuba diving session also turned up an old container known as an amphora amongst the wreckage some two kilometres offshore from Les Marines beach. A professional team have subsequently uncovered another amphora and part of a ceramic vase during a detailed inspection of the ship’s remains. The amateur diver reported his find to the Policia Local in Denia who then brought in the Valencian Community Under-
FOUND: divers explore water Archaeological Centre to secure any items from the area. The first amphora that was found was said to be well-preserved and was probably used to transport food and water. Subject to a detailed analysis, experts believe that the amphora dates back to the Punic age some 2,400 years ago.
Expatinfo.es in association with the
Professional panel with expert knowledge Up-to-date information about life post-Brexit Distancing measures in place to keep you safe
ent Refreshm at d provide ue the ven
Ask our panel of experts a question Be prepared for 31 december end of brexit trans period UNHAPPY: embalmed croc found
CASH BOOST THE culture and sports sectors will be able to share in a €5 billion coronavirus recovery pot. The Spanish government has agreed that local town halls can use part of the fund agreed with the Spanish Federation of Municipalities and Provinces (FEMP) to boost the arts. It means that local councils will be able to use the recovery money to promote events, build new or improve old facilities and develop online tools for their cultural and sporting departments, with the government saying the move is crucial to help council’s recover from coronavirus restrictions.
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FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL
September 2nd - September 15th 2020
COOPER OF CORDOBA Cristina Hodgson discovers the tradition of artisan Sherry casks made in the heart of southern Spain
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.
CONSTRUCTION: Building a cask
“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. “Our Casknolia brand is an example of innovation that respects tradition. Modern TOUR GUIDE: Rafa and Cristina ideas based on ancient values,” Rafa explained as he led me around the factory. Rafa continues to inform me that everyIt is a venture where Rafa hopes to display the barrel-making craft thing is done by eye in his workshop, making each barrel unique. As the young artisan explained, Casknolia is a newly released trade- from the moment the oak is selected, replicating with sensorial stimmark of Toneleria del Sur, a company founded by his father, which has ulations the woodland areas where the oak trees are grown, as well seen almost half a century of craftsmanship, and serves barrels of up as the smell of the charred wood, and nuances of the final seasoned timber. to 500 litres to over 28 countries around the world. Sherry casks - also known as botas - are a crucial part of the ageing He pays special attention to making the activities and site universally process of Sherry wines and they have also been used for well over friendly with a whiskey tasting session to round off the visit. “The cooper spirit is in every part of the process,” Rafa says as we 200 years to age Scotch whisky. “But what are distillers looking for when choosing casks?” I ask, in- make our way to the entrance once more. I turn and re-read the slogan on his T-shirt The Soul of Spirits, finally trigued to know how different casks can produce specific flavours. comprehending that the message wasn’t music related at all. Rafa aptly helped make sense of it all. “A distiller wants a cask to contribute flavour to the maturing whis- Rather it is the motto of this unique artisan business, where barrels ky - America oak will add exotic notes of vanilla, coconut, spice and are made with soul, the soul of spirits. coffee, 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. “The client can select from virgin wood barrels, seasoned barrels or from historic barrels- the latter, casks renovated from 30 years old sweet wine staves. “The client can also choose the format and the level of char, of which we offer three levels: light, medium or heavy. “Finally, the type of wine for seasoning and, even, the winery. “All these compounds then interact over time with the maturing spirit,” he explained. Casks are not mass produced, but artisan and moulded according to each distillers’ particular requirements. I was fascinated to find out that one of the innovating ventures of this artisan barrel-making company is their alliance with Bodegas Robles, a local winery, pioneers in the production of organic wine in the region. Casks are seasoning with organic wine, a growing demand in the spirit world where the essence of environmental care is the new trend. It was clear after just a few minutes in the presence of this creative young craftsman, that his ideas didn’t stop at the ways the barrels are crafted and seasoned, but went beyond the walls of the casks’ workshop, from promoting art competitions on the barrels, to the investigation of the region’s cooper history. Rafa’s next enterprising project, a cooperage museum, possibly the first in Europe where visitors will experience, on site, the cooper tradition.
PACKED: Warehouse exports to 28 nations
BUSY: Wood sander at work and Cristina enjoying the spoils
FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL
Rotten tomatoes
THE 75th anniversary of the famous tomato-slinging festival of Buñol turned out to be – well, a bit rotten. Organisers had gone the extra mile to lay on what promised to be the best Tomatina ever, only for the celebrations to be cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. Last year 22,000 people crammed into the Valencian town (population 9,516) to spend a happy hour flinging 144,000 kilos of ripe tomatoes at each other in the annual festival that hits headlines worldwide. But this year the streets were empty, with organisers instead asking for people to enter into the spirit of Tomatina from the safety of their own homes. The idea was that people would send in photos or videos of their own home-based festivities – featuring tomatoes of course – for the Tomatina Virtual . This they did, but it wasn’t quite the same – especially for the town’s cafes and restaurants who usually make half their annual earnings in just the one day of the celebration.
September 2nd - September 15th 2020
Storm in a beer glass
Octopus crisis
Protest from Hindu organisation after sacred figure Ganesh is used in advertising for alcohol fuelled event
HINDU god Ganesh isn’t the first figure you would equate with drinking pale ale. But Spain’s brewers association (ACCE) has stirred outrage by plastering the elephant-headed deity - beer-making ingredients in hand and hops atop his head - across advertising for IPA Day 2020. The event, to be held in Burgos on September 19, has been accused by the Universal Society of Hinduism of trivialising the deity by linking his
By Lydia Spencer-Elliott
image to the alcoholic beverage. Ganesh is a highly revered figure in Hinduism and is worshipped in temples and home shrines around the world. Worshipped as god of wisdom and remover of obstacles, Hindus pray to Ganesh before any major undertaking. “Hinduism is the oldest religion in the world with about 1.1 billion ad-
herents and a rich philosophical thought and it should not be taken frivolously,” said Rajan Zed, president of the Universal
IT’S REALLY BAKING OFF Cake is always popular, but it really had a year in 2020. Since the start of the pandemic, searches for baking recipes have gone up 136% between March and June. Flour ran out in shops, eggs were suddenly scarce, and reruns of The Great British Bake Off pervaded the airwaves.
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Spain’s slice of choice is carrot cake, with 34,000 people a month craving the delicious dessert, according to research by cake makers JackandBeyond.com. Meanwhile in the UK, chocolate cake reigns supreme with a ginormous 90,500 searches online each month.
Society of Hinduism. “Symbols of any faith, larger or smaller, should not be mishandled.” The Spanish brewers have since apologised. “We never wanted to hurt any religious worship and we will recall all the IPA Day advertisements and will stop using this religious image from now to the future,” said a spokesman. Zed thanked the ACCE for their apology and suggested companies should send their senior members for training in religious and cultural sensitivity so that they understand the feelings of communities when launching advertising campaigns or introducing new products.
A SPANISH favourite dish is in danger of being priced off the menu after the catch of octopus crashed to a tenth of its normal amount. The nation’s fleet has caught just 38 tonnes of pulpo since July 1 compared with the average haul of 378 tonnes in the same period. It is an unprecedented drop, even though populations can be volatile depending on environmental factors such as currents and sea temperatures. And it means fishermen have seen their incomes drop by 84% in the Galician region – which is famous for its octopus dishes such as Pulpo a la Gallega. This in turn has seen prices for octopus shoot up throughout Spain, despite imports from Portugal and Morocco.
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AFFORDABLE BUSINESS September 2nd September 15th 2020 CONTACTS
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BUSINESS
Supermarket sweep
FRENCH supermarket group Carrefour has agreed to buy the Supersol food retailing chain. They will pay Maxima - the chain’s present Lithuanian owners - €78 million. The buyout involves 172 of the chain's supermarkets, which are mainly in Andalucia and Madrid. These stores made about €450 million of sales in 2019. Many of the stores will be converted into its convenience store format (Express) as well as its supermarket (Market) and Supeco formats, depending on size. Carrefour currently manages a total of 205 hypermarkets, 111 Carrefour Market supermarkets, and more than 850 Carrefour Express and 25 Supeco. It is the second biggest supermarket retailer in Spain. Supersol, last year closed 18 stores and 12 fish retailers. Its current 173 stores in Spain and its three logistics warehouses in Madrid, Malaga and Cadiz directly employ more than 4,000 people.
September 2nd - September 15th 2020
Virus deals blow Industry risks losing more than €9.7 billion as foreign visitors cancel trips
Spain’s tourism is the second worst hit in the world following the outbreak of COVID-19, according to new research. The only country to have suffered bigger losses within the tourism sector is United States of America. The findings from Official-esta.com estimates that Spain saw a revenue loss of €9.741 billion, following a 98% drop in international arrivals in June, while the USA revenue
was sliced by €31 billion. Elsewhere, Turks and Caicos Islands have lost more than 9.2% of their GDP due to the lack of tourism while Aruba, Antigua and Barbuda, St Lucia and Grenada also fall in the top 10 worst affected countries - making 50% of the countries most affected by losses to GDP located in the Caribbean. The total loss in revenue worldwide, as a result of the
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 no-deal 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
19
BROKE: Job cuts
Cash cut COVID-19 pandemic, comes to €195 billion so far. Tourism is Spain’s third biggest industry with 11% of the nation’s GDP is made from travel and hospitality business.
Brexit worries
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.” According to research from deVere Group, 36% of UK clients who live overseas have actively sought to mitigate the financial impact of Brexit, or are currently doing so.“In the circumstances, it’s perhaps no surprise that those most likely to be adversely affected are taking measures to create, build and protect their financial assets in a likely no-deal era,” said Mr Green.
Last year, nearly 84 million people visited Spain, but less than 12 months on the country has been left crippled by cancelled flights and a drop in hotel reservations. Some places, including the UK, have imposed a strict two week quarantine on tourists returning from Spain and holidaygoers have been put off by Spain’s new nightlife regulations. Currently restaurants and bars have to close at 1am and no new customers can be accepted after midnight. The new rules also prohibit smoking in public places unless social distancing of at least two metres can be observed and capacity limits are being slashed in restaurants and bars. Andalusia’s regional government has warned of tough fines if the coronavirus rules are broken and closure of premises if necessary.
WORKERS on Spain’s ERTE furlough scheme, who have been on it since March, will soon see their income slashed unless there is a change in law. At the moment they get 70% of their base salary but according to unemployment benefit law – under which the ERTE scheme was introduced – this falls to 50% after 181 days. The reduction will affect thousands of recipients, with employees in sectors like tourism, hotels and services among the most affected. People who have been on ERTE since March will see their payment for September – which is paid out in October – cut. But there is hope that the ERTE scheme – and with it the 70% level of benefits – could be extended to the end of the year. The government is meeting trade union representatives on Friday in Palma to discuss an extension.
20 PROPERTY OF THE WEEK
PROPERTY
REALITY star Kerry Katona celebrated her birthday with a lavish vacation in a luxury Spanish villa - that costs a whopping £1,000 a night. The former Atomic Kitten singer - who turns 40 on September 6- threw a ma-
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September 2nd - September 15th 2020
PARTY PAD
jor bash during her stay at the glamorous six-floor pad, worth £15million, in Granada. Mum-of-four took to social media to flaunt snaps of her bikini body and give followers a sneak peek inside the swanky rental property. The hillside home boasts seven bedrooms, eight bathrooms and four separate toilets as well as a lush private pool, gym, game room, home cinema and expansive wrap-around balconies with showstopping views. The I’m a Celeb winner posted a shot of the sprawling property on
Instagram along with the caption: “Not a bad place to be celebrating your 40th @ silverfieldvilla honestly this place is unreal... seeing my kids faces when we pulled up was amazing. I’m truly blessed and grateful.”
STREETS OF GOLD MILLIONAIRE MANSIONS: The average cost of a house in Mozart Street is €8.4million
MARBELLA and the Balearics dominate a list of the most expensive streets in Spain to buy a property in. According to property website Idealista the average asking price for a home in Calle Mozart in Marbella is €8,416,461. Second place – perhaps stretching the concept of most expensive street – is up the road in the town of Benahavis where
MORTGAGE THINK TANK by mortgage broker Tancrede de Pola
THE COSTS OF GETTING A MORTGAGE
T
HE first question you will want to know when considering getting a mortgage is ´what will it cost me?´ Tancrede de Pola explains the costs involved and reveals the ´hidden´ fees that apply when purchasing a property which you may not be aware of. While you may be expecting some costs when buying a property, such as a mortgage setup fee and a property transfer tax, in Spain there are several other charges that need to be covered. As a general rule of thumb, 11% to 16% of the purchase price should be set aside to cover taxes and fees associated with both the purchase and the financing of the property you are buying. What you don´t want is to be surprised on completion day by these so-called ´hidden´fees. At the THE FINANCE BUREAU, we believe that it is essential to be upfront with our clients from day one about all the costs involved, so there are no nasty shocks further down the road. The only cost to the client before completion is the valuation fee which is only requested after the application has been fiscally approved. This cost is dependent on the value of the property and is typically around 0,1% or between €300 and €1,000. The remaining fees are payable on completion at the notary and consist of: Bank opening fee: this will be paid directly to the bank and the charge ranges from 0,75% and 1.5% of the mortgage amount, subject to negotiation. Generally speaking the more properties included in the deal, ie. when we are packaging an entire development, the more chance there is of negotiating a lower percentage fee. Notary costs: it is important to know that at completion, the purchase and mortgage are considered separate entities and each re-
Tancrede de Pola reveals the ‘hidden’ fees in buying a property that you may not be aware of quires a separate title deed. The good news is that since the new European Mortgage Directive was introduced into Spanish Law last June, the notary, gestoria and land registry fees for the mortgage are now paid by the bank, although they still exist for the purchase. The notary will need to draw up a title deed/ escritura with a gestoria (who calculates the correct taxes and other costs to be included in the title) and the cost varies depending on the length of the escritura, purchase price, type of property, location, etc. Generally, expect to pay €400-€600 for the gestoria, a similar amount for the land registry and around €800-€2500 for the notary. Transfer taxes and legal fees. Our fee: we do not take any payment until the mortgage process has reached completion. We effectively work for free until the client has a successful outcome. One other thing to mention is insurance. As a condition of the loan, banks will usually require the client to take out building or life insurance, or in some cases both. It is compulsory to keep the insurance for a year. If it is cancelled, the bank reserves the right to raise the interest rate charged by up to 0,5%. Generally speaking the more bank products you assume, the better the interest rate you will receive. So it is important to go into the mortgage process completely aware of the funds that will be required so there are no unpleasant surprises on completion day!
To contact Tancrede for all your mortgaging needs call: 666 709 743 or for insurance queries call: 951 203 540 Email: tdp@thefinanacebureau.com The Finance Bureau Centro Commercial Guadalmina, 2nOffice No. 7 Guadalmina, 29670
Spain’s expensive addresses
t h e luxury villas on urbanisation Coto Zagaleta have an average asking price of €6,741,037. That is slightly more than the Paseo de la Marquesa Viuda de Aldama, in La Moraleja de Madrid, which is in third place with €6,303,281. Next is Calle 7, in Marbella, whose owners ask an average of €5,967,000 for their exclusive properties. The Balearics then make their first appearance: Calle Tapies in Andratx (€5,883,461) and Calle Cosconar in Palma (€5,589,500). These are followed by the Paseo de los Lagos in the municipality of Pozuelo, Madrid, (€5,370,967)
Millions
And Camino del Sur also in the exclusive urbanisation of La Moraleja, where properties are an average €4,815,909. Rounding off the top 10 are Avenida Portals Vells, in the Mallorcan municipality of Calvia, with an average price of €4,803,846, then back to Marbella where properties in Calle Rossini Street cost an average of €4,616,958. In the Comunidad de Valencia the most expensive address is in Javea. Properties cost an average €2,670,333 in Calle Penaguila. Prices are rather more modest in Murcia, where the priciest street is in the regional capital. Homes in Gran Vía Alfonso X El Sabio are an average €638,846. To qualify for the list each street needed to have at least 10 properties, whether flats, townhouses or villas.
PRICEY: Paseo de la Marquesa Viuda de Aldama
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The Olive Press all editions FP (342mmx256mm) September 2
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Keeping customers on the move
22
I
N 2010, Professor Naom Chomsky, wrote an article on the 10 strategies used to manipulate the masses by the mass media. Chomsky, who has more intellectual capacity in his little toe than I have in my whole body, wrote this to make people aware of the strategies being used, but it seems to have become, essentially, an instruction manual both for the media whether independent (smiley face) or not and for governments. I have looked at six of the strategies.
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Distraction away from the real social issues. While the police are busy fining non-compliers, who is looking after the security in communities, squatters in people’s homes, massive unemployment and financial hardship, and changes in the law that will affect our future which are being sneaked in? Create the problem and provide the solution. COVID, designed in a laboratory, and a vaccine to sort it out. Problem created, and solved. Speak to the public like infants. Present information devoid of critical thinking and the people will respond without critical thinking.
MIJAS MATTERS By Bill Anderson
A controversial look at the coronavirus crisis
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Use emotion rather than reflexion. This way they can graft new ideas, desires, fears, anxieties easily onto the public psyche and get them to do things they would not normally accept or consider reasonable. Keep the public ignorant: Even better, give the public the illusion of being informed, but make sure they don’t really understand what is being presented. Produce information that promotes the agenda and censor anything that doesn’t. Self blame: Make sure that people blame themselves for things not going well, and in the case of COVID, blame each other. “This is happening because ‘you’ are not behaving!” Divide and conquer the population and the governments can do what they want, introduce what they want and implement it while the public are fighting among themselves.
I mentioned censorship. It was interesting that a recent article published by a certain English language newspaper, based in
Fuengirola, which was clearly FAKE NEWS, received no fact checkers, no removal by Facebook, no warning that you had reacted to fake news. On the other hand when a team of doctors challenge the narrative, they are blocked, removed, banned. Fake news is clearly permitted when it ADDS to the manipulation of the masses. Added into this is the reaction of the public and the subtle insults used to put people down. ‘You are just a conspiracy theorist!’, ‘You are an ‘Anti-Vaxxer’. Interestingly, the term ‘conspiracy theorist’ was a term invented in the 1950’s by the CIA to stop people talking about ‘secret things’. It was the same as calling them idiots and dismissing them. Of course, being such a trustworthy organisation, who could possibly, reasonably disagree with anything promoted by the CIA? One final thought. In 1615, a man called Galileo went against the whole world and the scientific community and dared to say that the sun did not revolve around the earth. He had death threats, faced the Inquisition, and lived his life out under house arrest. But guess what; he was right.
IS THE PARTY OVER FOR MARBELLA? It’s been a bad year for the Costa resort
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2/8/18 17:01
F you ever wanted proof that 2020 has been Marbella’s worst year, then driving past the blackened shell that was the Sisu Boutique Hotel is a graphic demonstration. A combination of coronavirus, carnage and the shadow of crime means that this may be the point at which Marbella takes a long hard look at itself in the mirror and decides what sort of town it really wants to
be. This isn’t the place to debate on the history of the Sisu. It was high profile in more ways than one, bringing hordes of tourists to its pool parties in the hope of glimpsing a reality TV celebrity or sports star. It was also the subject of hundreds of denuncias and allegations, but Sisu manager Neil was always on hand to answer them, at one point
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September 2nd - September 15th 2020
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CAP TION
walking around the hotel with a Spanish TV crew in tow. This year, however, the Spanish Press has gone after Marbella in a big way. Every drunk- restaurant the night after the en brawl in Banus or packed Sisu blaze seemed to underpool party has been reported line the chaos. Marbella Town Hall has intronationally. Marbella seems to have been duced bans on clubs, bars and beaches singled out as that will hurt the cases of the virus have risen, The real heroes the local econbut not the an example of are the towns omy tourists who will the rules being simply fly back flouted. brave fire to their home It doesn’t help fighters who country or party that the roads at their private are full of expenput it out villas. sive cars with Maybe now is foreign number plates that seem to be driv- the time for Marbella to ask iten by morons who passed self if it really is serious about their test on PlayStation. Or being a luxury and family orithat there seem to be hordes ented destination and take of the good, bad and frankly serious steps to bring that scary all out letting off steam market back. On the night before Sisu burnt since the lockdown ended. The gunpoint kidnapping of to the ground, the luxury a member of the Dutch un- World Vision Gala took place derworld outside a popular at the Puente Romano Resort, an example of the quality of visitors that Marbella can still attract. And if you wanted an example of the quality of the people that Marbella itself has, you only needed to see the town’s firefighters rushing into the burning hotel to save lives. That is the Marbella that we should be celebrating. Let’s hope the shocking events of that Saturday morning finally prove a turning point.
HEALTH
September 2nd - September 15th 2020
Patient patience COVID-19 victim recovers after 155 days in intensive care A MAN who has been in a critical condition for the longest time in Spain - five months - due to COVID-19 has recovered. Vicente, a family doctor, was admitted to Reina Sofia Hospital in Cordoba on March 18. After 155 days in intensive care, he was finally discharged from the ICU unit. The primary care physi-
Lisa Burgess
23
LIFE SAVER
In a heart-warming missive, Olive Press columnist gets the all clear from cancer
M SITTING UP: Doctor Vicente with his recovery team cian, from a health centre in the Andalucian city, tested negative for COVID-19 two
Vacc-soon SPAIN’S Minister of Health, Salvador Illa hassaid that he expects a vaccine to be available ‘by the end of the year’. Illa announced that an agreement had been reached with British - Swedish pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca. The vaccine, AZD7442, has been developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University. Spain secured an order for 31 million dose of the potential vaccine on August 14. But the doses will not be delivered until clinical trials on 30,000 volunteers have been completed. The AstraZeneca order will bolster a further 80 million doses authorised by American laboratory Moderna to be manufactured in Madrid. Other companies such as Sonfi, GSK and Janssen are also in talks with the European Commission to supply Spain with vaccines, honouring their word of supplying a minimum of 1.1 billion doses in Spain by 2021.
months ago, but he remained so ill from its effects that he remained in intensive care. Vicente’s recovery follows that of another patient recently discharged from the ICU at the Gregorio Marañon Hospital in Madrid, who had spent 144 days in intensive care. Since March, a total of 78 patients have required admission to an ICU in Cordoba due to coronavirus, with 318 health professionals to have tested positive in the province. As of August 24, Andalucia had 29,425 accumulated cases of coronavirus (24,541 positive by PCR) and 1,481 deaths. Since the beginning of the pandemic, 6,923 people have been hospitalised in Andalucia, of whom 827 have gone through intensive care.
History, adventure and romance. That’s just the setting.
Y partner, Joffrey Charles, has saved my life. He nagged me incessantly about the small but growing lump under my right armpit in the summer of 2018. I remember being fairly nonchalant when I went for my first mammogram at Costa Del Sol Marbella Hospital. Within five minutes of my X-ray, all hell broke loose. The radiologist informed me I had cancer. Biopsies, cat scans and MRI’s followed to reveal 15 tumours in my right breast. I had a mastectomy, eight months of gruelling chemotherapy and then painful radiotherapy. My life was consumed by the big C. Nearly two years later I returned again with immense trepidation. I was a different Lisa, more patient and resilient yet wondering anxiously if my uphill battle was to be continued. The radiologist referred me for yet another ultrasound to Benalmadena Alta Hospital two days later. I was convinced I was doomed again. I had to wait five more days after that to meet my oncologist. She positively beamed as I entered the room and I knew at that moment it had to be good news. The previous tests were precautionary due to liquid lying under the temporary valve in my right breast. The oncologist explained that the liquid was likely as a result of the burns I suffered from radiotherapy but she confirmed there are NO tumours. I wanted to dance
MY ROCK: Chef Joffrey with Lisa
around the room singing Freedom. When you hear the words ‘cancer-free’ you don’t quite believe it. It sank in when Joffrey and I drove home on the A7 carretera. I was shrieking with sheer delight and happiness. An unforgettable moment. I am so grateful to all those who have supported me, the best of humanity has shown it’s kind face. I received so many inspiring messages during my illness from friends and strangers so I eagerly shared my good news on social media. I was astonished when today 90,000 plus tweeters responded to my new cancer-free status. Two years and 15 tumours later I have won my cancer battle, my friends and family have kept me going through the darkest of days especially my beloved Joffrey.
Join us for a celebration of history, art, heritage and pageantry in a unique part of the world.
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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. 13 Issue 351 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 struggle has lit up debate with residents.
Rocked off While many were given rooms on The Rock, 80 unlucky travellers were forced to cross the Spanish border. On their return, they must self-isolate for two weeks or face a fine.
“It does not seem very reasonable, sensible or responsible to us that right now the only concern 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 waste in electricity. However, local hotel owners reported full occupancy when the city switched their display on last year and are hoping they will get an early boost this time round.
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.
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