OLIVE PRESS
The
MALLORCA
Split on school return
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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
How a rat gave me COVID-19 Your
expat
voice in Spain
Vol. 4 Issue 88 www.theolivepress.es September 4th - September 4th 2020
See Page 6
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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.
Who is the mystery man saving migrants?
Signed off, page 4
See Page 4
Losing out GDP plunges more in Balearics than anywhere else in Spain
SPOKEN
THE Balearics have suffered their biggest financial drop in history. The economy plummeted by a shocking 40.5% in the second quarter of the year, revealed the island’s government. The dip in gross domestic product Collaborate with an (GDP) is the worst in expert producer on all of Spain, revealed your spoken memoirs Tourism and Labour Minister Iago NegCommission a ‘This Is ueruela. Your Life’ style tribute Compared to the same period in 2019 for a wedding, birthday it is the biggest drop or anniversary recorded in the region’s history and Celebrate someone higher than any othspecial with a unique,
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er region of Spain. Negueruela attributed this ‘unprecedented loss’ to the Balearic’s reliance on tourism which has been ‘deeply impacted by the coronavirus crisis.’ Only the Canary Islands came near to the same drop, suffering a 36% dip. Other tourist hotspots were not as badly affected - although the figures are still disastrous, with Andalucia recording a drop of 20.7%, and Valencia 25.6%. With the de-escalation phases not commencing until May and the opening of borders not until the end of June, April and May were complete ‘write offs’ for international tourism. “The collapse of GDP is a consequence of making nothing from our most important activity, international tourism,” said Negueruela. The MinSee page 16 ister explained that all other sectors depend
Tel: 952 147 834 TM
equally on this one factor, so ‘it is not surprising to have seen this serious knock on effect.’ Looking at the drop in GDP by islands, the Pitiusas, which is made up of Ibiza and Formentera, suffered the worst with a 41.7% drop. This was followed by Menorca with 41.7% and then Mallorca with 39.3%. The Balearic financial decline was also much higher than that recorded in the whole of Spain, which reported a loss of 22.1%, as well as the European Union with 14.1%. Meanwhile, a total of 73,753 people were registered as unemployed in the Balearic Islands in the month of August. This represents an alarming 90% more than in the same month last year when just 34,912 were unemployed. Crisis The crisis in tourism worsened considerably when the UK announced its two week quarantine period for returning British tourists in July. Germany, Holland and Denmark followed suit to make the situation considerably worse. Domestic tourism was thankfully steady -around the Balearics and around Spain, but this did not allay the problems the vast majority of the tourist sector suffered. Opinion Page 6
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NEWS IN BRIEF Eye-sore A 32-year-old thief was jailed for kicking a home owner and prodding him in the eye after the victim disturbed the crook midbreak in.
Off without licence A 44-year-old man was arrested in Palma for driving without a licence and for falsifying the document of the Technical Vehicle Inspection (ITV).
Sticky fingers A gang member linked to 23 robberies in the Canary Islands has been arrested by police in Palma.
Blaze runner A man has been arrested for intentionally setting fire to the company where he worked in an attempt to hide a robbery. Fire crews rushed to the blaze on Camí de Can Valero, Palma and tackled the flames into the early hours of the morning.
Not patient A MAN has been arrested after a health worker was assaulted in a hospital emergency room. The community support worker was hit hard in the face after a 32-year-old man launched a savage attack after being discharged from the hospital in Palma. The man pounced on the staff member, striking him on the face without saying a word. The victim and fellow hospital staff were then able to hold down the attacker until police arrived.
Teenage kicks A TEENAGER has been arrested after he punched a police officer who called him out for not wearing a face mask. The 18-year-old Spaniard was sitting beside two friends in Palma when a policeman on a motorcycle stopped to talk to the youngsters. He told the teen to wear a mask and spotted a bag on the ground that he suspected contained drugs. The teens refused to open the bag and ran off but the policeman was able to catch up with them and demand their identification. They refused again and the 18-yearold struck out and punched the officer in the chest. The assailant then tried to kick him, but the policeman managed to avoid it and brought him down with the help of a partner. The young man was arrested for the crime of assault on a law enforcement officer.
CRIME
September 4th - September 17th 2020
Love triangle ‘killer’ freed AN IRISHMAN accused of beating a friend to death in a fit of jealous rage has been freed from jail after just 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. He was jailed in January 2019 after the body of fellow-Irishman Carl Carr, 38, was discovered in a shallow grave off the AP-7
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Attacked dad
Body of Carl Carr found in shallow grave after lovers’ dispute By Alex Trelinski
highway in the Rojales area. Carr died in an apartment in Torrevieja in September 2018 when housemate Walsh confronted him over a relationship he was having with his ‘on-off girlfriend’, British model Mily Leonard. The Guardia Civil claimed that Walsh used a knuck-
DEAD: Carl Carr
leduster to batter Carr to death. Carr was a convicted drug dealer, having served a jail-term sentence for drug offences in Ireland before relocating to the Costa Blanca. Girlfriend Leonard was arrested alongside Natalie Edwards, a local bar manager, in 2018 for concealing the crime and spent two months in jail before being released on bail for €22,000. Party girl Leonard had boasted of her luxury lifestyle by posing in skimpy shorts on the bonnet of a Hummer. In 2008, Irish police pounced after mounting a surveillance operation at St Joseph’s Hospital in Dublin and seeing maintenance man Declan Broderick hand over drugs to Carr. Carr and Broderick were both sentenced to eight years in prison.
A TEENAGER stabbed his father seven times after he had his mobile phone confiscated. The boy, 13, inflicted multiple stab wounds to his dad at their family home in Palma when he had his telephone taken away from him.
Blood
Covered in blood, the man managed to escape further injury by running out of the property into the street where he called police. A responding Policia Nacional patrol swiftly took the teenager away in cuffs while the father was taken to hospital. Investigators say the boy explained that ‘he had heard voices’ telling him to attack his father. The boy is now being examined by psychiatrists, with the Family and Women’s Unit of the Policia Nacional taking over the case.
NEWS
www.theolivepress.es CRISTIANO Ronaldo could be signing the biggest contract of his life - after a recent pic sparked speculation of a glitzy engagement to longterm Georgina Rodriguez. Rumours are swirling that the 35-year-old football ace popped the question to Georgina after she shared a series of sizzling snaps on the pair on social media. The couple, who are sunning themselves in the French Riviera with their kids, posed for photos while holidaying onboard their €6.1 million yacht. The first picture showed the former Real Madrid star dressed to the nines smiling with the 26-year-old in an incredible sunset snap.
Engaged ROYAL wedding bells will soon be ringing again after the cousin of Spain’s King Felipe announced his engagement. P r i n c e Philippos of Greece – nephew of Queen Sofia and fifth son of her brother King Constatine and Queen Anne - will marry his bride Nina Flohr. The Greek court officially announced the news this week, although no date has been set for the big day. The youngest cousin of King Felipe, 34, started dating Flohr, from Switzerland, in 2018 after bumping into each other at many social events in London and New York. Prince Philippos, like his older brothers, studied at the Hellenic College in London and completed his secondary education in New Mexico (United States).
Ronald-i-do
The pair scored high in the fashion stakes, with Georgina stunning in a scarlet dress while Ronaldo wore a navy printed Louis Vuitton shirt with ivory trousers. Although Georgina’s hand was hidden, fans were quick to guess that Ronaldo had already proposed when she captioned the photo ‘YESSS’ followed with a rose emoji. The former Gucci shop assistant, who has been dating the football superstar for three years, then posted another glamorous snap of herself flaunting a giant ring on her wedding finger and holding a rose.
Antonio Banderas has survived his brush with COVID-19. The Zorro star is swashbuckling back on the streets of Malaga again after 21 days of quarantine. “I was not asymptomatic. I had fever and pains, but I feel very well now,” he revealed. “My thoughts go to those who weren’t as fortunate as me, and to those who suffered more than I did. I also wish strength to the ones who are in the middle of the fight,” he wrote. He announced he had contracted the virus and was in quarantine on the day he turned 60 on August 10. It was a good way to avoid having to
IN STYLE: Claudia celebrates in Spain
Balearic gem, having celebrated her birthday there many times over the last few decades...with Port d’Andratx being her favourite haunt. The German beauty also holds a deep adoration for the uber-exclusive La Cuchara in Palma, owned by friend Peter Newman and a favourite of King Juan Carlos, which closed its doors permanently in 2015. She was such a big fan of the island that in 1997 she be cheerful on what would have been built an iman angst-ridden day for many. pressive
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Depping in
Viva España GLOBAL supermodel Claudia Schiffer has paid a glowing tribute to Spain as she hits her landmark 50th birthday. To celebrate the beginning of a new decade, the 90’s fashion icon shared a series of special moments from her childhood summers spent on her favourite holiday island of Mallorca. Schiffer has an extensive history with the
September 4th - September 17th 2020
mansion in Camp de Mar and spent many summers there with her British film director husband Matthew Vaughn alongside their three children. She has always held a reputation for being particularly warm and polite to the press who without surprise followed Schiffer wherever she went. However, she became famously enraged when a photographer took pictures of her topless during a sailing trip with music legend Peter Gabriel. Concerned with her privacy, the supermodel decided to sell her property in 2017 to a European investor for a whopping €5 million. Despite no longer owning a home on the island, Schiffer will always have a connection with Mallorca since she financed the restoration of the stunning Cap Andritxol tower in 2004.
ONE might have expected him to be heading for a desert island. But - fresh from his high profile brush with the courts, described as a ‘wife beater’ - Johnny Depp is heading to a Balearic isle next month. The US film legend, who just fought a legal battle against the Sun newspaper in the London High Courts, is set to appear at the Fiesta! Film Festival in Palma de Mallorca. In the fifth edition of the festival, Depp will be promoting his latest role in the movie Waiting for the Barbarians. Directed by Colombian filmmaker Ciro Guerra the film is based on the novel of the same-name by J. M. Coetzee, and also stars Mark Rylance, Robert Pattinson and Greta Scacchi. The festival serves to promote Italian filmmaking, this year forging ties with those working within the industry in Spain. Depp, best known for his performances in Eduardo Scissorhands and the Pirates of the Caribbean, has confirmed his attendance for the October 14 to 17 festival. The Hollywood legend has had countless legal issues after his split from ex-wife Amber Heard, who accused him of verbal and physical abuse. Depp alleges the many claims she made were ‘completely untrue,’ ‘one-sided’ and ‘not researched at all’ by the media.
NEWS
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Signed off PARENTS will be asked to sign a responsibility declaration when pupils go back to school next week. The latest rules for schools in the Balearics will mean parents will be asked to sign a form confirming that they will follow all health protocols to prevent the spread of coronavirus. It means they must keep the school informed of any infections and ensure children stay away from school if they have symptoms of the disease. They will also be asked to give the school permission to test children if they’re suspected of having coronavirus. All pupils across Spain will be back at school this month, following agreements between Spain’s central government and regional Education ministers. And new guidelines signed up to by all 17 regions, except the Basque Country, state that all schools must welcome all children aged 14 and under back to classrooms full-time on the agreed dates.
Sanctioned
Each school must also have a COVID-19 coordinator and 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. While the central government has issued a series of rules, it devolved powers over education and healthcare to the regions. Like most regions, the Balearics are opting for a phased return for their pupils, based on age groups. All pupils from Infant to Baccalaureate will return on September 10 but FP students must wait until September 29. The new academic year will see 458 new teachers in the region, of which 71% will go to public centres.
Photos by Allan Binderup
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September 4th - September 17th 2020
Pricey protest LOCALS protesting against coronavirus restrictions without a mask found themselves landed with €100 fines. Dozens of demonstrators were sanctioned for taking part in the Palma demo against Spain’s stringent COVID regulations.. They were protesting the wearing of facemasks in the street and the closure of nightclubs, insisting it violated their rights. Police could be seen scanning the crowd for anymore that was not wearing a mask. Those that flouted the rule were swiftly handed a €100 fine. Organisers had declared the protest, one which was repeated across the world from London to Germany, as a ‘day of freedom’ from months of ‘unjust control over the population.’
Those in attendance held up banners featuring slogans such as ‘COVID-19, false alarm’ or ‘We are all wearing a muzzle.’
Must muzzle up
RESIDENTS and visitors to the Balearics must muzzle up even when indoors, a new draconian decree has ruled. It comes as the regional government revealed
By Isha Sesay
a new set of restrictions to combat the rapid spread of coronavirus. The measures, enforced in response to a
noticeable increase in cases, also bans smoking outside of the home, with anyone sparking up in the street or beach facing a €100 fine. Meanwhile, face masks will be mandatory to wear in-
side the workplace and other public buildings and shops, while all beaches and parks will be closed at night to stop groups of young people congregating. Social gatherings between
Sidelined! NEYMAR is one of three global superstars to have tested positive for COVID-19 after enjoying an extravagant break on the White Isle. The Brazilian footballer was spotted soaking up the sun in Ibiza following his side PSG’s Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich. It is a big blow for PSG, who have lost three players, also including Angel Di Maria and Leandro Paredes, for the opening of the French league season. Neymar was seen rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous while on the party island, which saw a big increase in COVID cases in August. The Brazilian, along with Maria and Paredes will have to self-isolate for at least eight days. The football star has had a tough few weeks after losing the Champions League final, which left him in tears on the pitch in Lisbon.
BANKSY has accused European officials of deliberately ignoring distress signals after a refugee rescue boat he financed was left stranded in the Med. The iconic artist hit out after his new mercy vessel, launched from Valencia in August, failed to receive any help when it came close to sinking, overloaded with over 200 refugees. It came after the ship captain made a distress call after it became marooned due to overloading, with many of the refugees ill and one already dead. The British street artist took to social media to attack the slow response saying that ‘EU authorities deliberately ignored the pleas from non-Europeans’. The 31-metre rescue vessel Louise Michel, named after a 19th century French anarchist, set sail in secrecy from Burriana, near Castellon, on August 18. Its aim is to save refugees making the dangerous sea cross-
INFECTED: Neymar has had a tough time
Banks a lot
ing from North Africa to Europe. “Like most people who make it in the art world, I bought a yacht to cruise the Med,” Banksy posted online, accompanied by a video of the ship mixed in with footage of people stranded at sea. “Because EU authorities deliberately ignore distress calls from ’non-Europeans’,” he continued. “All Black Lives Matter.” But within weeks of launching, his ship, estimated to have cost €950,000, it also found
RESCUED: Banksy says EU officials are ignoring the mercy mission
itself in trouble off the Sicilian island of Lampedusa. After floundering for hours with 219 refugees on board, Italian coastguards and charity Sea-Watch finally stepped in to save the day, last week. A coastguard motor vessel took 49 of the most vulnerable travellers to the island of Lampedusa, while SeaWatch 4 took the rest to Palermo, where they were eventually given sanctuary. The Louise Michel is hard to miss, painted bright pink with a trademark Banksy mural on the boat’s hull, depicting a girl in a life vest holding a heartshaped safety buoy. It sails under a German flag and is cap-
family and friends are now limited to 10 people and the capacity of both bars and restaurants has been reduced to 50%. No more than 30 people will be allowed to attend a funeral, with only 15 people permitted indoors. Brothels have been ordered to close. The new measures are deemed as vital as the Covid situation worsened and ‘the virus continues to kill and be lethal’. The President of the community Francina Armengo also asked citizens to ‘take responsibility,’ as they have ‘started to relax their habits against coronavirus.’ It comes as the Balearics recorded its highest number of new active cases in a single day earlier this week. Setting a regional record, 908 people tested positive – the highest number of infections confirmed since the start of the pandemic.
tained by a professional crew of 10 E u ro p e a n activists with a ‘flat hierarchy and a vegan diet’. The motor yacht, formerly owned by French customs authorities, is smaller but considerably faster than other NGO rescue vessels. It is capable of reaching speeds of 28 knots. The planning of its latest mission was carried out in secrecy between London, Berlin and Burriana, where the Louise Michel had docked to be equipped for sea rescues. The crew feared that media attention could compromise their goals. If word had circulated that a project financed by Banksy would set to sea to rescue migrants, the European authorities could have attempted to thwart the mission. A spokesman for Burriana’s port confirmed that the Louise Michel docked there on June 23 and left on August 18. Gay “During this time, they have been repairing and preparing the boat but they did it by themselves, they did not use the port services”, he said. Referring to Banksy, he added: “If he has been here, he came incognito,” the official said. Burriana, which has 34000 residents is best known for its Arenal music festival each summer. Locals in the town had no idea what its planned mission was, but they dubbed it ‘Orgullo gay’ or ‘Proud to be gay’.
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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 Big-hearted In an age when the mega-rich continue to flaunt their wealth while a mega-recession bites hard, it’s heartening that iconic graffiti artist Banksy continues to use his wealth to help make the world a better, more caring place. The British cultural phenomenon has shown what a big heart he has by funding refugee rescue ship, the Louise Michel. The famously secretive millionaire contacted the ship’s captain, Pia Klemp, last year via email, asking how he could help: “I am an artist from the UK and I’ve made some work about the migrant crisis, obviously I can’t keep the money. Could you use it to buy a new boat or something?” The funds were gratefully received and the vessel is now carrying out its work saving refugees heading from Africa to Europe in the utmost secrecy, which is surely appreciated by its generous benefactor. Banksy has plenty of experience of giving money to worthy causes and only two months ago he auctioned off three of his paintings detailing his take on the migrant crisis to raise €1.4million for a hospital in the West Bank. It is particularly edifying that he does all this anonymously as we all know that the only true altruism is when the donor doesn’t need to be lauded from the heavens.
Trying times It is a worrying time for parents. The time is fast approaching when they will have to send their children to school. It is a trying time for youngsters too. Despite the thought that they have just ‘enjoyed’ their longest holiday ever thanks to coronavirus. Despite the assurances of the authorities, the thought persists among many that it is still too soon for children to go back to school. Our survey (see front page) reveals that there is an exact split between those parents happy to see their offspring return and those who prefer to wait it out for a vaccine. The stark reality though is they have no choice. So the best all parents can do is make sure their children follow the official guidelines - and trust the authorities know what they are doing.
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Should have smelt a RAT! Isha Sesay on being floored by COVID-19 on an outing from her sitting room to her kitchen - to catch a rodent
F
OR the best part of this year coronavirus has entirely consumed my existence alongside, I assume, many Olive Press readers. Not only due to the nature of my work as a journalist, but because of my father’s profession – a leading scientist working on the frontlines in Africa to help curb the spread of the virus. I have written dozens of stories and read every scientific study on COVID as dad made a habit of relentlessly drilling down my throat the risks of ‘gallivanting’ around Mallorca, where I have lived for a couple of years. Truth be known, I am anything but the gallivanting type. I am actually quite anti-social and enjoy my own company, preferring to hang out with my cat than most humans. So, never in my wildest dreams would I have thought of contracting COVID-19 in the comfort of my very own home. It came after I called a ratcatcher into my Palma flat having heard some strange noises at night and finding Werther’s Originals wrappers I had left on the kitchen countertop eerily appearing under my fridge, washing machine and, wait for it, my bed. Talk about unsettling. After finding a grand total of 11 wrappers scattered around my flat, a call was swiftly made to the landlord. I am sure he thought I was making it up to get a reduction in my rent, but he valiantly called around and helped me set up some traps. Both masked up, we went around laying down bait and poison, before he headed off with a wave and a ‘good luck’. I should, of course, have guessed it, as it turned out I got much more than
the capture of my furry squatter, who I christened Jimmy. Some two days later I got a call from the ‘COVID-19 Primary Care Tracker Team’ on the island, telling me that my landlord had tested positive for coronavirus. The next morning two health workers were at my door, much to the shock of my decidedly nosey neighbour (I saw you peeping through your letterbox Sheila!) and by the end of the next day it was confirmed – I too had My ‘friends’ on the island became coronavirus. So, you are all probably wonder- oddly busy and quiet during my period ing what the symptoms of a healthy of isolation. 33-year-old exactly were…well it took Anyone would think I’d been diaga few days, but when it hit, I felt like nosed with Ebola, which is illustrative of the fear instilled in so many over absolute crap! this coronavirus crisis. As well as breaking the Luckily I found a new Guinness World Record – Mercadona for the longest sleep in I experienced amigo home delivery… and on history (I challenge you to fevers so day three I had enough beat 18.5 hours), I expedelights to last me for six rienced fevers so strong strong I felt months, but oh how I unI felt like I was in a tsulike I was in a derestimated my ability nami. to eat. I was struggling to tsunami On day five, I ran out of breathe and feeling realfood. I learnt to pace myly alone and quite frankly self by the end of the two scared. I started to worry that I would most weeks, and by that I mean sticking an likely starve to death, that’s if the A4 sheet of paper on the fridge that bubonic plague didn’t get to me first, read ‘You greedy b****rd!’ as Jimmy was still definitely still alive As the days passed, I began to accept my need to sleep, welcomed my new and kicking. found addiction of re-runs of Judge Judy and realised exactly who cared and who didn’t care about me in times of need. Shout-out to my parents, my cat, my colleagues at the Olive Press, and of course, Jimmy, who god bless his soul was found dead on day 13. The daily telephone conversation with my father Abdul definitely helped the most, and I think it worked both ways given the amount of pressure he is now under with his work in the Gambia. Dedicating his life to genetics for almost 40 years in London he is now in charge of the British-run National Institute of Medical Research there. Specialising in the sequencing of infectious diseases (best to Google that one), he has now been nabbed by the country’s Ministry of Health and is busy working all hours of the day to set up testing points around the country. “The majority of people live in poverty and the health system is poor. We do not have enough hospital beds for the seriously unwell and two months ago, testing was practically non-existent,” he explained. With just under 2,000 active cases there, 97 deaths, four of which my father personally knew, the struggle in Africa is real and only makes me appreciate how very easy overcoming the virus was for me in Spain. I’m now on the road to recovery and thankfully my flat is finally rat free! SAGE ADVICE: Isha’s dad Abdul is a COVID scientist
September 4th - September 17th 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 Estepona 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
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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
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.
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-
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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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1
- Benidorm officials say 130 million demolition bill for illegal towers is not in the public interest (30,996)
Record and Jon Clarke at the Mail on Sunday, while our Costa Blanca reporter Alex Trelinski worked for many years at the BBC. This highly experienced group of journalists help to bring our young trainees through, showing them how to stand up stories and how to find and develop the many entertaining features that go into the Olive Press. And it takes a lot of resources. Historically our business model relied mostly on advertising, allowing our papers and website to be freely accessed at all times. But one thing the coronavirus crisis has taught us is that to rely on advertising alone is too slender a reed to hang our entire business on. While confident that businesses in Spain will bounce back from the present crisis as they have in the past, our thoughts have turned on how to guarantee our next 15 years as Spain’s leading English news outlet. Sure, we could go down the easy route and just translate what is in the Spanish news. That is cheap and easy to do, but offers no value to the reader. We prefer to employ real journalists and writers to look behind the headlines and come up with original content. This is why from this week the
Yes, those subscribing will see a 90% drop in pop ups and adverts being served up every time you want to check up on your favourite English news site in Spain. And a fringe benefit is that our print editions will all remain free, just as they always have been. We are sure that our loyal readers will continue to support us. After all, when we asked for donations to help us provide news during the lockdown nearly 1000 of them rallied to the cause. And we in turn have not forgotten these generous and loyal readers. Anyone who donated €25 or more will get a free subscription for a year, while anyone who gave €5, €10 or €20 will get the first two months free. We thank them and look forward to welcoming aboard many new subscribers in the coming years as we strive to maintain our position as Spain’s premier English language news site.
8
NEWS
www.theolivepress.es
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 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.
High seas An organised crime sting resulted in £22million of drugs being seized in the Balearic Islands’ biggest drug capture in recent years. Police intercepted more than four tonnes of hashish aboard a sailboat, south of Eivissa.
Weever horror
A TEENAGER has died after being stung by a weever fish while snorkelling near Girona. His body was found when dozens of bathers joined in a search 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. These deadly creatures, notoriously for their venomous spines, are widely distributed along the eastern Atlantic coastline from Norway to Morocco and in the Med.
September 4th - September 17th 2020
Mystery death A YOUNG mother has been found dead in her Ibiza hotel room by her heartbroken sister. Amy Connor, 23, had spent the day laughing and sunbathing with her sister Tori and cousin Alison just hours before tragedy struck. The beautiful mum-of-one, from Northern Ireland, was later found unresponsive in her hotel room at Ibiza Rocks hotel after telling family she was taking a nap. Amy, who has been described as ‘friendly and outgoing’, leaves behind a three-year-old daughter and family are still searching for answers - with the cause of death still unknown. Now her sister Tori has spoken out about the devastating moment she found her sister. Toni, 26, told Belfast Live: “We
The young mum died in her sleep at the Ibiza Rocks resort had been down to the pool and then came back up to the room for a while, so Amy got into the shower and then got into bed. “I went and sat out on the balcony and ate some crisps and chilled and when I came back in, she was still in the bed… it was so surreal, it didn’t make sense. “It was just such a shock.” Toni (pictured with Amy) praised hotel staff at the Ibiza Rocks resort for helping her grieving family saying she was “gob-smacked at their generosity in our time of need.” She said: “The hotel staff were incredible, we couldn’t have
Fatal crash
TWO people have been killed in a head on collision involving a car and motorbike in Mallorca. A man and a woman, aged 42 and 44, lost their lives as they were travelling on a motorbike down the MA19 in Santanyi. According to the 061 emergency services, the motorcycle crashed head on into a car that was driving down the opposite side of the highway. The impact was so severe that the female passenger was thrown almost 40 metres down the road. Paramedics confirmed the couple’s death upon arrival, describing both fatalities as ‘instant.’
Lucky escape A driver escaped uninjured after his truck overturned in the Ibiza port, obliterating the sidewalk and street signs. Police say the driver lost control of the car after the tyre ran onto the kerb.
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The driver of the car was left without serious injury but was taken to hospital after suffering a panic attack. Images of the accident’s aftermath shows the tremendous damage caused to both vehicles as a result of the collision. The motorbike can be seen on the floor in pieces while the car’s front end is completely caved in. The incident came just days after a man, 20, died after plummeting 15 metres down a ravine in Estellencs. The young motorist had lost control of his motorcycle just moments before he fell off his bike.
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asked for better,” she said, adding staff packed their suitcases for them, provided food and offered them a free hotel in London. “I was so gob-smacked at their generosity in our time of need.” The 26-year-old described sister Amy as “the kind of person if you met her once you’d definitely remember her”. Toni also said she had been touched by the support and tributes the family had received following the tragedy. “It’s no exaggeration when I say I have had over 1,000 messages sent to me just on Facebook,” she said.
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LA CULTURA
Do you have a what’s on? Send your informa tion to newsdesk@theolivepr ess.es
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.
By Dilip Kuner
about 4,200 years ago. However, the crocodiles are thought to be much younger, with the Jaen archaeologists dating them to after 31 BC in the time of Augustus Caesar. The creatures were found in necropolis Qubbet
Mummified crocs found by Spanish researchers 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 ar-
chaeozoologist 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.
UNHAPPY: embalmed croc found
9
Red alert what’s on PALMA is one of 16 cities across Spain that will see demonstrations calling for a rescue package for workers and artists in the cultural sector. It is part of the Alerta Roja (Red Alert) movement that has organised the demos for September 17. There will also be a gathering in Eivissa, with participants calling for cultural events to be allowed to go ahead, and for workers in the arts and music sector to be recognised as being ‘particularly disadvantaged’. Red Alert is an international movement. In the UK Music venues, theatres and their workforces last month took part in a day of action.
Living
Unearthed 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 not expecting to find crocodiles. Of the 11 specimens found, just one remains in a good condition. It had been embalmed. 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
September 4th - September 17th 2020
More than 300 venues including London’s National Theatre and Royal Festival Hall turned their lights red to highlight the problems faced by workers who rely on live events for a living. Jobless music industry crew joined a march through Manchester, with artists including New Order, Doves and Leona Lewis giving their support. In Spain the movement is calling for government help and leadership in setting up programmes to help the arts, music and culture sector through the coronavirus crisis.
T
aste test
Join Mallorca Souls at Wine Spot on September 5 for their ‘Vino Experiencia’ wine tasting where you can sample different grapes from the distinguished Italian Veneto area for 26 euros.
M
int time
Expect cheap mojitos, Hawaiin shirts, flowers necklaces and Carribean sounds at Moltabarra tapas bar’s Tropical Season dj showcase on September 5
O
n your bike
Rev your engines because September 15 marks the start of Mallorcan bike week. Bikers are to meet at Robinson Club before enjoying a BBQ later that day.
S
un Salutation
Re-energise your body, mind and soul with a yoga retreat with Human Goddess Power from September 19 to 26. The zen fest will feature dance, breathing classes and yoga.
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LA CULTURA
ACROBATIC Matador springs into action HE parades across the dusty Vinaro bullring, chest puffed and back arched staring straight ahead into the eyes of a half tonne bull, ready to charge. With a flick of the wrist, Valencian local Jose Felix deftly moves a pink muleta as he hollers, ‘Touro! Touro!’ and the 500-strong crowd look on in eager silence. But instead of going in for the kill, the torero springs into action, leaping over the bull and into the air with the grace of a Prima ballerina, the bull’s horns barely grazing his crisp white shirt. Welcome to bullfighting - but not as you know it. The Arte y Emoción company, headed by toreros Javi Gonzalez ‘Viza’, taunt, tease and perform elaborate acrobatics with the
September 4th - September 17th 2020
Welcome to the bull-et No animals are hurt in the making of this sport
bulls they fight - but no animals are harmed in the making of this sport. And this clash was a cause for celebration like no other. It was the first in the Valencian Community since the COVID-19 outbreak and the last ever challenge for Niebla, a bull who has fought for over ten years and acknowledged as the uncontested star of the show.
Applaud
Over 500 spectators rose from their seats to applaud Niebla - Spanish for fog - in a moment organisers described as ‘eternal’. He will now be put out to pasture and enjoy the last of his days being cared for on a Valencian farm. “Bulls matter,” said Javi González, adding: “This is a hobby for life.”
ACROBATIC: Torero springs into action
OP QUICK Crossword Across 7 Elude (5) 8 Love affair (7) 10 Obscurity (7) 11 High building (5) 12 Pastry (6) 13 Actor (6) 15 Mock (6) 17 Expels (6) 21 Pole thrown by Scottish athletes (5) 23 Youngster just walking (7) 24 End result (7) 25 Recess in a wall (5) Down
OP Sudoku
10
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 15
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 4th - September 17th 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
posed on travellers by the British government had played a part in their decision. The 14 day quarantine to Brits returning from Spain particularly impacted the Balearic Islands given their huge dependence on tourism from the UK. It also led to approximately 60% of British travellers cancelling their holidays to the region, being branded as ‘disastrous’ by the Balearic government.
Squat concerns SPANISH banks that own empty properties are part of the problem with illegal squatting in communities. Their poor communication and lack of involvement with issues such as vandalism and theft of neighbour’s electricity and water supplies was also highlighted in a report. Property administrators are now calling for a simplified process to reduce squatting, as more than 60% have suffered from illegal occupation. One in three have also had to endure neighbourhood conflicts, arising from issues with squatters. A report called Illegal Occupation and Housing for Tourist Use has been produced by the General Council of the Asso-
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.
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.
NO FLIGHTS: Jet 2 has cancelled its schedule until November 30 Holidays to the mainland as well as the Canary Islands have also been affected. Specifically, flights and holiday packages to Alicante, Malaga, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote have been cancelled until September 13. The company has however announced hundreds of new flights to destinations in Greece, Turkey and Portugal until the end of this year.
ciations of Property Administrators of Spain (CGCAFE) and insurance company Mutua de Propietarios. Rafael del Olmo, secretary of CGCAFE, points the finger of blame towards banks that own empty properties. He said: “Part of a property administrator’s role is to inform owners of illegal occupation, but if the owner is a bank with a large portfolio, communication with them can be quite complicated.” Courts come under fire from the CGCAFE report too, saying that new legislation from 2018 is not being implemented and delays of months cause heartache to owners and neighbours. A loophole was also found where squatters could pay towards community fees ‘in good faith’, thus having a ‘verbal agreement’ of tenancy allowing occupation.
11
BROKE: Job cuts
Brexit worries
Flights grounded JET2 has announced the cancellation of all its flights and holiday packages to the Balearic Islands until November 30. The British air carrier justified the decision to suspend travel to Ibiza, Mallorca and Menorca, which had been scheduled to resume on August 30, in a statement. As well as noting the ‘continuous uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic,’ they admitted that the quarantine im-
September 4th - September 17th 2020
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.
12
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-
LUXURY: Katona mansions
September 4th - September 17th 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
Streets of gold
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 the 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
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.”
Spain’s expensive addresses
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
MAGNIFICENT: Mallorcan properties fetch a high price
MILLIONAIRE MANSIONS: The average cost of a house in Mozart Street is
€8.4million
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
FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL
September 4th - September 17th 2020
13
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
Burgess
COLUMNISTS Honeymoon over
14
September 4th - September 17th 2020
Terenia Taras Telling it like it is
Moving to another country was always going to be a challenge
I
T’S not just relocating your life, but having to start from scratch with everything from finding a new doctor to getting WIFI installed that is difficult when you arrive in a new country. After moving to Mallorca in March we have experienced a very different time here compared to normal, as a result of COVID, however, our love affair with the island is still going strong. But we’ve definitely moved out of the honeymoon period following the recent challenge of dealing with the Spanish healthcare system. All we’d previously heard about the Spanish healthcare system is how fantastic it is.
Nasty surprise
But it wasn’t until my partner fell off his road bike and was admitted to San Espases Hospital in Palma before we had first-hand experience. Paul is a keen cyclist and can easily climb the mountainous range of Puig Major, the highest peak on Mallorca, as well as the Tramuntara mountain range. But it was on a gentle bike ride from Bendinat, along the cycle path to Peguera where he fell off after being unable to unclip his cleats (I knew those things were an accident waiting to happen!). A helpful and kind couple found him on the pavement in agony and called an ambulance. By the time I arrived they were closing the ambulance doors and wouldn’t let me go
with him. A kind neighbour took me down to Son Espases and that’s where the frustration of not being able to communicate began. We are both learning Spanish and can often be found by our pool with the distinctive Duolingo jingle announcing our progress on the language App. But there’s a cavernous difference between ordering a cafe con leche and agua sin gas por favor, and trying to find out what’s happened to your partner in hospital without resorting to actions when trying to explain that he wants to go to the toilet. At best the nurses were very unhelpful, and at worst incredibly rude, one of the receptionists said in response to me trying my best to explain in Spanglish, that I don’t speak Spanish and does she speak English? Her response – ‘we are in Spain, so try’. I get that love, but I’ve only been here a matter of months so give me a chance, and surely being a tourist destination they must be used to different nationalities being brought in? So perhaps a little bit of compassion might not have been too much of a big ask when you’re in a helpless and stressful situation. I even had to phone the hospital from inside the hospital to try and explain to someone that my partner needed to go to the toilet and having been diagnosed with a broken femur, probably would struggle to get out of bed and find it himself. This was after being told I wasn’t allowed on the ward and me acting out my charades
Looking for the perfect escape once the lockdown finally ends? A weekend of fresh air, mountain scenery and walks will revive your senses
run to the hills
BEDSIDE: Terenia comforting Paul and pointing at Paul when I was trying to explain he needed the toilet, no not me, him! Arrgghhh. However, despite the communication barrier the doctors we dealt with were fantastic. Paul was kept in overnight and after establishing the broken femur following a scan and X-ray he underwent an operation the next day to have the bone plated and pinned. He was a little horrified at first that they weren’t going to put him to sleep for his op, and he’d be having an epidural. But I
did my best to reassure him that women push out the equivalent of a watermelon with just an epidural, so stop being such a fanny, no pun intended. Paul was discharged from hospital four days later after a successful operation and will be on crutches for at least six weeks. So I’m now his carer, and as I said to him, he’d better be nice to me whilst I am, unless he wants to be in his own version of the film Misery!
@tereniataras
Life saver
In a heart-warming missive, Olive Press columnist gets the all clear from cancer
M
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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.
HEALTH
September 4th - September 17th 2020
COVID-19 victim recovers after 159 days in intensive care IT was perhaps not the record he would have wanted to break, but the victory was nonetheless unquestionable. Manuel, 64, won his battle against coronavirus this week, 159 days after being admitted into intensive care at Son Espases hospital. The Mallorcan had been hospitalised with COVID-19
for the longest time in the entire country after falling seriously unwell on March 25. After fighting for his life hooked up to a ventilator, Manuel received a round of applause from the doctors and nurses who cared for him as he was wheeled out of the ICU (pictured). Manuel is now on the road to
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.
recovery and has taken the record from a patient named only as Vicente. The 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 physician, from a health centre in the Andalucian city, tested negative for COVID-19 two months ago, but he remained so ill from its effects that he remained in intensive care. Vicente’s recovery followed that of another patient recently discharged from the ICU at the Gregorio Marañon Hospital in Madrid, who had spent 144 days in intensive care, who is now the patient with the ‘honour’ of spending the third longest time in intensive care in Spain after the Cordoban doctor and Manuel.
order to face an increase in demand for care during the projected ‘second wave.’ Despite the rising number of cases, the Balearic Ministry of Health has stressed that the ‘majority are asymptomatic or have very mild symptoms.’ The high number of positive diagnoses can be attributed to the Balearic government’s commitment to step up PCR testing across the region. Although ruling out a new confinement at this point, the autonomous government are currently evaluating tougher measures to enforce across the region. This was confirmed by Prime Minister Pedro Ready for Sanchez who a second dismissed any wave notion of a national return to lockdown restrictions. He did say however that that he would back any emergency measures made from regional governments, also announcing that 2,000 soldiers will be tasked with contact tracking.
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SUDOKU
Patient patience
SON ESPASES, Mallorca’s leading public hospital, has been preparing to deal with an influx of new coronavirus patients. Two wards have been set up solely dedicated to treating those with COVID-19. The decision was made after a surge in infections last week. A regional record of 908 people were diagnosed with COVID-19 in just one day. This was the highest number of new active cases confirmed in one day since the start of the pandemic, prompting health bosses to take action. And Ibiza has demanded more doctors and nurses to work in Can Misses Hospital in
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OLIVE PRESS
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FINAL WORDS
A BARCELONA homeowner who seized his chance to brick up the doors when a couple who had been squatting in his flat for six years went on holiday could face criminal charges.
Not good ALL 27 residents of a home for elderly nuns in Huesca (Aragon) have tested positive for coronavirus, with two hospitalised and one dying.
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Vol. 4 Issue 88 www.theolivepress.es September 4th - September 17th 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-
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.
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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