Olive Press Gibraltar - Issue 143 by Olive Press Newspaper Spain

To celebrate International Women’s Day, we hear the inspirational stories from over a dozen expats

International

Women’sDay

The

OLIVE PRESS

FREE

...with an introduction from our British consul in Andalucia, Charmaine Arbouin

GIBRALTAR

Vol. 5 Issue 143

www.theolivepress.es

The Rock’s only free local paper

March 10th - March 23rd 2021

Torn down Owners demolish their own homes to escape massive fines as the Junta finally gets tough on illegal construction

Sisters are doing it

By Dilip Kuner

DANGER: El Palmar Landscape threatened by illegal development and (right) Len and Helen Prior dream home in the sun. Andalucia has had dozens of victims of illegal homes – including expats – who bought their villas in good faith only to see them later flattened by bulldozers. The most famous case involved British couple Helen and Len Prior who bought their villa which had planning permission from their council in Vera (Almeria). It was later deemed illegal and knocked down by the Junta as it was on land zoned as agricultural use only. It took 10 years of court battles before the retired couple finally received €236,000 compensation from Vera council in 2018. With an estimated 300,000 illegal properties in the region, the Junta has in recent years introduced measures to help victims legalise their homes. The majority though have been left in a ‘legal limbo’ with many left unsaleable. At least under new edicts brought in since

the Junta was taken over by the PP in 2019 less problems are being created. Indeed, in 2020 there were 95% more inspections undertaken and 300% more probes into shady developers, with so far €4million in fines levied. One key seaside town that is benefitting is El Palmar, in Cadiz, where fines of more than €600,000 have been slapped on the owners of any plot with a prefabricated house. The area was badly affected when an area of 500 hectares of agricultural land was effectively subdivided into hundreds of plots between 500sqm and 1,000sqm by speculators. A total of 16 cases were launched against people advertising development plots for sale on agricultural land. Most were tracked down via online adverts, many on social media. “It’s great they are finally clamping down and I’m in total agreement,” said local hotel owner James Stuart, from the Califa group in nearby Vejer. “So many houses do not have licences and the area just does not have the right infrastructure to ALL AREAS COVERED support it all.” He added: “Thankfully there are quite a few areas still totally un4G UNLIMITED touched by development.” INTERNET The Junta’s Minister of DevelopIDEAL FOR ment, Marifran Carazo, stressed STREAMING TV she is determined to fight the proliferation of illegal buildings. ALSO IPTV, “What is the point of passing a deSATELLITE TV cree to legalize irregular housing that was in legal limbo for decades tel: (0034) 952 763 840 if we allow these new types of illeinfo@theskydoctor.com gal building in. We are not going to www.theskydoctor.com allow it.”

OWNERS of illegal homes have started to tear them down to try and escape massive fines of over €600,000. It comes after the Junta finally got tough on illegal homes, doubling the number of inspections and tripling its prosecutions against unscrupulous speculators. In a landmark year for the environment, there were double the number of inspections around Andalucia in 2020. Some 1,087 constructions were probed, while 75 investigations were launched into developers looking to cash in from holiday rentals and joint ownership schemes. So sharp was the rise that owners voluntarily knocked down their properties before getting fined in ‘almost all’ of Andalucia’s eight provinces. A number of homes have been voluntarily knocked down in El Palmar, as well as in Oria, Alcolea del Rio, Iznajar and Algatocin, revealed the Junta this week. The move is being seen as vital to stop dodgy developers before they can sell on the properties to unsuspecting people looking for a

...and introducing our new Digital Editor, Fiona Govan, in Madrid

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FRONTLINE female health workers have been singled out for praise during International Women’s Day. The huge army of health and care workers 70% of whom are women - were thanked for their unstinting work during the pandemic in Gibraltar. “It is particularly fitting to pay tribute to the extraordinary work carried out by the hundreds of women in the health and care sectors,” said Minister for Equality Samantha Sacramento. “As a minister I have repeatedly witnessed first-hand the truly incredible efforts of women at the forefront in fighting the coronavirus pandemic.” Hundreds of female doctors, nurses, lab technicians and carers played their part in helping Gibraltar residents during the hardest of times of the pandemic. Meanwhile, a large part of Gibraltar’s successful COVID-19 vaccination programme, known as Operation Freedom, has been due to women. From administrative to logistical and clinical tasks women have been involved at the highest level of the Pfizer vaccine programme. Sacramento also went on to detail the intense midnight strategic meetings that led to pharmacists like Melanie Gordon taking out the precious vials from the freezer at 4.30am. It came as Sandie Garcia, Head of Nursing, was charged with taking charge of the programme on the Rock. Elderly Residential Services Care Manager Susan Vallejo led the vaccination of residents at Gibraltar nursing homes. Primary Care Manager, Rose Suissa, successfully converted the former Primary Care Centre at the ICC into a military precise vaccination area.

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NEWS IN BRIEF Break-in assault A MAN, 33, from Varyl Begg Estate, was arrested for allegedly entering a home in Bow Wave House through a window and attacking its occupant.

Green future A FUTURE Forward Academy will train young people in their 20s who want to help lead Gibraltar to fight climate change and create a more sustainable economy.

Hidden hash TWO 50-year-old men were arrested in Algeciras after police officers found 32 kilos of hashish in a secret compartment in the boot of the car they were driving.

Earth Hour PEOPLE are being encouraged to make videos for Earth Hour 2021 on March 27 speaking about their hopes for a more sustainable Gibraltar in 2030.

Costly oil THE captain of a ship responsible for the oil spill on February 12 has been fined £20,000. Indian national Amish Maini, 43, admitted to being the master of a vessel, the MV Ghent, that spilled oil into the sea and harmed wildlife. The sum will help pay for the clean-up operation that harmed sea life in the Bay of Gibraltar. The 200,000 litre oil spill disrupted the breeding site of a European Protected Species, which was a separate charge. Gibraltar’s port authority, maritime administration and Department of Environment carried out the investigation into the tragedy. With the clean-up now complete, the sentencing brings to a close a PR nightmare for the government. Environmental groups said the spill will have ‘long-term effects’ to the sealife, just as it was beginning to recover. A HOMELESS Brit has been accused of the rape and actual bodily harm of a local woman. Riyen Lea, 33, of no fixed abode, appeared before the Magistrate’s Court to answer to the charges. The incident is alleged to

CRIME

March 10th - March 23rd 2021

Beat the blackmail GETTING a message from an unlikely admirer on social media could lead to a lot more pain than pleasure, police have warned. Known as ‘sextortion’, an anonymous message could lead you to being blackmailed for thousands of pounds. This is the warning of the RGP as part of the Safer Internet Day 2021, which also examined ramsomware.

Beware sextortion scams warn police

Clothes

In sextortion, unwitting victims might be lured into performing sexual acts on their phones. Once these have been recorded by blackmailers, they then threaten to send them to all of their contacts. This blackmail could be never-ending so the best thing is to not go down that path in

Rape charge have occurred in Mid-Harbour Estate on the night of March 6. Royal Gibraltar Police response team officers were on the scene quickly after getting

By John Culatto

the beginning. The RGP have therefore asked social media users not a call for help. They located Lea soon afterwards in Varyl Begg Estate and arrested him. The RGP’s Crime and Protective Services division took over the investigation and charged the accused after extensive enquiries.

to accept friendship requests from complete strangers. “Do not get lured into compromising situations such as removing clothes or performing intimate acts online,” said the RGP spokesperson. “Do not include any sensitive, private or confidential information in your profiles. “If you become a victim of this type of scam, do not respond to the blackmailer’s demands, but report the issue to the relevant social networking site and to the police.”

Street fighting A GANGLAND style battle erupted on a busy Gibraltar street leading to five arrests. According to the Royal Gibraltar Police, people attacked each other with ‘sticks and metal poles’ on Waterport Road in extraordinary scenes. Daniel and Dylon Bates, 19 and 21-years-old respectively, and both of Varyl Begg Estate were charged with violent disorder and carrying an offensive weapon in a public place. Mark Macias, 30, of Laguna Estate was also charged with violent disorder and two counts of carrying an offensive weapon in a public place, Jordan and Bruce Martinez, 34 and 35-yearsold each, of Beach View Terraces and Varyl Begg Estate respectively were both charged with violent disorder, ABH and carrying weapons in a public place.

NEWS

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Start your engines, Spain!

March 10th - March 23rd 2021 CELEBRITIES often snap up homes all over the world, from sprawling mansions in LA to penthouse apartments in Paris. And Blue singer Lee Ryan is no exception, taking to the cover of a magazine to show off his swanky Malaga pad. The ultra-luxe property boasts an outdoor pool and plenty of room for his growing family. The All Rise singer used the cover shoot and home tour as an opportunity to announce that he is expecting a baby girl in June with his girlfriend Verity Paris. It will be the pair’s first child together and Lee’s third time

Supremme de Luxe is making herstory as the first solo queen to host a Drag Race spinoff. The Spanish drag artist, from Madrid, has been crowned as the judge of Drag Race España and will reign over the season 1 panel when the show debuts later this year. Drag Race España is Europe’s third international Drag Race installment, following in the high-heeled footsteps of UK and Holland remakes of the hit drag show. De Luxe, who has built up a loyal following after years stunting pretty in the capital, celebrated her new gig by taking to social media to share the exciting news with fans.

All Rise as a father - the 37-year-old is already dad to daughter Bluebell, 13, who he shares with ex Jessica Keevil, and son Rayn, 12, whose mother is his ex-fiance, Samantha Miller. Speaking to Hello! magazine, the former Strictly Come Dancing star said: “I’m so excited. I love being a dad; there is nothing better than that. It’s the most amazing thing in the world.” Verity, who works as an Ariana Grande tribute singer, later took to social media to thank fans for their support, adding ‘bring on June!’.

Kitty

She told her Twitter followers that she’s ‘glad to be able to’ finally let the kitty out of the bag. A Spanish version of the major drag competition is expected to hit screen later this year, becoming the latest in a long line of international editions of the Emmy-winning global franchise The series also recently expanded to include Canada’s Drag Race (recently renewed for season 2), Drag Race Down Under in New Zealand and Australia, and RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, which is currently airing season 2 on WOW Presents Plus. Last year, production company founders Randy Barbato and Fenton Bailey said there were ‘three or four’ new iterations of the franchises in the works.

Latin lovers?

Spanish duo make waves in America

SPANISH superstar Rosalía turned up the heat with reggaeton star Bad Bunny for a steamy duet on Saturday Night Live. The Latin singers cosied up for an intimate performance of their new song La Noche de Anoche. The saucy performance marked the pair’s first time performing together on the SNL stage and the duo did not dis-

appoint. Rosalia wore a stunning pink silk slip for the occasion while Bad Bunny looked dapper in a white monochromatic look. The duet comes fresh off the back of Bad Bunny’s third LP. El Último Tour del Mundo, which features Rosalia on the title track, became the first-ever entirely Spanish-language album to reach No. 1 on America’s Billboard 200 chart.

Cheaper by the half dozen ‘Spain aficionado’ Hilaria Baldwin is no stranger to causing confusion. Last year the yoga instructor and author set tongues wagging after it emerged her Spanish roots were a work of fiction and she was in fact born Hillary Hayward-Thomas in the US to American parents, not Mallorca as she has always suggested. Now fans are scratching their heads once again following her latest surprise announcement. Hilaria took to Instagram this week to reveal that she and husband Alec Baldwin had welcomed their SIXTH child - just five months after she gave birth to son Edu in September.

The couple, who are also parents to Carmen, seven, Rafael, five, Leonardo, four, and two-year-old Romeo, revealed they had called their newborn daughter Lucia. Hilaria shared the first photos of their adorable daughter on social media, cradling her newest addition while surrounded by her five other children. The pair’s growing family was quickly met with perplexed responses from fans who wondered how Hilaria was able to welcome a sixth baby less than nine months after giving birth. The wellness personality and 30 Rock actor quickly cleared up any confusion, revealing that they had help from a surrogate mother.

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FORLIKSKLAGE Extract from complaint currently being dealt with by Bærum Conciliation Board, case No. F2019-007035 Complainant: Storebrand Bank Asa, Postboks 474, 1327 Lysaker, Org.Nr. 00953299216 Defendant: Morten Narverud. Sist kjente adresse: 807 Atlantic Suites, 118 Gibraltar, Spain The Complainant has filed a complaint against the Defendant with Bærum Conciliation Board with a demand for payment of NOK 42534,58 with the addition of interest at the legal rate and legal costs. The Defendant is ordered to reply to the Conciliation Board in writing by 20.04.2021 stating whether or not the Defendant acknowledges and accepts the Complainant’s claim. If a reply has not been delivered prior to the expiry of the stated time limit, judgement by default can be pronounced on the basis of the Complainant’s representation of the facts of the case. As the Defendant has no known address, service will be executed with authority in the Courts Act Section 181. The complaint and order to reply will be deemed to have been legally served when it has been posted at the legal venue for four weeks. The documents pertaining to the case can be collected from the Conciliation Board’s office at Kjørboveien 33, 1337 Sandvika, Norway. The documents can be sent to a new address supplied by the Defendant if the Defendant so requests.

Sport returns

SPORTS and other group activities will be cautiously reintroduced into Gibraltar’s calendar of activities as the danger of COVID-19 ends. Two public sporting events could now go ahead with spectators present at the end of March. A heavyweight boxing match between Russian Alexander Povetkin and Brit Dillian Whyte will be held on March 27. It will be followed by an international football match between Gibraltar and the Netherlands at the Victoria Stadium. The two events will be carefully monitored to make sure social distancing is kept at all times and infection rates do not go up quickly. Public health authorities believe that by the time they occur the coronavirus will no longer be a threat. “This is our first major step in enjoying ourselves in larger groups,” said Director of Health Sohail Bhatti of the European qualifier.

History, adventure and romance. That’s just the setting.

March 10th - March 23rd 2021

Time to wait

Echo of the bad old days as queues form at the border, but Brexit not to blame

DRIVERS are queuing for 45 minutes to get back into Spain as authorities scramble to ensure COVID safety measures are obeyed. Frustrated motorists have complained of lengthy waits as Spanish border guards bring traffic flow in and out of Gibraltar to a standstill during rush hour to check documents. Visitors — including Spaniards travelling to Gibraltar to work — told the Olive Press they were cooped up in the cars for up to an hour at a time.

Delay

British expat Anna, who works in Gibraltar, told the Olive Press: “Before the pandemic it would take me between 20 and 30 minutes to get out.” The 24-year-old added: “Now during rush hour we face around 45 minutes of queues.” For many, blocking access roads to Gibraltar is an echo of the bad old days when Spanish authorities engineered deliberate delays. The aim was always to show that Spain — which claims

SLOW DOWN: Lengthy waits at the border By Kirsty McKenzie

Gibraltar as its territory — could be cut off at any time. Although the traffic flow has reportedly returned to normal, drivers have raised concerns that the delays are a result of Brexit. These claims however were dismissed by the Gibraltar government which told the Olive Press they had ‘not detected any longer queues than normal because of

Brexit’ but admitted traffic had increased after travel restrictions between La Linea and the Rock were removed. A government spokesman told the Olive Press that there could also be a slowdown in crossings because of restrictions in place to limit the spread of the coronavirus. “As restrictions still apply to enter Spain due to COVID, the Spanish authorities have on occasions had to request further documents from persons,” they said.

Join us for a celebration of history, art, heritage and pageantry in a unique part of the world.

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Votes for Life It’s a knockout A UNIQUE coin will be issued to mark the first world heavyweight fight to be held in Gibraltar. The Rumble on the Rock will see a rematch between Brit Dillian Whyte and Alexander Povetkin on March 27 at the Europa Sports Park. The fight was originally cancelled because Russian boxer Povetkin was recovering from COVID-19. The Europa Sports Park was the location of the Nightingale Facility set up to treat large numbers of pandemic victims. Although it was never used and has since been decommissioned it will now become the setting for this huge sporting event filmed around the world to millions of viewers. The decision to hold the fight in Gibraltar was made because of COVID-19 quar-

antine regulations that would mean holding it in the UK was logistically impossible. Minister for Sports Steven Linares said that the site was designed ‘to host events of this nature’. The commemorative coin being released by the National Mint will be available in both gold and silver as well as in larger quantities in cupronickel.

THE UK government looks set to finally grant expats ‘votes for life’ in future general elections. The news was revealed in last week’s budget, with £2.5 million reserved for funding the change. The move comes after years of campaigning by expat groups around Europe. Under the current regulations, Brits based in Spain are only entitled to vote in domestic elections for up to 15 years after leaving the UK. But if Boris Johnson’s government follows through with its plan and amends the legislation later this year, Britons abroad will be able to vote indefinitely. Promises The 15-year rule was introduced in 2002 following three decades of debate on the issue, and until 2015 the number of overseas voters registered to vote had never exceeded Gibraltar Defence Police chief Rob Allen showed his support for the #ChooseToChallenge gender inequality campaign. Flanked by members of the GDP and the British Forces HQ, he took the opportunity to celebrate women’s

March 10th - March 23rd 2021

Move to re-enfranchise expats

Back to school

A HEADTEACHER has revealed her joy after school restarted in Gibraltar last week while active COVID-19 cases remained low. With most children returning to classrooms on February 22, education bosses have pointed out how well everyone has coped. “The transition from home-learning to learning in the classroom has gone really smoothly,” said the Head Teacher of St Bernard’s Upper Primary School.

Good work

By Laurence Crumbie

35,000. But that shot up to a staggering 264,000 in 2016 because of

Policing inequality achievements within his force. He highlighted it was everyone’s responsibility to challenge inequality in the workplace.

the Brexit referendum and has hovered above 200,000 since then. Successive Conservative governments have been promising to offer votes for life since 2015, but until now efforts to progress the scheme have not made it past the red tape. The latest news has been welcomed by Harry Shindler, a Second World War veteran who lives in Italy and has been campaigning for the rule to be abolished since he was denied from voting in the referendum. “It’s very good news the voting rule is ending,” he said. “We fought to defend our right to vote in WW2 and now we will get to use it. This is an important day for freedom.”

“This is a true reflection of the good work the teachers have done over lockdown – the quality of activities, the interaction with pupils, the communication with parents and family members.” The Department of Education has thanked everyone for their cooperation and is looking forward to calmer times. “It was really wonderful to see the children back at school after such a long period away,” continued the headteacher. “Although there had been an element of apprehension, I was pleasantly surprised with how quickly both staff and pupils soon settled into their daily routine”. Since school restarted there has only been one positive COVID-19 case at Bayside School. It led to 27 pupils going into self-isolation as ongoing testing continues.

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LA CULTURA

NOW ON: New exhibition

Tree total THE long awaited Being with Trees Exhibition is now open to the public until April 30 at the Gustavo Bacarisas Gallery. Boasting 100 works from over 40 artists mainly from a collective called ‘The Arborealists’, it presents trees in a new light. Two Gibraltarian artists are also part of the exhibition, as well as a group known as ‘Urban Contemporaries’. “The show represents their vision and artistic response to trees, highlighting the vital role they can play in our lives,” said a Ministry of Culture spokesperson. “Diverse themes are explored by this group of creatives who express themselves in many varied mediums and styles.” ONE of Gibraltar’s top musicians died recently after a long struggle with health problems. Ernest ‘Tito’ Valerga was a top guitarist that many musicians looked up to and one of the biggest characters on the

March 10th - March 23rd 2021

The winner is…

Spain’s ‘Oscars’ hosted by Antonio Banderas in Malaga

THE GIRLS, a coming of age drama by a first time female feature film director has scooped the best film award in the 2021 Goyas, the Spanish equivalent of the Oscars. Pilar Palomero also won Goyas for best new director and best screenplay for her drama Las Niñas set in a convent school.

The film was also awarded the prize for best cinematography. The film scooped the top prize beating Netflix drama Adú which as the front-runner leading up to the ceremony with 14 nominations although its director Salvador Calvo was awarded the best director trophy. Hosted by Antonio Banderas

and Maria Casado, the Goyas was held at the Teatro del Soho CaixaBank in Malaga. The Girls also beat other film nominees including Ane Is Missing from David Pérez Sañudo, Icíar Bollaín’s La boda de Rosa (Rosa’s Wedding), and The People Upstairs aka Sentimental, from director Cesc Gay. In addition to Bollaín, also in the running in the best director category this year were Juanma Bajo Ulloa, nominated for his horror thriller Baby, and veteran filmmaker Isabel Coixet for It Snows in Benidorm.

Spring into action SPRING is in the air and with it comes creativity, celebrated by the Spring Visual Arts Competition to be held from May 26 to June . The annual art competition is getting the go-ahead now after COVID-19 cases dwindled on the Rock. Paintings, sculpture, photography and video entries will all be vying for the top prizes in these four categories. The top prize is a cool £3,000 which will be presented to the overall winner who receives the Ministry of Culture Award. Two £1,000 prizes will be given for art with a Gibraltar theme and that done by a young artist. The competition is open to Gibraltar residents aged 16-years and over on May 25. Although artists can submit five works, they can only be two per category. The artwork must have not been entered for competition previously unless it was for a Young Artist event. The top three winning entries will become the property of the Ministry of Culture. Entry forms can be collected at all Gibraltar galleries, City Hall and John Mackintosh Hall.

The Gilded Ones

Drama

HOSTS: Antonio Banderas and Maria Casado

Passing away

Rock. Despite featuring in many musical events, he suffered from Hyperacusis

and Tinnitus which made his life all the more difficult. His brother, also a musician, survives him and continues to make music. From everyone at the Olive Press we offer our condolences to family and friends.

Up for best European film at the Goyas were Jan Komasa’s Polish drama Corpus Christi, Viggo Mortensen’s Falling, An Officer and a Spy from Roman Polanski and Florian Zeller’s Brit drama The Father, which won the category. Best Ibero-American film was awarded to Fernando Trueba’s Colombian drama Forgotten We’ll Be, beating out contenders including Chilean documentary The Mole Agent, Guatemalan horror film La Llorona, and Fernando Frias’ Mexican drama I’m No Longer Here, all three of which are on the Oscar shortlist.

by Namina Forna

BOOK REVIEW

A YA fantasy novel set in the world of Otera, a deeply patriarchal society where women are second class citizens, denied education and raised to be good wives and mothers. In their 15th years the girls are subjected to a bloodletting ritual to determine their purity, red is pure and gold is impure. When16year-old Deka’s blood runs gold she is branded a demon and tortured and killed repeatedly, her golden blood giving her the ability to heal and resurrect herself. However, because of her strength and healing powers she, and others of her kind are recruited to the emperor’s guard as elite warriors to fight the monsters threatening the empire. The Gilded ones is both an exciting and engaging fantasy novel, and an examination of the patriarchy with a message of hope and heroism for young women.

OP QUICK Crossword Across 1 Roamed about (6) 5 Mourn (6) 8 Due date (8) 9 Set of clothing (4) 10 Whimsically comical (4) 11 Back in the day (5,3) 12 Gutless (6) 15 Start gently (4,2) 17 Callow (8) 20 Final valedictions, often carved in stone (1,1,2) 21 Options to sell (4) 22 Preachy (8) 23 “What the heck!” (3,3) 24 West is the wrong way for the most sagacious (6)

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2 Nothing special (7) 3 Devout (5) 4 Diurnal (5) 5 Small banger (7) 6 Won’t take no for an answer (7) 7 In competition (5) 13 Affair of the heart (7) 14 “--- it be nice?” (Beach Boys hit) (7) 16 Damages (7) 18 Harbour entrance (5) 19 Fund (5) 20 Piles of straw (5)

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March 2021

enahavis

Selling quality properties in Benahavís for 50 y

EAGLE’S EYE: Benahavis has spectacular views of the coast

Offices at the Puente Romano Hotel & opposite the Tel. (+34) 952 863 750 | info@panorama.e

the Costa lifestyle with benefits You really can have it all in this elite mountain enclave – including free Spanish lessons and the lowest council tax in the country, writes Kirsty McKenzie

UGH Grant has holidayed here; Rod Stewart and Cristiano Ronaldo have also contributed to the town hall coffers; Princess Diana took William and Harry here as boys to hide out from the paparazzi on Lady Annabel Goldsmith’s sprawling estate. Adnan Khashoggi, the Saudi arms dealer and one-time richest man on the planet also had a huge stake in the area now known as La Zagaleta, Spain’s poshest private estate.

The people who have it all recognise a kindred spirit in Benahavis, the pueblo that has it all - Costa del Sol beach views, wild nature on the doorstep, sun, seclusion and sophisticated nightlife in reach. Tucked into the southern slopes of the Serrania de Ronda above Marbella, 20km from town as the Porsche flies, it’s no wonder the hills of Benahavis boast some of the swankiest homes in Continues overleaf

CHARMING: The heart of Benahavis is a popular place to dine

SELLING QUALITY PROPERTIES IN BENAHAVÍS FOR 50 YEARS Tel. (+34) 952 863 750 www.panorama.es Offices at Puente Romano and opposite the Marbella Club hotel Regulated by RICS

2 March 10th - March 23rd 2021

The Voice was forced to wait for his big day

ll about

HE Olive Press revealed exclusively in 2014 that 'People's tenor' Russell Watson was left to wait nervously for 50 minutes when his new bride, Louise Harris, 33, arrived nearly an hour late for his Benahavis wedding. Not one - but two - vintage Rolls Royces failed to arrive at the allotted time to pick up his bride, and she arrived at 1.50pm rather than 1pm. Fortunately for the opera star - who sang just

days before in the Colosseum of Rome with Andrea Bocelli - his bride, 21 years his junior, finally arrived at Benahavis Church in a third Rolls Royce. The 63 guests heard two readings during the 20-minute service and then gave, naturally, a rousing rendition of All things bright and beautiful. He is, after all, the man behind The Voice, the UK's biggest-selling classical album of all time and has sold over seven million albums worldwide. "You could clearBIG DAY: ly hear Russell's Olive voice ringing out Press pic over the assemof Russel bled throng," Watson’s said church warwedding den Bernardo Gallagher. Watson has been a longtime visitor to Benahavis and has occasionally even been coaxed to sing while on a night out in the town (see Dining Room of the Costa later).

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Spain. And COVID has barely put a dent in demand. It is still one of the best performing property markets in Spain, as well as one of the wealthiest per capita. Over 85,000 residents from more than 100 countries of the world have settled here, enjoying panoramic views of Gibraltar, the Mediterranean and North Africa. Yet despite being a playground for the well-heeled, the municipality has the lowest property tax in

the country. Becoming resident Benahavian comes with all kinds of fringe benefits you wouldn’t get anywhere else – including your photograph immortalised for posterity in the town hall records! Registering on the town hall padron gets you free access to language lessons, arts classes and a variety of sports including padel, tennis and basketball. And crime is almost unheard of thanks to the security cameras snapping every car registration that comes through

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Pizzas, Salads, Pasta, Meats and even kebabs Calle Malaga nr. 2, Benahavís, Spain

its pearly gates. lent than the last. And the heavenly parallels More benefits are on their don’t end there. Zigzagging way. The medical centre is up from the set to expand, coast’s sandy as are the beaches along Every twist and transport links a gently winding connecting turn reveals mountain road Benahavis to following the Marbella, and a another Guadalamina new school for gleaming river is like en1,000-plus putering a Garden pils is planned mansion of Eden: every for 2024. Golf twist and turn fanatics will be reveals another gleaming thrilled to hear about the demansion peeping between velopment of a spectacular the foliage, each more opu- 18-hole golf course, which

9 March 10th - March 23rd 2021

will see the famous Marbella Club Golf resort doubling in size. At the heart of the community is the quaint town centre with its retro postcard appeal: sun soaked bars and coffee shops sit alongside bijou art galleries and quotes from Shakespeare, Blake and Sabines resonate in script on the sides of whitewashed buildings. It’s a reflection of this cosmopolitan community who are over 60% foreigners - generations of Brits, Americans, Asians and Europeans adding to the rich heritage of the town. “There’s a place for everyone here and we are proud of that,” says local councillor Scott Marshall whose remit is tourism, immigration, communication and local development. “We have a cultural hub here which has its own library and seminar room that can be used for meetings and lessons and upstairs we have photographs of everyone who has lived here over the years. There’s a real sense of community. Families look out for each other.” Scott’s family is one of the best known in the area through his artist father. One of the very first expats to settle here after emigrating from Scotland more than 50 years ago, David Marshall helped to develop the town centre, setting up an art gallery for his famous sculptures that have adorned many a mansion around Spain since the 1970s.

POWERPLAYERS: The Goldsmith clan (top Ben and Zac) and (above left) Cristiano Ronaldo took a holiday last summer and (above) Sir James and his former guest Lady Diana

“When my father first arrived Babel of languages ringing there was almost nothing out across the square, popuhere. But it has really flou- lar with families late into the rished thanks to his hard evenings. work.” Follow the smell of tapas and Scott’s knowledge of property enjoy food at popular haunts in the area is equally unmat- like Bodeguita El Chico, La ched. Born and raised in Be- Escalera and Los Abanicos. nahavis, only leaving it once Or for those missing Britain? for a year, he launched his “You can’t beat the burgers real estate business, Proper- at Legends,” grins Scott. tieSpain, in 2009. Walking off the calories isn’t “It was only exactly a proafter spenblem, with paThere has ding a year in del courts and Aberdeen that football pitches been huge I realised what free for resia great quality dents. Golf is investment of life we have also big here, made on sports here,” he exas is hiking into plains. “So I the mountains facilities came straight from town along back out.” the well-sig“People always talk about nposted trails. Marbella and Estepona, but “There has been huge investI think Benahavis is the real ment in sports facilities and hidden gem of the coast,” he miles of walking and cycle says. tracks,” says Scott. “It’s rea“The town hall is the weal- lly a great place if you like to thiest per inhabitant in the keep fit, particularly when the whole of Spain, which means sun is shining.” there are all sorts of subsi- And it almost always is - the dies here that just don’t exist Costa del Sol sees an averaanywhere else. ge 320 days of sunshine a Year-round, the town’s year, making it an obvious alleyways, restaurants, es- place to settle, especially for presso bars and baroque those fed up with lockdown in courtyards planted with co- Britain. lourful flowers are always “We’re seeing a lot of peobuzzing and you can catch a ple looking for more outdoor space than ever before,” says Scott. “People are really keen to have as much space as possible and are turning away from flats to bigger properties.” Nor should Brexit put British buyers off, Scott believes. “We have lots of ‘floating residents’ here, many of whom are from non-EU countries, so we are very familiar with the process of helping people settle in from outside the EU. “The town hall is definitely here to help. “I don’t see Brexit or COVID changing people’s mind about Benahavis. We don’t see big price swings, rather a slow, steady increase, year after year,” Scott adds. “It never goes out of fashion!”

ll about

March 10th - March 23rd 2021

B enahavis

Presidential perfect PALACE: The €20m mansion linked to Putin and (left) visitors Hugh Grant and Rod Stewart

‘

SECRETIVE’, ‘exclusive’ and ‘elite’ – words that perfectly describe La Zagaleta, said to be Europe’s most expensive residential estate and country club. It is home to some of the world’s richest businessmen, oligarchs and celebrities, up in the hills above Benahavis and with all-encompassing views along the Costa del Sol and out to Gibraltar and Africa. Surrounded by rumours and jealousy – and one of the world’s slickest security operations – Zagaleta has the mysterious allure of a place that is both known, yet completely unknown. The longest-running rumour (rumbling around for nearly eight years since it was first reported by the Olive Press) is that Russian president Vladimir Putin owns a €20 million palace within its borders. The soaring mansion, sitting atop its very own peak, counts on three underground floors, a garage for dozens of cars and a 200m shooting range, revealed Olive Press sources. It also has a wine cellar, with its own separate champagne section, and the highest security of any of the houses in the estate. “Zagaleta already has the best security in Spain but when there’s a certain person at home, you can’t believe how tight things get and it has its own security within security,” explains one. The property was later revealed to be owned by a group of six incredibly wealthy men, with Putin a firm favourite to be the biggest player. Unofficially the world’s richest man, he certainly owns many properties outside Russia and, according to official travel doc-

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Swimming in riches and swirling with rumours, it’s easy to see how Zagaleta is known as ‘Europe’s most exclusive development’ with allegedly Putin as an owner uments, he was a long time mayor of Moscow as well as visitor to the Costa del Sol on Orange Telecom founder Hans dozens of occasions before Snook, ex CEO of Starwood becoming presiHotels Jurgen dent. Bartels and Lord What is for sure Stanley Fink, though is that It already has the the former Conthis 2,200-acre best security in servative Party enclave is extreasurer. Spain but when And let’s not foractly the kind of place one could get Athina OnasPutin comes it imagine a Russis, whose famigoes haywire sian president ly have a home residing. on the borders, Flying in by heas well as Hugh licopter, before taking a dip in Grant, Cristian Ronaldo and their infinity pools and then Rod Stewart, who have either banging off a few rounds of golf owned, rented or visited in the (or guns). leafy enclave. They include a range of secre- The villas vary dramatically, tive figures, such as the former from elegant Moorish designs

with sea views to new modern builds surrounded by forest, each complete with pools, gyms and jacuzzis. But the best views are found at the estate’s helipad, which allows those with the deepest pockets to land at Malaga airport in their private jet, hop on a helicopter and 10 minutes later they are sipping a cocktail by their pool. And Zagaleta certainly provides the security required to relax and unwind, with armed guards and pack dogs constantly patrolling on and off road. Every property is also directly linked to central security, meaning touching a panic button delivers the weight of Za-

galeta’s forces to your doorstep its current owners – a Spanish/ within seconds. Swiss consortium – in the mid And it wouldn’t be the Costa del 1980s. Sol without a stunning, top-of- The development officially bethe-range golf course. Well, Za- gan being marketed in 1991 galeta has two. And there is no and has been regarded as problem getting a tee time, as the height of luxury living ever long as you have a home there, since. that is. Currently around 30% of resiThe clubhouse dents are Britwas originally ish, 30% Gerthe home of man, 15% ScanAfter his fall disgraced fordinavian and mer billionaire from Grace for 10% Russian. businessman So far neararms dealing, Adnan Khashogly 300 or so gi, and he clearly homes have the estate was had an eye for a been built, but confiscated good view. there is room for The entrance is more than 400, studded with his with a new, final hunting trophies – stag heads zone soon to be zoned at the – and the communal areas are back, below the Ronda road. elegantly furnished. With plots starting at around After his fall from grace for arms €3m alone, don’t expect to find dealing, the estate was confis- anything for sale for less than cated and then purchased by €10m.

Golfing hotspot

THE gently sloping foothills of the Serrania de Ronda and glistening sea views make Benahavis the ideal location for a round of golf - as nine stunning courses can testify. With more than 320 sunny days per year, golf is played in all seasons, and more often than not in polo shirt and shorts. Clubs such as Los Flamingos, Atalaya and La Quinta boast more than 18 holes. While the village itself is now home to its own driving range and hosts regular tournaments on its courses. The spectacular courses were designed by renowned golf architects such as Robert Trent Jones and golfing legends including Seve Ballesteros and Jack Nicklaus. In 1991, the Benahavis Golf Club was founded, aiming to get residents playing at their local course for a reasonable price, even the luxurious fairways in La Zagaleta.

A special four-page pullout www.theolivepress.es

March 2021

GENERATIONS: The many faces of solidarity on International Women’s Day in Spain

One in five Spanish women gave up work due to the COVID crisis, while they are also poorer and harder working than men, writes OP Digital Editor Fiona Govan

N previous years March 8 was a day when I would meet up with a group of friends and we would hit the streets of Madrid joining tens of thousands of others to mark International Women’s Day. We would don purple items of clothing and join in the protests that attracted people from all walks of life and across the generations – both men and women, boys and girls. There was a carnival atmosphere as people of all ages, from grandparents to toddlers hoisted on shoulders, came to-

gether in a sea of purple brandishing signs with powerful slogans to show that modern Spain means equal opportunities, whatever gender you are. But the demonstrations also underlined how much there was still to do; women may now be fully accepted in the workplace but they are still penalised by a gender pay gap, which is not improving fast enough. Meanwhile violence against women is still recognised as a major problem in Spain and we are currently witnessing the

The faces onthestreet

A SMALL village in deep inland Malaga has enlisted the skills of two local artists to transform two whitewashed walls into a tribute to rural women across the ages. In a project entitled ‘Saucedeñas’, Ronda photographer Ana Becerra and artist Selector Marx have taken to Villanueva del Rosario. Residents awoke last week to large scale black and white collages of images of local rural women emblazoned on walls of municipal buildings. “The women are entrepreneurs, who cultivated creativity or who had a history of self-improvement” said Becerra.

Long way to go

rise of the country’s political far right and with it a denial of gender inequalities. This year with Spain still in the grip of the pandemic, there are no mass protests with authorities banning gatherings to avoid potential super-spreader events, but the health crisis has highlighted and even compounded some of the inequalities in society. Working from home has seen a steep rise in mental health issues with women bearing the brunt of the burden of childcare and housework as they try to balance work life with home-schooling and care for their elderly relatives. When Spain went into lockdown a year ago, gender violence soared with the authorities reporting an 18% rise in calls during the first fortnight alone. A survey conducted by DYM in the run up to Women’s Day this year revealed that 7% of

tions remains around a third of that of men with the numbers dropping even further as careers progress. Spain’s female executives earn 15.1 percent less than their male counterparts, although this is just below the EU average salary gap of 16 percent according to the latest EU data from 2017. women had suffered physical This inequality is highlighted or psychological abuse from in the statement issued by men during 2020. Spain’s government on March And most alarmingly of all, 8: “Women in Spain work according to more than men the latest data, today, but they women made are poorer.” Women up 93% of thoOf course there represent 47% are still reasons se who gave up employment to be positive of elected during 2020 in and to celebrate Spain... citing MPs, a bigger just how far wocaring for mimen have come proportion nors, elderly or in Spain. sick relatives as Spain may not than Sweden the main reahave had a sons. female prime That is one in five women, ac- minister but it has the largest cording to a survey by online share of women in any Eurocommunity MalasMadres. pean legislature with women During the second quarter of representing 47% of elected last year, a period that coin- MPs, a bigger proportion of cided with Spain’s strict loc- female lawmakers than even kdown 61,000 women gave Sweden. up their jobs to care for others More than half of Pedro Sancompared to just 6,500 men. chez’s cabinet comprises woAnd when it comes to the wor- men – each one impressively kplace itself, the proportion of qualified for their role – with women in managerial posi- women holding key ministerial positions including Foreign Minister and Health Minister. We’ve come a long way since the end of the dictatorship when a woman had to have her father’s or husband’s permission to travel and couldn’t open a bank account. But there’s no room for complacency, we still have a long long way to go.

Importantday Charmaine Arbouin, British Consul for Andalusia, Canary Islands, Ceuta & Melilla. Based in Malaga she covers the region of Spain that has the largest concentration of British residents “International Women’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women - both past and present; those who have shaped and transformed our world, whether that be politically or in the fields of science and culture. But it’s also a moment to reflect on what still needs to be done and that’s why this year’s theme of Choose to Challenge matters. We must all choose to call out bias and inequality, so that we have even more great female achievers to celebrate in the future.”

March 2020

HoW Women work

HERE are many unsung heroines on the Costa del Sol who have experienced an extraordinary year. Everything changed when Spain implemented a draconian lockdown for its residents. Today we step inside the lives of some of the women who lived and breathed it to find out how they have coped with the last 12 months and how dealing with COVID here has impacted them. Melissa Vaughn, for example, lost her cleaning work when lockdown struck. With suddenly a lot of time on her hands, she started reading stories on Facebook at 4pm to cheer up friends and family, and to distract herself from a ‘terrifying time’. But then she had a brainwave: A couple of months earlier, Melissa had recorded a voiceover for a video promotion for her local choir and a jingle for a radio station. She had received fantastic feedback, so with no job and unsure of what to do, she decided to try to use her voice to generate an income. The Casares resident registered on an online platform where she could apply or be recruited for voiceover work and she now has more than 80 five-star reviews from clients who have used her for anything from podcast introductions and jingles to radio

INSPIRATION: Singer Melissa Vaughn (top) and (below) Natalia Edelmann

How has COVID-19 affected the lives of women on the Costa del Sol? Helen Barklam had a chat with six expats to find out

and TV adverts. She has even gone on to help create a children’s musical e-book called The Nature of Me, in which she narrates poems from Spanish-based poet Jaany. “2020 has turned out to be the best year of my life. I have never done voiceover before and now I have a brand new career. This would never have happened without the lockdown,” she explains. Another expat who had to make drastic changes was Dixie Mitchell, who has run estate agency IPP Spain in Fuengirola for nearly 20 years. When lockdown began, Dixie knew she had to make changes to be able to stay afloat. A large proportion of her business of sales and rentals was from British, Belgian, German and Scandinavian clients, many of whom had fled back to their home countries. While March was usually the start of her busiest time of year, all of a sudden she had nothing. They needed to urgently adapt. “But what we suddenly saw

was the number of enquiries cancelled from the lockdown. going through the roof. Peo- She lost both of her businessple were sitting at home and es and - alongside her partner contemplating life. They were Ollie, who was also a hugely starting to realise what their popular Robbie Williams tribpriorities were and that per- ute act - they had to downsize haps it was time to start ful- from a wonderful villa in the filling their dreams of a holi- Mijas hills twice to be able to day home abroad. make ends meet. “Others had started to realise But, when you speak to Lucy, that they could work from any- you don’t hear any of the where in the world, so why not stress and worry that she has work from Spain in the sun- obviously been through. But shine. Some of the conversa- this positive, inspiring woman tions we have had with clients had an idea. have been extraordinary. “When lockdown happened “We started doing online calls we thought it would be fun to with property developers and do an online concert to help clients to bring the new proj- keep people’s spirits up and ects to life. The great thing entertain each other. about new devel“Within an opments is that hour of doing there is nothing radio interWhen you have aview, for clients to see we had as it is either a thousands of a family and plot of land or a requests to are struck by building site. As join Rock the long as they were Lockdown. At adversity you happy with the loits peak there cation, then there were 875,000 find a way was no reason people in the why they couldn’t group, it was buy from the call. incredible. “We would also get our prop- “While it wasn’t an income erty owners to do video tours generator, it helped give me a with clients. It worked really purpose during an incredibly well and it has changed the difficult time. way we do things.” “Sure we may have had to Dixie didn’t let COVID beat give up our dream home and her. She has gone on to use it has been tough, but, lookthe crisis to launch a new ing back, creating Rock the luxury property brand called Lockdown has helped us to Mitchell’s Prestige Proper- create a new line of work. ties. “We were able to give a plat“2020 was a big learn- form to artists we would never ing curve, but we have got have known. As a result, one through some very tough was offered a recording contimes and things are set to extract and another secured plode in 2021,” she believes. work on a cruise ship. Lucy Pardoe meanwhile, was “As well as our own gigs, we a singer and wedding hair are now working with other and make-up artist, who saw artists and helping them to all her events and weddings get their voices heard. We

Cristina Hodgson, Olive Press reporter and former international runner

Kate Langshaw Olive Press tech guru

hey say that a challenged T world is an alert world, appropriately, this years’

International Women’s Day 2021 theme is ‘Choose to challenge.’ Yet sometimes, without choosing, without even realising, we really can challenge. As a former international runner Cristina Hodgson , based near Cordoba, comprehends what ‘challenge’ means more than most. “Automatically, I always associated it with a physically demanding test,” she said. “But ironically one race will always stand out in my mind as one of my most ‘challenging’ but not for the physical toll undertaken.” It was New Years eve, 1998, and Cristina had signed up to run an important open race in a town near where

have tours planned. I have just had my first hair and make-up booking for a wedding. Things are looking up.” Lucy Reed, from San Pedro, is a mum of four and was working in commission only sales when the pandemic took hold. “We had just come out of our quiet period at work and the busy season was about to start when COVID and lockdown happened. “I had three teenage boys home-schooling. One was going for his GCSEs and one was doing his finals to get him into University. My husband was also working from home. “I had no idea when my office would open again and what to do with myself, so I turned to what was normally my passion project – art. “With bodies everywhere, I made the dining room table my studio. Trying to juggle large wet artworks and mealtimes was an art in itself! “It was a fantastic distraction and there was a lot of interest through a Facebook page I set up, but people’s financial circumstances due to COVID meant buying art was not a priority. “So I turned to my old profession as a graphic designer and worked on some freelance projects and continued with my art on the side. “When you have a family and you are struck by adversity, you have to find a way. And

she lived. She won the race and was given a small, cheap-looking medal to congratulate her win and watched in horror as the male winner walked off with an enormous trophy, a huge leg of jamon Iberico, a box of wine and a wad of cash. “I was appalled to say the least,” she recalls. “I kicked up a right fuss.” The following year Cristina returned to race. “I had my motives and it certainly wasn’t for a leg of jamon,” she said, “That year I walked away with a trophy, a leg of ham, a box of wine, money but most importantly on equal terms. “I never asked for more, just the same. I didn’t choose to challenge, but I’m glad I did.”

that was what I did. Although we are far from out of the pandemic, things have calmed and I can stop and reflect on what we have all been through in the last year, and how lucky we are.” Natalia Edelmann, from Casares, is an online entrepreneur and business coach so didn’t see an immediate change in her work circumstances when lockdown started. Now, she believes this whole experience has made her stronger and more resilient. “The biggest impact for me was my social world and physical health. Suddenly Zoom became the go-to, but that meant I was sitting for long hours at my desk, more than I would usually.

Christine Hartfield, Silver medalist at the Andalucian Dressage Championships

Most of you readers might not recognise her name. But for six years Kate Langshaw has been ‘skulking under the bonnet’ of the OP engine and making sure the website keeps ticking. Before moving to the Costa Blanca eight years ago, Kate studied for her degree in computer software engineering back home in England. “There weren’t many women on the course and at some points I was the only one in the class. “From there I set up my own website design and development company, working from home and taking on new clients.” She also spent 15 years playing semi-professional poker alongside her web busines, getting sponsored to play tournaments all around the world. “You really do learn to have your wits about you and you meet many characters along the way,” she said. “Being a woman in poker definitely had its advantages and disadvantages.” She also trained weekly at a Thai Boxing gym, believing it was a great way to build confidence and power. “I always thought it was important to be able to defend yourself if ever needed,” she said. Now a single mother raising her son in Spain has provided her with plenty of new challenges. “Being a mum and working certainly changes your priorities,” she said. “ Now my only focus is that I hope I am a positive role model and an inspiration to him.”

hristine, who runs Cortijo Uribe horse C riding holidays near Antequera, said: “My belief is that people should feel empowered

to achieve their personal ambitions no matter what age or sex. Do not be put off by others, do not make excuses. See your goal and make it happen. You will find people on your journey that will help you make your dreams come true.”

March 2020

rked it out

SMILES: Lucy Pardoe (left) painter Lucy Reed, Dixie Mitchell (top) and Ali Meehan “I was eating more and exercising less. I gained 20 pounds in that first lockdown and had to bring in home gym equipment to help me to get active.” Working and communicating online has changed the way many of us work and Natalia saw the opportunity. She has helped women to transition their businesses and scale them online by becoming the director of the women’s empowerment organisation BIG (Believe. Inspire. Grow). The last word must go to Ali Meehan, one of the key female figures on the coast, who founded Costa Women more than 10 years ago.

The group was designed to connect women who were living in or moving to the Costa del Sol, but now there are thousands of members around Spain. When lockdown was announced Ali was just 24 hours away from the start of their International Women’s Day Conference. “We had hours to take the conference online, but we did it. From then on, we have created a much stronger online presence, connecting in more than 230 online events and we have increased our membership across Spain,” reveals Ali, who is based in Fuengirola. “We have totally adapted our

‘I JENNIFER Cunningham is happy to share the trials she faced as a woman starting a business in Spain and the personal tragedy that fuelled her determination to become a success. Like many of those who end up living in Spain it was after enjoying a holiday with friends on the Mediterranean coast that Jennifer took the decision to relocate from North London to sunnier climes for a quieter life. “My late husband was much older than me and, after suffering a cardiac arrest, he wasn’t expected to live long, so we took a snap decision to move over to the Costa Blanca where the climate suited him and in fact he thrived and lived another 12 years,” she tells Fiona Govan of The Olive Press from her home in Javea. “I was suffering with diabetes so the move gave us both a new lease of life, swimming every day in the sea and the Mediterranean diet really helped me,” she continues. “The Spanish way of living, taking time to enjoy family and friends, also really gave me a new way of looking at life.” But Jennifer wasn’t content to quietly live out the rest of her days…over the last three decades she has forged a reputation as one of the leading expat business owners in Spain, now running seven offices along the Costa Blanca, as well as one in Lanzarote, as a broker offering private insurance designed especially for members of the expat community. She learnt early on that to get ahead as a woman

business model as a result of what has happened to fit the new world. It has been very hard to keep a positive focus at times, but I believe it is my role among the chaos to stay motivated, engaged and supportive for our members. “We have heard many heart-breaking stories from our members, but we have worked with them to help and find solutions,” she adds. These amazing ladies are just a handful of women who have juggled work, no work, family, mental health, physical health, got creative, not given up and come out the other side of a horrific year. Get in touch and tell us your COVID-19 stories ladies.

UE Wilson moved to Spain with the expectation of a quiet retirement in the sun. But when the Brexit referendum produced a ‘yes’ vote in June 2016, the course of her life changed forever. This is her story: Like many a British tourist, I fell in love with Spain at an early age. The idea of retiring on the costas was a dream that blossomed over time until, in our fifties, my husband Steve and I began to ask ourselves why wait till we retire? Why not just take the plunge? It was the best decision we ever made. Although we moved in 2007, I continued to work for a further 11 years, both in the UK and Spain. When retirement did eventually come, it was rather different than expected – thanks to Brexit. I say I’m retired, but since the Brexit referendum I have never worked so hard, or such long hours.+ Before that fateful day, when the referendum turned my world upside down, I had never been very interested in current affairs, and most definitely not in politics. I didn’t understand it or care to do so. When friends talked politics, I never engaged – I lacked the confidence to comment, or never felt I knew enough to offer an opinion. That all started to change as the day of the Brexit referendum loomed closer. I started to worry that the UK was about to make a terrible decision. I had no real idea what leaving the EU might mean for us Brits living in Europe, or the UK, but it could hardly be good! When the referendum result came in, I felt a range of emotions usually associated with grief. It was a rollercoaster of fear, anger, depression, shock, disbelief and sadness. And swearing, a lot of swearing! Even now, I can’t fully explain why it affected me so deeply, or still does. After three miserable weeks, I woke up on day 22 determined to act. I joined the anti-Brexit campaign group Bremain in Spain. I needed to get involved and take personal action. I don’t know where that drive came from, but I began devouring the news and became very active online. It was a comfort to know my feelings were shared by others and that I was doing something positive. Within three months, I was in-

Battling Brexit

How a British woman in Spain became a leading campaigner for global expats vited to take over as Chair of Bremain, and I have dedicated my life to it ever since. It’s an obsession. I’m not sure my sanity would have survived intact without it. I had found a new family. There are so many downsides to Brexit, but on a personal level, there have been some positives too. I have met some amazing people from all walks of life, many of whom I would never have met under any other circumstances. I have learned new skills, not least public speaking on a scale I could never have imagined. In my career, I had regularly spoken to small groups of people, but delivering a speech to 120,000 people from a stage in Parliament Square in London, was a whole new ball game. Nerve-wracking yes, but the crowd was so receptive, and I got a real buzz from it. My Brexit journey has changed me in ways I could never have imagined. Apart from the public speaking, I’ve got better at dealing with confrontation and I’ve become a writer of sorts. Considering my previous nervousness about voicing any political opinions, it still tickles me when journalists seek out my comment on current affairs. I guess you can teach an old dog new tricks after all. I don’t think we fully appreciated what Spanish life for us would be like when we originally made our plans to emigrate. When we dreamed of our retirement in

Spain, we certainly never imagined that I would be doing voluntary work seven days a week, 52 weeks of the year. I am often asked how much longer I intend to continue campaigning, or what I will do when Brexit is finally all over. It’s a difficult question to answer. On the one hand, despite all the pain, disappointment and effort, I am doing something that I care about deeply, and which, despite everything, I enjoy. I have a supportive husband who gets pleasure from seeing me so motivated and engaged, and he’s proud of what I have achieved. That means so much to me. On the other hand, I’m now in my late 60s, full-time campaigning is exhausting, and Steve and I deserve that retirement we dreamed of. There have been many times I’ve looked ahead and given myself a deadline. I’ll give up Bremain when Brexit is ‘done’. I’ll give up Bremain when the transition period comes to an end. Then something will happen in Westminster and the adrenaline kicks in again, not to mention the fact that Brexit likely won’t be fully over for a decade. Maybe I should let fate decide and give it up when a Brexiter finally gives me one real benefit of Brexit. I might have a very long wait! Sue Wilson is the Chair of Bremain in Spain

to be fearless’ How the death of her son led hard-working Jennifer Cunningham to expand eight insurance offices around Spain in a male-dominated business sphere, she had to be fearless. “I was a widow, surviving on a meagre widow’s pension and so the only way I could start up was to re-mortgage my home, borrow money and make it work,” she admits. “I had problems finding a bank who would support me and I remember the first time I presented my business plan to get a loan, the bank manager wouldn’t address me directly but kept looking towards the male friend I had brought with me. “I had to point out that it was me who was borrowing the money, that I was the business owner and when they didn’t take me seriously, I walked out and went somewhere else.” She eventually found a sympathetic bank manager, a man who has supported her ever since her first venture, and who she has stayed with as he moved across different banks. She then began working with Liberty Insurance and ASSSA Seguros designing special packages for the expat market. “At the beginning they didn’t want to take me on and they felt sure that I would fail,” she reveals. “My style of selling was completely new to them,

the culture here in Spain was so different.” “As an entrepreneur I had to take risks and convince those who had the financial backing of huge institutions behind them to take a gamble on me, but I proved myself and in the end, those very same people later looked to me for strategy and even asked me to teach them how to do it.” She recalls now that she can hardly believe the risks she took. “I realise that I was utterly fearless, when I look back I think to myself: ‘God, did I really do that?’” She admits today that what drove her determination to succeed was the personal tragedy that saw her lose her son from cancer when he was only 33-yearsold. “When you lose a child, you just want to die. You can’t get over it and I just knew I had to pour all my energy into doing something to stay alive, losing my son made me want to do something to be proud of,” she said, recounting a loss that even now, more than 25 years later, causes her voice to break with sorrow. After spending the last months with her dying son Paul in a Sue Ryder hospice in Bedfordshire, Jennifer returned to Spain where she lost her husband just over a year later. Finding herself all alone as her other son had moved to Japan, she looked for a new focus. “They had taken such exceptional care of my son but on my return I looked around to see what would happen if someone was in the same circumstance here in Spain and discovered that there really wasn’t anything similar. People were simply being sent home to

SPARK: The death of Paul drove Jennifer on die to be cared for by their family, but what if that wasn’t possible?” The realisation led Jennifer to set up the Paul Cunningham Nurses Charity to offer free hospice care at home for the terminally ill among the expat community on the Costa Blanca. “The business and the charity have been my reason to get out of bed and do justice to my life and to his,” she admits. Now in her seventies, does she have any plans to retire? “No chance!” she laughs. “I love doing what I do, and will continue as a long as I am capable of doing so.” Visit www.jennifercunningham.net or www.paulcunninghamnurses.com for more info

ll about

B enahavis

Gardens of Eden

5 March 10th - March 23rd 2021

Jon Clarke takes a tour of one of Andalucia’s true hidden gems to stay and eat

HERE are exclusive places to stay, and then there are dreams. Staying at Alcuzcuz is to be transported back to the 19th century, when the Costa del Sol was the dream escape of wealthy European and American travellers. Part of the so-called Grand Tour these voyagers were in search of authenticity, excitement and landscapes, taking in the famous cities of Sevilla, Cordoba and Granada. Inspired by Washington Irving’s Tales of the Alhambra (1832) or Richard Ford’s Handbook for travellers in Spain (1844) they would also often stay in Gibraltar or take the unmissable trip inland to Ronda. Coming up from Marbella would take five to six hours by horse and carriage - and Alcuzcuz was the perfect place to stop and visit en route. Today, it has become one of the true gems of the modern Grand Tour, a place to seek out for those-in-the-know looking for something original and different. While it only has half a dozen rooms, it also counts on a lovely restaurant and some of the best appointed communal spaces in Andalucia. And then there is the garden, which boasts an incredible 20 hectares of grounds, a decent section formally planted with cascading terraces, hidden redoubts and one of the most beautiful pools I’ve

ever seen. With stunning views inland to the Serrania de Ronda and down to Gibraltar and Africa, you could spend the day luxuriating here with a book and never get bored. In the hands of the same family for over 150 years, the house was built in 1884 for the Countess of Aguiar by her son Jaime Parlade Heredia. While it burnt down in 1914, it was rebuilt on the same lines and again re-imagined and upgraded in 1984 by Jaime Parlade Sanjuanerna, the Marques de Apezleguia, with the help of his wife Janetta. The celebrated interior designer also had a key hand in the modern garden, which is overseen by head gardener Mohammed from Tangier and two able helpers. “There are well over 1000 plants here,” he told me proudly, on his regular morning rounds. “And one of our secrets is the compost and manure we use liberally around the garden.” There are hundreds of palms and pines, many over a century old, plus a special collection of mimosas and perennials. You will be amazed taking a stroll around, before taking an hour long hike around the wonderful

SOLAR PV PANELS

wooded grounds that border on the exclusive La Zagaleta estate. Current owner, great grandson Andres Parlade Ybarra - who also runs an estate agency House and Country - has now cleverly managed to open the home as a hotel, but to a very restricted, selective clientele. Refusing to use any of the modern online booking platforms, most of the clients come via word of mouth, or via articles in design or travel magazines. “We want to keep it very low key and with the right sort of people who appreciate the history and style,” he explains. You will definitely feel like you are staying in an English stately home, with its big library and well appointed drawing rooms. One give-away are the 19th century bull-fighting paintings. And also look out for the portraits that flank the living room fireplace, including a 19th-century painting of Parlade’s great-grandmother. Elsewhere an old chapel has been transferred into a guest cottage, with a Guatemalan bedcover and a Moroccan wall-hanging, while the staff are both low-key and on hand exactly when you need them. And don’t forget just 100m up the road you will find the Alcuzcuz Gallery restaurant, which doubles as an antiques shop, art gallery and excellent traditional Spanish restaurant. Visit www.alcuzcuz.es for more information

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ll about

March 10th - March 23rd 2021

A taste of India Indian food is famous the world over

here is only one place to get your fix for your traditional Indian favourites in Benahavis Indian Spice has been serving delicious and authentic curries to hungry tummies in ‘Havis for three years now, going from strength to strength since it opened on Plaza Del Castillo in 2018. Owner Shane Kunnath, who left behind therange rat ofrace Offering a wide the and the world of banking to set upmost thesucculent town’s and top Intraditional Indian dishes. dian eatery, says good ambience and friendly staff have been key to the restaurant’s success. He said: “I really started Indian Spice so I could enjoy my favourite food all the time but I’ve been delighted that people here love to eat it too. “We’re the only Indian in Benahavis and the customers tel: 952 60 55 13 know they can count on us for amazing service a Plaza del Castillo and 1 Benahavís, Andalucia, Spain great atmosphere. www.indianspicebenahavis.com “We’re big on quality and even bigger on quantity, that’s our motto. We want everyone to leave full and happy.” Found in the heart of the town, Indian Spice is known for its buzzy atmosphere and crisp white interiors. Despite the modern look, the food is traditional — must-orders include chicken tikka masala and lamb rogan josh, with rich tomatoes, onions, garlic, yoghurt and a signature blend of spices. Shane’s favourite? “Always the tandoori lamb chops. They are so delicious and tender. We marinate them to perfection!” So what are you waiting for? Gather a gang for dinner on the buzzing courtyard or order a takeaway and enjoy the rich flavours of Indian without even having to leave your sofa.

B enahavis

T bills itself as the ‘Rincon Gastronomico’ (gastronomic corner) of the Costa del Sol. So it is no surprise that you can eat well in Benahavis. Tucked away in the back streets of the charming town are up to three dozen attractive, atmospheric haunts, the best packed to the rafters at weekends. The food revolution in Benahavis began at the restaurant called Sarten (meaning frying pan) some four decades ago, sucking people in to eat authentic Andalucian dishes from the nearby coast. Its former owner Manolo Espada is luckily still around, although now at a different restaurant La Escalera, just around the corner. Now, very much an institution, it is one of the ‘must visit’ restaurants in Andalucia, with its owner Manolo one of the most likeable restaurateurs. A born comic and charmer, he is not only extremely knowledgeable about food, he knows how to entertain and welcome his guests. Expect funny stories, bouts on the piano and even magic tricks. And best of all, the restaurant is open almost every day of the year, minus the odd few days around Christmas. You also might find yourself dining next to Antonio Banderas… or British opera star Russell Watson, who is a regular visitor, who got married in the town. But you are primarily here for

History, adventure and romance. That’s just the setting.

Dining room

Benahavis is a key gastronomic hive on the Costa del Sol, writes Jon Clarke

the food, which is both excellent and original and includes such gems as a black pudding crepe with onion and egg and a wonderful fish soup, which at €7 is a steal. His main course chestnut is his grandmother’s recipe for Iberian pork steak, which includes loads of herbs, sweet pepper and olive oil. It was delicious and, before you ask, he won’t tell you the recipe! Another place worth trying is the highly-rated Indian Spice restaurant, which sits in the best square in the town and has an excellent reputation. It is run by Shaheen, who heralds from god’s own Kerala, but who studied in the UK and Spain, before setting up his own restaurant here. It has an excellent mixed menu including all you would expect from an Indian, such as onion bhajees, a great range of biryanis and a proper chicken vindaloo. There is even a Sunday roast with a difference. Another place worth consider-

ing in the village is the restaurant in Hotel Amanhavis, which has a good reputation for its fresh and original cooking. It is a charming spot and has a

nice range of rooms to stay in once you have had a blow out. Run by the same couple, Burkhard and his American wife Leslie, for over 20 years, you are in safe hands.

Join us for a celebration of history, art, heritage and pageantry in a unique part of the world.

BRITISH

For further information call: Gibraltar Tourist Board +350 200 74950 Or to download a brochure go to: www.visitgibraltar.gi

www.visitgibraltar.gi

Heritage STREET PARTIES MEDITERRANEAN CUISINE HISTORY MUSIC

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THE ROCK The Moorish Castle Festivals Food Festival Pillars of Hercules Music Week, Chess, Snooker, Darts, Backgammon Championships 100000 YEARS National LITERARY FESTIVAL

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A year of Culture

Bring hearts, minds and souls

7 March 10th - March 23rd 2021

of the Costa

Hidden gem

T LEGENDS: Tucker and owner (above) at La Escalera, while (right) a room at Amanhavis and Indian Spice

That’s a wrap!

W I particularly like the pan-fried Goose Liver on home-made brioche with prune-apple sauce, not to mention the Astronomer’s Observatory room for a decent siesta.

hether you’re going out for dinner with the family or just in search of a snack, look no further than Havis Pizzeria and Kebab. Situated in the picturesque Calle Malaga just a stone’s throw from Benahavis’ main square, this quality establishment has earned its five-star rating on Tripadvisor by virtue of its varied

Offering a wide range of the most succulent and traditional Indian dishes.

tel: 952 60 55 13 Plaza del Castillo 1 Benahavís, Andalucia, Spain www.indianspicebenahavis.com

and well priced menu. This includes a wide selection of authentic pizzas, kebabs, salads, meat dishes and pas- to create a spacious terrace tas, as well as mouthwatering and cozy interior that make specials such as mussels a la customers feel comfortable 32 91 59 whatever 951 66 47weather. 30 marinera and pil pil642 prawns. the But as every great restaurant And for those Open: 12.30 - 22.00 Closed Tuesdaywho prefer to knows, eating out is not just dine at home, this top-notch Pizzas, Salads, about the food but the Pasta, experi- Meats eateryand will even deliverkebabs pizzas and ence - which is why Havis Pizzeother dishes Calle Malaga nr. 2, Benahavís, Spainright to your doorria and Kebab has worked hard step.

HE gem of the costas, as Scott Marshall puts it, is only 10 minutes from Marbella and the golden sands of the Costa del Sol. Malaga International Airport, in turn, is only a one hour drive away. “It’s the ideal location,’ he says. “We have great hotels here including Amanhavis and Gran Hotel. The town council allows the hotels to access sports facilities here for free so it’s common to have teams come out here to train and relax. “It’s such a safe place too, so it makes a great visit for families. While the coast gets busy, we always have a lot of peace. We’re close to the beach but not enough for it to get hectic. Benahavis never feels stressful or overrun.” But despite it’s stunning views and secluded location, Benahavis is far more than a holiday destination. “It’s a great place to be all year round,” says Scott. “You have the sea so close by but you also get the benefits of feeling very safe and secure in the mountains. It’s rare to not see sunshine here, but we’re only two hours from Sierra Nevada if you want to see snow and go skiing in the winter. You really get the feel of the seasons with a temperature drop at the end of summer and when we put up the Christmas lights in December, that’s really special.” “We’ve agreed to 200 more developments but the focus is on making sure we keep the apartments big and developments small.” Buying into this charmed world can be difficult, even if you have the finance available. The price of a private villa often exceeds €10 million, with some properties even going for €30 million. But plenty of cheaper options are available. “The cost of living is low and a two bed flat would set you back only €140k,” says Scott. “Renting is an option too. A one bed apartment would be around €500 a month, a two bed would be between 600 and 800.”

Gastronomy Gastronomía

952 85 50 25 www.benahavis.es

AYUNTAMIENTO DE BENAHAVÍS

BUSINESS

Blockchain leader

A GIBRALTAR minister has been appointed the 2021 ambassador of a leading blockchain association. Albert Isola, Minister for Financial and Digital Services, will now represent the Global Blockchain Business Council (GBBC), becoming one of 130 global ambassadors. The list included leading governmental figures, business leaders and lawmakers. It comes after the Gibraltar Government was featured in the GBBC annual report. The minister also gave a speech at the group’s recent annual invitation-only members’ summit.

Innovation

“The GBBC’s desire to develop the emerging tech industry through education, advocacy, and partnership align closely with Gibraltar’s position as one of the leading proponents in the advancement of the technology,” said Isola. “It creates a collaborative environment for innovators and pioneers and we are determined to play our part in driving the industry forward.” The Government of Gibraltar first joined the GBBC in November 2020 as an Observing Member. Launched in Davos in 2017, the GBBC brings together innovators and thought-leaders from over 50 countries to promote blockchain technology.

March 10th - March 23rd 2021

GIBRALTAR should create a tourism strategy around its very own unique culture, a local writer based in the UK has suggested. Jonathan Pizarro (pictured inset) is keen to see the Rock’s identity become a hook for foreign visitors as opposed to that of its colonial past. The huge strides that the territory has taken to expand its own identity over the last few decades have given it pride of place in many people’s hearts. “I think Gibraltar has always had a culture bubbling under the surface, but what I am seeing now is a group of writers and artists who are able to amplify their voices,” Pizarro exclusively told The Olive Press. “Thanks to the internet, there’s access to resources and communication like never before.” Pizarro feels that Gibraltar, like many other places, has two stories. “There’s the heavily political narrative that the mass media loves,” he said. It paints Gibraltar as a piece of land, a pawn wedged between two nations that can stir up feelings of nationalism on both PRIMARK branches in Spain have prevented the low-cost fashion firm from going under during the coronavirus pandemic, sales figures reveal. In a normal year, sales from Spanish outlets would account for about 20% of the chain’s annual turnover. But as coronavirus restric-

Recreating culture

Gibraltar should be proud of its identity

sides. “What they fail to recognise is we are our own nation and we have our own culture and our own language and

Spanish saviours

tions have forced ‘non-essential’ shops all over Europe to close for months at a time - including in the UK, the clothing company’s largest market - Spain has trans-

stories. “We have our story of struggle as to how we got here. “We need to keep that alive and we need to amplify it. formed into Primark’s lifeline, with sales from Spanish branches accounting for more than 50% of the retail firm’s turnover between September 2020 and February 2021. The company has struggled as it does not have an online shop, unlike many of its competitors.

The London-based writer thinks that it is now time to get that across to visitors as opposed to its traditional selling point. “There’s a temptation to sell that sun, sea and sangria dream to tourists who aren’t interested in culture. “It’s especially tempting in Gibraltar, where the place is often seen as ‘England with better weather’.” “I think there’s a scope for a different type of tourism alongside the one we currently have, one focused on culture, art, history and architecture.”

Cashing in SPAIN is slated to receive a multibillion cash injection from the EU as part of a scheme to boost the economies of Member States that have taken a battering during the pandemic. Of the €750bn to be dished out by the EU Recovery Fund, Spain is eligible for €140bn - almost half of which will be disbursed in the form of grants, while the other half could be requested as non-strings loans. “It is a tsunami of money and it is a tsunami of responsibility,” Elisa Ferreira, European Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms, told EFE in an interview. The Portuguese Commissioner hopes that the funds will be available in summer and emphasised that time is of the essence because of the ‘different institutional mechanisms which need to be complied with.’

Missyoualready,Spain

T’S common knowledge among expats that if you survive your first five years in Spain you will never look back. But just days before reaching this milestone I’ll be on a flight home to Blighty to start a new chapter in London. And while the hustle and bustle of the capital excites me, there are many parts of Spanish culture I will sorely miss. It goes without saying this includes the 300-plus days of sunshine and the cheap tapas and canas after a hard day’s work - which Shoreditch and its ilk have repeatedly tried and failed to replicate. But while we all love Spain for it’s great food and weather, it’s the every-day normalities I will find most lacking in London. I will no longer say ‘hola’ or ‘hello’ - to strangers in a shop or on the street, and definitely not on the tube, unless I want to be sectioned. I will no longer go for churros on a Sunday morning, or enjoy late night walks

It’s the jingles at Mercadona, a short stroll to his padel club and, of course, the goldfish bowl G&Ts which will be missed when Laurence Dollimore returns to Blighty without having to look over my shoulder. Coffee will be overpriced and served in far too large of a cup, and I won’t receive marinated olives or ‘cho chos’ with each round of drinks (be careful when you’re ordering the latter, if you know, you know). There won’t be an independent tapas bar on every corner, but a Pret A Manger or McDonald’s. And when I ask for a gin and tonic it won’t be served in a fish bowl, but probably a test tube glass, and I’ll be asked ‘single or double?’ - perdona? I will no longer have everything I need just a short walk a w a y, in-

cluding my padel tennis club. And I won’t get that blissful end of September feeling when the tourists go home and we have an Indian summer and we get our beaches all to ourselves. And what will replace my local summer feria and Semana Santa processions? Let’s be real, I’m sure London can offer enough culture for me to get my fix. Let’s face it, Notting Hill Carnival is one hell of a party, if it’s allowed to take place. And moving back home won’t be all bad. One thing I will appreciate is the efficiency of the UK. At least I will have reliable public transport (mostly), banks will open past 3pm and I will never again be forced to endure Spanish bureaucracy - those of you who have had an ITV or been through the residency process will know the pain I speak of. thout But what will I do wiMercadona and its catchy jingle? The supermarkets at home just don’t spark the same amount of joy.

At least when I’m driving I’ll be safer, as unlike in Spain, drivers know how to use their indicators. I’ll also no longer fear being taken out by a bus on the motorway, which is where their stops are often conveniently placed along the Costa del Sol. Jokes aside, it’s been an incredible five years in Malaga (with a few months in Sevilla) and I’ve met some amazing people in the expat community during my time as an investigative reporter. Yes, I have caught paedophiles and exposed countless crooks and fraudsters, but they are just a small minority and do not represent the community, which is made of mostly good, honest and hardworking people. If the job market was as competitive as back home, there would be no chance of me leaving. But alas, no country has it all, although Spain comes pretty damn close.

PROPERTY

Royal residence HE may be living in exile, but he’s not exactly slumming it. Reporters from the television programme Viva la Vida have traced Spain’s disgraced King Emeritus, Juan Carlos I, to a secluded, paradise island in Abu Dhabi. A 15 minute boat ride from the mainland, Nurai measures just one kilometre squared and is home to a swanky hotel as well as 11 luxurious villas that are ‘hidden behind vegetation.’ One of them, worth an estimated €11 million, has become the former king’s exile pad. Owned by the Al-Qubaisi family, with whom Carlos I is staying, the two-storey house has six bedrooms, seven bathrooms, a panoramic sea view, spacious lounges, a snooker room, a table football room, its own cinema, a private beach, and an infinity pool.

Embroiled

Altogether the plot is some 4150 metres squared. Embroiled in numerous controversies, among them an elephant-hunting trip to Botswana in 2012, Carlos I abdicated in 2014 and has since been investigated for various financial crimes. These include the use of ‘opaque credit cards’, for which he had to pay €678,393,72 to Spain’s tax agency in what constitutes an admission of fraud. He left Spain on August 3, 2020, to go into exile, which is apparently not so bad after all.

March 10th - March 23rd 2021

Sustainable development work to restart for major project PLANS to build a sustainable neighbourhood in El Duende, Malaga, look set to restart after grinding to a halt years ago. Signed in 2011, the Malaga Charter on Sustainable Urban Models forms part of the CAT MED project, whose general aim is ‘to promote the complex, compact Mediterranean city as the reference model in response to problems of sustainability.’ Among other things, CAT MED seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by encouraging the ‘construction and rehabilitation of buildings that are efficient in their consumption and HOME mortgages granted in Spain last year fell to their lowest level since 2017 according to the National Institute of Statistics(INE). The INE said that 333,721 home loans were approved in 2020. It added that the fall caused by the COVID-19 pandemic will not be the start of a new long-term trend. “We expect to see a progressive recovery in mortgage numbers with the return to normality after pandemic restrictions are ended,” the INE observed.

Going green

SUSTAINABLE: The city district is planned to be environmentally friendly treatment of water and energy.’ However, the development

Mortgage pull down Their review of 2020 said that the average amount of a home mortgage went up by 7.4% to €134,904 but the total figure loaned out last year dropped by 0.8%. Unsurprisingly the biggest monthly fall last year was in May, when the impact of the first State of Alarm was most keenly felt by the real estate

of a ‘green’ neighbourhood in El Duende never saw much progress, and the resector. The INE said that new mortgages handed out that month fell by 27.6% compared to May 2020. One key factor was that notaries and public officials were unable to deal with people on a faceto-face basis. The busiest region for mortgages in 2020 was Andalucia with 63,519 granted last year, followed by the Madrid area on 60,494. The biggest annual rise was seen in Aragon, up by 6.4% with Navarra recording the largest fall at 15.6%.

activation of the project is now on the agenda of the Board of Directors of the Urban Planning Department, which will convene this Friday.

Package

The new package includes plans to create more protected housing and expand La Roa social centre by 100sqm, enabling it to offer more facilities, as well as to connect Calle Rio Gargaliga with Calle Heroe de Sostoa, among other things. The project will maintain the green areas in the urbanisations due to benefit from the plans.

UK Landlords - What you need to do if you live abroad Tax specialist team APARI can help you work out the best way to act

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self assessment return. But it’s not just submitting quarterly returns you will also be legally required to keep your records in a digital format, on an MTD compatible software. Unfortunately this means no more spreadsheets! If you currently submit your tax return online already, this could seem like a huge amount of work and change, from filing one return annually. APARI understands this and has developed an MTD ready software with you in mind. With APARI’s free MTD software, you can upload transactions directly from your bank - either by a csv upload of your bank statement, by individual transactions, or soon, by directly linking up with your online banking. Once uploaded you can easily allocate transactions to MTD compatible categories, and at the end of the quarter, you can submit this information to

HMRC directly through APARI. After all four quarters have been submitted, you can input your annual summary information - this is where you will be able to claim any allowances or adjustments for the year. If you currently use an accountant, we would suggest that this be the point you ask them for a review - that way you are only paying them to do the confusing tax parts, rather than the admin. Although MTD isn’t mandated until 2023, why not get ahead of the game and sign up to APARI now - it’s free to use, and by the time mandation comes around you’ll be MTD ready! And as APARI also has a tool to be able to submit the current self assessment Tax Return (for

a small fee), even if you aren’t eligible for MTD now, you can still be in control of your tax position. For all the latest news, join the APARI Community today.

Find out more at www.apari-digital.com

FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL

Hope for vaccinated Brits travel plans to Spain

SPAIN could create a ‘green corridor’ to allow vaccinated Brits into the country if there is no EU agreement on vaccine passports, the country’s tourism minister has said. Fernando Valdés revealed that the Spanish Government were in talks with the UK in a bid to make travel between the two countries easier in time for summer, allowing Brits to book a holiday in the sun. Mr Valdés added that Spain is hoping to find an agreement with the EU so the country can start welcoming back tourists as soon as possible.

March 10th - March 23rd 2021

Green light

Speaking to Bloomberg TV, he said: “Right now we have discussions with our colleagues in the UK. “For us the British market is our main market. But obviously since we are a member of the

European Union, the solutions have first to be part of the discussions with the EU. “And obviously if that cannot be reached, we will be thinking of other corridors like green corridors with third countries

Fun calling DON’T miss a chance to support a charity that’s been helping struggling families with food and have some fun at the same time. Collective Calling is holding a Spring Fair on Saturday, March 20, starting midday at Tikitano Besaya Restaurant in Estepona. There will be live music by Soulicious band with Simone Kennedy, an Easter Egg Hunt and Easter Workshop for the children amongst other fun and games in the spacious gardens by the sea. A two course lunch menu for adults – a starter and main course including one drink – and for kids, a main course and drink will be available. The event is sponsored by Mariposa Energia, Spence Clarke Accountants, Helicopteros Sanitarios, Ibex Insurance and the Rotary Club Marbella with Aloha Interact from Aloha College.

Want an escape from the busy costas? A weekend in romantic Ronda will revive your senses. Ronda Romantic Apartments is the answer

run to the hills

that can help us restart tourism flows.” Greek officials have also said UK holidaymakers with vaccine passports could be allowed to skip lengthy queues at the border for Covid-19 tests. Plans could be in place by May, which is the earliest possible date British people may be allowed to travel following the results of a government consultation. The news comes after UK’s health secretary Matt Hancock confirmed discussions about vaccine passports with other countries and the EU. THE pandemic has caused British holidaymakers to become more wary, new research has revealed. Following the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak 40% of Brits are more likely to consider taking out travel insurance and 37% are less inclined to visit spots severely hit by the virus. According to data

Dream airline IT may be one of Europe’s smaller airlines, but then bigger is not always better. Binter Canarias was the only Spanish airline to place on the ‘Best Airlines in the World 2021’ list by online travel agency eDreams, beating the likes of flying giant Iberia. Although it did not make the overall top 10, the regional carrier received the best score of any airline for reliability (4.8 out of 5), as well as an admirable 4.2 for general onboard experience and value for money. However, it fell down on speed and efficiency of refunds (2.9) and coronavirus-related security measures (2.8). Binter Canarias is one of the few airlines that has not had to grind its flights to a near halt during the pandemic, as residents often island-hop for medical appointments and administrative reasons, among others. Qatar Airlines took first place in the eDreams’ rankings, with an overall score of 4.4, followed by Delta Air Lines (4.11). British Airways came a respectable fifth (3.88).

Flight risk from Comparethemarket. com, nearly half of Britons have confirmed that they are more likely to take out the right level of insurance before their next trip to protect themselves against cancelled plans or unexpected illness.

Additionally, it looks like Brits are prepared to splash more cash than ever before to make sure they achieve the holiday of their dreams after being locked inside for almost a year. Over 20% of holidaymakers are prepared to spend more money than usual when booking their next trip abroad.

WE CARE

If the past year has taught us anything, it’s to appreciate those around us and to show them that we care.

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t’s for this reason that Liberty Seguros is saying thanks to existing customers and is welcoming new customers with fantastic Cashback offers. From now up until 26th April 2021*, existing clients who take out a new car, home or life policy with LIBERTY SEGUROS will receive 60€ Cashback per new policy. New clients will benefit with 30€ Cashback on their first policy, and 60€ Cashback on subsequent new policies thereafter. Whilst this offer is not available for renewals or replacements, there’s no limit on the number of new policies that can be taken out per customer – and therefore, there’s no limit on cashback rewards. With this in mind, what better time could there be to switch to LIBERTY SEGUROS for even greater savings with the very best covers for all types of insurance? Committed to always being right by your side, LIBERTY SEGUROS is here to make things a little easier for you and your loved ones. It offers peace of mind with its range of products that care for both your family and your assets, and it provides all the necessary tools to make you feel safe and secure – both with policies to ensure you have everything in order, as well as unparalleled assistance and

support if the unexpected does happen. The advantages of placing your trust in LIBERTY SEGUROS are extensive. From your choice of vehicle repair garage or a courtesy car as standard for up to 35 days in case of accident or mechanical breakdown and up to 45 in case of theft or fire with its car policies, to garden reconstruction and garden furniture replacement with its home insurance – amongst others. Moreover, you will always have a 24/7 multi-lingual freephone number for both roadside assistance and emergency home assistance. Understanding that now, more than ever, there’s a real need for you to feel safe and secure, LIBERTY SEGUROS remains onhand to keep you informed with clear and transparent information regarding its products and

services. What’s more, with LIBERTY SEGUROS you’ll enjoy a bespoke service and the peace of mind that comes with placing your trust in an international group with more than 100 years of experience. With an extensive network of more than 300 expatriate brokers and agents in Spain that speak YOUR language and who are at YOUR disposal for friendly and expert advice that’s tailored to you, it’s easy to see why LIBERTY SEGUROS has become in the preferred expat insurer in Spain with over 175,000 expat clients. To find the location of your nearest broker/agent, simply visit www.libertyexpatriates.es or call 91 342 25 49 * Conditions and minimum premiums will be applied.

FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL

Decanting the 10 greatest myths about Spain’s top tipple

OR some of us, navigating our way around the wine section can be a daunting task. With so many amazing Spanish varieties, how are we supposed to know which is the best tipple? Are screw caps a no go? Does age matter and price count? And what about how deep the ‘dimple’ of the bottle is? Confusion makes for pour choices! So in perfect time for Christmas, we sought the advice of the wine experts - in vino veritas to decode the myths and help you find a drink that exceeds all your grape expectations.

Screw caps = poor quality Screw caps have long been looked down upon as cheap plonk. But although nothing is quite as satisfying as that lovely ‘pop’ as the cork slides free from the bottle, it doesn’t mean the wine is of any better quality. David Moore, who owns Michelin-starred restaurant Pied a Terre in London, says: “The one great advantage of a screw top is that the wine can’t be corked. This is when the wine is infected and takes on a very mouldy smell and taste. That can’t happen with a screw top.”

Heard it through the grapevine

A silver spoon keeps bubbly fresh Rumour has it that putting a silver spoon, handle first, into the neck of a champagne bottle will preserve its fizz. You guessed it, that doesn’t work either. The best method is to use a stopper with a vacuum seal. Expert Robin Copestick says: “Keep it cold – it’s more likely to retain some of its fizz and will still be drinkable for a day or two.”

ageing. “Most will keep for a few years if stored properly but few will be as good, let alone have improved. “The ageing process is a little more complicated and primarily depends on the quality of the vintage, the characteristic of the varietal and region of origin or the producer, which isn’t always reflected in the cost of the bottle.”

We’ve all heard it, the deeper the dimple at the bottom of the bottle, the better the quality of the tipple. WRONG AGAIN. The only thing the deep dimple signifies is that the manufacturer has spent more money on making the bottle. Expert Peter Mitchell, from Jeroboams in London, says: “A deep punt just means the winery has wasted more money and resources on the glass. What the label tells you is more important than the glass it’s stuck on.”

Red wine doesn’t go with fish Old wine = better quality

Legs = Better quality People like to swirl their wine and look at how many droplets – or ‘legs’ – ooze down the side of the glass. The bigger the legs, they say, the better the quality. WRONG. As Adrian Smith, a wine columnist for The Independent points out: “In actual fact it’s just a higher concentration of alcohol resulting in the leftover wine sliding down the glass at a slower pace, nothing more.”

Sure, some white wines pair beautifully with fish, but it’s not a blanket rule that red wine can’t go with white flesh. It all depends on what fish you are eating. Experts say a pan-fried salmon pairs wonderfully with a Californian pinot noir, while a meaty swordfish goes down great with a glass of Merlot.

Sulphites cause hangovers

WRONG. Sulphites don’t cause hangovers, alcohol does. Any wine purporting to be ‘hangover free’ because it has low sulphite numbers will still give you a headache in the morning when drunk in excess. Sulphites stabilise and preserve the wine but do little else.

Big dimple = better quality

March 10th - March 23rd 2021

Red wine is for cheese Not necessarily. Head sommelier at Sussex’s Gravetye Manor explains: “The tannins in full-bodied red wines are not compatible with the protein in milk products, and strong flavoured cheeses don’t need to compete with a full-bodied red wine. “Dry white wine is often better-suited, or sweet wines can pair beautifully with blue cheese. “If you’re ever struggling to pair with cheese, the best bet is to go for a wine local to the area the cheese comes from.”

No white wines with meat Red wine and juicy steak are a marriage made in heaven but that’s not to say red meat and white wines should never pair up. As expert Adrian Smith explains: “You’d be surprised what a generously oaked Chardonnay can do when put side by side with a juicy chunk of meat.

You get what you pay for

Just because a wine is old, doesn’t mean it will taste better. Expert Peter Mitchell explains: “Whilst a small percentage of wine does age well, the vast majority of wines today have been made to be ready to drink on release and will not benefit from

Supermarket plonk may not match up to bottles that cost hundreds of euros each, but it doesn’t follow that the more you pay, the better the wine is. Experts advise that spending around €10 to 13 will give you the best quality/value ratio.

HEALTH Vac success Nightingale shelved NEARLY 13,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine arrived on the Rock last week raising hopes that the whole population could soon be inoculated. The largest delivery of the vaccine made today by the RAF could allow children as well as over20s to soon get the jab. Director of Health Sohail Bhatti urged younger members of the community to take up the offer of the Pfizer vaccine. “Inevitably insurance companies and airlines will be implementing so-called ‘vaccine passports’,” said Bhatti. “Of course, it is entirely a personal decision whether to take the vaccine, but I am encouraging my family to do so, as we want to return to normality. “Millions of people have been successfully vaccinated world-wide, and I don’t want our people left behind.” Although the majority of people have accepted the vaccine, some have withdrawn at the last moment. This has led to a risk that the precious vials, which must be stored at -60C, be wasted by those who decide not to use it.

BEDS at the Nightingale Facility in Europa Point are being placed in storage until they are needed again. If there was an unlikely explosion of COVID-19 cases the beds could be deployed with two weeks notice. The southern located improvised ward was intended to be a back-up for St Bernard’s Hospital on the west side of the Rock.

Despite the surge in cases at the start of the year the beds are being returned to storage as workloads ease

Unused Despite large increases in cases throughout January, the situation was never serious enough that patients needed to be moved there. Although most of the residents of Gibraltar have now been vaccinated against the coronavirus, the danger of new strains emerging still remains. The capacity of the Nightingale field hospital was 300 beds, which would have been able to deal with an overflow in active cases. However, staffing the facility proved a challenge with medical professionals in short supply during the global pandemic. Minister for Health and Civil

BACK IN STORAGE: Beds at the Nightingale facility Contingencies, the Hon Samantha Sacramento, said: ‘The Nightingale field hospital was established to provide critical resilience to the GHA in the event that St Bernard’s Hospital became overwhelmed. “Thankfully, that never happened. “Nevertheless, it was vital to

Cases subside GIB is slowly returning to normality almost exactly a year since the first lockdown started. There are 20 active coronavirus cases, although six of those are UK visitors. Almost the whole population has now been given the Pfizer vaccine. A selection of people who cannot take the vaccine for medical reasons were provided with the AstraZeneca jab instead. The vaccination campaign has now started jabbing people in their twenties and thirties, before progressing to the children. There is only one person in hospital at the moment, suffering from COVID, fighting for their life in the Critical Care Unit. With most Gibraltarians now vaccinated, the government is working on a new app that will give residents a COVID-19 vaccine passport. It will contain records of tests and vaccines that can be used for travel to the UK and the EU. “We are working towards the interoperability of our service with others to ensure we are able to work internationally with our own,” added Minister for Health Samantha Sacramento. The number of COVID-19 deaths in Gibraltar is now 93 with the Platinum Committee having been disbanded last week. Bars, cafes and restaurants opened on March 1 with the curfew pushed now being at midnight everyday until March 14

On the up SHARES in Spanish pharmaceutical company PharmaMar have surged after scientists confirmed ‘potent preclinical efficacy’ of its drug Aplidin against COVID-19. The study, printed in peer-reviewed journal Science, suggests its vaccine is potentially effective in preventing people getting ill and works across all age groups. The news pushed PharmaMar shares more than 20% higher and the Dow to a record. The drug, approved in Australia for the treatment of multiple myeloma, blocks a protein associated with the COVID-19 virus. Toxicity of the drug is well known and the doses used in COVID-19 trials are well tolerated in humans, the company said.

OP Puzzle solutions Across: 1 Ranged, 5 Grieve, 8 Deadline, 9 Suit, 10 Zany, 11 Years ago, 12 Yellow, 15 Ease in, 17 Immature, 20 R I Ps, 21 Puts, 22 Didactic, 23 Why not?, 24 Wisest. Down: 2 Average, 3 Godly, 4 Daily, 5 Grenade, 6 Insists, 7 Vying, 13 Liaison, 14 Wouldn’t, 16 Impairs, 18 Mouth, 19 Endow, 20 Ricks.

SUDOKU

Quick Crossword

have these resources available and I would like to thank all those involved in the monumental task of establishing a working field hospital so quickly.’ The clearing up of the space will allow it to be reused for sports events like the upcoming world heavyweight contest to be held on March 7.

March 10th - March 23rd 2021

Old ways… A HOSPITAL is trialing a revolutionary tablet containing one of Spain’s most synonymous products against the symptoms of COVID-19. The University Hospital of Jaen is testing the effects of a new treatment containing olive polyphenols, a key chemical ingredient in olive oil. A team of researchers are testing the new treatment on a group of 60 volunteers over the age of 50 that have been admitted to the hospital with mild symptoms of COVID-19. The idea is to examine the effects of the olive polyphenols on reducing symptoms in the early stages of the virus, and determining whether it will stem the progress of symptoms before they reach a severe level. During the trial, the patients will still be treated with the standard COVID-19 treatments, but will be given the new tablets every eight hours for a three week period. The tablets, branded under the name Alyvium, contain polyphenols, as well as natural flavonoids, vitamin A, riboflavin and biotin, and contain the name nutrients as around 15-20 olives. Dr Carmen Herrero Rodríguez, researcher at the Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology Unit, is pleased with the early results the new supplements are showing. “Thanks to intense research work with authorised trials, we now have drugs that have managed to reduce mortality in our patients.” “We think that the administration of the nutritional supplement can be beneficial for COVID-19 patients who are showing certain symptoms.”

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Happy families

FINAL WORDS

DIVORCE numbers dropped in Andalucia for the sixth year running. Couples filing for divorce fell by 11.5% in 2020 despite the lockdown and ongoing pandemic.

Load of bull! ONE of Spain's best known matadors has lost a lengthy battle to copyright his most famous 'kill' after the Supreme Court ruled that the bullfighter had acted on impulse and not by design.

Snapped up SPANISH police officers have rescued a South American caiman from a farm, where it was being held in appalling conditions, after its owner tried to flog it for €2,000.

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March 10th - March 23rd 2021

A WHITE arm stretches across the bar, a claw-like hand clamped around the rim of a pint glass. Slowly it lowers the glass below the beer tap, waiting as it fills, and adjusts the cup to make sure the head of the beer levels out just right. The secret behind the perfect pour and great service? A robotic duo in Sevilla. One works behind the bar, while another - a robot dog named Spot - whizzes around Cuesta del Rosario, delivering canas and copas to tables.

A lot of dough

Master baker is just earning a crust

IF you're partial to a slice of toast and jam in the morning, chances are you won't be carving a slice off this loaf, dubbed the world's most expensive bread. The pricey pan is the brainchild of Juan Manuel Moreno, manager of a family run

bakery in the Malaga village of Algatocin, in the Serrania de Ronda. The unique recipe, containing all natural ingredients and blended with flakes of edible gold and silver, is sold to wealthy clients around the globe for a stag-

Tongue tied

LEARNING a language is a point of pride for most people, but apparently not for the Trump family. Donald Trump Junior has made headlines after taking a selfie of himself and his son holding a copy of The Cat in the Hat, as the pair was covering up a front cover starburst in a suspicious manner. Internet users found out that Trump Junior’s son was reading a bilingual edition of the Dr. Seuss classic, as the starburst almost certainly contained the words ‘in English and Spanish’.

BREADWINNER: Moren0’s prized loaf contains gold gering €1,480 per loaf. Moreno is the owner of the Panaderia Pan Piña bakery, a business that has been in his wife's family since 1946 and has been producing quality bread ever since. Moreno explained that he came up with the idea after hearing that the world's most expensive coffee was being sold in Marbella. Keen to see how far he could push the limits of bread making, he set to work creating his ‘artistic’ masterpiece. The result was a loaf that

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contains gold and silver in the form of flakes and dust, and in total uses approximately €1,100 worth of ingredients, depending on precious metal prices at the time. One client, a Saudi Prince, ordered 18 loaves for a wedding last year, and since its birth Pina Pan has sold 96 loaves in total, with six so far in 2021. “We did not do this for the money, we did this to try to put the bakery on the map and show what is possible,” said Moreno.

Tips

And the pair are certainly earning their tips - and fans. The devices were invented by Boston Dynamics and Spainbased Macco Robotics before COVID-19, but the pandemic could signal that the time has come for robots to take over. “I think that in times of a pandemic it is very good that there is a robot serving drinks so there is no contact between people. “It’s very cool!” said one customer Abel Ros. Another stunned fan took to Twitter to write: “We need an explanation! 2020, relax now!”

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These are hard times, but better days are on the way! Meanwhile, let us treat you!

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26th

APRIL Take 2021 advantage of our €60 cashback offer

Take out a new Car, Home or Life policy and access our Cashback offer! There’s no limit on policies, so there’s no limit on Cashback!

preferred expat insurer

Visit your agent or or call 91 342 25 49 Offer valid from 24th February to 26th April 2021. Policies must be paid by direct debit. Applies to new car, home and life policies only. Not for renewals or replacements. Conditions and minimum premiums will be applied in all cases. Visit our website libertyexpatriates.es or ask your broker/agent for full details.

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