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TWO SPANISH HEROINES: One who escaped Franco to another whose infamous name has been adopted by a train station
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March 5th - March 18th, 2020
Triple threat By Simon Wade
THE first three coronavirus cases have been reported in the south of the Costa Blanca, taking the total number in Spain to 213, with 22 of those in Valencia. One of the unlucky trio, an entrepreneur from Orihuela, had just returned from the Milan Footwear Fair. Another victim had also returned from Italy, where 107 people have died at the centre of Europe’s Covid-19 outbreak. He was diagnosed at his home in Torremanzanas, 20 miles inland from Villajoyosa, where he remains quarantined. The third victim, a young man, is in isolation in the General Hospital of Alicante. He hasn’t been to Italy, but it is understood that his family have. Meanwhile an 82-year-old man in Biscay became Spain’s second coronavirus fatality last night after suffering from pneumonia. The country’s first death in the outbreak was a 69-year-old man in Valencia, who succumbed to complications after being diagnosed. Currently there are no plans to curtail any public events or cancel inbound flights to Elche or Corvera Airports.
First three coronavirus cases in south of Costa Blanca as tourism fear takes hold It comes as nervous hoteliers and restaurateurs are bracing themselves for the devastating effect coronavirus could have on Spain’s tourism industry. They are joined by tourist chiefs who fear a major hit to critical Semana Santa week, which heralds the start of the holiday season. Data from travel analytics firm ForwardKeys shows international flights booked from the UK and the US were down almost 20% for a five-week period up until February 23. British Airways, Easyjet, Ryanair and Lufthansa have all started cancelling flights within Europe and to China. Some have drastically cut prices in order to fill empty seats, with Ryanair reducing flights to Italy by 25%. Israel also announced it will place all travellers arriving from Spain into quarantine upon arrival, with the strict protocol also applied to Germany, Austria, Switzerland and France.
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N equal world is 1911, so now in a new cenan enabled world. tury and a new decade are Over a century after This is the theme of we making International Women’s Day a difference? International Women's Day 2020. On March At first glance, it’s easy to first started, Karen Livermore 8 the spotlight turns to wo- say yes. There’s something asks, are things really any men throughout the world in the air that feels like real who are striving for gender change. The #metoo and better in 2020? #timesup movements were parity in the workplace, media giants, companies, in unpalatable men from their their businesses, in sports, a palpable moment where politicians and stars. women were not only being Bein culture and arts, and ing male, rich and powerful positions, but the views in heard, but their voices they represent, from public were their communities. powerful. They were calling was suddenly no longer a acceptance. The movement started in out previously untouchable shield. Out of it has come a Things that matter to and real effort to shift, not only affect women, are finally
Let’s raise a glass to celebrate national Women’s Day 2020 Interor, as we say in Spain, Día Internacional de la Mujer. Ten women in all walks of life share theirSpain from views and inspirational stories
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getting heard, and action women is still alarming. Last is being taken. But there is still so far to go. We may be year was a dark 12 months celebrating the downfall of in Spain with 55 women kiHarvey Weinstein, and the lled either by partners or ex shaming of Placido Domin- partners. The highest figure go over his admission of se- since 2015. It's not the only xually harassed women, but country where these figuin Saudi Arabia women are res are rising. However, in still high fiving their right to a disturbing move the Vox own a passport without the party is lobbying for cuts in funding to combat genconsent of a male guardian. Gender violence against Continues overleaf
We needed to change the work culture
Women on the frontline in Spain
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Stocks are plummeting too, with IAG, the company that owns British Airways, Vueling and Iberia suffering a drop in value of more than 9%, the highest of any company in the Ibex 35. The International Air Transport Association estimates that the virus outbreak will cost the sector more than €26 billion in 2020. Travel and tourism analyst, Ralph Hollister, from GlobalData said: “If the virus is still having the same impact by the end of April, cancellations could start to increase at a rapid rate as consumers deem the risk to their health to be greater than their need for a holiday.” With Semana Santa starting on April 5, businesses in Spain are worried about whether one of Spain’s busiest weeks will go ahead as normal. More than one million visitors traditionally descend on Sevilla and Malaga combined during Holy Week. A total of 14% of Spain’s Gross Domestic Product comes from tourism, according to the European Travel Commission. It’s Executive Director Eduardo Santander said: “The impact of the virus on European tourism will be massive — we’re talking about big losses.”
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that we needed to change the work culture and in doing so society if we wanted to see advances in the field of equality. “Since then these ideas have been reflected in the equal opportunity policies that we first pushed for in Banesto, then in Santander in the UK and more recently in the Santander continued. “In that speechgroup as a whole,” she I emphasised the benefits of diversity in the company. And with data in 2015, she was also awarded from different studies, I explained that having the first Award for Responsible more women in managerial positions, apart from taking the helm the year before. Capitalism after being fair, was good for business. Ana, 59, is also a pioneer. women bring skills to business Besides talent, The first that complement woman to run those of men – a major European bank, she’s better interpersonal communicaon the Forbes’ list of World’s been ranked eigth tion, cooperation, horizontal men. Within her corporation, Most Powerful Wo- city to really listen as well thinking and a capaas more empathy and has made a point of boosting this financial whizz the ability to prioritise.” female direction, ai- Botín ming for 30% of its CEOs has also introduced a life-work balance (they currently account forto be women by 2025 scheme because, ‘one of the aim is technical equality, 20%). Beyond 2025, tunities lies in domestic the keys to equal opporwork.’ 40% ratio, irrespective of which means a 60%- She said: “For men to increase In an article she publishedgender. responsibility, we need public their share of this policies that allow in response to a debate overon her LinkedIn page for greater flexibility in the workplace.” tials, she wrote, “I have spenther feminist creden- Ana is adamant there will be no discrepancy in years as an executive; years in which I have seen enough to know salaries between male and female staff members that in general women don’t taking on equal responsibility in a banking instituspeech delivered to a room get a fair deal… In a tion that is ranked 16th in the world. in 2008, I talked about the full of men in Bilbao Forbes magazine also notes importance of women that Botín has a poacting with more confidence licy of ‘backing small companies in ourselves and owned and companies by women’.
Ana Botín, President of the Santander banking group
ot only was Ana Botín N dame by Queen Elizabeth made an honorary II for services to the Financial sector
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NEWS IN BRIEF
Truth hurts A LANDMARK case in Spain has seen its first-ever charge of ‘fake news’ brought against a Barcelona woman. The woman tweeted a video calling all young immigrants ‘violent’ and will be tried on March 9 for a crime against fundamental rights.
Clampdown MADRID’S town hall has begun fining tourist ‘hotels’, set up without correct authorisation and oversight, after inspecting 11,025 apartments last year.
Catcalling A LAW of sexual liberty passing through Spain’s congress will seek to penalise sexual harassment and abuse on Spanish streets – i.e. sexist or humiliating expressions – with fines, house arrest and community service.
2020 vision ALICANTE’S new Policia Nacional chief, Ignacio del Olmo, has begun his stewardship with a pledge to make the province ‘the safest in all of Spain’ for women with abusive partners.
Vox politician resigns over gender violence A VOX politician has resigned after being investigated for a domestic assault on his partner. Far right senator Juan Ros is accused of attacking his partner, who was hospitalised in the incident. The Ceuta leader, 63, denies the accusations and maintains that his wife merely fell down the stairs. Police found the victim at the home they shared in Alhaurin, near Malaga. She showed signs of violence and traces of blood.
CRIME
No perfect match!
NICKED: Costa Blanca expat Charlie McEntee
By Joshua Parfitt
A FINANCIAL advisor ‘seeking work’ on the Costa Blanca has been arrested on suspicion of burglary. UK police are probing whether Charlie McEntee - better known as ‘Ascot Charlie’ for a racy dress worn at the famous racecourse - stole designer watches from an ex-lover’s house.
Expat financial advisor arrested over €150,000 theft claims from an ex-lover she met on dating site
Essex Police arrested the 49-year-old as she landed at Stansted Airport from Alicante on Valentine’s Day last month. They are investigating the alleged burglary of a home she had been sharing with property developer John Carey in Essex.
Train
While she refused to file a complaint, Malaga’s Domestic Violence Court no.1 is now probing the case, with Ros ordered to stay more than 500m away from her. The former doctor insisted he could prove he was not in Alhaurin at the time, and got home after taking a train from Madrid to find her lying on the floor having taken a blow to the head. He has no prior records for gender violence. Ros was only elected senator for Ceuta last November with 34.55% of the votes. He has a degree in Medicine and Surgery from the University of Granada.
It comes after Carey also claims she stole a €140,000 house deposit for a home they were buying on the Costa Blanca. The pair were renting a €300,000 villa in Murla, in the Jalon valley, split up after he heard a series of allegations about her. He was particularly upset that she had been married six times before and that she had apparently taken a deposit he had given her to buy a villa in Spain. “She assured me that a house purchase was on track and to leave financial matters to her,” he told the Sun. “But everything changed in November last year when a letter revealed she had been married six times since 1992.
Aggressive
“It contained some serious allegations. She instantly turned aggressive and I asked for my €140,000 deposit back.” After failing to track her down, Carey - who met McEntee on dating site Match.com - went to both
Power cut INFAMOUS: ‘Ascot Charlie’ on the Sun´s front page
Most Wanted nicked
THE alleged ringleader of a British cocaine trafficking gang has been arrested at a Marbella strip club. Dominic McInally, 29, from Merseyside, had been on the run from UK drugs charges for six years. He was detained by cops in a raid on the Casa Masa Club, the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) has revealed. Merseyside police had been looking for him since January 2014, when officers intercepted his car and found six kilos of cocaine inside. Five members of the group allegedly led by McInally were later sentenced to a total of 48 years’ imprisonment. McInally, who was one of the fugitives featured on the UK’s
March 5th - March 18th 2020
By Dilip Kuner
‘Operation Captura’ most wanted list, has been taken to Madrid for extradition proceedings. Andy Cooke-Welling, Head of the NCA’s International Crime Bureau, said: “It is yet another success under Operation Captura, which has resulted in dozens of fugitives being brought to account, many of them after years on the run. “It should be clear to those attempting to flee from UK justice that they can never rest easy.” This is not the first time The Casa Masa Club – which is on Marbella’s Golden Mile – has been in the news. In 2017 five people were arrested after a brawl ended with four people being shot, with one needing emergency surgery.
A MAN who was caught riding a banned electric scooter in Murcia is facing prison. The Guardia Civil caught the man riding with a friend on a highway in San Javier, near Cartagena, without a number plate, insurance or a driving licence. All three became mandatory since December 3, to regulate the boom in electric scooters. The scooter caught on the N-332 highway had a 1,400W capacity and with a maximum speed of 25 km/h. The driver has now been charged with a crime against road safety and could face between three to six months in prison and a heavy fine.
UK and Spanish police to seek justice for the respective losses. She is also allegedly facing further probes over a theft at a care home and is locked in a legal battle with another ex-husband. The problems could damage her plans to work as a financial advisor on the Costa Blanca.
Denied
One local source, who works in finance, revealed that she had been looking to ‘semi retire and work parttime’ here. He said she wasn’t the sort of woman you’d want handling your money. McEntree is a director of her own financial firm, Lecrin Wealth Management Ltd, based out of Essex, having previously worked for Doyne Ditmas Limited. It is unknown if Lecrin Wealth has any connection to the Lecrin region of Granada, where various other financial advisors are based. McEntee’s Spanish lawyer Ignacio Pellicer insisted the claims are all ‘lies’ and the ‘deranged rantings’ of ‘psychotic ex-partners’ and a ‘jealous brother’. The firm has not responded to a request for further comment.
Policeman arrested for murder A LOCAL policeman has been accused of the violent murder of an 83-year-old for her €1.5 million inheritance. The woman died after allegedly falling down the stairs of her home in Madrid while she was in the sole care of the policeman. The officer was tasked with the 24-hour care of the lady and despite not being a direct relative, was due to inherit her €1.5 million fortune once she passed away.
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Rise and fall
March 5th - March 18th 2020
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Rapprochement? REPUBLICAN vice president Pablo Iglesias has been snapped for the first time alongside Spain’s favorite thrifty royal, Queen Letizia. Iglesias’ Podemos party is known to be anti-monarchy but that didn’t stop the pair sharing a flight to attend the Princess of Girona Foundation Awards. The queen, who reigns alongside Felipe VI, donned a chic green pant suit for the occasion.
Tokio in Tokyo CORONAVIRUS has taken over Instagram as well news sources. Celebrities across the world such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Kim Kardashian and Kate Hudson have shared pictures on the social media site wearing face masks. Spanish celebrities have also jumped on the wave, with La Casa de Papel star, Ursula Corbero (above), being one of them. The 30-year-old, who plays the much-loved Tokio in the hit series, posted two pictures of herself in the Japanese capital wearing a face mask.
SOL SEARCHERS: Winners Martina Puigvert, Fina Puigdevall for Les Coles and Javier Olleros of Culler de Pau (left). Loser Dani Garcia (above right) A PAIR of Costa Blanca restaurants are among the rising stars at the latest food guide awards. Beat in Calp and Magoga in Cartagena are among the 23 restaurants in Spain to have been awarded their second ‘Sol’ in the new Repsol guide.
Malaga restaurants lose big, while Andalucia rises in the new culinary sol awards They are joined by a further six restaurants from the region of Valencia that secured their first Sol, at the the annual ceremony,
New meaning to Survivor
SPANISH reality television show, Supervivientes, has had to be suspended and contestants evacuated due to adverse weather conditions. The show which is based on the US version, Survivor, is filmed on the islands of Cayos Cochinos, off the coast of Honduras. However, a storm is ravaging the islands, with waves ‘as high as five metres’ and the production team have made the decision to evacuate the contestants for their own safety. The team tasked with the evacuation procedure managed to take everyone to safety on boats. A contestant, Vicky Larraz said: “At one point I thought we were going to capsize.”
Last song SPAIN has cancelled opera star Placido Domingo’s concerts over sexual misconduct allegations. The disgraced 79-year-old singer has had his next performance cancelled by Spain’s
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Ministry of Culture, as he battles allegations by fellow performers and assistants. The Government made its position clear by banning the singer from the performance of operetta Luisa Fernanda at the Zarzuela Theatre in Madrid on May 14 and 15, pledging its support for the women who have been affected by the allegations.
which took place in food capital San Sebastian. The Valencian eateries to break their Repsol duck include El Bressol, Habitual, Rausell, Sucede, Alicante Orobianco and Tula. Meanwhile, the Michelin-starred Beat in Calp, the brainchild of Jose Manuel Miguel, went from one to two Sols. A record ten new restaurants each won a Sol in the 2020 edition of Spain’s most important eating guide, now in its 41st year. At a national level, 102 restaurants were awarded Sols, with only two hitting the top spot this year – Les Cols in Catalunya and Culler de Pau in Galicia. A total of 23 restaurants were awarded two Sols, while 77 were given one. Two lucky restaurants also bagged their third Sols, including Culler de Pau in O Grove (Pontevedra) and Les Cols in Olot (Girona). The awards are decided by 50 inspectors, who between them tried the food at more than 1,300 restaurants in Spain. Other Spanish winners:
TWO SUN WINNERS
●Bagá ● (Jaén) ●Bardal ● (Ronda) ●La ● Costa (El Ejido) ●Lú ● Cocina y Alma (Jerez de la Frontera)
ONE SUN WINNERS
●Almocadén ● (Alcaudete) ●Arriaga ● (Granada) ●Cañabota ● (Sevilla) ●Celia ● Jiménez (Córdoba) ●Dama ● Juana (Jaén) ●Faralá ● (Granada) ●Godoy ● (Málaga) ●Ispal ● (Sevilla) ●Mantúa ● (Jerez de la Frontera) ●Taberna ● de Miguel (Bailén)
Bond ambition BEFORE making her name in Tinseltown, ambitious Cuban-Spanish actress Ana de Armas packed her bags and moved to Madrid to pursue her acting career where she landed appearances in the tv series El Internado (The Boarding School). Ana now joins the high-profile cast for the latest Bond saga No Time to Die, although she admitted that before taking on the role in the 007 franchise she found the female characters ‘unrelatable’. However, the 31-year-old was reassured by the script, co-written by Phoebe Waller-Bridge, describing her character as a ‘real woman’. It’s not the first time Ana has worked with Daniel Craig, recently starring in Knives Out alongside the Hollywood heartthrob.
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Another is widow Karen O’Hagan, who lost €72,000 of her RBS pension. It came after she was told by CWM staff that transferring the money was the only way to protect it for her two young children if she passed away.
Shame
Angela Brooks, who is leading the private prosecution, told the Olive Press the case will set a major ‘precedent’ across Europe. “It’s a disgrace that it’s taken a Spanish lawyer in Spain and a Spanish criminal judge to recognise the wickedness of actions taken by all parties concerned. “There is no precedent for this. It is going to shame all the other jurisdictions throughout Europe and beyond into acknowledging what many offshore advisors have been doing for years. “The scale of this case has made the courts sit up and take notice.
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Pension peril
CATALUNYA’S leader has vowedbeleaguered to fight on from abroad. It came after Carles Puigdemont handed himself in to Belgian police when pean arrest warrant a Eurowas issued. He and four other politicians are accused on charges of rebellion, sedition, misuse of public funds, disobedience and breach of trust. A judge in Belgium now has EXCLUSIVE up to two weeks By Joe Duggan they will extraditeto decide if the group to Spain. BRITISH expats to €20 million in who lost up Fight sion advisory firm a failed penbelieve their signatures may have been phoGiven the whole tocopied onto investment docuprocess can take extradition ments. up to 60 days, it means Around 300 Brits, he may have to run his entire in Spain, are battlingmost living election to retrieve campaign for their funds after Alicante-based the Catalan European Democratic firm Continental Wealth ManParty agement from Belgium. (CWM) folded in SepHis party wants tember, as first reported him to fight in the for continued leadership Olive Press the regional parliament of Boss Darrena month ago. Kirby left for Ausin tralia the December 21 following the elections. Puigdemont denied the company’s main closure of he had Javea offled to Brussels fices. tice but that he to avoid jus- Victims, who left because are spread across the Spanish government Spain, was lorca, as well as in Ibiza, Malpreparing a ‘wave Portugal, France of oppression and violence’ and Turkey, fear illegal against practices separatists. after being asked to sign blank “I’m absolutely dealing instructions. that the state was convinced Their pension pots were then a harsh wave of preparing invested in high-risk assets repression for which we would which promised to have all pay out large been held responsible,” commissions. he One said yesterday. 69-year-old “The Spanish state told the Olive Presspensioner is comhe lost mitting a brutal €210,000 if we don’t battlerepression… €470,000 after transferring despite stating repression together, the Spanish he had state to a ‘low to medium aversion BOSS: Kirby now may win this fight.” risk’ attitude to investment. in Australia In a show of support “I was asked, deposed president, to the blank form. ‘Can you sign this he said. We will fill in the around 200 Catalan details.’ I Untitled-1.pdf “They should have 1 been looking 16/06/2017 dence mayors pro-indepen- would act did that trusting they 15:36 in my best interests,” out for me travelled to but they Brussels on Tuesday feathering their own were just to stage nests. To a rally.
FIND OUT WHY INSIDE
Expats who lost millions rage at ‘unauthorised’ deals involving ‘worrying’ signing of blank sheets
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A PALMA thief is facing MY18 months in jail for stealing a leg of ham. CY Prosecutors are the lengthy term requesting CMY the eight kilogram for taking co Jotas' ¡ jamon leg of 'CinK from a shop in the capital. The Iberico ham €685, and has yet is valued at to be recovered.
me they knew what they were doing.” He added: “I believe rying’. some of the investments “This negates the were made without my knowledge. of the service they very essence that is the case because I think offer,” said Flores. are meant to recall signing sheets I do not cheque to invest“It is a blank wherever, investments I had.” for all the whenever. An email, seen “If standard practice, has gone down by the Olive by half and I this is Press, shows CWM very worrying. need compensation asking a clito get it ent to sign and return “Signing blank back on track. documents a blank dealing instruction. “But some people would be seen Another British expat, have lost everyas irregular in a is trying to recover 55, who thing and don’t court of law. The €200,000, said some around have enough to problem pensionwith ers ‘have lost everything’. live on. One rethese firms is that “My paper work tired victim only they were all inPENSION vesting has been altered, that I sent has €50,000 left in highly was changed frommy risk level OUTRAGE risky from €480,000.” ‘medium’ to investments ‘high’ and my dealing Andalucia-based without the cliinstructions have been lawyer Antonio ents knowing.” photocopied repeatedly for buying Flores, He claimed that whose ing assets I didn’t and sellfirm losses sustained Lawbird authorise,” he said. are by representinvestors “I still have some ing some CWM would hopefully and I am still youngmoney left victims, said signing be get compensation, enough to as the investments recoverable vestment sheets was blank inbut my fund ‘very worto perform, or went that failed bust, were linked to life insurance policies. Pension trustees and Trafalgar are Momentum now attempting to recoup CMW clients’ losses. SPECIALIZING IN: The Olive Press has CRIMINAL LAW unable to discover so far been if CWM was registered to provide CIVIL LAW investment advice with Spain’s official financial regulator BANKING (FLOOR CLAUSE) CNMV. Voted BEST
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PENSION OUTRAGE
SPAIN’S accused prime minister Catalan has Puigdemont leader Carles sion’ after of causing ‘confusigning a of independence. declaration Mariano clarify if Rajoy demanded he had really he independence declared following day’s nail biting address TuesCatalan parliament. to the If so, Rajoy trigger Articleinsisted he could 155 of Spain’s constitution take direct to allow Madrid to “There is control of Catalunya. put an end an urgent need Catalunya to the situation to is going through that - to Continues
CONFUSION
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Expats
millionslose in life savings
reigns over should foot through who hotels hit the bill for Mallorca failed by the collapse investment line Monarch. of airBalearic scheme €10millionhotels are facing a lapse that bill over the colEXCLUSIVE repatriationsaw the emergency By Joe of over back to Duggan 110,000 Palma. the UK, many from HUNDREDS Administrator KPMG Olive Press ish of Brit‘the debt told the to expats are Monarch battling retrieve to hoteliers owed by as an unsecured sions after their penwill rank the defunct claim’ against losing up £20 million to “They will airline. in a failed pension the joint have to file a claim investment OFF scheme. the moneyadministrators for to Spanish-based TO OZ: they are owed,” all a spokesman. and (above) Boss Kirby cial advisory said finanteam at “It has tinental firm Con- March charity (yet) hownot been determined bash agement Wealth Manavailable much money will (CWM) to creditors.” be last month folded Many of
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whose by hasboss Darren Kir- It is moved tonow allegedly 300 believed at least Australia. One clientsof CWM’s 900 Costa-del-Sol- pension have had based expat their Olive Press pots decitold the mated, £59,000 he sunk shocked with victims CWM, through cover the to later dis- to end value of up back had lostonly realising he investments their ain on benefits.” in Brit£39,000 his pension had plum- “I have when meted dramatically. sent a statement. trustees However, praise for nothing but “I couldn’t a source [Trafalgar Tony Barnett close have lost believe sisted: to the case MD] and Stewart pounds,” thousandsit. I many ‘There are in- mentum Davies customers still revealed of are [Movictim, tive]. Theychef executhe happy asking main anonymous. with who to re- pension portfolio.’ their magnificent have been “The adviser An ing to recoup in trying me, kept tell- tax d a l u c i a - b a people’s s e d money.” specialist teed, it ‘This is guaran- Brooks, Angie The Olive certain can’t go below pert on a leading ex- derstands Press unlevel’.” a eration pension ing many obliterat- transferred them had His money, Untitled-1.pdf it is highly possible schemes lib- may their pri- others acrossand that of the founder vate Brits’ life heartbroken 1 legal action 16/06/2017 UK and be savings. Spain through15:36 of Pension pensions France, Life, has parties taken by some the company, high-risk was put and a against fight now launched into CWM, investor ‘professional tims’ to help get money back. vichas been only’ assets, it She is working claimed. side pension alongTrafalgar trustees International and Momentum sions. Pen- based out “People of headquarters in Alicante, are terribly executives. distressed,” and its based Brooks Granada- Both the office Olive Press. told the and the in Javea lost large “They have recently website have amounts shut. their of When the Olive ings.” retirement savspoke to Press boss Kirby She added: ‘definitively’ he these people “Some of responsibility denied are going crash. over the world,” “I have lost my A closehe said. associate Kirby’s of told the Press Find out Olive former staff more on CWM page XX set’. were all ‘very up20 “It is still quite for them, Ave de Gabriel working and they raw Roca 4, Palma next,” he out what to are do said.
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” Smart has previously denied ever dealing with clients or having anything to do with the running of CWM other than promotion online and in the media.
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WOAH: Emerging the rock, from stunning this home in Valencia is trademark Fran Silvestre, a Spanish architect who is continuing to make mark in his the architectural world. See Fran-tastic page VI
ROCK STEADY
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HE average property two consecutive price years for in Spain has The national average housethe first time in grown for Prices a decade. Along the3.9% to 8.4%, according price rose rise for two from between Mediterranean to most foreigners while mortgage consecutive coasts andvarious sources. buy, the average cording to on values continueyears, Tinsa, Spain’s price hike the islands, where However, But the figures has been 4.06%, leading property he added ‘at Balearic Islands. to grow Spanish property have mostly during the the very acappraisal not yet long six year company. “Prices have been continued least, the data suggests Mortgage recession, made up for the big to grow last rising most that the with the exception drops but nothing like they January to lending to home buyers year.’ years 19,390 new meanwhile of the enough to claw back did in the boomsince the recovery Spanish Notaries. loans, according was up 6.1% began, respected years, and analyst Markthe ground lost nowhere near The average to the Association in in the bust,” new loan made Stucklin, of of explained an increase of 0.9% Spanish Property in January had a value in a year. As Insight. residential acquisitions of €135,616, long as mortgage the last few years, the continues to increase, lending for Spanish property as it market is has done for set to grow.
FACE THE MUS IC April 11th
Judge set to take further boss of suspect steps after investment expat to turn up company at court fails
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Power grab
SPAIN’S PP cious plans party has set out audafor a power back grab to take control from Valencia and the other autonom ous regions. Leader Pablo Casado announced commitment his strengthen to the central government’s role in the run to the national up He insisted elections in a fortnight. that such a prevent corruption move and lead to would in taxes. a drop It comes as EXCLUSIVE off the threatthe party attempts to By Joshua Party, whose from an insurgent see Parfitt Voted REuse autonomous leader has described Vox expat REduce paper the THE REcycle in Spain cer of Spain’. parliaments as the ‘canbeleaguered Voted Govt in wealth managementboss of a failed Under the plan, exile expat company which paper allegedly lost se resources the PP wants to increaREuse in Spain REduce million has expats more than €20 REcycle delegations for regional government ignored a summons and paralyse court. transfer of power any Confusion to reigns to the regions.further Darren Kirby, of Alicante-based Continental (CWM), failedWealth Management Supremacy court on March to turn up at Denia Casado insisted 26. the move According Who’s Spain being paying us? administered would see was due to Olive Press sources tively’. ‘more effecto turn up, he alongside former business partners, The election The case involves who did turn up. party would hopeful stated that a trio of investors, view of how carry out a sweeping his who lost substantial re- money the regional amounts of operate looking Should when the company Three Lions have pub at ‘efficiencyauthorities 2017. legged it ty.’ folded in and equiKirby allegedly Spain’s quasi-federal Three Lions pub fled to Australia HOW WE llowing the political system of ‘autonomous TOLD IT: focollapse, finally ning to Our 2017 the constitution states’ was added retur- England.” reports to “DarrenAlicante last year. in 1978. Prime ter Pedro Sanchez, has been Minis- which The Olive Press the constitution, whose party drafted he didn’t sign sent a Burofax exclusively former how CWM for, so will now plan, insisting strongly opposed abruptly folded revealed “It was member of staff. the ways,” have to pursue himthe court losing hundreds a prestigious in ‘tooth and nail’the PSOE would defend in other a source said. of expats’ 2017, day they just place but one vings in the the principal “A judge is life sa- said, nal self-government. shut the door,” process. of regiodealing with The firm, which asking it’s under she this and legal review,” Victims had not to be named. Marriott Hotel, was based out of “We understand he added. in Denia, had the asked to signraised fears about being to ten’ he is currently blank dealing in ttered telesales staff and clients‘eight tions and their pensions instrucaround Europe, sca- vested being inin high-risk revealed a NO SHOW: large commissions.assets which paid Darren Kirby res. “It is a One pensioner blank cheque based on the wherever, whenever. ta Blanca to invest Costold the Olive lost €210,000 Press he “It is very worrying after transferring investing clients’ as they €470,000 despite stating money in were low to medium he had a risky investments as highly funds just because well as dubious “I was asked, risk attitude. ‘Can you sign they paid the gher blank form. hithis He commissions.” ls.’ I did thatWe will fill in the detaiadded investors that losses sustained in my best trusting they would by interests,” he act verable should however, “They should said. as the investments be recoled to perform, for me and have been looking that faiout linked or went bust, their own they were just feathering to life insurance were nests. To me policies. what they were they knew When the Olive Press finally hold of Kirby Lawyer Antoniodoing.” got in October Flores, whose denied all responsibility. Lawbird is 2017, he firm See pages 26-29 of victims, representing a number my world,” he “I have lost said. ment sheetssaid signing blank investwas ‘very worrying’. Are you a “This negates the very essence member? victim or former staff financial advisory services,”said of the case? Do you know more about Tel. (+34) 96 649 18 29 Contact the Flo- newsdesk@theolivepress.es Olive Press info@hispaniahomes.es at www.hispaniahomes.co.uk
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NOTORIOUS: Disgraced businesswoman Jody GUIDE accused in financial Smart A WELL-KNOWN expat scandal signer has been accused fashion deEXCLUSIVE of receiving up three British claimants are to €1million from an unlicensed By Joshua Parfitt seeking crim- after CWM’s Costa inal charges for aggravated Blanca financial advisory September 2017 collapse company. accounting and belonging fraud, fake left him with just €22,000 huge sums ‘without falling Companies in Jody Smart’s from initial to a criminal investments into organisation. given the money by defunct name were Worse, it comes as it emerges losses’. of more than ₤800,000 that doz- The complaints Continental ens of victims (approx €900,000). Wealth Management (CWM) concern bungled left destitute years’ before its high-profilein the two less by the Denia-based firmand penni- transactions, unpaid loans and house Davison was diagnosed with depresfailed sion just weeks are suing pension investments collapse Smart and her left hundreds of investors after the collapse, before former that lost partner Darren ants over the €20million out of pocket, an estimated Kirby. €1million between them.claim- turning to alcohol abuse and developit can be re- In the ing type-2 diabetes, One of the victims, vealed. first case to reach the courts, ically died, aged Mark Davison, trag- shot just before his according to a video A total of €999,435 was death. 59, in July this year His body, covered with to her fashion label Jody paid lesions and sores, had lain undiscovered SL and property holding Bell coma week in the mid-summer for up to pany Mercurio Conpro SL heat at his behome in Sanet. tween 2015 and 2017, accordIn documents seen “Mark died as a result of ing to bank statements shown what had been Press, CWM was paid by the Olive done to him,” Timothy Benjamin, to the Olive Press. €3,391,873 of a felcommission for selling low claimant, told the Olive Brit Jody, 43, was also paid bonds and investment insurance “By the end he didn’t want Press. a €144,000 salary - despite the daylight prus-based financial s by two Cyto appear.” telling a court that she ‘did firms, between October 2015 and September Benjamin, 67, likewise know what it meant to not felt ‘ashamed’ 2017. A January 2019 after he lost his €250,000 sole director of company’be a statement private from penand Spain’s financial regulator sion, reinvested by CWM was only involved in ‘marketrevealed insurance bonds investments, via QROPS. into ‘risky’ ing and PR’. were sold in breach In of his the law. official testimony he told In a series of shocking the decWhat is certain is court how he had transferred larations given to Denia’s that this money funded a ‘lavish lifestyle’ (€375,000 approx) from ₤325,000 Court of Instruction No.3 players Kirby and Smart, for its key it sale to CWM on the basis a property has emerged that the compathe firm was in a relationship together who were investing it in a villa in Monte ny could ill afford to pay these to March 2017, according from 2011 But court papers revealed Pego. to former staff members. went directly to the bank ₤200,000 account of
Law breaking for lavish
REuse REduce REcycle
2017
As sherry gets big in London, we look at some quirky Jerez cocktails
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Three Lions
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PARTNERING OWNERS FOR OVER 20 YEARS
- October 26th
whose boss It is believed by has nowDarren Kir- 300 at allegedly of CWM’s least moved to Australia. 900 clients have One had their Costa-del-Sol- pension pots decibased expat mated, with Olive Press told the shocked victims he sunk to later to end £59,000 through cover the value of dis- ain on up back in BritCWM, only realising benefits.” their he investments had plum- “I have nothing had lost £39,000 when meted dramatically. but praise for Tony his pension Barnett trustees However, a source [Trafalgar sent a statement. close to the MD] and “I couldn’t case in- Stewart Davies sisted: ‘There [Momentum have lost believe it. I many are customers still tive]. Theychef execuof are pounds,” thousands revealed the have been happy with who magnificent victim, asking their pension portfolio.’ ing to recoup in trymain anonymous.to re- A ndalucia people’s “The adviser - b a s e d money.” tax specialist ing me, ‘This kept tell- Brooks, Angie The Olive Press una leading derstands it teed, it can’t is guaran- pert go below a is highly on pension ex- possible certain level’.” liblegal action eration schemes His money, and may be taken by some the founder parties against others acrossand that of Life, of Spain and prihas now Pension CWM, vate many heartbroken 1 UK 16/06/2017 pensions France, was put into a fight to helplaunched Brits’ life savings. through15:36 get victhe company, high-risk ‘professional tims’ money investor only’ back. assets, it She is working has been claimed. alongside pension trustees Trafalgar International and Momentum Pen- based out of headquarsions. ters in Alicante, “People are and its terribly executives. distressed,” Both the office based Brooks Granada- and in Javea told the the website Olive Press. have “They have recently shut. lost large amounts of When the Olive Press their retirement sav- spoke to boss Kirby he ings.” ‘definitively’ She added: responsibility denied these people “Some of crash. over the are going “I lost my world,” hehave said. A close associate of Kirby’s told the Olive Press former CWM staff were all ‘very upset’. Find out more “It is still on page XX for them, andquite raw 20 they are working out what to do Ave de Gabriel Roca next,” he said. 4, Palma
Continues on Page
Wickedness In what is Spain’s largest legal scrutiny of British-run financial scams to date, the trio were grilled about falsifying documents and miss-selling toxic investments. A total of 17 claimants have brought the private prosecution as Denia court seeks to bring former boss Kirby and sole director Jody Smart to justice. Kirby failed to attend the hearing on February 24, and could now face arrest. Meanwhile, Smart was able to delay attending the hearing until next month due to damage to a restaurant she owns during Storm Gloria. Court transcripts passed to the Olive Press reveal how the ex-employees denied all accusations put to them. The defendants claimed that former boss Kirby was responsible for moving the funds from low-risk to high-risk. One of the victims, former Blackpool bus driver Les Hutchings, 67, lost nearly his entire €117,000 private pension when it ended up in toxic portfolios without his knowledge.
expat paper in Spain October 12th
As Spain celebrates Hispania Day, the Olive Press runs a rule over Columbus SEE PAGE 10
CONFUSION should foot thereigns over who hotels hit by thebill for Mallorca line Monarch. collapse of airBalearic hotels €10million bill are facing a EXCLUSIVE lapse that saw over the colthe emergency By Joe Duggan repatriation back to the of over 110,000 UK, many from Palma. HUNDREDS Administrator ish expats are of BritOlive Press ‘theKPMG told the to battling retrieve debt owed by Monarch to hoteliers sions after their penwill rank as an unsecured £20 millionlosing up to the defunct airline.claim’ against in a failed pension “They will have investment OFF TO OZ: to file a claim to scheme. Boss Kirby the joint administrators and (above) for all Spanish-based the money they team at finan- March charity a spokesman. are owed,” said cial advisory firm bash tinental Wealth Con“It has not been Mandetermined agement (yet) how much (CWM) folded Many of them money will be last had available to creditors.” transferred month obliterattheir Untitled-1.pdf ing
96 649 1883
An incredible Spanish Inquisition escape story Page 20
Vol. 1 Issue
PENSIO OUTRAGN E
Expats lose millions in life savings through failed investment scheme
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How we nailed a corrupt Champagne socialist MP Page 18
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They’ve been getting stoned for centuries. Now UNESCO is interested in Mallorca walls. SEE PAGE 6
Carles
Confusion reigns SPAIN’S prime accused Catalan minister has Puigdemont of leader Carles causing ‘confusion’ after signing of independence. a declaration Mariano Rajoy clarify if he had demanded he independence really declared day’s nail bitingfollowing Tuesaddress to the Catalan parliament. If so, Rajoy insisted he could trigger Article constitution to 155 of Spain’s allow Madrid take direct control to of Catalunya. “There is an put an end to urgent need to the situation that Catalunya is going through - to
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Your reporters, here to help on the Costa Blanca
DEFENDANTS in a ‘landmark’ case against a British-run financial firm have denied all knowledge of a scam that lost €35 million of its clients pension investment. Instead they blamed the boss of Continental Wealth Management (CWM) Darren Kirby (above) for destroying the hopes and dreams of 750 expats around Spain. In a tense hearing at Denia Court three former employees denied they knowingly put their clients funds into ‘high risk’ investments. The trio, Anthony Downs, Neil Hathaway and Dean Stogsdill, are accused of fraud, disloyal administration and falsifying commercial documents.
Holiday hell
Defendants in ‘landmark’ case against fraudulent financial firm claim they did not know clients’ pensions were put at risk
The
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A BRITISH tourist has been stabbed, robbed and hospitalised by three minors who recorded the attack on their phones. The trio were cuffed by police in Sant Vicent de Raspeig, near Alicante, after their victim suffered a collapsed lung and had to undergo emergency surgery. A statement said the group stabbed the victim in the back with a pen-knife, whilst recording the attack on their mobile phones. The unnamed holidaymaker was taking a morning stroll when he sensed he was being followed, so returned home as a precaution. The gang caught up with him and a struggle ensued, where he was attacked and robbed of his wallet and mobile. A passerby stopped to help, calling an ambulance straight away. The man suffered a collapsed lung and immediately went into surgery. CCTV quickly established the identity of the attackers, two of which were already known to police. Matching clothing and the weapon used in the attack were found in subsequent house searches. The 16 and 17-year-olds arrested were charged with the crimes of robbery with violence and wounding with intent.
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Paddy power ORIHUELA Costa town hall has released details of its 2020 St Patrick’s Day Party after being labelled among the Top 10 celebrations in the world by National Geographic. Sunday March 15 is the date for your diary for the huge parade through the streets of the Cabo Roig resort. Local Councillor for Tourism Mariola Rocamora said she ‘wants to do it big’ this year after bringing it forward by two days so it could be held on the weekend and draw bigger crowds. Organised in conjunction with Oc Avanza and Cabo Roig Strip, more than 20,000 revellers are set to descend on what will be the party’s 10th anniversary. Some 3,000 green scarves are set to be handed out to guests throughout the day. The celebrations will begin at 1pm and will feature kids’ activities and face painting. The traditional parade will kick off at 3pm from the Urbanisation Aquamarina featuring representatives from the Moors and Christians Fiestas as special guests. Mayor, Emilio Bascunana has invited people of every creed to join in the fun, promising: “We will be very well-received by our Irish hosts, who ensure their traditions are not lost.” National Geographic has included the day-long party among its Top 10 St Patrick’s Day parties in the WORLD.
The Cabo Roig fiesta ranked ninth in the list which saw New York, Boston and Chicago, all in the US, filling out the top three. The Spanish party was only two spots below Dublin. ●New ● York, USA ●Boston, ● USA ●Chicago, ● USA ●Georgia, ● USA ●Montserrat, ● West Indies ●Montreal, ● Canada ●Birmingham, ● UK ●Cabo ● Roig, Spain ●Auckland, ● New Zealand
NEWS
March 5th - March 18th 2020
5
NEWS IN BRIEF
Surf or turf?
Sands of time By Laurence Dollimore
SCIENTISTS have claimed that up to half of the world's sandy beaches could vanish by 2100 if nothing is done to curb climate change. Dozens of tourism meccas - including the Costa del Sol - are under threat from erosion and surging sea levels. The European Commission's Joint Research Centre issued the report after analysing 30 years of satellite images of beaches from Australia to Brazil
Spain’s €178 billion tourism industry under threat from beach erosion and Spain to Italy. "The results indicate around 50% of the world's beaches are at risk of severe erosion,” said Dr Michalis Vousdoukas, who led the research. "Half of the world's beaches could disappear by the end of the century under current trends of climate change and sea level rise. The situation can become more critical for small communities reliant on tourism."
Power cut for scooter A MAN who was caught riding a banned electric scooter in Murcia is facing prison. Police caught the man riding on a highway near Cartagena with a friend without a number plate, insurance or a driving licence. All three became mandatory since December 3 to regulate the boom in electric scooters. The scooter caught on the N-332 highway had a 1,400W capacity, with a maximum speed of 25 km/h and with a seat 700m high. The driver has now been charged with a crime against road safety and could face between three to six months in prison and a heavy fine.
Spain's beaches are fundamental to its highly vital tourism industry, which saw visitors spend over €92 billion last year. A mass erosion of its beaches could have serious consequences for an industry which contributes around €180 billion to the economy each year. The Olive Press reported last issue how Storm Gloria destroyed many beaches on the east coast of Spain, last month (left). The worst-hit area was in Castellon, which lost up to 64m of sands, while Oliva, in Valencia, lost up to 50m of sands. Using computer modelling systems, the EC study was able to forecast how the beaches, already having lost ground, would erode further as climate change worsens. In a worse case scenario, areas like Gambia could lose more than 60% while Australia will be hit the hardest, losing up to 12,000km of beach.
VALENCIA’S Oceanographic has become the world’s only aquarium with a pair of ‘pig sharks’ – as the breed is known in Spanish. The fish are so rare that staff don’t know what to feed them.
Picture that PICTOGRAMS have been painted on zebra crossings in the town of Sagunt in a new initiative to help people with learning difficulties, especially autism, better navigate the streets.
For duck’s sake A HUNTER has been fined €720 for shooting a western swamphen – a protected species – after confusing it with a duck in a Valencian lagoon four years ago.
Bank and file BANKIA has launched a float of 12 ‘office-buses’ that serve remote hamlets across Spain – including Valencia – without a bank in their municipality. The buses have cashpoints, a waiting room, and claim to aid 250,000 people in 373 municipalities.
Voted top expat paper in Spain
6
A campaigning, community newspaper, the Olive Press represents the huge expatriate community in Spain with an estimated readership, including the websites, of more than one million people a month.
OPINION The World’s End CORONAVIRUS is the word on everyone’s lips at the moment, no matter where you are. The outbreak started in December but it was not until last week when it hit Italy, that everyone started freaking out. Yes, it’s a lot closer to home and the number of patients are increasing constantly, but people don’t need to stress as much as they are doing. It’s definitely more serious than a simple virus because it’s something new that the World Health Organization (WHO) needs to get its head around, but so far it has only killed 2% of those who have caught it. Those most prone to dying are older and therefore more vulnerable. Could it have been contained better at the start? Of course, but that’s not the average Asian person’s fault and it doesn’t give people the excuse to be racist just because you may think every Asian has the virus or because they should have self-quarantined. Is the world going to survive this? Of course it is, and the mask manufacturing-companies will have made billions in the meantime.
The fight goes on IT’S 2020 and yes women’s rights have come a long way and one could be forgiven for thinking the fight for women’s rights should finally be over. But alas, this is not the case, the fight goes on...let’s look at the facts: In Spain, there have been 1,047 victims of sexist violence since records began in 2003. In 2020, at least 14 women have been killed in gender violence attacks so far. Every four hours there is a report of gender violence in Spain. However, the forthcoming celebration and promotion of International Women’s Day is not only to highlight gender violence but many other aspects such as equal pay and access to jobs and even just the simplicity of being able to leave fear at the front door and enter the outside world carefree, equal and accepted. So we have taken the opportunity to join in the celebrations and to highlight that we are backing the fight for women’s rights and look forward to more positive headlines such as: ‘Spain has no further gender violence attacks in 2020’, ‘Women succeed in fight for equal pay and status’ or ‘International Women’s Day no longer necessary’.
we can do it! A
N equal world is an enabled world. That’s the theme of International Women’s Day 2020. On March 8th the spotlight turns to women who are striving for gender parity in the workplace, in business, on the sports, in culture, and in their communities. IWD started in 1911, so now in a new century and a new decade are we making a difference? At first glance, it’s easy to say yes. There’s something in the air that feels like real change. The #metoo and #timesup mo-
Over a century after International Women’s Day first started, Karen Livermore asks, are things really any better in 2020? vements were a palpable moment where women were not only being heard, but their voices were powerful. They were calling out previously untouchable media giants, companies, politicians and stars. Being male, rich and powerful was suddenly no longer a shield. Out of it
Women on the frontline in Spain
Let’s raise a glass to celebrate International Women’s Day 2020 or, as we say in Spain, Día Internacional de la Mujer. Ten women in Spain from all walks of life share their views and inspirational stories
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Ana Botín, President of the Santander banking group
We needed to change the work culture The first woman to run a major European bank, Ana has been ranked 8th on the Forbes’ list of World’s Most Powerful Women and was also made an honorary dame by Queen Elizabeth II in 2015 for services to the financial industry. Ana is adamant there will be no discrepancy in salaries between male and female staff members taking on equal responsibility in a banking institution that is ranked 16th in the world and has recently introduced a work/life policy “I have spent years as an executive; years in which I have seen enough to know that in general women don’t get a fair deal. In a speech delivered to a room full of men in Bilbao in 2008, I talked about the importance of women acting with more confidence in ourselves and that we needed to change the work culture and in doing so society if we wanted to see advances in the field of equality. “Since then these ideas have been reflected in the equal opportunity policies that we first pushed for in Banesto, then in Santander in the UK and more recently in the Santander group as a whole,”. In that speech I emphasised the benefits of diversity in the company. And with data from different studies, I explained that having more women in managerial positions, apart from being fair, was good for business. Besides talent, women bring skills to business that complement those of men – better interpersonal communication, cooperation, horizontal thinking and a capacity to really listen as well as more empathy and the ability to prioritise.” “Still today, one of the keys to equal opportunities lies in domestic work. For men to increase their share of this responsibility, we need public policies that allow for greater flexibility in the workplace.”
has come a real effort to shift, not only unpalatable men from their positions, but the views they represent, from public acceptance. We may be celebrating the downfall of Harvey Weinstein, and the shaming of Placido Domingo after he admitted he sexually harassed women, but in Saudi Arabia women are still high fiving their right to own a passport without the consent of a male guardian. Gender violence against women is still alarming. Last year was a dark year in Spain with 55 women killed either by partners or ex partners -the highest since 2015. In a disturbing move the Vox party is lobbying for cuts in funding to combat gender violence and a repeal of laws that protect women. Thankfully the government is ignoring these calls from the far right party. So what does IWD mean to me? As I see it, it’s not just about highly priced conference’s lauding business women and telling them how to make more money. That’s not the spirit of IWD. Work is only a part of who we are. Surely we should be joined in a common goal, not asking for special treatment, but equal treatment in every area of life. Supporting each other and celebrating achievements - large and small. No one should feel if they aren’t superwoman, they aren’t worthy. IWD is inclusive. It’s about me, you, your mother, daughter, friend, niece, aunt. It’s not just for high flyers. It’s about the women who encourage other women in all areas of their lives. In the 1980s I worked in a high pressured, hard nosed news room of a national tabloid newspaper in London. The editor was a woman. She was tougher than the men - she had to be. It had been a hard climb to the top for her. She was firm but fair with her team and encouraged female reporters to thrive. She always had time to act as a mentor for all members of her team. Although she was clever, talented and deserved her role, behind her back, the men on the paper sneeringly called her ‘Gladys’ and plotted her downfall on a daily basis. In the end they won. But this feisty woman was not going to let the bastards grind her down, and she went on to create Women In Journalism, a group that provides mentoring, guidance and sponsorship for female journalists. She is still its Honorary President. So this International Women’s Day, wear purple- the colour of the movement with pride. Let’s celebrate us and what we have achieved and what we can continue to achieve. There’s still a lot to do. So who’s with me? Contact us at: newsdesk@theolivepress.es
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Jennifer Cunningham, Jennifer Cunningham Insurances SL
The Spanish regarded me as rather strange! “I went into a man’s world of insurance as one of the first women to do so – and it was not easy to be part of a male dominated industry. I was viewed with suspicion which became worse in Spain. They regarded me as rather strange, they found direct eye contact difficult and then none of the banks took me seriously, which made life hard. I decided long ago to try and ignore the difficulties and just go forward. After 28 years, I am comfortable in my shoes and my business goes from strength to strength. Our predecessors fought for us and opened doors for us. I think as women we don’t always praise ourselves enough. There’s that saying ‘behind every great man is a strong woman’. Well, we don’t want to be strong women standing behind men. We don’t want to be strong women standing in front of men. We want to be strong women standing shoulder to shoulder with men.”
Femke Eliza Utrecht, Head of Marketing, BinckBank part of Saxo Bank
Women don’t want to stand behind men inance is a male dominated industry, but times have “F changed and it’s a much more level playing field now. I have never felt any prejudice. BinckBank is very
inclusive. Women have the same opportunities as men here. My advice to young women wanting to get into finance is be confident and trust your abilities – women are great at investments. “Our predecessors fought for us and opened doors for us. I think as women we don’t always praise ourselves enough. There’s that saying behind every great man is a strong woman. Well, we don’t want to be strong women standing behind men. We don’t want to be strong women standing in front of men. We want to be strong women standing shoulder to shoulder with men.”
Gemma Broad, Telitec Business and Promotions Manager
Working together we can be stronger “I’ve been working in Spain for over 17 years; I’ve been the public face of several companies, and currently with Telitec SL. In my role, I speak to many businesses,and men and women from all walks of life and have found on the whole that many are like me, want to advance, promote and have a great working relationship. However, over the years I have also come across obstacles put in my way by both men and women equally. I have been quite lucky regarding bad experiences in the workplace, but I think that is because in promotion and sales being a girl has helped me. This is one reason why I have organized the International Women’s Day on March the 8th at Altea Golf Club, not only to strengthen relationships between these women, but to show how by working together – men and women – we can be much stronger. See more by viewing the Facebook event ‘International Women’s Day’ hosted by Telitec Communications and Altea Golf Club.
Olive Press online Belinda Beckett, freelance writer and Olive Press columnist
‘Spain’s best English news website’
Show me a woman who doesn’t have balls! “I grew up in 1960s Britain when ‘women’s libbers’ were mocked as bra’burning lesbians who cultivated underarm hair and slept with a copy of Germaine Greer’s The Female Eunuch under their pillow. “Fortunately, journalism offered equal opportunities – female and male reporters alike were sent off to cover football, darts and dustmen’s strikes, although only the women were forced to brave barrages of blue ‘humour’ to get their story. We were expected to be ‘adult’ about wandering hands and ‘show us your tits’ quips but not considered grownup enough to open a bank account without our father’s or husband’s signature! “Thanks to the Sisterhood, we’ve moved on. Harvey Weinstein’s recent conviction is another giant step for womankind on the rocky road to equality and perfect timing for International Women’s Day. As for female eunuchs, there’s no such thing. Show me a woman who doesn’t have balls!”
Maura Hillen, illegal homes campaigner
Strong role models “I think it’s a good idea to celebrate anybody who’s working on behalf of their community, but I understand the need for International Women’s Day,” says the President of AUAN (Abusos Urbanisticos Andalucia No). “I see myself as a leader, but it’s up to other people to decide if I’m inspirational. “There are a lot of women killed in Spain as a result of domestic violence, there’s a certain amount of machismo in the culture. “I think it’s decreasing, but it’s still an issue, and I have seen studies to suggest that young men view themselves as superior to women. “I grew up in a traditional society in Ireland and had strong female role models. “I wouldn’t necessarily classify myself as a femenist, but I am independent and I know my self worth, and would encourage every man, woman and child to do the same.”
Gabriella Chidgey, self-employed businesswoman and hotelier
My advice? Never give up “ I first started developing Romantic Ronda, five luxury holiday apartments and country houses, around 15 years ago. There have been frustrations. The bureaucracy has been a pain, but finding the right people to work with has been a steep learning curve. Would I have faced some of them as a man? I’m not sure.“It is still a macho environment. I experienced a number of architects, lawyers,and builders until finally, I have found people I can trust to get the job done and who work well with women.These were not men that cemented a deal with a drink. They were immediately direct and professional, respected my viewpoint and what I wanted. Several years ago the constructor I worked with ignored me, threw my carefully drawn plans onto the floor of his car, and gave me design ultimatums that suited him.“He was the most successful builder in the region. I knew four women running renovation projects with him, and none chose to use him again. He did not survive the recession. “I don’t want special treatment as a woman, just to have my business acumen acknowledged and my viewpoint respected. It’s got so much better - at least contractors will deal with me now rather than asking when my husband will be there!”
Users
795.3K 1.6 M 2.2 M
ON TOP: Olive Press website traffic for last four weeks
TOP 500 T
HE Olive Press website continues its march across Spain. Our online portal www.theolivepress.es is entering uncharted territory as it soars up to 460th position in Alexa’s official ranking for the country’s top sites. The most trusted English website in Spain, we are also making huge in-roads in both the UK and Ireland, where we also sit comfortably inside the Top 500 sites for each country. We put this down to proper relevant content. Carefully researched and compiled, we stick to our remit of covering the key stories that matter around the peninsula and its islands. We are not interested in Eamonn Holmes’ tax bill, a shooting in a Manila shopping mall and, particularly, the death of the Monkees singer some 12 months late! And nor are the 1.5 million visitors who came to our site in the short month of February. According to Google analytics, they were treated to 2.1 million ‘hits’ (or pages read) on everything from the sustainability of patio heaters in bars to tax increases for British homeowners in Spain, and from the march of the coronavirus to a man who lost his view to a giant pile of rubble. The site has become the only resource expats interested in Spain need to use, not to mention tourists arriving here in their millions each month. Visit www.theolivepress.es and see how much content we have... # and if you’ve got a business just how much exposure we can give you. #
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Here are the top five most read stories on www.theolivepress.es in the past two weeks are: BREAKING: Family isolated for possible coro1- navirus on Spain’s Costa del Sol after returning from Italy trip (70,843 visitors) Four new coronavirus cases confir 2- BREAKING: med on Spain’s Costa del Sol (66,316) REVEALED: A Place in the Sun is filming across locations on Spain’s Costa del Sol and inland 3-these Malaga THIS WEEK (35,995) warning for Spain’s Malaga and Costa Sol as Storm Karine to bring strong winds and 4-delWeather rough seas (26,830) Hundreds of workers sent home on Spain’s del Sol due to possible coronavirus exposure 5-Costa (26,124)
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8 www.theolivepress.es Slither in toxic terrors THE deadly processionary pine caterpillar is arriving early this year thanks to climate change, experts have warned. The prickly fiends, whose hairs prove toxic to dogs and pets, have been encouraged due to a lack of rain and an increase in temperatures. According to the National Association of Environmental Health Companies (Anecpla), it means parks, gardens or forests with pine trees have already witnessed the return of the caterpillars. The group said their arrival is a month ahead of schedule and reiterated the threat they pose to domestic animals. Even the slightest of contact can cause dermatitis, eye damage and strong allergic reactions, including tongue swelling, often resulting in death. The experts have warned citizens to take extra caution when walking their dogs. It comes after two sisters, aged five and 10, had to be treated by emergency paramedics in Ceuta after coming into contact with the pests. Both girls, who had been walking in San Amaro park, became covered in hives and saw their body temperatures soar. Both have now recovered fully. Malaga, Caceres, Alicante and Valencia have all seen the caterpillars, the experts warned. They are particularly dangerous as you do not need to even touch them to be impacted, as when threatened they can shoot their spiky hairs as a defence mechanism. Acting as darts, they carry their toxic allergen and are just as dangerous. Each caterpillar has around 500,000 of the hairs, known as trichomes. In animals, the toxin from the hairs can cause swelling of the mouth, tongue and head and intense itching and over salivation. If they eat a caterpillar, it can cause necrosis of the tongue and throat, causing death.
Four things you should know when setting up a Spanish limited company (SL), write Sun Lawyers
GREEN Driven away MADRID residents are dumping public transport, new data has revealed. From 2004 to 2018, the Capital’s bus, train and metro usage declined by 8%, while the use of private vehicles rose by 5%. The changing habits have been attributed to suburbanization – the process of people moving out of the city centre to live in the suburbs.
March 5th - March 18th 2020
Madrid’s Almendra Central zone, inside the M-30 ring road, lost 4% of its population and more than 12% of employment during the same 15year period. That is according to a mobility survey undertaken in 2018 by the Colegio de Ingenieros de Caminos. The city centre has not emptied, but its population has instead been replaced by tourists and Spaniards who commute further for work.
As in other metropolitan cities, staggering house prices have forced locals to move further out. The Transport Minister, Angel Garrido, said: “We will work to continue promoting a culture of public transport. “The goal is to have one in three trips made on public transport.” There is also a stark gender contrast, as women mostly walk (36%), whereas men mostly drive (44%).
They’re flipping in A MASSIVE influx of dolphins off the Costa Blanca coast could be a hangover from storm Gloria. Fisherman Amadeu Ros believes the sharp rise of visiting bottlenose pods is due to the amount of offshore fish cages broken open during the recent storm. The captain of the Cap Prim Segon boat explained that this has led to thousands of fish swimming into the
Start me up
So, you want to start a business.? Many investors looking to start up will immediately think of a limited company – SL in Spanish – formed via a notarial deed of company incorporation. But for many more, that might be as far as they know. So we’ve compiled four must-know points for any prospective SL owner or director. SLs are not devised for one-man bands The Spanish Hacienda, whilst accepting that an SL is a legitimate form of conducting business, will not accept those that lack an infrastructure to carry out the commercial or professional activity – be that human or material resources, such as staff and office. These companies are described as ‘dummy’ or ‘shell’ companies, and operating through them could be challenged by Hacienda. This is the case too with services where the company could not exist without the founder – think of medical doctors, dentists, singers, elite sportsmen and women etc. SLs cannot be ‘closed down’ I typically hear people talking about ‘closing a company down’ when debts become insurmountable. But a company can only be closed if there are no debts – if there are, the director is obliged to file for bankruptcy, through the courts, within two months after it becomes insolvent. High vs low share capital Unless you are looking to show financial credibility with your potential clients or lenders, shareholders and directors should go for a lower share capital. The lower this figure is the less they will be personally responsible for. But this has downsides too: if a company has a net worth below 50% of the share capital, it is technically insolvent, being a legal ground for forcible wind up. An SL is not a personal piggy bank Company money and personal money are separate, no matter how much we try to try to stretch it – logic and common sense must prevail here. Here are some tips of what is deductible and what not: shopping list (if consumed by the business), clothes (only if they have a logo or anagram of the SL), vehicles and petrol linked to the SL, business meals (up to 1% of the net income of the SL). Not deductible are holidays, new home kitchen, kids schools, etc. Have you got any questions on limited companies? If so, then please do let us know. Sun Lawyers is a Spanish law firm founded in 1985 with more than 30 years experience. Our team of English-speaking Lawyers represent both residents and non-residents of Spain in all aspects of Legal, Fiscal and Property Law. At Sun Lawyers we pride ourselves in giving every client a personal experience however, as a majority of our clients remain in the UK throughout the buying process we have become experts in dealing via email or phone. Contact details: Email: admin@sun-lawyers.com
Storm Gloria may have had at least one positive impact on the Costa Blanca shallow waters off Javea, in particular. “Our seas are full of dorada [gilt-head bream] and corvina [croaker] from these cages, providing an easy catch
for the dolphins,” he said. Javea-based financial advisor Sam Kelly meanwhile, filmed the ‘biggest’ dolphin pod he’d ever seen as they swam around his boat off Javea’s Arenal beach. “I spotted them off my balcony and ran down to the boat, you couldn’t believe it,” Kelly, from Chorus Financial, told the Olive Press. The Cabo San Antonio headland between Javea and Denia is well known as the best place in the Valencian Community to see bottlenose dolphins and fin whales. And according to the tourist arm of the Generalitat Valenciana, each year the sightings are increasing. The bottlenose dolphin can swim in big groups and at 35 km/h – whereas the fin whale is the second-largest species in the world, weighing in at up to 80 tonnes. According to the Foundation for Advice and Action in the Defence of Animals (FAADA), viewers should avoid direct contact with dolphins and avoid feeding them.
LA CULTURA
9
March 5th - March 18th 2020
Los Flintstones
A STUNNING collection of prehistoric carvings have been discovered in Catalunya. Archaeologists came across the 15,000 year old depictions of horses, deer and bulls, as well as a multitude of abstract symbols evidencing the artistry of ancient humans. There are over 100 etchings carved into the soft rock walls of the cave,
Rare collection of cave etchings shed new light on Stone Age Spain
Josep Maria Verges uncovered the art within the Cave of Font Major complex, 90 kilometres from the Catalan capital.
which dates back to the Palaeolithic or Old Stone Age era. A team of archaeologists led by
Incredibly the subterranean system was first discovered in 1853 but it was not until last October that experts were sent in to analyse the etchings. Parts of the three-kilometre complex are open to the public, although no access has been given to the stretch of the cave containing
Exceptional
the carvings. Maria Verges, from the Catalan Institute of Human Palaeoecology has described the find as ‘exceptional’ and compared the cave to a shrine. The carvings are now being studied and recorded using 3-D scanning technology. They are said to be extremely fragile and can be damaged just by being touched, with experts trying to find ways of preserving them. The world-famous cave paintings of Altamira in northern Spain are thought to be up to 20,000 years older.
Palace pride
FRAGILE: 3-D tech used to scan easily-damaged carvings
THE Alhambra Palace has sold 12,590 tickets in the first eight hours of launching a new ticketing system. An incredible 1,200 tickets per hour were sold, with up to ten purchased per person. Costing from €14.85 for a basic ticket, it is expected to lead to more overnight stays in Granada city. The system was introduced after years of complaints over the old system, which lent itself to fraud and
much abuse by both staff members at the palace and local travel agents. The new official site, in English and Spanish, allows visitors to purchase their tickets three months ahead. Soon it will allow visitors to book a year ahead, while some will be made available to be purchased on the day. Visit www.tickets.alhambra-patronato.es
Lights, camera, action
ATTENDANCE at Spanish cinemas has grown by 37% in the last six years. According to a report by the Federacion de Cines de España (Fece), the number of cinema tickets sold since 2013 has grown by 37% to 105 million in 2019. In 2013, in comparison, only 77 million were bought. The figures since then have shown constant growth, with last year having 7.7 million more ticket sales, in comparison to 2018. Europe as a whole sold 1.31 billion cinema tickets, an unprecedented amount for the last two decades. 57.8% of Spanish residents go to the movies at least once a year and each Spaniard visits the cinema on average 2.2 times per year, less than France (3.1), but more than Italy (1.6) and Germany (1.5). Fece also reports a decrease of 9% in ticket prices over the last decade, with an average price of €5.91, €0.08 less than 2018. That’s lower than the EU average of €6.28. The most watched film in Spain last year was The Lion King, with revenues of €37.21 million and 6.39 million tickets sold.
Coronavirus and your finances I’m sure many of you will be aware of the negative effects Coronavirus fears have had on the global investment markets. This is what we call a macroeconomic event. This means it is something that effects the entire global economic system rather than any specific fund or stock. At the end of last week, global markets were down nearly 15% from their recent highs in the space of just over a week. In fact, at the time I’m writing this article, the FTSE 100 is down 10.5% over the last 3 months. What is perhaps reassuring is that our Chorus Balanced portfolio, is down just 0.8% over the same period and is still 9.1% up over the last Panic 12 months.
clients of other firms. The reason for this is that during good markets it is quite easy for clients to not be aware that they are in low quality funds, or paying far too much in charges, but when markets fall the effects of this are magnified. A well-diversified, fairly priced portfolio is designed to weather out the worst of a market fall, so although no advisor can ever guarantee the performance of a portfolio, Chorus can guarantee that you will be in fair priced plan, with the best possible portfolio to get you through volatile markets.
Over the last few days I have personally reached out to all my clients to reassure them selling and explain our approach to such markets. In reality is not the Many of you who have the proven way to deal way to deal monitored your pensions with such market moves or investments over the is to sit tight, ride them with such last few years will recall we circumstances out and put faith in the had similar market action fund managers we use in December 2018. During to manage the risk to the a 2-week period the marbest of their abilities. kets fell more than 10%, and again, our Although portfolio values can and will Chorus portfolios held up very well. fall at certain times, such price moWhat we did see however, was an ves actually present opportunities for influx of enquiries from concerned good fund managers, and whether the
Providing multi-award winning advice for your pensions, investments & tax planning.
By Sam Kelly DipPFS, EFA, BA (Hons). Managing Partner, Chorus Financial effects last from just a few weeks to several months, our experience has shown that panic selling is not the way to deal with such circumstances. If we were inclined to sell funds during a fall, all that does is lock in losses for our clients, leaving the risk of missing any subsequent recovery. History has shown that as long as you are in a good portfolio, regardless of the length and severity of a market fall, we would expect to see a recovery and new highs over time. For new investors, pull-backs like this may present a good opportunity to enter the markets. If you have any concerns about anything discussed in this article, or want advice on a new or existing investment or pension, please contact me direct on +34 664 398 702 or s.kelly@chorusfinancial.es.
Investment contracts are intended as medium to long term investments, and all investments have some level of risk. Figures in our articles are examples of what can be achieved and cannot be guaranteed; the value of your investments can go down as well as up. Fees and charges can vary and will be fully explained to you before any advice can take place. This article should not be considered as investment advice or a recommendation of any particular product.
Chorus Financial is a trading style of Tourbillon Limited, authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Commission (Gibraltar), Licence Number FSC1118B, registered with the UK FCA reference 539348, registered with the Spanish DGS and CNMV Nº Registro Oficial 3214.
965 641 163
www.chorusfinancial.es info@chorusfinancial.es
10
March 5th - March 18th 2020
LA CULTURA
I would not let a dictator dictate my life Ahead of International Women’s Day, Cristina Hodgson sits down with a feisty Franco survivor honoured for her heroics in a fascist, male-dominated world
RESILIENT: Isabel Marquez Fexias Sula
‘T
O tell a woman everything she cannot do, is to tell her what she can’ is a Spanish proverb that perfectly fits Isabel Marquez Fexias Sula. She grew up in Cordoba during the Franco regime when women were treated as second
class citizens. It was unthink- ternational Women’s Day on able for them to have careers March 8, ‘An equal world is - although prostitution was al- an enabled world’ - but only lowed. collectively, with each individBut this determined young ual taking action, is that world woman refused to play by Fran- possible. co’s rules and would not let a The global awareness day first dictator dictate celebrated in her life. Now in 1911 to honher sixties, she Argentina alone, our women’s has just received achievements two awards. One horse trekking in is supported by from the Municover one million Guatemala and people today, no ipal Council of Montilla in Corso in Spain, scuba diving in less doba and one a country that from Mancomu- the Bay Islands recognises the nidad Campina independence of Sur Cordobesa, women. Howevboth given for her role as a pi- er, it wasn’t always this way. oneer in the struggle for gender Isabel railed against the reequality. strictions on women during the Her story perfectly illustrates Franco regime which led her to the theme for this year’s In- emigrate to the UK in the 60s
- an unthinkable act for a teenage girl in those dark days, just 18 with not a word of spoken English and just a few pesetas to her name. Now back in her home town of Montilla on the outskirts of Cordoba, I meet up with Isabel at her country hacienda. A spectacular view embraces our surroundings, rolling hills stretch as far as the eye can see, green and earthen hues blend into one as olive groves and vineyards fuse, intermingling with the azure sky. Isabel is watching me intently, a friendly smile on her face. “Welcome,” she says, gesturing for me to sit. Her tone reflects confidence, assurance and peace and I immediately feel at home. I’m intrigued to hear her story for, there’s no doubt, this is a woman who has overcome many hardships, building inner strength with every challenge she faced. First and foremost, she tells me, she considers herself a ‘person’ first, then a ‘woman’. She has LEADER: Isabel inspired other young women to follow her never allowed herself to be victimised or put off from doing something because of her They were denied many op- stood her distress, but it wasn’t gender. This philosophy, and portunities, especially in the going to stop me from going. her adventurous spirit, enabled workplace where professional I felt so suffocated by the reher to overcome the obstacles careers for women were un- pressed society it was a relief thinkable. Ironically, prostitu- to leave. I did cry for the first placed in her way. During over 40 years of self-ex- tion was permitted. Education month as I missed my family ile in Britain she became a followed very strict rules and but there was no regret in leavsuccessful business woman, we were taught by nuns whose ing. I just remember fitting in running her own Montessori knowledge was rather limited. from the get-go. I didn’t speak school which permitted her to In fact, I ended up explaining a word of English so I took travel all over the world giving basic arithmetic to the nuns language classes and started conferences - something that and my classmates. University working as a cleaner to pay my could never have happened was out of the question for me way. I never felt a foreigner in and women in general.” all my years in Britain. In fact had she remained in Spain. I am almost hypnotised as she “Women were only honoured in I felt I didn’t fit in or belong in their role as wife Spain at that time. ” whisks me back and mother. Had in time with tales stayed in Spain I Montilla is a relatively of her exploits; Worked as an Iwould have been small, inland town. Did you white water rafting in Costa interpreter for expected to mar- perceive any stigma - that ry and then, only people turned their backs Rica, crossing Argentina alone, the BBC covering if my husband let on you or saw you as a me, would I have bad influence for their own horse trekking the Spanish been allowed to daughters? in Guatemala travel, pursue a “No stigma at all. Spain was and scuba divelections career, own prop- ready for change. Women were ing in the Bay erty. Like I’ve starting to mark their place Islands … the said, this was not in society and my decision to stories spill out in an endless stream. Clearly not a woman to the future I wanted and my only leave caused a wave of other young women in town to follow be restrained by society, I’m in- solution was to leave.” my steps. Most of my friends trigued to find out more about the young Isabel, the one who How did your parents react followed suit and flew out to when you told them you the UK shortly after me. I was broke every rule in the book. were leaving? the only one to remain permaHow did you see your future “There were some men who nently in England, however, saw the potential that women but it was encouraging to see in Spain when you left? “I saw no future as a young had, and I was lucky that my a lot of young women breaking girl,” she says bluntly. “The so- father was one of those special the norm and seeking their inciety during Franco’s era was a men. He agreed when I told dependence as well. I would man’s world so that’s why I left. him my thoughts about leav- not let anything stop me, I was Unfortunately, despite many ing, in fact he encouraged me determined. I worked in the advances it is still a man’s soci- and was happy for me to go. My fashion industry, worked as an mother, on the other hand, was interpreter for the BBC covering ety,” she adds. “My home town was too small very unhappy and didn’t take the Spanish elections and set for me. I would have been mis- my departure well. She locked up a successful Montessori erable had I stayed. Let me herself away for a week when school in Wimbledon. explain. During the Franco era I left, refusing to eat, and cried “The only issue I had was when (1939-1975) women in Spain all day. Thankfully, she got over I married, as my then British were second-class citizens. it. And if I’m honest, I under- fiance was protestant and
What’s the history of IWD? International Women’s Day (IWD) has been observed since the early 1900’s - a time of great expansion and turbulence in the industrialized world that saw booming population growth and the rise of radical ideologies.
1908
PIONEERING: New York suffragettes
Great unrest and critical debate was occurring among women. Women’s oppression and inequality was spurring women to become more vocal and active in campaigning for change. 15,000 women marched through New York City demanding shorter hours, better pay and voting rights.
1910 A second International Conference of Working Women was held in Copenhagen. A woman named Clara Zetkin (Leader of the ‘Women’s Office’ for the Social Democratic Party in Germany) tabled the idea of an International Women’s Day every year on the same day in every country.
1911 ADVENTURE: Isabel scuba diving, white water rafting (top left), being awarded for her battle for gender equality (top right) and solo trekking across Argentina (right) LEADER: Clara Zetkin
International Women’s Day was honoured for the first time in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland on March 19. More than one million women and men attended IWD rallies campaigning for women’s rights to work, vote, be trained, to hold public office and end discrimination.
1913
1914
International Women’s Day was transferred to March 8 and this day has remained the global date ever since. In 1914 women across Europe held rallies to campaign against war and to express women’s solidarity. In London there was a march in support of women’s suffrage on March 8. Sylvia Pankhurst was arrested in front of Charing Cross station on her way to speak in Trafalgar Square.
1975 CUFFED: Pankhurst
International Women’s Day was celebrated for the first time by the United Nations. Then in December 1977, the General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming a United Nations Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace to be observed on any day of the year by Member States, in accordance with their historical and national traditions.
1996 The UN adopted an annual theme in 1996 - which was ‘Celebrating the past, Planning for the Future’. This theme was followed in 1997 with ‘Women at the Peace table’, and in 1999 with ‘World Free of Violence Against Women.’
FAMILY: Isabel (left), younger sister Ana (right) and younger brother Paco BONDING: Isabel and daughter Cristina make the International Women’s Day salute marriage in those days had violence taking place. But we to be canonical, that is, per- need to keep focused and conformed under Roman Catholic tinue working hard.” law. None of the priests in town Where would wanted to peryou like to see The process is form the ceremowomen’s posiny.” very slow, but tion in society in five or ten what is clear is years? Your advice for young women “I would like to that we must today? see women po“Aim high and sitioned equally never give up achieve higher, in society NOW, that is the only not in five or ten way we will make our way, be years. Unfortunately, we all recognised and understood. know that it’s still not possible. And it’s especially important Society is taking a long time for society to understand how to realise the value of women hard it is for women, specifi- … how they care for their chilcally now with so much gender dren and how, in most cases,
their careers are put to one side to look after them. However, if women didn’t have children, we would not have this world. Given that simple fact, I don’t know how women are not valued as they should be. Sadly, complete equality cannot be guaranteed in five or even ten years as the process is very slow, but what is clear is that we must never give up.” Today, although ‘retired’, Isabel’s adventures continue in Spain. She has discovered a new ‘career’ through her love for photography and ceramics, specialising in Raku, and her exceptional work is often on display at exhibitions in Cordoba. This is clearly a woman who will never give up.
POWER: UN backs IWD
2000 By the new millennium, International Women’s Day activity around the world had stalled in many countries. The world had moved on and feminism wasn’t a popular topic. International Women’s Day needed re-ignition. There was urgent work to do - battles had not been won and gender parity had still not been achieved.
2001 The global internationalwomensday.com digital hub was launched to re-energize the day as an important platform to celebrate the successful achievements of women and to continue calls for accelerating gender parity. WEBSITE: For IWD
2011 Saw the 100 year centenary of International Women’s Day. Barack Obama proclaimed March 2011 to be ‘Women’s History Month’, calling Americans to mark IWD by reflecting on ‘the extraordinary accomplishments of women’. Hillary Clinton launched the ‘100 Women Initiative: Empowering Women and Girls through International Exchanges’. In the UK celebrity activist Annie Lennox led a march across one of London’s iconic bridges raising awareness in support for global charity Women for Women International.
MARCHING: Annie Lennox in London
HELP: From Hillary
2020 The world has witnessed a significant change in both women’s and society’s thoughts about women’s equality. Many from a younger generation may feel all the battles have been won, while many feminists from the 1970’s know only too well the ingrained complexity of patriarchy. With more women in the boardroom, greater equality in legislative rights, and an increased critical mass of women’s visibility as impressive role models in every aspect of life, one could think that women have gained true equality. The unfortunate fact is that women are still not paid equally to their male counterparts, women still are not present in equal numbers in business or politics, and globally women’s education, health and the violence against them is worse than that of men. We do have female astronauts and prime ministers, women can work and have a family, women have real choices.
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March 5th - March 18th 2020
100 Spanish Icons In the first of a new series we look at the famous names you may have heard of, but probably don’t know the fascinating history behind. And as it’s International Women’s Day, we start with one of Spain’s leading ladies
1. Maria Zambrano
You may have travelled from the Maria Zambrano train station in Malaga without thinking about the woman this bustling station was named after. Here’s what you need to know. Where does she come from? María Zambrano was born April 22 1904 in Velez Malaga and as a teenager discovered a love of philosophy and politics that was to shape her life. What did she do? Unusually for a woman then, she went to Madrid University and after graduating taught philosophy there. She published her first book Horizon of Liberalism in 1931. At the same time she became heavily involved in volatile Spanish politics. What was the political scene then? The country was in turmoil. Maria campaigned for the establishment of the Second Republic - the democatic government that existed in Spain from 1931-39. She turned down an offer to become an MP for the PSOE party. But she sided with the republic when the Civil War broke out in 1936. When Franco established his military dictatorship, she
fled. Good move as she had been openly critical of his regime and of the dictator which was a dangerous move! What next? She wrote many acclaimed books on philosophy and poetry, but led a somewhat sad existence for the next 32 years. Living in Havana, Italy, France and Switzerland, she never settled as nowhere compared to her beloved Spain. But she swore she could not return until Franco died. Did she ever come back? Maria stepped on Spanish soil again in 1983, 42 years after her exile. She was 77 years old. Still a prolific writer, she was named the Favourite Daughter of Andalucia and given an Honorary Doctorate by Malaga University. She also set up the Maria Zambrano Foundation in Velez-Malaga. In 1988 she was the first woman to be awarded the prestigious Cervantes prize for literature. She died in Madrid in 1991, but is buried in Velez-Malaga in the shade of a lemon tree. In 2006 it was decided to name the train station after her.
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Bloomin’ brilliant
CHERRY blossom in Valencia has been named as the most beautiful in all of Spain. Flowering cherry trees in the Vall de Gallinera, between Denia and Alcoi, were ranked as number one by global magazine Conde Nast Traveler. The valley on Spain's Costa Blanca beat Alfarnate, in Malaga, and the celebrated Valle del Jerte in Cáceres, as well as El Hornillo, in Avila, and Valle de las Caderechas, in Burgos. The trees are now all in bloom.
Rock bottom By James Warren
SPAIN’S Government has responded to the agricultural crisis, but insists it is facing an uphill struggle. Thousands of angry farmers across Spain have pushed the issue to the forefront in recent weeks. Those in the agricultural sector have taken to the streets in passionate protests against the continued struggle they face to stay
Sanchez reaches out to angry farmers as agricultural crisis reaches boiling point
afloat. Their fury over rock bottom olive and orange prices has proved a headache to government leaders who in turn face pressure from the European board. In an attempt to prove that the
Step aside sangria
A SPANISH startup has developed a beverage that’s distilled with cannabis. The newly created startup 420 Neo Drinks launched a blue drink based on cane rum infused and flavoured with cannabis. Founders of the company Juan Manuel Caro, Pablo Saura and Raúl Calvo, claim that the idea arose when they saw the great increase that is taking place in the world of cannabis-related products. Saura said: “We wanted a drink to get away from the negative concept that this substance has had until now. The tipple is 37.5% ABV. A 700ml bottle is available for €25 on Amazon.
HELPING HAND: Sanchez (inset) to help farmers
farmers’ voices are being heard, Agriculture Minister Luis Planas issued a statement to update the country on what steps are being taken to ensure that the issue does not continue. The coalition government’s first step is to reform the current Food Chain Law by raising prices ‘at the gate’ and helping manufacturers cover costs of production and staff wages. “The reform will allow agricultural and livestock producers to have a stronger negotiating position, and create greater balance in the food chain,” said Planas. However, the government cannot regulate prices by law, therefore it must only
strongly suggest measures and hope that companies take them onboard. Spanish farmers have been holding nationwide protests in the past few weeks in response to low prices, the threat of fewer subsidies from the European Union’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), and the announced minimum-wage hike. Government officials, including Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, have been heavily negotiating in Brussels this week to fight against the proposed reduction in funding from the CAP. As part of the government’s 2021 to 2027 budget, the CAP will see cuts of up to 14%, putting farmers’ subsidies at risk.
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March 5th - March 18th 2020
FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL
Lifting the Val It’s been dubbed ‘the world’s best ski resort’ and ‘gee, even bigger than Vail’... Jon Clarke (right) takes a trip to Baqueira and the Val d’Aran and finds a lot more than just snow-plough fun
W
E’RE at the top of Baciver ski lift, some 2,610m high in the Pyre-
phone, is my wife having an entirely different day out. While also enjoying the mountains, her relationship with the snow is visual, not tactile, as she hikes just below the snow-line with a friend and a packed lunch at the ready. Not a fan of skiing? No worries, Baqueira Beret is part of Spain’s wonderful Val d’Aran, a totally independent fiefdom of fun and festivities, where there’s more to do than you can shake a ski-pole at. The Pyrenees only East-West facing valley, this impressive mountain redoubt counts 33 towns and villages and even has its own language. Some 3000 local souls speak Aranese, but don’t worry they also speak plenty of English, along-
side the obligatory Catalan ers and sisters, nephews and Spanish. and nieces, explains the reWhat’s more of relevance sort’s marketing chief Pep. to the traveller though is “The Bourbon family were nees. the rich local given the villa There’s a light dusting of culture... and, in 1984 by repowder snow and the kids particularly, the sort chiefs and Where the are itching to go. food. only they can We’re in Baqueira, southern The region’s use it,” he exKing of Spain Europe’s largest ski station, architecture plains. counting 161km of runs over is distinct and chooses to hone The former disfour distinct areas and six the local au- his turns, minus graced PP party soaring peaks. thorities (the treasurer Luis his wife Letizia Barcenas also Some 1,000 metres beAranese have low, at the end of a mobile their own govcoincidentally ernment, it has a villa here. turns out) have done well “But we try to keep that quito maintain the integrity of et,” adds Pep. their villages, which could Described by the Daily Telehave been ruined by modern graph as the ‘perfect ski blocks a la many European resort’ and by the Financial ski resorts. Times as ‘Spain’s true seBut then this is where the cret’, there really is someKing of Spain chooses to thing incedible charming hone his turns, minus his about Baqueira. wife Letizia, who - like mine Local American business- is not a fan of the winter man/writer/estate agent sport. Keith Kirwen arrived as a He has a splendid villa, ap- snowboarder two decades propriately just above the ago and totally agrees. main lift up, and pops up a “I found this small paradise few times during the season by accident and couldn’t bewith friends, as do his broth- lieve it was bigger than Vail, Colorado,” he reveals. Coming from an American, that is something. But the statistics are certainly impressive, even when compared to the best US resorts and those in France or Switzerland. The ski area extends from 1,500m to 2,610m and counts 99 runs and 35 lifts. Opened in the 1960s, it has 161km of marked pistes, seven kilometres of marked off-piste runs and seven kilometres of cross-country runs. It’s laid out in four separate areas; Baqueira, Beret, Boniagua and the recently-opened Baciver, which has created half a dozen new pistes. Due to its north facing aspect and close proximity to the Atlantic, it has some SCENIC: Typical Val d’Aran village and (above) Jon’s kids get set to ski of the best snow in Europe
and, should the snow gods French resistence smuggled not shine, there are 50 20,000 Jews through the snow cannons to help things high mountain passes to along. safety here and en route to We certainly found plenty to Portugal. entertain us; the snow park You really get a feel for this, for the kids with its myriad heading up into the Rio of jumps, being a highlight, Verde mountain pass above as well as the wonderful Eth the wonderful medieval vilCoret run that snaked its way lage of Bagergue, which at through a pine forest. 1419m is the highest in the Classes were easy to arrange valley. through the Era Escola, who This is part of the celebratprovided the wonderful Aly- ed (Grand Route) GR211 cia for the kids, while I even footpath and is a lovely tried a couple of advanced walk, often below the snowsessions with local lad Fran- line, where you should spot cis, who took us off piste eagles, vultures and even, and even taught us a bit of if lucky, one of the brown Aranese. bears reintroduced a few But the key to a successful years back (don’t forget, they family holiday are the nearby hibernate). mountain villages, that each Best of all, when you get offer a cornucoback to the pia of churches village - voted and museums among Spain’s Should the to visit, as well most beautiful snow gods not - there is an inas numerous local restauteresting arteshine, there rants. san museum, a The history of cheese factory are 50 snow the area is fasand shop, and cannons cinating, being four superb a key mountain restaurants, pass used by each with its Repulicans to escape during own specialities. the Spanish Civil War as Other villages of note are well as a later base for the Salardu and Arties, which Maquis (the guerillas who has a river running through continued to fight on against it and a stunning church, Franco well into the 1950s). plus the famous Urtau tapas During World War II, the joint, where punters queue
Let the train take the strain One of the real joys of getting to the Val d’Aran was the train. The high-velocity AVE takes just over four hours to get from Malaga to Lleida, thanks to a recent spur opened around Madrid to the East. The scenery is wonderful as you head through the Sierra Morena, where we spotted deer and wild boar, and later the Zaragoza desert, where we spied fields of saffron and wide expanses of cherry and almond blossom. In Lleida we hired a car for the two-hour drive up to the slopes, which is a wonderful drive into the Pyrenees foothills and made an hour quicker since the five kilometre Vielha tunnel was finished in 2007. Another alternative is to fly to Toulouse, and hire a car, or to drive, which takes around 12 hours.
FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL
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March 5th - March 18th 2020
VARIETY: Local highlights include Arties village. churches, cheese and artisan products
Where to stay
outside before a 7pm opening time and it’s elbow-room at the bar from 7.30pm. The capital of the region is Vielha, a bustling town, with plenty to write home about. Take a stroll around keeping an eye out for the San Miqeue church, which is a 600-year-old gothic gem, known for its 12th century bust of a very haggard-looking Jesus. Take my advice, hire a car and have a really good poke around the valley when you fancy a break from the snow... you never know you might even decide to pop across into France, with Fos, some 25 minutes away! For more information visit www.visitvaldaran.com or www.baqueira.es
For classic village charm stay in Hotel Seixes in Bagergue, the highest village in the Val d’Aran. This great value hotel (left) has wonderful views and best of all has four excellent restaurants within a two minute walk. www.hotelseixes.com For five star luxury, it’s hard to beat Hotel Pleta, which sits at 1700m and counts on its own pool, spa and gourmet restaurant. There is a separate cigar room, a shuttle to the ski lift and easily one of the best breakfasts I have ever eaten. www.lapleta.com Looking for a villa or apartment, the best local company is Feel Free Rentals, which has hundreds to rent from isolated farmhouses to centrally located in the heart of Baqueira. www.feelfreerentals.com.
Buy AND cash in
Looking to enjoy skiing holidays in Spain’s top resort AND make money from an investment there? Specialist real estate company Feel Free has decades working with owners in Baqueira, who both use their properties, as well as rent them out for many weeks during the year. The holiday rental company, based in San Sebastian and the Val d’Aran, locates, manages and rents hundreds of villas and apartments across the two key areas. “We are experts in these types of projects and many of our owners are foreigners, as we speak all the main languages, English in particular,” explains CEO Roberto Jimenez. they have a big range of new-build projects for sale, as well as quite a number of off-plan schemes. Visit www.feelfreerentals.com or call (+34) 943 56 36 54
Where to eat
The real beauty of Baqueira is its proximity to the Val d’Aran and its collection of excellent eateries. Every village has a good choice. Take Bagergue, whose 107 local residents are spoilt with four. The cuisine is a good mix of Spanish and French, plus a few local chestnuts, such as an Olla Aranese, a lovely rich bean and pork stew that warms the cockles after a hard day on the slopes. The cheeses are excellent, as are the lamb chops and steaks. I particularly liked the trio of places I tried in Bagergue, each quite different in style and flavour. At Casa Rosa, I loved the cheese plate as a starter, while the pate and tortilla espanola was delicious. Jardi dels Pomers has a charming garden for spring and summer, while in winter a big log-burner to aid the ambience. Here, definitely have the beef consome, as well as the cep mushroom-filled ravioli with truffles. Meanwhile, Unhola is Basque and you appropriately sit under a large
SERVICE: At Casa Rosa copy of Picasso’s Guernica, chowing down on some excellent crab and wild mushroom crepes, cabone, plus an intriguing wild seabass burger. I would also recommend a trip to Urtau, in Arties, but get there early as you cannot book, if sitting down is essential. If not, you can perch at various tables or at the bar and graze on the dozens of creative tapas, that are remi-
niscent of San Sebastian at its best, if not quite up there for quality. The Vinoteca Eth Cerer, in Unha, is a long-standing favourite for the apres-ski crowd and it is certainly a well-oiled machine, with two great-value set menus (€15 or €18 a head) and a good wine list. Make sure to get there early to have a poke around the village.
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LETTERS
Ramp fail
Olive Press readers react to a new 60-metre-long wheelchair ramp at a school in Andalucia (Donkey wrong, pg 56, Issue 337)
Mallorca Issue 74 OLIVE PRESS MALLORCA
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Bundles in Benahavis
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LEAMING like hills above a white pearl in the Marbella, no wonder, is the Benahavis classic whitecrown jewel of Andalucia’s Grant, Rod with the likes of visitors Stewart and Hugh villages for sons. do contributing Cristiano Ronalso many reato the town Most famously, The village hall coffers. it’s the richest cipality in billionaires is second home to a host of wealthiest the region and the muni- neighbouringwho have bought property per capita second swankiest La Zagaleta, in average income in all Spain Andalucia’s private with Putin pushing €29,000. is reportedlyurbanisation. Vladimir And one - although the Continues
overleaf
February 2020
Westminster vs Wellington
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The British dukes of hazard battling to be Spain’s biggest property moguls
Unlike its well-heeled residents you don’t need deep pockets to enjoy the wealth of natural wonders in Benahavis, writes Joanne Oakley
See p18
Find out on p9
Boffin breakthrough Trashy tourism means exactly that
By Isha Sesay
1
A DAMNING study has found that 50% of the Med’s beach plastic ‘comes from tourists’. The project, by Blueislands, comon pared plastic and other waste three different beaches on eight different islands. litIt found that 80% of beach ‘diter was plastic, with tourism the rectly’ accounting for 50% of plastics. On each island the researchers a looked at a busy tourist beach, less popular locals beach and one almost ‘untouched’. de In Mallorca, Calvia’s Playa Santanyi, near Caragol, Es Tora, and the natural beach of Sa Canova near Arta, were studied. Rubbish, including micro-plastics collected, was and small particles, catalogued and analysed at intervals throughout the year. Other islands in the study included Sicily. Mykonos, Malta, Crete and it is estimated that some 752 million 3.7 plastic particles weighing a total of tons are present in the sea. The vast majority are microplastics of less than in five millimetres in size, as detailed a recent study by the Mediterranean Institute for Advanced Studies. Opinion Page 6
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UCKED Irish Pubdown a side local pub. was always street in Sabinillas, a cosy, However welcoming, McGuinness’ further its stellar FUN IN if unassuming EU. THE SUN: reputation sode of afield, until it For local It is no families And its Channel 4’s Awas launched was relatively surprise into patrons, and McGuinness New Life unknown age of Brits as Manilva get-up-and-go expat in The TV stardom in on the padron officially patrons an epi- Brits in the 12,000-strong Just around spirit of couple Micheal Sun. Micheal in Spain. has the highest And it isn’t and Danielle, the cornerSabinillas, Duquesa and Danielle Duquesa There are percent- from all walks just those municipality. typify the make up 42% is Kinsale in Sabinillas some 4,000 washed port, where and Manilva. up of from restaurant you can Shelton, of Likea newspaper life and occupations BRUNOSof Manilva’s Blighty. Other This localdown with a Guinness. order a population, Manilva’s here!) they settled on the Manilva local, fantastic in the heart favourite (Ed: Some too, as and one first health all have something according expats help the Roman homemade of Most Costa del Sol. recently ITV News have even of the only in these baths around to Dean tourist, pie Duquesa, descended had its moment in common.set parts inhabit Tyler here for Julius British for Brexit politicians fed by thea temperate life 60BC, it seemsCaesar, who either night as in the spotlight San Luis which sits at visited Walking fruits of the beneath the that de Sabinillas the end the coral-white the UK sea. jaw-droppingpeople come left the itself. Jackson, around the yacht-dotted or up on of the mile-long marina of Though mountains, a 74-year-old the hilltop beachfront La lows, the Brits lookout of ish watching them Scotsman, marina I meet and the of Manilva baguette. 180-odd eat crumbs counting expat “It’s a really other nationalities from his the fish in the John well maintained pan flauta, shalcome former business or Spanconsultant port, friendly told the and Olive Press, safe too,” which is the also MÁLAGA Continues CAR RENTAL
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‘Trust women’
By John Culatto
‘WE need to trust women’ was the message from the wife of Chief Minister as she gave an the impassioned speech at Casemates Square. Justine Picardo (above), herself a lawyer, was one of a number of top speakers who spoke in favour of a Yes vote at the March 19 referendum. The marchers walked from the Piazza to Casemates Square brandishing banners and chanting, ‘Home, safe, legal’. “We have the opportunity to vote for something meaningful that will improve the lives of women to come,” said Picardo. “Being pro-choice doesn’t mean we are pro-abortion or anti-life. “It is not something we ever wish to have to choose but it can be a necessity for a number of women who find themselves in unfortunate choices.” “This referendum is about whether we should trust a woman about when to have a baby to choose for herself what to do with her body and her life.”
Extreme
She told the crowds of when she had a miscarriage which could have needed an abortion so as ‘not to risk death’ for herself. Picardo scoped that even in scenarios of rape or casual the sex the Pro-life group would suggest these babies were given for adoption.
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TRAVELLERS from coronavirus risk areas will have a ‘legal duty’ to report to the Gibraltar authorities. A raft of new measures have been brought in to tackle COVID-19 in Gibraltar where the threat level is still ‘low’. A number of possible arrivals from the Far East have been put into self-isolation for 14 days but no case has been reported to date. The government has revealed it is checking people coming to the
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SPOTTED: Medical staff in hazmat
suits have been seen assisting members of the public in Gib A couple of simulations have al- staff are thoroughly prepared ready been held to practice for the the procedure is streamlined, and discovery of a coronavirus case and on ready in case it is ever needed,” the Rock. said the GHA. “Repeat practices ensure that all “The global spread of COVID-19 is “The anti-choice group does being constantly monitored not lawyer. realise the mental and psychologdaughters to have access to safe under continuous review. and is “Women would be accused ical trauma of carrying a baby of medical treatment “The risk to Gibraltar currently renine months only to give it up for claiming false cases of rape in or- medical treatment to have safe mains for der to have an abortion. under any cirlow.” adoption,” she said. cumstances. Minister for Public Health John “How can we as a society believe “No-one has been able to produce “Voting no is telling society that Cortes said everything was being a law only for rape and incest, that it is acceptable to force bewe are not to be trusted by having done to protect the public. pregnancy on women against theira cause they know no such law is free will over our own bodies and “In the meantime, possible.” will? it is always do what is right for ourselves. “We need to be able to trust wom“I don’t understand how any wom- good practice to keep good hand en.” Compassion en has any right to vote against hygiene and use tissues to catch coughs and She said that passing a law just for Picardo concluded that the March this law or how any man has any them away sneezes, and throw incest or rape was a non-starter. as soon as possible,” he 19 referendum was an opportuni- right to vote no. Vote yes because “Such a law would take us to you have empathy,because you added. ty that the other extreme,” continued the modernise people should take to are compassionate, “Anyone travelling outside of Githe the law. because you braltar is asked to pay close at“Gibraltar now can sense her fear, because you tention to the changing situation needs to step can walk in her shoes.” into the 21st Together Gibraltar said she was worldwide, and contact Gibraltar concerned authorities as soon as possible Century,” if she could stop that the ‘social bonds’ they people from voting in are in an at-risk area. continued. “We need to have the referendum. a choice law, not “The referendum is here and we Proud because we are need to vote,” said Marlene Has- “All travellers returning from an pro-abortion but san Nahon. because we are “We need to make people under- at-risk country within two weeks stand what is at stake here. of arriving back in Gibraltar have pro-women. “We want our “We need to trust women, get out a legal duty to report.” and vote for Yes.” For his part, Paul Balban, Minissisters, daughter for Health and Care, said: ters and grand“I Both sides Page 5 am extremely proud of the GHA for their work in preparedness and planning, and I am happy with the progress to date. “It is up to all of us to do everything that we can to protect ourSee page 24 selves and others by keeping our hands clean and fulfilling our duty to report any travel to at-risk areas.” Opinion Page 6 ment.
“They will be contacted by a Public Health professional who will advise on the best way to protect themselves and others.”
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Rock after having been in the hardest hit countries, mainly in the Far East and northern Italy or Iran.
In February, the Government set up the Coronavirus Co-ordinating Group to ramp up its response to the global crisis with the Gibraltar Health Authority. “These active measures include the publication of regulations imposing a legal duty for travellers arriving in Gibraltar within two weeks of travel to an at-risk country to report to authorities on arrival,” said the Gibraltar Govern-
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Vol. 13 Issue 338 www.theolivepress.es March 4th - March 17th, 2020
TRAVEL TROUBLE By Dimitris Kouimtsidis
NERVOUS hoteliers and restaurateurs are bracing themselves for the tating effect coronavirus could devashave on Spain’s tourism industry. They are joined by tourist chiefs who fear a major hit to critical Semana Santa which heralds the start of the holidayweek, season. It comes as Spain has seen its number cases soar to over 150, with the number of in Madrid doubling almost overnight. Data from travel analytics firm Keys shows international flightsForwardfrom the UK and the US were booked most 20% for a five-week perioddown alup until February 23. British Airways, Easyjet, Ryanair and Lufthansa have all started flights within Europe and thosecancelling Some have drastically cut pricesto China. to fill empty seats, with Ryanair in order reducing flights to Italy by 25%. Stocks are plummeting too, with IAG,
LEAVERS: Trio of Brits in Spain
of ‘wonder substance’
ZOOMED IN: Microscope image
Mallorca scientists develop material capable of absorbing microplastics from the sea
BOFFINS in the Balearics have come up with an ingenious invention that can absorb microplastics from the sea. The team at Mallorca University substance filters out pollution (UIB) made the breakthrough while ISLAND REVOLUTION: Hybrid conducting experiments in the lab. water, and could Based on the doctorate of PHD stu- Researcher del Rio had always fo- of contaminated sea pollution, posdent Mateo del Rio, the team discov- cused his doctoral thesis on solving serve to monitor sibly leading to larger scale projects. ered a material that can extract pol- water pollution problems. The young chemist stressed the need lutants from water, including dyes to raise awareness about safeguarding and plastics. Exploitation the environment. Team leader doctor Gemma Turnesa in “You have to locate where the probhopes that it can now be used asthe According to his study, published order to act as soon as magnet to remove pollutants from the ACS Applied Materials & Inter- lems are in respond to natural disaspossible and sea and other bodies of water. faces scientific journal, the material in ters,” he added. The Chemistry Faculty researcher can extract pollutants from water His hybrid substance has a metal-orit was extremely stable, both just ten minutes. added 15:36 (MOF-74) and porous 16/06/2017 chemically and thermally and is easy It can be used to clean small samples ganic structure carbon. to regenerate. There is currently concern much about the overof exploitation natural resources, which has led to a range of measures UK BASED being rolled out across the island. Between Mallorca and Menorca alone,
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Classic Spain
HEAD TO HEAD
ll about
A PEARL BEYOND PRICE
Why is Spain’s second richest town in a rural backwater of Andalucia?
INVESTIGATORS have once again the inspected the pool which took lives of three British holidaymakers in Andalucia on Christmas Eve. alIt comes after a Malaga judge lowed a ‘parallel’ probe be launched by the Diya family into how the pool at the Club La Costa World Resort, Gain Mijas, could have killed dad briel, 52, daughter Comfort, aged nine and son Emmanuel, 16. The site was visited by an engineer, professional diver and an assistant. The experts carried out several tests Jain front of the Diya family lawyer vier Toro. Guests of the hotel remained lounging on sunbeds as the diver entered the water for around half an hour.the He took photos of all areas of pool, focusing on its suction systems and drains. The group then introduced a piece of cloth into the water and analysed how it reacted to the suction system. They then did the same with a swimming cap, similar to that of Comby fort’s, which had been found Guardia Civil officers in the main foldrain of the purification system lowing the tragic incident.
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Your voice in Spain
February 21st - March 5th, 2020 Vol. 3 Issue 74 www.theolivepress.es
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n plan through Inheritance Tax Mitigatio imate Spanish political as a24). EU, essentia sees the Moore Rose Issue pg 4,lly, nt (Victory, investme the safe 7). The pg 325, Issue proud, and (Leave hip dictators they adwhich that and motive, main the was This states, sovereign 28 are There . opposite the is seminars reality sales many their at extolled vertised, and which voluntarily chose to become the including Spain. ut UK, througho UK would r victims Dunne pensione us the d. Steve experts,that associate taxbelieves Spanish Not being going to not I’m a us and so.such Not of prestigio terms. WTO and on word name betterthe fair trusted chapter and page by the scheme. in quoting letters your to invest downed bank weigh establish Hacienthethe withinto Steve looks nd that checked recommelawyers ourI Spanish Whenbut verse, any advannot offer That Trump it did knows. d that he transpire industry da, it later of any specifics and furtherm UK shouldore we s whatsoe EU-free with anver, a trade deal get purpose totax tryingfor istage authorities tax deals to defraud attempt trade led to Trump’sthe been had to know: want all you you tell scheme. thelabels. through Finally, Brent Mahler speaks for US-first have claims, bank’s moreofabout a lot wary actually is of force armed an EUthe UK citizens number a There afcontents contract altering agents, illegal their and ideas are these , However and an ever closer union. with vastly inflated property along signed, being ter am I policy. floated by specific people and not EU s etc. valuation of pro40-plus years at the insidious worried be more of which makes a clear gone into, all That could by the Mail, Telegraph, EEC/EU the against paganda fraud. and ng mis-selli for case What Sun. we Theyears, of course, and,after Times Express, starting aredid some 14 finally, Thank God so an-to the he was why asked was he when say Murdoch returned mind of peace and to see justice done, go into “When Ican of:around g along Somethin have our ti-EU? us still of lines thosethe so that victims, they do what I say: when I go to the EU.” The 10back. No. lives ent! spiran appointm to ask forless, he hadnonethe and a great is thatarticle implicati a good It was on it-raiser for all of us, thank you.
Steve Bicknell, Mallorca
Hotel and restaurant owners watch with fear as the coronavirus tightens its grip on Spain and Europe ahead of Semana Santa
With Semana Santa starting on businesses in Spain are worriedApril 5, about whether one of Spain’s busiest weeks will go ahead as normal. More than a million visitors traditionally descend on Sevilla and Malaga combined during Holy Week. A total of 14% of Spain’s Gross Product comes from tourism, Domestic according to the European Travel Commission. It’s Executive Director Eduardo Santander said: “The impact of the virus the company that owns British on EuVueling and Iberia suffering Airways, ropean tourism will be massive — we’re a drop in talking about big losses.” value of more than 9%, the highest of any But despite the surge company in the Ibex 35. in cases here, the UK authorities has yet to issue The International Air Transport travel Associawarnings to the country, as Spain has tion estimates that the virus outbreak will done with Italy. cost the sector more than €26 billion in The UK Foreign Office 2020. simply insists that travellers should comply with Travel and tourism analyst, Ralph any additer, from GlobalData said: “If the Hollis- tional screening measures put in place by still having the same impact by virus is the Spanish authorities. of April, cancellations could startthe end Meanwhile, football may be the most crease at a rapid rate as consumers to insee page 4 the risk to their health to be greaterdeem than their need for a holiday.” Opinion Page 4
Spirits raised I would like to mention that the main reason that so Rothschild duped bycate us were edu many ofGet dBank is because the scheme was marketed and sold by them as a legit-
PLUS: The opinions of ten leading ladies to celebrate International Women’s Day See special supplied inside 23 A special four-page pullout
March 2020
www.theolivepress.es
WE CAN DO ANYTHING!
Typical Spanish local authority logic! They show no embarrassment. No one is responsible. The pavements are in desperate need of repair, but this is of little matter when we can build a silly ramp. Douglas Ross, Marbella
Just a thought
I’m in the US and have booked for my first trip to Spain for many months. Unless the airline cancels the flights I have no choice but to go or waste my ticket. I definitely have concerns about travel and your reports are helping me to understand this very fluid and constantly changing situation. Please keep reporting on it and let us readers/tourists know if your famous landmarks are being closed. Paris closed the Louvre. I wonder if the authorities in Spain will close La Sagrada Familia, the Prado and/or Guggenheim Museums and the Alhambra Palace? Katherine Wenglikowski, California
Why didn’t they just install a lift for disabled peoplel only. Linda Radmore, Malaga
Public information
Money to burn
There is help for the homeless in Fuengirola, at Lux Mundi Centro Ecumenico (The forgotten, pg 7, Issue 337). The homeless are given clothing, hot meals and help to get medication. Anybody can help there as a volunteer.
Whoever approved this total waste of money should pay for it. Pauline Laverick, Torrevieja
Challenge accepted
It almost makes you want to get a wheelchair just to see if it’s possible to go up it! Lionel Cooper, Cranfield
No laughing matter
This has to be a joke. As a carer of a 220kg man in a wheelchair, this would just about see me in a wheelchair myself! Lola Lopez, Sabinillas
They don’t care
No logic, this is ignorance mixed with arrogance yet again at a Spanish town hall. Arroyo D’Flint, Manchester
Has anything piqued your interest in this week’s Olive Press? Have your say on the matter by emailing letters@ theolivepress.es or message us on at www.facebook.com/OlivePressNewspaper or Twitter @olivepress
Lorna Henry, Marbella
No love lost She’s his mum (Hearing about Hercules, pg 2, Issue 337). However I’m not shedding too many tears. When you read his record and the fact he pulled a loaded gun on the streets of Estepona… His mum needs to understand that the Spanish police don’t mess about when it comes to handling violent disorder, unlike the sadly neutered British cops who have been undermined by the race industry among other things. That card wont work here thank God. Ambrose Boxwell, London
A
N equal world is 1911, so now an enabled world. in a new century and a Over a century This is the theme of we making new decade are International a difference? International after Wo- At men's Day 2020. getting heard, Women’s Day On March say first glance, it’s easy to first 8 the spotlight started, Karen is being taken. and action women is still yes. There’s something turns to woalarming. Last But there is Livermore men throughout in the air that still so far to go. year was a dark feels like real asks, are things 12 months who are striving the world change. The really any celebrating the We may be in Spain with #metoo and better in for gender #timesup 55 women kidownfall of parity in the workplace, 2020? Harvey Weinstein, lled either by partners movements were in a palpable or ex their businesses, shaming of Placido and the partners. The moment where media giants, companies, highest figure in sports, women in culture and politicians and unpalatable men go over his admissionDomin- since 2015. It's were not arts, stars. Benot the only from their of setheir communities. and in heard, but their only being ing male, rich and powerful positions, but the views xually harassed women, but country where these figuThe movement powerful. They voices were was suddenly they represent, in Saudi Arabia res are rising. were calling no longer a started in out from public However, in shield. Out of still high fiving women are a disturbing move previously untouchable it has come a acceptance. their right to real effort to shift, Things own a passport party is lobbying the Vox without the not only affect that matter to and consent for cuts in funding to women, are combat genfinally Gender of a male guardian. violence against Continues overleaf
We needed to change
Women on the frontline in Spain
Let’s raise a glass national Women’s to celebrate InterDay 2020 or, we say in Spain, as Día Internacional la Mujer. Ten de all walks of lifewomen in Spain from share their views inspirational stories and
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that we needed doing so societyto change the work culture and in if we wanted to Ana Botín, the field of equality. see advances in “Since then these President of equal opportunity ideas have been reflected the Santander in the in Banesto, then policies that we first pushed banking group recently in Santander in for the UK and ot only was Ana in the Botín made continued. “In Santander group as a whole,”more dame by Queen that speech I emphasised she Elizabeth II for an honorary nefits of diversity Financial sector services to the the bein the company. from different the first Award in 2015, she was also awarded And with data more women instudies, I explained that having taking the helm for Responsible Capitalism managerial positions, after being fair, Ana, 59, is also the year before. apart from was good for business. a pioneer. The women a major European Besides talent, first woman to run those of bring skills to business that bank, she’s on the Forbes’ men – better interpersonal complement list of World’s been ranked eigth tion, cooperation, men. Within her Most Powerful horizontal thinking communicahas made a point corporation, this financial Wo- city to really listen whizz as well as more and a capaof boosting female ming for 30% empathy and direction, ai- the ability to prioritise.” Botín (they currentlyof its CEOs to be women by 2025 schemehas also introduced a life-work account for 20%). the aim is technical because, ‘one of equality, which Beyond 2025, tunities lies the keys to equalbalance 40% ratio, irrespective means a 60%in opporof gender. She said: “For domestic work.’ In an article she responsibility, men to increase their share in response to published on her LinkedIn we need public of this page for greater policies that allow tials, she wrote,a debate over her feminist credenflexibility in the “I have spent years tive; years in which as an execu- Ana is adamant there will workplace.” I have seen be no salaries that in general women don’t get enough to know taking between male and female discrepancy in speech delivered staff members on a fair deal… In a tion that equal responsibility in a banking in 2008, I talked to a room full of men in instituBilbao Forbes is ranked 16th in the world. about the importance acting with more magazine also of women notes that Botín confidence in ourselves and licy of ‘backing small companies has a poowned by women’. and companies
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1 21/6/19 13:30
OP QUICK Crossword Across 7 Ceded (7) 9 Wear away (5) 10 Creatures (7) 11 Scowl (5) 12 Remove dirt with a broom (5) 14 Cosmetic brand (7) 16 Permanently inactive (7) 18 Aegean island known for its sweet wine (5) 20 Gaiety (5) 22 --- Ffestiniog (7) 24 Form of address for a woman (5) 25 Late (7)
Down 1 Road around an obstruction (6) 2 Dregs (8) 3 Notion (4) 4 Acts (8) 5 Game played on horseback (4) 6 Minute (6) 8 Miller’s nickname (5) 13 Wide view of an extensive area (8)
OP Sudoku
REuse REduce REcycle
Tourism shutdown?
15 Fruit drink (8) 16 Bivouac (6) 17 Forbidden (5) 19 Shallow dish (6) 21 Whirlpool (4) 23 Peak (4)
All solutions are on page 22
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PROPERTY British Boom
March 5th - March 18th 2020 THE number of British buyers in Spain has more than doubled in a year - at least according to one big homebuilder. Taylor Wimpey España has reported a staggering 125% increase in UK nationals buying homes in Spain, as uncertainty around Brexit has finally forced people into action. Brits were the top buyers over the months of December and January, accelerating strongly following the mid-December general election.
With the uncertainty of Brexit over, British buyers are forced into action to beat the transition period deadline
Andalucia meanwhile, was the most popular region registering 19.55% of total sales, according to the official Colegio de Registra-
dores. The second most popular region was Catalunya coming second at 16.41%, while sales are also up for British buyers in Alicante and Mallorca. The Costa del Sol is the most popular area, with almost all British buyers during that period choosing the coast as their favourite place to buy. “The British love of the Costa del Sol dates back decades,” explained Taylor Wimpey España Sales Director, Marc Pritchard. “While the drawn-out Brexit process caused many buyers to pause, they are now pushing ahead with their plans and buying Spanish second homes at an impressive pace.
Constructively eco-friendly SPAIN has shot into the worldwide top ten of countries with the most sustainable buildings. This is the result of a change in mindset over the importance of energy efficiency and sustainability in the real estate industry. As 28% of CO2 emissions are produced by buildings, action to reduce this is essential to comply with environmental requirements.
Obligation
“With a range of styles and price points available, the Costa del Sol is perfectly positioned to meet varying needs as sales pick up speed, during 2020. “It’s that time of year when many British families are planning and looking for-
ward to their summer holidays. “For those buying a holiday home, it’s an incredibly exciting time, with some superb locations offering sun, sand and sporting facilities to suit every taste and budget.”
Better together A BRISTOLIAN delegation has arrived in Alicante this week to copy the design of an apartment block designed to bring young and old generations together. The Plaza de América block in the Costa Blanca city was built in November 2008, with 56 apartments for people aged over 65 and a further 16 apartments for people aged 18-35. The younger homeowners are tasked with carrying out community work in an arrangement that keeps neighbours of different ages in day-to-day contact. The older residents also take care of building maintenance and activities depending on their health and abilities. Alicante’s Councillor for Housing, José Ramón González, said the United Kingdom wants to create its ‘first intergenerational community’ following the Alicante example. “Our building will become a benchmark for social architecture at an international level, and a role model of solidary coexistence between young and old.”
The 25 UK visitors are part of a group of charities and nonprofit organisations interested in how the project works. The timelapse of 10 years since construction means that successes and failures can be easily witnessed. The groups comprise of the Anchor Society organization, with 250 years of support for elderly people in need, as well as All Saints Church Lands Charity, Bristol Together, The Cote Charity and Noma Architects. Tom Blathwayt, the consultant who will develop the project, also attended alongside Bristol and Bath Regional Capital, which in recent years has contributed 38 million pounds to social initiatives. These homes at Plaza de América were distinguished in 2010 with the first prize of the Spanish Association of Public Housing and Land Promoters for the best performance in the field of socio-community intervention. In 2012, the block was a finalist in the World Habitat Awards of the Building and Social Housing Foundation.
“Europe is leading the battle for sustainability,” says Javier Torralba, director of Breeam, a sustainable certification platform in Spain which has just elevated Spain to sixth in the world rankings. This method of evaluation and certification did not land in Spain until 2010. Breeam certification initially focused on housing and didn’t really kick off until 2014 but since then, the increase in certification has grown exponentially across different types of real estate. Torralba added that, ‘sustainability is no longer an option, but an obligation.’ These sustainable developments are not only better for the environment, but are also good for both tenants and the property as the energy saving in a Breeam-certified property is between 30% and 70% and the reduction of water expenditure is approximately 40%. The evolution towards this greener industry can be seen through the growth of the certification platforms that rate the impact of buildings on the ecosystem, such as Leed and Well.
BUSINESS
Health first THE Government has repealed a law allowing businesses to dismiss workers who accumulate too much medical leave. Adhering to a manifesto promise the PSOE government scrapped the law, put in place by the PP in 2012.
Holy heist THE Spanish Catholic Church earned a record €284 million from taxpayers last year, figures show. Some 7.1m people opted to make a contribution on their tax returns, 26,885 more than 2018. The amount earned was a 6.2% increase on the year before and the highest since the tax system was introduced in 2007. The system allows Catholic taxpayers to tick a box which donates 0.7% of their personal income tax (IRPF) to the religious body, at no extra cost. The percentage was previously set at 0.5%.
Air bust
Unfair
“We are repairing an anomaly in which this unfair dismissal does not exist, and that provides legal certainty,” said Labour Minister Yolanda Diaz. “It is not fair to sack people who can medically justify their absence.” The law was introduced despite the European Court of Jus‘Unfair’ sick leave law repealed tice warning Spain that firing employees in boost for workers’ rights on the basis of illness was discriminatory. It aimed to allow great- it helped make Spain It could be argued that er flexibility in the la- a more competitive the law has helped bour market, facilitat- market, but its oppo- to reduce unemploying lower wages and nents believe it eroded ment, as it fell from lowering the dismissal workers’ rights, while 27% in 2013, to 13.8% of workers. promoting job insecu- in the final quarter of Email Antonio at lower aflores@lawbird.com Its supporters argue rity and wages. 2019.
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March 5th - March 18th 2020
by government The current government believes that the rate of unemployment will stabilise at 13.6% in 2020 and fall gradually to 12.3% in 2023.
AIRBUS employees have rejected the company’s plans to cut more than 600 jobs in Spain. A series of walkouts are being planned, while bosses of the aerospace giant have called for unions to attend talks set for this week. Proposals include axing 630 jobs across Madrid, Andalucia and Castille, while Airbus has planned 2,362 job losses across Europe by 2021. No further specifications have been given but it is thought that the plan will affect 332 direct jobs, workshop operators mostly, and 298 indirect jobs. The European manufacturer has not broken down the number of job losses in Spain by department. It has urged unions to enter
negotiations, a proposal that the unions have ‘unanimously’ rejected, according to the UGT union. Unions will not negotiate this adjustment until the end of July, when the legal period of the consultation ends. However, they have said that they do not accept the proposed dismissals because they have not been justified by the company. Airbus employs about 12,600 staff in Spain, of which 7,560 work in the area of Defence and Space. According to the plan, 829 jobs will be lost in Germany, 357 in the UK, 404 in France and 142 in other countries. A number of demonstrations are set to be called in the week before Easter.
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March 5th - March 18th 2020
Big problem ALMOST 25% of people in Spain are overweight, according to a new study. The figures obtained from a study undertaken by the European Association for the Study of Obesity also suggest that by 2030, half of Spain’s population will be overweight. The Spanish government is trying to curb this trend, considering increasing IVA on high calorie products, such as fast foods, pastries and soft-drinks, with the aim of reducing their consumption. According to a report by UNICEF’s Spanish Committee, up to 40% of young people between the ages of eight and 16 are overweight in the Iberian country.
HEALTH What virus?
Too far
A CORONAVIRUS victim in Valen- Local victim he feels cia has revealed he feels ‘f**king ‘brilliant’ while recovering brilliant’ despite having caught the from COVID-19 in Valencia bug. The 31-year-old told his parents Speaking from the La Plana isolathat it just feels like ‘common flu’ tion hospital, in Castellon, where and ‘not to worry’. he must stay for 15 days, he added
Butt out
SPAIN’S ban on smoking in public spaces and workplaces has made a huge dent in tobacco sales in Cordoba. Spain joined its European neighbours in banning smoking in public in 2006, in line with EU regulations. The move was a clear statement of intent to improve the nation’s ever increasing problem with lung and heart disease. Before the ban, 72 million packs of cigarettes were purchased throughout the province, but since then, figures have steadily dropped to bring the 2019 figure down to 31.5 million packs. The numbers were released in a recent report by the Tobacco Market Commission of the Ministry of Finance. In 2007, the figures steadily declined to 66 million, before plummeting to 30.9 million in 2018, the lowest figure on record, with a slight rise to 31.5 million then recorded in 2019.
HEALTH APPOINTMENt
his symptoms were minor and being treated purely with paracetamol. “It’s just like a normal flu and I’m sending a message of tranquility to everyone, because I feel f**king amazing, and please don’t worry,” he wrote in a text message.
Stag do
The Valencia resident had picked up the virus while visiting Milan on a stag do. Tests confirmed he was the first patient to catch the bug in Valencia. A second coronavirus patient, journalist Kike Mateu, 44, added he too felt ‘perfect’. He picked it up while covering Valencia´s football match in Milan against Atalanta. There are now more than 200 confirmed coronavirus cases in Spain.
NEARLY 90% of pregnant women who want to have an abortion have been harassed by anti-abortion groups, according a report. Asociacion de Clinicas Acreditadas para la Interrupcion del Embarazo (ACAI) is an organisation that runs abortion clinics and has released a report stating that 89% of women who have tried to terminate their pregnancies have been pressured by anti-abortion groups. Sonia Lamas, a spokesperson for the organisation described some of the examples of abuse the clinics face: “We reported months ago the harassment we suffered, but the authorities don’t even come to clean the graffiti.” Of that 89%, 67% felt threatened during the medical procedure because of the harassment they had faced previously. Anti-abortion groups such as Hazte Oír, Derecho a Vivir, Más Futuro and Asociación Sifra dedicate a good part of their time and resources to put obstacles up in place for women trying to get an abortion. Examples of that include going to clinics in the mornings and planting themselves there, waiting for women in order to persuade them to change their minds, sometimes by giving them brochures and sometimes even through harassment, by grabbing their arms or calling them ‘murderers’.
By Jeremy Kenton
Women are well informed about the risks of breast and cervical cancer, but men should be checking their own parts too, writes expert osteopath Jeremy Kenton
Check your balls W
ith every woman in the UK more aware than ever of cervical cancer, it is easy for us males to forget that we might have our very own health time bomb waiting to explode. Just think: women check their breasts regularly and cervical smears are recommended to spot early onset of cervical cancer. But what about us males? What do we check, what should we be checking? Well, here is an interesting fact: 2,000 males between the ages of 18 and 40 are diagnosed each year with testicular cancer in England alone. So what are we talking about? Let’s run through a quick Q&A with me as the doctor whispering in your ear. I have a lump, so what? If it’s left unchecked it could spread. One of them is sore and tender when I feel it. Then it’s time to go to your doctor now. I am afraid to go, anyway what’s the worst that could happen? Having one or both testicles removed to stop a further spread or, in the worst cases, even death. Most lumps are benign, but you should still get them checked out. OK, I get the picture, so how do I check them? 1. Feel them regularly so you get to know what the normal testicle feels like – a good idea is to feel them in the bath as they drop with the heat which makes it easier to feel around 2. Support each one to get to know the weight of each testicle, feel each to get to know the size of each ‘ball’ 3. Compare the two for any obvious changes, by rolling each testicle between fingers and thumb feeling each one all around (do not be alarmed by the cord like structure at the back as this is the epididymis which is meant to be there) 4. Feel for lumps, swelling, tenderness, or a change in firmness, anything unusual, dull aches, unusual heaviness, pain or discomfort, enlargement of tissues, collection of fluid etc... 5. Look at them in the mirror, and perhaps get your partner to do it for you as well if you like...health can be fun!!! So I am worried now? DO NOT PANIC. These symptoms don’t always mean you have testicular cancer. But you should see your doctor if you are concerned about your symptoms. Where can I get more information? A really funny but informative read is “One Lump or Two” by Darren Couchman. Darren’s book is an account of his own experiences from spotting the cancer to his treatment and birth of a child afterwards. Also do check out Cancer Research UK. How regularly should I check myself? At least once a month...and don’t forget perhaps you should make the 1st of the month BILLS and BALLS DAY!!!!
30
Health & Beauty
HEALTH
Look better in the buff: Get your sexy back 21 Health & Beauty without giving up everythingdoing you love hard time 30
www.weekender.news
March 5th - March 18th 2020
Own better Medicine Look in the buff: Get your sexy back without giving up everything you love SUFFERERS of muscle strains can face daily challenges in exercising, cleaning the house or just picking up a chair. Physiotherapy can be expensive or time consuming leaving many living with unnecessary burdens. But the pioneering doctors at Clinica Britannia have introduced a treatment that could help using your body’s own incredible ability to heal itself. Platelet-rich plasma therapy (PRP) is a new advancement in orthopedic – or musculoskeletal – medicine that can heal injured rotator cuff tendons, bicep tendons and even labral tears of the hip.
It works by enhancing the ‘growth factor’ in a patient’s own blood. Growth factors can be hormones or proteins that stimulate cellular growth or healing, for example growth factors in blood platelets stimulate the healing of wounds. The PRP process is surprisingly simple: blood is drawn from the patient and processed in an approved medical device, to separate the healing power of platelets from blood plasma. The doctor then takes that concentrated healing platelets of the patient’s own blood and re-introduces it or grafts it into the injured site, which has been identified on MRI and Ultrasound imaging.
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something you can do about it that doesn’t involve giving up carbs and sweets, doing Britishcrunches dentist or Calpe excessive having invasive cosmetic surgery. Fully one-third of Americans opt for minimally invasive fat reduction or body sculpting treatments to look better in the buff, according to a new survey of 500 men and women from Cutera, Inc. And those who exercise regularly DREADED is the dentist – and dreaded still are dental implants. are most likely to have a The popular procedure to turn toothless grin into beaming smile is costly, lengthy body-sculpting treatment, and requires intensive surgery to screw a tooth into your gums. It’s not for thewith
Dr Karan Sud
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22
March 5th - March 18th 2020
GetTING ConnectED By Loraine Gostling
COLUMNISTS
Oh no you’re not! Message in This week, I am removing my Javea Connect hat and becoming a little more fruity with you all! When I say ‘fruity’, I am actually quite fruit specific... a banana, to be exact. Please bear with me as this story will get to the point, but I need to go back in time a little: three years ago to be pretty precise. So, in 2017, a post appeared on the Javea Connect group, asking who might like to get together and form an amateur drama group. The idea at the time was geared toward The Rocky Horror Picture Show, a movie I had only seen once (partially), had not understood what the hell was going on BUT.. I did know how to ‘Timewarp’ from parties back in the 70’s, when I was young and I could dance for more than 10 minutes without having to call an ambulance. Nevertheless, I duly commented on the post that I could ‘do the Timewarp’ and, from then on, my life changed dramatically (s’cuse the pun). From that day on, I never looked back. About 25 people gathered in Javea one Sunday afternoon and it did not take long for many of us to click. Although we had no name at the time, Bananadrama had been born! Three years later, we are not so much a drama group, as a family. People have come and gone, as will always happen, but there is a core team who put their heart and soul into the shows for no financial reward whatsoever. Now, I cannot imagine life without them. The Bananas have already raised around
€9,000 for Cancer Care and Help of Dama and now the latest show Adrian is about to hit Alcalali Broadway next week. Now, I hear you all say ‘Never heard of it’... well no, you probably haven’t. But believe me, it is a very funny script, that revisits your most cherished pantomime stories, except now Pinocchio’s a bratty teenager, Wee Willie Winkle’s in court for disturbing young children and Bo Peep’s just realised that shepherding isn’t her passion in life. So please, if you want a very different night out, do come along and support our bunch of Bananas. And if there is anyone out there who would like to join us in the future, we always need new people. It matters not if you have never set foot on stage before (many of us had not) all you need is a sense of fun, team spirit and can be free most Saturday afternoons. Slip over and see us next week at the Careline Theatre or you can get in touch with the group on Facebook (What’s On With Bananadrama).
Farm Flash
a pot-belly
As miracle pig Rupert falls ill with cystitis, a chance encounter with a vet brings an important message to animal lovers far and wide IT appears the lost pig who turned up at the Easy Horse Rescue Centre last year came with an important message. Rupert the miracle pig, who made frontpage of the Olive Press last August, fell ill with cystitis, and by pure chance his vet has issued a warning for pig owners in all of Spain. Cystitis is common in Rupert’s breed of pig, but it’s been difficult to give him medication as he spits it back out. Injecting such a large pig is another challenge, so we managed to find probably the only farm vet in Alicante to treat him – normally with pigs you have to go Murcia as the Valencian Community has few pig specialists. As this lovely vet came to check on him at 9am she noticed our other pigs: our pot-bellies Isadora, mum Penelope (another mysterious arrival out of nowhere) and her two boys, Leonardo and Leonard. By pure chance she told us that new laws have come in forcing all pot-bellied pig owners to microchip their animals, register them and sterilise them.
By Susan Weeding
The pigs have recently been classed as ‘invasive’ and, as of next year, anyone owning a pot-belly without fulfilling these requirements will have it immediately removed and slaughtered. As of 2022, no one will be able to own, purchase or rehome a pot-belly. The trouble is that, with so few pig specialists in Alicante, most pot-bellied pig owners will have no idea about the new laws. So we are trying to reach as many as possible hoping that, because of Rupert, many pigs could be saved. If anyone wants information or a contact number for the vet, they can contact the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre and we will give you everything you need. On another note, Linda who supplies our catering, donated some scones and donuts for Rupert to put his medication in and hopefully he swallows the lot. He’s had his injections, and will hopefully feel better soon. We’ve been told his life expectancy is about 17 years, and as we believe his first birthday is coming up soon I’m sure he’ll make the papers for a long time yet! For the meantime, we’ve got enough on our hands with the pot-bellies. When the pig vet came the babies started running around everywhere, and one of them even jumped in the fish pond to escape. I thought I was going to have to jump in myself, but thankfully I’ve been spared that column for another week. Contact the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre here: rescue@easyhorsecare.net
OP Puzzle solutions
Quick Crossword
Across: 7 Yielded, 9 Erode, 10 Animals, 11 Frown, 12 Sweep, 14 Yardley, 16 Extinct, 18 Samos, 20 Cheer, 22 Blaenau, 24 Madam, 25 Overdue. Down: 1 Bypass, 2 Sediment, 3 Idea, 4 Performs, 5 Polo, 6 Teensy, 8 Dusty, 13 Panorama, 15 Lemonade, 16 Encamp, 17 Taboo, 19 Saucer, 21 Eddy, 23 Apex.
SUDOKU
Javea Connect admin Loraine Gostling reveals her moonlighting as a pantomime actress as Adrian: A Fairytale of Happing Endings is set to infect the Costa Blanca with laughter
SPORT
23
March 5th - March 18th 2020
For the love of the game EXCLUSIVE By Dimitris Kouimtsidis
FOR many football fans, the team they support means the world to them, but one superfan takes it a step further. British expat, Jan Formella, 44, is a die-hard Tottenham fan, who’s had a season ticket for more than 15 years. When he upped sticks to Alicante five years ago, the Londoner refused to leave his beloved Spurs behind. The father-of-three makes the 1,400km trip from his home in Javea to London’s newly-built Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as often as he can. He claims he’s never sat down and calculated
As Tottenham struggle for form this season, one superfan from Spain is earning his spurs, commuting to London to watch as many matches as he can
the costs of attending a match, but, believes it is somewhere in the region of €500 and €600. “I probably catch around ten home games a season, along with the odd European one away,” he told the Olive Press. To make this possible, he tries to schedule UK busi-
Fair play
ness trips to coincide with midweek fixtures. Formella runs his Surrey-based IT and recruit-
Vroom boom MURCIA is hosting the Spanish motocross championship at the Las Salinas circuit on the weekend of March 21 and 22. This huge event in the Alhama de Murcia municipality attracts visitors from all over Spain and Europe and is part of the Spanish National Championships circuit. Competitions will include MXS18, MX65 and MX35. On Saturday, there will be a qualifying practice session with the main racing falling on Sunday from 10am onwards. The superfinal will take place at 12pm that day.
&
JAN: With pals at Champions League Final in Madrid and (left) former Spurs manager Terry Venables - ‘El Ted’ who lives in Alicante
ment company, Cornucopia IT Resourcing Limited, remotely from Spain. “I fly either the day before or on the morning of the match, either from Valencia or Alicante. “I then get the train to Surrey and go into the office, have my meetings and then head off to meet my mates at the pub for some pre-match beers.” Despite the increasing popularity of resell websites such as Stubhub and Viagogo, Formella refuses to use them to sell his
seat when he’s absent, as he ‘doesn’t want to make a profit out of other fans’. If he can’t attend, he either gives his ticket to a mate, or sells it through the club exchange programme. When asked if he ever saw himself stopping, Formella said: “I say every season is my last one, but it’s an addiction, I can’t stop. “Football is a community thing, that’s why I go back, to meet up with friends and experience it together.”
AHEAD of International Women’s Day, female football players in Spain’s top division have secured a minimum wage deal. The footballers have signed their first collective agreement on pay and conditions, breaking an impasse with sporting authorities, which led to a strike last November. The Association of Women’s Football Clubs (ACFF) and various players’ unions had been locked in talks over the league’s first ever collective bargaining agreement (CBA) for nearly 18 months. This agreement guarantees Primera Division players a minimum salary of €16,000 per year, along with paid holiday and maternity leave. Sports Minister, Irene Lozano said: “This is a historic day because this collective agreement is very important for players who were worried about their futures.” Ruben Alcaine, president of the ACFF, added: “This is a moment to celebrate and now all actors in women’s football need to work together.”
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VALENCIA’S
Ocean-
ographic has become the world’s only aquarium with a pair of ‘pig sharks’ – as the breed is known in Spanish. The sharks are so rare that staff don’t know what to feed them.
have
FINAL WORDS
been painted on zebra crossings in the Valencian town of Sagunt in a new initiative to help people with learning difficulties, especially autism, better navigate the streets.
Duck’s sake A HUNTER has been fined €720 for shooting a western swamphen – a protected species – after confusing it with a duck in a Valencian lagoon four years ago.
Bank and file BANKIA has launched a float of 12 ‘office-buses’ that serve remote hamlets across Spain – including in the Valencian Community – without a bank in their municipality. The buses have cashpoints, a waiting room, and claim to aid 250,000 people in 373 municipalities.
COSTA BLANCA
Your expat
voice in Spain
FREE
Picture that PICTOGRAMS
OLIVE PRESS Dirty cops The
Surf or turf?
Vol. 1 Issue 25 www.theolivepress.es
By Laurence Dollimore
POLICE on Spain’s Costa del Sol don’t have enough money to wash their own vehicles.
March 5th - March 18th, 2020
Penny-pinching police cannot afford to clean their own cars
That’s according to the notice board at Estepona’s Policia Nacional station which said it
Flying off shelves ENTREPRENEURIAL online salesmen are selling a Dean Koontz novel at €50 each amid claims the 1981 book ‘predicted coronavirus’. Andrea, a seller on Spanish online marketplace Wallapop, has listed the novel Los Ojos de la Oscuridad (The Eyes of Darkness) claiming it ‘forewarns’ the global outbreak. The 312-page novel published 39 years ago follows grieving mother
Christina Evans as she realises her son, Danny, has been infected with a man-made bio weapon created in WUHAN, China. “They call the stuff ‘Wuhan-400’ because it was developed at their RDNA labs outside the city and it was the fourth-hundredth viable strain of man-made microorganisms created at the research centre,” a passage in the book reads.
did not have the budget to pay for the essential service. “As of today, February 10, and
until further notice, official vehicles cannot be washed due to a lack of budget,” the notice reads. Miguel Millan, chief of Policia Nacional in Malaga, told El Mundo that Estepona could be the first of many to stop washing their cars. It comes after the Automotive Department received a significant budget cut. “There is no money at all,” he told the respected Spanish paper, “the cars are in an unfortunate hygienic state. “Of course officers clear away their food etc but there is also lots of dust, dirt, glass…many of the vehicles have never seen a vacuum cleaner.” He added that the most worrying aspect is that they are not being disinfected, labelling the situation as ‘outrageous’. He said he would be submitting a request to have the budget restored.
Racked with guilt DEFROSTING meat on the washing line may have seemed a neat idea at the time. But for one apartment owner in northern Spain, the ingenious idea led residents below to panic after seeing ‘drops of blood’ appearing on their patios. When police were called to investigate they eventually found it was coming from a rack of veal ribs drying on a clothes line above. “Blood had begun falling as it thawed out which freaked everyone out,” a spokesman for Pamplona police revealed.