OLIVE PRESS
The FREE
The Rock’s only free local paper
Vol. 5 Issue 133 www.theolivepress.es October 14th - October 27th 2020
GIBRALTAR’S top government departments have met to discuss how the territory would deal with a no-deal Brexit. The Brexit Strategic Group was chaired by the Deputy Chief Minister Joseph Garcia, with the frontier being the main cause for concern.
Commerce
The supply chain, commerce, critical services, health and social care were all examined. Law and order, public services and the relevant legislation are also being readied for the change. Leaders of the Civil Service, Customs, the port, police, environmental department, health services and Gibraltar House in Brussels all met to discuss options.
HARD BREXIT: Discussions have taken a look at many aspects of Gibraltar life, including the border
It follows meetings in Madrid between the Chief Minister Fabian Picardo and Spanish offi-
cials. The next official meeting to discuss the MOU agreements signed last year is now sched-
uled for October 21 in La Linea. Regional Spanish mayors have asked the Spanish government
to work on a separate deal if the UK cannot trash one out with the European Union.
PARTY OVER
REQUEST: Don’t party inside plea
Youngsters asked to take care as coronavirus second wave hits YOUNG people are being warned that partying could hurt the elderly as Gibraltar registered its highest ever number of COVID-19 active cases. There are now 73 people with the virus on the Rock, with almost daily reports of new infections at schools that cause mass self-isolation orders. To avoid a second lockdown, the Chief Minister Fabian Picardo has ramped up plans for tests, which could soon rise to over 1,000 a day. There are currently two patients in the COVID ward of
By John Culatto
St Bernard’s Hospital. “Gibraltar has the highest number of resident active cases of COVID-19 since the pandemic reached us in March,” announced a government spokesman. “This could become very serious if the situation continues to deteriorate.” Family parties have been mainly blamed for this rise, so the advice is to do them in the open air and keep them to under 20 participants.
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“There is a very real risk that anyone who contracts COVID-19, even if young, can then pass it on to adults who may be over 70 or have underlying health conditions,” he continued. New cases are being discovered at nearly all Gibraltar’s
schools with the latest being at St Joseph’s. The south district school saw five staff members and four pupils go into self-isolation for having close contact with the newly-discovered case. A third case reported at Bayside school, has sent 30 pupils into self-isolation. One staff member and six pupils were already in self-isolation for the other case reported last week at the secondary school. Meanwhile, two COVID-19 cases have been discovered at Bishop Fitzgerald school, leading to nine pupils and 11 staff members being told to self-isolate. At St Anne’s, two members of staff and 12 pupils have been sent home to self-iso-
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late. Wests i d e School saw 13 pupils placed into self-isolation for close contact with a case. “Our students are now at school and in contact with each other,” said a spokesman. “The spread of the virus between them is to an extent unavoidable.” A programme to test 1,000 school users every fortnight has also been announced. New saliva tests will streamline the process and allow quicker samples to be taken. “By testing the frontline of education every two weeks it
comes out to about a sixth of Gibraltar’s population,” added Picardo. It is now necessary for parents picking up their children at school gates to wear masks and be socially distanced. Penalties for not doing so will be enforced with an on-the-spot fine of £100 or £10,000 if proven in court. “We are now testing in the region of 700 people a day,” revealed Picardo. “We expect to ramp that up
even further now to closer to 1,000 a day and beyond. “Already we are testing much more than just about any other nation.”
Responsibility
The testing area at Rooke has now moved to a new location at the Mid-Town coach park to be better protected from the winter weather. The Chief Minister urged people to ‘act responsibly’, use the COVID-19 contact tracing app and wear masks where required. Opinion Page 6
2
CRIME
www.theolivepress.es
NEWS IN BRIEF Fighting fail FOUR people were arrested for affray after a fight at Referendum House, Glacis Estate between two teenagers and two 20-yearolds.
Podium finish THE local organiser of the Island Games in 2019, Linda Alvarez, will receive an MBE for her services to sport in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.
Coked out A SUSPECTED drug dealer aged 28 was arrested after a drugs squad raid at Laguna Estate revealed 15g of cocaine and 10g of cannabis at his home.
Homing in DESPITE COVID-19, the Housing Department has distributed 135 homes to the public during this year, the government has reported.
Fraudster swiped AN English man who allegedly went on a £1,000 shopping spree around Gibraltar on stolen credit cards has been arrested. Kyle Calpe Washington Foster, 20, from Peterborough, was charged with making eight fraudulent payments at four businesses using stolen credit and debit cards. The arrested man also made a further four attempts to extend the shopping spree to a value of £500 before he was detained. Calpe Washington Foster is accused of having gone into restaurants and shops making the payments from September 26 to 29. He has appeared before the Magistrates Court after spending a night in New Mole House police station.
October 14th - October 27th 2020
Wachi’s backy
Alleged hash smuggler behind bars after handing himself in to police after major bust A TOP alleged hashish smuggler has been jailed after handing himself in at a police station just across the Gibraltar border. Named as Francisco D, the 44-year-old suspect, whose street name is Wachi, had been on the run since February 2019. Guardia Civil had been hot on his tail since launching Operation Trapera, the investigation dedicated to bringing down the top members of the Castana clan, allegedly led by brothers Antonio and Francisco Tejon. The operation involved 600 Guardia Civil agents in raids on addresses in Malaga and La Linea, leading to 29 arrests.
Search ended
ARRESTS: Guardia targeted drugs gangs However, many of the leaders of these hash smuggling clans managed to escape, including Wachi.
Right under their noses!
THE Royal Gibraltar Police have been left redfaced after failing to discover cocaine on a ship arriving from Colombia. The freight tanker was searched on the Rock before being released to sail on to Turkey on September 17. But when the Portuguese-flagged Sider Venture arrived two weeks later at Iskendurun Harbour, near the border with Syria, a second-search unearthed 5.95kg of the Class A drug. The bricks of white powder had been hidden among the coal being exported from
the South American country. There is no suggestion the ship stopped en route from Gibraltar to Turkey, meaning the drugs must have been missed during the initial search by the RGP. A spokesman for the police force said: “We are aware of press reports to the effect that just under six kilos of cocaine have been seized by the Turkish police on the vessel Sider Venture at Iskenderun Bay port.” “We will cooperate with our Turkish counterparts in any investigation as necessary.”
History, adventure and romance. That’s just the setting.
MISSING: Simon Parkes
Wachi was looked for on a robbery charge and it was feared that he would change the operation of the clan around this arrest. The detention of Wachi follows an intensive summer of raids by the Guardia Civil, with over 80 arrests being made.
Fight
The Spanish Ministry of the Interior has promised a €7 million package to help in the fight against drug trafficking in the southernmost region. Guardia Civil chiefs asked the La Linea court to deny bail to Wachi.
AN excavation of Trafalgar Cemetery to find the remains of teen sailor Simon Parkes has been completed. Although its findings have not yet been revealed, the RGP has been helping Hampshire Constabulary search the cemetery. It came after new leads into the mysterious disappearance of the 18-year-old HMS Illustrious radio operator who disappeared after going ashore in Gibraltar in 1986. Archaeologists were involved in the latest search after a similar probe last year with both police forces. Detective Inspector Adam Edwards of Hampshire Constabulary said: “We cannot provide further details about the outcome of these searches at the current time. “We have kept Mr and Mrs Parkes informed of our progress and I’d like to thank them again for their support. “We know this remains a difficult time for them and we hope our work will finally bring them the answers they so desperately want.”
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NEWS
www.theolivepress.es TOM Holland has been spotted filming in Spain. The Spider-Man star is shooting for his new film Uncharted, in Javea, Alicante. Crowds gathered to wave and try to snap a pic with the British heartthrob as he arrived and left for filming. But the 24-year-old actor stopped to take his own selfie as fans were kept behind a barrier due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Holland play’s the leading role in Uncharted, based on the famous video game of the same title.
TOP SCORE: Messi takes lead as Spain’s most followed star
Swinging in
By Kirsty McKenzie
SHE is the much-loved Colombian singer whose hips don’t lie and who dominates the music charts and storms stages across the globe. Now Barcelona-based Shakira is taking a break from ruling the planet to save it - with a little help from her famous friends. The Waka Waka star, who’s married to Barca star Gerard Piqué, will work alongside Prince William and David Attenborough to help select the winners of the Earthshot Prize. The 13 strong council, which also includes actress Cate Blanchett, the Chinese basketball player
WHENEVER, WHEREVER: Shakira has pledged to be there to help Prince Will
Yao Min and Queen Rania of Jordan, will choose ‘the most prestigious global environment prize in history’. The Duke of Cambridge, 38, launched the award,
which has been likened to a green Nobel Prize, and which will see a total of 50 environmental pioneers each awarded a €1 million prize for their work tackling major problems
Cruzing for controversy
CRUZ CONTROL: Penelope takes the lead in new film
3
He’s not Messi-ng about
SPOTTED: Holland in Spain
Friends of the Earth
Shakira to join forces with Prince William and David Attenborough to help save the planet
October 14th - October 27th 2020
AN upcoming thriller has sparked controversy for casting Penélope Cruz as a Columbian psychologist. Tongues are wagging following the release of the trailer for The 355, with critics slamming the Spanish star for taking a role they say should have gone to a Columbian actress. The major blockbuster, directed by Simon Kinberg and set for release next year, will tell the story of a group of international spies forced to work together to recover a top-secret weapon and see Cruz star alongside Lupita Nyong’o and Jessica Chastain.
across climate and energy, nature and biodiversity, oceans, air pollution and fresh water. In the video announcing the council, pop star Shakira spoke of her own passion for the environment alongside Brazilian footballer Dani Alves and the Japanese astronaut Naoko Yamazaki. The star, who has launched her own charity for impoverished kids, said: “I personally feel it is my duty as a citizen, as a human being and as a mother of two young children to bring attention to this issue before it’s too late.” She added: ‘Your children, my children – they have to find ways to reduce carbon emissions.”
KIM CLARK
I N S T A GRAM is officially a decade old. Selfies and sunset photos aplenty, the app is an influencer haven: social media stars can earn thousands of euros each month just from sponsored photo posts. On average, we spend 53 minutes a day on Instagram— that’s roughly 15 days of our lives each year scrolling through the site. But what are we looking at? In Spain, a lot of footballers apparently. FC Barcelona captain Messi is the most followed user in the country with a gigantic 167 million fans eager to see his training pics and home life snaps. A highly followed family, his wife Antonela Roccuzzo also joins him in the top 10 users with 13 million followers. In fact, the majority of the chart topping profiles are La Liga players with Marcelo Viera (45.7 million followers), Sergio Ramos (41.1 million followers), and Luis Suarez (38.7 followers) all breaking into the top five.
PICTURE PERFECT: Messi and wife Antonela
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New ride THE Chief Minister will now be driven around in a fully electronic Jaguar I-Pace EV HSE. A small accident in Malaga means his Tesla car is being repaired so this new vehicle is being rented for six months from a local car dealer. “This vehicle falls in line with Government policy of encouraging the use of electric vehicles as the most environmentally friendly form of transport,” insisted Chief Minister Picardo.
October 14th - October 27th 2020
Cliff edge FINANCIAL help for bars, cafes and restaurants during the winter pandemic does not go far enough, the hospitality industry has warned. It comes after the Government said its financial aid of 20% of wages plus government-backed loans would be enough to protect local hospitality businesses, and that its offer was ‘fair and reasonable.’ But the Gibraltar Catering Association (GCA) claims the Government has ‘little understanding of the problems facing the hospitality industry’. It said that limiting the numbers to half capacity and not lowering private rental fees is forcing businesses to the ‘cliffedge’ of having to close down. In response, the Government said that it had already lowered rents, rates and licence fees for tables and chairs. Along with the loans, it said this is ‘significant and unprecedent-
GIBRALTAR’S ice rink is too expensive to maintain and will be dismantled shortly, the government has announced. It will be instead replaced by a boulder climbing area which will be cheaper to run and attract wider usage. It would cost the government nearly half a million pounds to keep the rink open, after the gas being used as a coolant stopped being manufactured. The rink was also costing £8,000 a month while only bringing in £3,000. This shortfall was being covered as part of the
Help for hospitality trade ‘doesn’t go far enough’
UK politicians vowed to back Gibraltar in post-Brexit talks with Spain. The Rock’s top two political leaders held a virtual meeting with members of the Gibraltar All Party Parliamentary Group. The group includes members of the House of Commons and the Lords and is led by Sir Bob Neil MP. “The meeting included a broad cross spectrum of
UK backing Members from the Conservative Party, Labour Party, Liberal Democrats, Scottish National Party and the Democratic Unionist Party,” said the Government. “The Chief Minister explained the objectives for an agreement on the future which does not cross Gibraltar’s red lines.”
Building bridges
AID: Bars and restaurants are struggling to survive By John Culatto
ed support’ for businesses. The Government argued that the measures taken were ‘signifi-
Frozen out Government’s leisure offering but it has now become unsustainable. The coolant needed to freeze the surface of the ice rink had stopped being made because of its global warming issues. New equipment would have been needed for a different type of gas which would cost £470,000.
cant, fair and reasonable’, providing much more support than many other countries. However, the GCA argues that lower numbers force restaurants, bars and cafes to turn away customers.
THE Georgian ambassador to the UK has visited Gibraltar to discuss business opportunities. Sofia Katsarava met both Chief Minister Fabian Picardo and Minister for Tourism Vijay Daryanani to broach building stronger commercial ties. “It was an absolute pleasure to meet Ambassador Katsarava,” Daryanani said. “It gave us the opportunity to discuss many different issues and look at similarities that may exist between Georgia and Gibraltar.” The Chief Minister said: “I was delighted to welcome Ambassador Katsarava to Gibraltar. “I look forward to continuing and developing this positive relationship in the future.”
Hardship
“Restaurant owners must understand that survival is the objective of these measures and not for them to profit at the expense of the taxpayer,” claimed a goverment spokeperson. “There will be hardship in this and every sector but the Government cannot and will not fund businesses further than these measures.”
POSITIVE: Fabian Picardo and Ambassador Katsarava
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The Olive Press all editions FP (342mmx256mm) October 14
6
NEWS FEATURE
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O LIVE P RESS
Voted top expat paper in Spain
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GIBRALTAR
A campaigning, community newspaper, the Olive Press represents the huge expatriate community in Spain with an estimated readership, including the websites, of more than two million people a month.
OPINION Schooling menace COVID-19 cases continue to rise around Gibraltar as they do in Spain and there seems to be no end in sight. This increase to 73 cases on October 13 has impacted everyday life on the Rock like at few other times in its history. Regular news of cases at school must be the most worrying with some parents even contemplating not sending their children to class. In a culture with the elderly often involved in the dropping off and picking up of children while parents work, this will be a big shock to the system. Many of the oldest generation will be in self-isolation as recommended by the authorities. At schools, the amount of teachers being placed in self-isolation must also be worrying. Around 20 staff members are in self-isolation as well as around 100 students. Although it is unclear how many of these are teachers, large decreases could mean pupils find themselves unattended or grouped together which could lead to more infection.
Embattled The government has claimed this situation is ‘unavoidable’ and in many ways it is. Gibraltar follows the UK’s lead on this, and there Boris is prioritising education even over pubs! Meanwhile, the amount of people continues to grow who label the pandemic as ‘fake news’. The police might be trying to clamp down but it is very hard in a small community where everyone knows each other. The danger is that if enough people in a certain area come to a consensus that they do not believe the government, it could lead to super-spreaders carrying on unchecked. With Brexit no deal looming large and Boris exhausted, this winter could be a hard one for the embattled people of the Rock.
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AWARDS
Wise up, watch out Get informed about the ways to beat the current scourge of squatters terrorising homes along the Costa del Sol, writes Kirsty McKenzie
O
RGANISED gangs are helping squatters get a foothold on the Costa del Sol, taking advantage of the surge of empty holiday homes in the wake of the coronavirus crisis. Calculated crooks are taking advantage of lax laws to break into the empty properties, change the locks and sell the keys on for up to €2000, one lawyer told the Olive Press. Homeowners are left with little legal recourse and face months - even years - of gruelling legal bills and delays as they battle to reclaim their homes via the courts. As the threat of COVID-19 continues to keep hundreds of thousands of holiday homeowners abroad, criminals have become highly organised, taking over empty properties and offering them at cut prices to squatters. In some cases, the new unsuspecting tenants may not even know they are squatting, believing that they are taking over legitimate rental contracts. And worse of all, Spain makes it near impossible for owners to quickly and easily force out the squatters, known as okupas in Spanish. For under current Spanish law they are protect-
ed by extensive rights of possession when properties are not lived in full time. Homeowners that complain to police within the first 48 hours of the squatters moving in have the strongest possible chance of reclaiming their home. But left any later and peeved off property owners are tied up in red tape for months on end. Leading agent Adam Neale, of Terra Meridiana, in Estepona, said: “I have had a lot of people contact me with distressing stories over the last few weeks alone. “It is definitely on the rise and it is high time it was dealt with. “The law is toothless and it needs to be solved sooner than later. These poor people through no fault of their own are having their homes invaded. “At one home we look after in Estepona, we got a call from the alarm company and arrived to find a Spanish man in a suit had broken in. “He looked very professional and when we confronted him he said he was the owner, which we obviously knew was not true. He was extremely obnoxious and clearly knew the law. I told him we had him breaking in on camera
and the police would be arriving shortly and he eventually sauntered out.” But while they were lucky on this occasion, other owners have been less lucky at the Balcones de Estepona urbanisation, as well as in nearby Marina de Casares, where various homes have been squatted. Meanwhile, one leading British interior design company boss found his home recently squatted in Marbella, when thieves got access to the key-code password to his urbanisation. “The police and the authorities simply do not care,” explains the President of another Marbella community of owners, which has seen at
The need to sift out the lies from reality - by expat British councillor Alex Trelinski talks to Darren Parmenter about a Ministry first and the fake news story that shocked the coast BRITISH councillor, Darren Parmenter, got a recent surprise when he was asked to meet top officials at Spain’s Migrations department in Madrid. Darren, 59, had contacted the Secretary of State for Migrations, Hana Jalloul, and the UK Ambassador Hugh Elliott, praising their joint video message which saw Jalloul firmly state to British residents that ‘this is and will always be your home’. Jalloul and Elliott also made it crystal-clear, in spite of totally unfounded rumours, that no existing residents (with residencia) will need to change to the new TIE foreign residency card. The video was posted on the UK Embassy Facebook page and Darren, one of two British councillors in San Fulgencio on the southern Costa Blanca, said it impressed him greatly. Darren told the Olive Press: “The comment about Spain ‘always being a home’ for British people struck a real chord for me and on a personal level, I just had to send a response to them both showing my appreci-
ation for what was said.” “I wrote that the positive comments coupled with the UK Withdrawal Agreement from the EU has greatly stopped 400,000 British residencia holders from panicking. What Spain and the UK did has been of great reassurance.” Darren was then taken aback a few days later when he received an invitation to visit Spain’s Migrations Ministry. “I was nicely surprised to become the first British councillor to be asked to go to the ministry, where I met various officials.” It was quite a moment for London-born and bred Darren, who has lived in Spain since 1989 and started his interest in politics as a youngster. “My breakthrough moment was getting hooked with the two UK general elections in 1974,” Darren explained. “It wasn’t so much party politics that I was interested in, but the way that politics worked,” he added. Parmenter was elected 18 months ago on a PSOE platform and believes that his
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ANIMALS: Expat home was wrecked
HOME: Darren represents San Fulgencio on the Costa Blanca
FIRST: Minister Hana Jalloul welcomed Darren Parmenter (right) previous experience as a local brings talk back to Darren’s journalist has helped him to visit to Madrid and the two Miget a grasp of what he could grations ministry officials. bring to the area. At the meeting the various of“I spent a lot of time seeing ficials emphasised that existwhat other municipalities are ing residencia holders did not doing to improve services. I’ve need to do anything. always believed that local pol- “There was absolutely no sugitics should not be party-relat- gestion at all that there would ed.” be any change There is no on that front,” he sense of superiinsisted. Those false ority either from He has since alarm claims the quietly-spoused many social ken cricket fan forums to caused untold media who was a popucorrect the barlar presenter for talk gossip over economic years on English residencias that damage radio stations on still permeates the Costa Blanthe British expat ca. community. “I’ve no interest in changing Only last week a free newshow the Spanish people do paper published incorrect their politics but I want to im- information from a so-called prove services and introduce ‘expert’ over the TIE card that ideas.” led to an uproar from confused His range of councillor respon- residents. sibilities includes tourism, Darren said: “Everybody must which sees him based at the have their own reasons for not La Marina urbanisation tourist believing or not wanting to beoffice, as well as markets and lieve the truth… but it is crystal international relations. clear that you do not need to That international portfolio apply for a TIE card if you have
7
October 14th - October 27th 2020
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a green residencia document.” He is also furious about various other rumours, fake news and lies that have caused serious economic damage on COVID-19 matters. In particular, he is scathing about the false report in a downmarket rival of the Olive Press that Spain would reintroduce a State of Alarm in mid-September. “Those false alarm claims caused untold and unnecessary economic damage to the area,” fumed Parmenter. “I was certainly aware of people planning to come to Benidorm on holiday that cancelled purely on the basis of that incorrect story.” Wearing his tourism hat, Darren Parmenter’s priorities are no different than any other municipality in areas like the Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol. “We have to focus on domestic and regional tourism to make up for the shortfall in foreign visitors, even though my area is safe with very low infection numbers,” he commented. “Everything with tourism will depend on the coronavirus figures and we have to be positive that the summer of 2021 will bring us some semblance of normality.”
For the full interview, please visit theolivepress.es
Turn to page 7 to find out which were the biggest stories this fortnight and how to get the most up to date info
like kings’ and Spain is a long way
QUEEN Doña Sofia has caused a stir in the Axarquian fishing WWW.JAVEABLINDS.CO M town of Rincon de la Victoria. The 81-year-old monarch arrived at the coastal town to participate in International Beach Cleaning Day, an incentive to tidy up the world's beaches after a summer of use. During her 30-minute visit, Queen Doña Sofia donned gloves, a mask and refuse bags and joined the volunteers in collecting trash A FAMILY of Brits have had their holfrom the Virgen del Carmen beach. iday ‘ruined’ after a young girl fell into In an effort to keep the crowds to a minimum during hertank visit, a septic at a ‘death trap’ villa in Alicante. media was kept in the dark until the very last minute,The however degroup of 14 arrived at the Villa spite this, almost 700 onlookers gathered to show their L’Arcsupport. in Moraira - after forking out almost €7,000was During her 30 minute stay the support from the audience - only to find ‘loose hanging'Beautiful!' handrails’ over a six metre drop overwhelming, with shouts of 'Long live the Queen!', and a ‘loose manhole’ covering up the and 'Long live Spain!'. fetid tank. It was The love for the former monarch is far removed from thehere controSteven Wright, from Surrey, told the Olive Press his 15-year-old versy surrounding her husband Juan Carlos I and the investiganiece fell ‘up to her waist’ into the filthy tion into his corruption throughout his reign. water.
Septic shocker
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Maddie TY LINE OF DU
is now the number one English news
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Once we found him sitting inside a house with the OUR SQUATTER TV on, drinking a HELL Saintly town PENELOPE PIG-STOP beer and with the alarm knocked off the wall and under the sofa. Castle heaven GUIDE “We feel helpless GUIDE because he could TRADING BEYOND THE be very dangerHORIZON + + WITH BINCK ous. Everyone is NON-STOP: The Olive Press has reported on the problem many times scared, it is a very frightening situation, especially because so worse. many homes are lying empty due to COVID.” He told the Olive Press that squatters have beWith three families already squatting in the ur- come far more sophisticated in recent years, banisation, Sabine fears the gangs will become with websites even offering advice on how best bolder and bolder and as the likely winter of to take over a property. discontent takes a grip many more will move in. He said: “The squatters know all the tricks, The main problem, she insists, is the lack of what to say, how to act, what they need to do consequences for squatters. to delay matters and make the process drag on “Currently squatting is not a criminal act, there for longer. is no punishment for those that do it, even “For example, if the squatters have children though they ruin lives.” the state will make it impossible to evict them She also insists owners need to wise up about because they say the children must have somewhat to say if they find their home targeted by where to live. squatters. “Indeed, if the police turn up to find a family “The first problem is that owners sadly say the with kids inside we know it will take twice as wrong things. If you call up and tell the police long to get them evicted.” that it is your second home they won’t help you. Echevarria, a specialist in property law, added “Unless it is your first residency they will simply that the ‘legal system gives a lot of guarantees not act. to the squatters’ and that eviction can be a real “The second problem is that the neighbours headache for homeowners, even those who act are not well connected and in touch with one quickly. another. You have one who only comes out in “Sadly there is no quick procedure to get them winter, another who only comes out in sum- out of your house. You need to go to the court mer and there just isn’t enough and prove you are the owner, communication between homeyou need to have the title deeds owners to protect the communiwith you. And of course, there is There is ty from squatters.” a huge backlog of these cases.” no quick Sabine, a German expat who And it is only getting worse. Curhas lived on the Costa del Sol rently, Echevarria has three cliprocedure to for 20 years, said the only way ents locked in legal battles with to tackle the issue is to form a get them out of squatters. neighbourhood watch group “I have a client in Marbella, anyour house and patrol the streets tirelessly other in Estepona and a third to make sure gangs couldn’t inland,” he said. “In the past strike. squatters used to target abanIndeed, she explained that guarding the homes doned buildings but after the economic crash, in Guadalmina had ‘become a full time job’ and they went for properties repossessed by the the situation has deteriorated dramatically fol- bank. lowing the coronavirus outbreak. “Now with COVID they are targeting second Lawyer Diego Echevarria, based in nearby homes as well. Marbella, confirmed the problem was getting “They don’t care, they will target anywhere and anyone, selling keys to places for €2,000.” He called the current system ‘hugely concerning’ and blamed Spain’s current government for giving squatters too many rights. “The problem is the government is not willing to change anything in the law and they are more or less determined to support people who occupy these homes. “Local town halls or regions can maybe implement tighter restrictions,” he said. “But at the end of the day the law needs to be changed at a national level...And it has to be done with a matter of urgency.” WE WON’T GO QUIETLYto
after Olive Press journalist assaulted‘flash exposing ‘violent’ gypsies who the pool’ residents’ and ‘throw rats into
Page 5
LITTER QUEEN: Doña Sofia helped in costa clean-up
24/7,” Wade said.
EXCLUSIVE BORIS Johnson has managed exA denuncia was made to the By Joshua Parfitt silence Parliament, but British Guardia Civil, who called thea pats in Spain have shown they will perpetrator a ‘wild beast’ with nonot be cowed into a harmful AN Olive Press journalist hasa string of convictions. deal departure from the EU. been attacked after exposing It comes as British resident, Brits around the country are mo- ‘violent’ gypsy family allegedly Ena Cummings, 53, contacted bilising to oppose the shutdown squatting and stealing electricity us claiming gypsies had thrown and stand up for their EU rights. from a Costa Blanca complex. rats’ into the Virgen del RoProtests have spread to the Costa Simon Wade was chased down ‘dead pool and repeatdel Sol where pro-remain cam- the street and headbutted as a sario complex’s on fire. edly set terraces paigners are planning a Protect on young man tore off his glasses “They're stealing electricity and Our Rights march in Malaga and tried robbing his camera in water, meaning us residents are September 22. broad daylight in Formentera del paying for the squatters' utiliIt comes as an exclusive online an Segura, near Torrevieja, last Sat- ties,” Cummings told the Olive poll by the Olive Press revealed astonishing 73% of expats remain urday. journalist was pho- Press. have no sense of dignity, staunchy in favour of remaining The dedicated squats when "They young and old have within the European Union past tographing alleged door with neighbours the October 31 deadline (Pages the man flung open the a tattoo had genitalia flashed at them by his chest exposed and 6-7). squatters.” The Facebook poll shows that had reading, ‘I die for my family’. Residents have held a commuthey been able to participate fully “My specs can be replaced, and nity meeting, and are stuck beexercise decent but ‘democratic fade, in the biggest the bruising will tween an expensive legal battle for generations’, the expat vote people here are living with this would have proved decisive.
Damage
“We are the people most affected and we didn't get a say, that is what is most unfair,” said protest organin iser Valerie Lawrence, 68, based Torrox, in the Axarquia. “Most of us could not vote and postal votes went missing. “Now we are just trying to stop the Brexit or at least minimise damage,” added the retired Yorkshire woman. It comes after an alarming treasury report issued two weeks ago spelt extreme danger for expats in various ways. The leaked Yellowhammer document warned of issues over penContinues on Page 7
Chief suspect ‘confessed’ to kidnap at Granada festival...
(leftt), while (right) the CAUGHT: CCTV of troublemakers Press journalist squatter who attacked on Olive
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Squatters take over British expat’s property meant for her sick daughter while threatening to kill entire family
to leave Costa Blanca flats
“The developer can’t sell their and bringing in ‘security’ to kick apartments, the bank repossesssquatters out of the eight apart- es the complex, and the gypsies ments, from a total of 68. break in,” the source told the OlIt comes after this newspaper has ive Press. tirelessly reported on the ‘hellish’ “The owner of the property is the youcomplex need toonly know about Pedrera Mirador MonteAll one who can denounce the illegalwant with 24 of 64 apartments San Pedro de Alcantara... squatters - but banks don’t A BRITISH expat has become ly occupied by ‘abusive’ gypsies to as court cases cost thousands. scared to leave her own house afand squatters in Denia. “If they do get an eviction order, ter being terrorised by a family of the gypsies just break into anothEviction er complex owned by the bank. squatters for the past two years. have Brit residents Linda Brown and “Either that, or the gypsies Tina Cackett, 64, claims she has the apartArnene Ashley have been ‘in and a legal right to request housing. been verbally assaulted and reout’ of court suffering assaults, ment be offered as social will be recently most and “This means the bank ceived several death threats from death threats out at bewinning an eviction order for the forced to rent the flat the family since they illegally took tween 75 to 150 euros. illegal squatters last month. over the property next to hers, But the situation in Spain is fara “So the bank does nothing. forwhich she also owns, in December “The developers are tricking from resolved, according to greed eign buyers through their 2018. Guardia Civil source. The agent last week blamed for more money. On one occasion, Tina, a live-in Spain in gypsies the constructfor “Meanwhile ‘greedy developers’ the had to barricade herself incarer, than ing too many luxury apartment live in better apartments side her home while the father complexes at prices ordinary police officers.” of the squatter family repeatedly Spaniards ‘can’t afford’.
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Denia court orders ‘gypsies and squatters’ to vacate apartment where British pensioners have block been threatened and assaulted
VICTORY is soon at hand for homeowners living in
SPAIN is one of Europe’s worst culprits when it comes to greenhouse gas emissions, figures have revealed. The country has seen the biggest increase in emissions on the continent, with a 51.7 million tonne rise between 1990 and 2017. Emissions grew by 17.9% during that time, while the EU collectively REDUCED its emissions by 23.5% during the same period. Austria, Cyprus, Ireland, Malta and Portugal also failed to reduce emissions effectively. Climate leaders however, are optimistic as Pedro Sanchez’s PSOE government plans to boost renewable energy production. Not only will clean energy become cheaper, but there will also be more electric vehicles on the road.
Page 9
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“She came out screaming,” Wright, 57, said.
“But if she’d been any younger she urbanisation occupied a ‘hellhole’ By Joshua Parfitt 5 NEWS could have died in a dark concrete tank by gypsies Must do and squatters after a court has orof dirty water.” better! ABANDON SHIP He alleged his young relatives were dered their eviction. At least 24 of after requesting she turn down ‘cutting their toes’ on the broken cov- the 64 apartments at the Mirador Monte Pedrera were illegally oc- blaring music during siesta hours. ers of the pool skimmers, and said sinks and drains were blocked for the cupied as the squatters accessed She said the owners of the four the first three days. water and electricity at the ex- remaining legitimate apartments in the urbanisation lived with “When you’re paying €6,800 it really Diving is pense of legitimate homeowners. a poor show,” Wright said. It comes after a series of Olive ‘death threats’ before, in June, disaster 15-storey fall a German elderly couple finally “I feel robbed, misled and cheated Press stories shined Alquileres Guzman should not be - shocking takeover a light on the caved in and left Spain after 12 alwhich left ex- years. lowed to offer family holidays in danpats living in fear for their lives. A Spanish couple, who asked gerous homes like this.” VICTORY: For couple Linda British and Arnene while (inset) previous Wright claimed that workmen from Brown, apartment owner Linda remain nameless, also told to story the 61, told the Olive Press
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screamed at her in her driveway that he was going to kill her. “It was terrifying,” Tina, from Colchester, told the Olive Press. “He looked deranged, like he was on something, and just kept screaming that he was going to kill me and that he had friends who would come and kill me. “His wife was holding him back and begging him to leave my driveway while I phoned police.” The trou-
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‘Hellhole’ urbanisation sees two more families leave due to problems with squatters
Olive Press how they were fleeing after the eight-month pregnant wife was ‘hospitalised’ due
CRIME
www.theolivepress.es
Please help us! EXCLUSIVE By Joshua Parfitt
A GROUP of British pensioners are pleading for help after their block of flats descended into ‘hell’ due to squatters. The expats - who have lived in the Denia urbanisation for a decade - are desperate after a mob
May 23rd - June 5th 2019
Expat pensioners assaulted as apartment block is ‘mobbed’ their once luxury by squatters
of ‘gypsies and squatters’ began breaking in five years ago. They insist neither the police or local authorities have helped to tackle the illegal occupants, who have taken over 25 of the 64 apartments in the Mirador
Sculpture attack
Monte Pedrera complex. “They have turned what was once a lovely community into a no-go area,” said the 72-yearold, who is too frightened to give her name out of fear of retaliation.
Message from the angels
A FOUNTAIN in Alicante’s most iconic square has been attacked by a man with a hammer. The legs of the horses in the sculpture in Plaza de los Luceros were shattered by the 38-year-old assailant. An arm of an angel was also badly cracked in the attack. The Spanish man has been arrested on a charge of crimes against cultural heritage.
A SERIES of Whatsapp messages to a girlfriend have spared a teenager from a prison sentence for armed robbery. The 19-year-old Spanish student from La Nucia was arrested in 2018 on suspicion of holding up a casino and robbing €11,500 at gunpoint. But a Benidorm court heard how WhatsApp messages backed his alibi that he was texting his girlfriend when the assault took place. After an expert’s report confirmed they could not have been manipulated and also placing him at home, he was found not guilty.
The grandmother continued that the squatters had punched a number of pensioners and even broke a handyman’s arm with baseball bats. “We came here for a peaceful retirement and what we’ve got is
FIREBUG IN TROUBLE
A PARTYGOER in Benidorm has ter setting off a fire extinguisher been arrested afin a karaoke bar. The man, a Brit, yanked the extinguisher from the wall and covered the floor, tables, drinks and sandwiches in thick white dust.
Justice for rapist
A BRITISH man who raped two teenage girls 40 years ago has been jailed following extradition from the Costa Blanca. Jeffrey Waite, 66, carried out the attacks in the late 1970s and early 1980s in the UK. However, he managed Waite was to skip a court hearing ty of rapingfound guilin 2016 and fled to To- gers, one the teenarrevieja, before a Eu- derage, of them unin Hartlepool. ropean arrest warrant They likened led to his capture in a ‘madman’ him to and an March last year. ‘animal’.
hell on earth,” she told the Olive Press. “My partner got punched in the gut and the eye by one for simply asking to turn down a karaoke system blaring out during siesta hours,” she continued. They are due to attend court this week over the assault, but are not expecting anything to be done. Other residents, who include Germans and Spaniards, have also come under attack. “A handyman tried to stop three men breaking into an apartment and was thrashed by baseball bats just five weeks ago,” the pensioner said. “They broke his arm in two places.” The problems began when the recession curtailed sales in the block in 2007 and only 11 of the 64 apartments were sold. Many of the vacant homes were later seized by the squatters, a number of them even being sublet for money, it is claimed. Collectively the 11 owners are having to cover all the communal bills for the urbanisation, which includes a ‘€20,000 debt’ incurred by squatters stealing electricity and water In addition, they claim the developer owes €200,000 to the community. Police told the Olive Press they were unable to enter the properties as they are on ‘private land’.
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WORRIED: Legal neighbours and (inset) squatter www.noneedtopaint.com nant, was hospitalised due to steal from us, threaten us stress-related complications. and abuse us, and the law is “I wanted to raise my family not on our side until one of in this beautiful place, but I us gets hurt,” Linda said. can’t risk my wife’s life,” he “But they won’t get us out, explained. because the Brits never The nightmare began five give up. Not when we’ve years ago when a 62-year- sunk every penny into our old ‘gypsy’ patriarch broke €270,000 apartment and in with his 11 children and have nowhere else to go.” grandchildren. A legal representative for His wider family have now Jepsa, who maintain the urtaken over 24 apartments banisation, told the Olive which they sublet out to Press: “The law forbids the ‘drug addicts’. illegal squatting of properThe apartments are illegally ties and use of water and connected to water and elec- electricity, but nothing is betricity, yet police have only ing done. intervened on one occasion “We have a beautiful counwhen a man threatened to try, which is loved by people kill Linda with a hammer in around the world, but the front of an officer last year. law does not function as it “It’s horrendous. They can should.” FREE virtual quotes available!
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KING Juan Carlos has retired from public duty, exactly five years after he abdicated in favour of his son, King Felipe VI. Juan Carlos, 81, will retain his royal title as King, however.
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A SECOND runway at Alicante-Elche airport has been opposed by the Friends of the Wetlands of the South of Alicante (AHSA), who objected that the runway would destroy the wetlands of Agua Amarga.
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to stress. byshire, described how the couple “The squatters will be €60 gone by September, thank the Lord and were forced to sleep with the ‘burthank you Olive Press for cover- glar alarms on’ as the stairs up to ing the story,” Linda Brown, who their penthouse apartment were lives with partner Arnene, 72, barricaded by an iron gate. “They have no choice now, they said. “There were 23 defendants in must all now leave,” a spokesperson for Japsa, the urbanisation’s court and 22 lawpromoter, told the yers, it was bedOlive Press. lam. “Our police force “But the public is excellent, but prosecutor was the courts were very passionate not giving them and firm in sumwarrants to act. ming it up.” “In Spain, squatThe success comes ters are given ocfollowing a ‘coup cupancy rights if d’etat’ after a they are not re62-year-old gypsy moved within 24 ‘patriarch’ moved hours of entering. in, bringing his “But now all of 10 sons and their SHOCKING: Squatter them have been wives and children. damage given an eviction A reign of terror order and a month saw young children, many not attending school, shouting ‘sons of to find a new place to live - if they b*tches’ and ‘we will kill you all’ don’t leave, the police will kick them onto the streets.” up at the British pensioners. Linda, an ex-copper from DerOpinion Page 6
“When they finalTHIS is the second pig to have trotted ly had a lawyer, into a British-run rescue centre on the he managed to Costa Blanca. The Olive Press previously reported find a misprint how Rupert the pig ran 3km from ble began when Tina bought the in the escritura ‘filthy, dirty shed’ where he was the house, which sits just across a dried which he claimed and wandered into the Easy Care living out riverbed from her own home, suggested the inRescue Centre near Torrevieja last Horse in Competa, Malaga, at the end of heritors might (inset top right). The clever pig month. trotted in ‘as if he knew where he was going’ 2018. not have had the in what Easy Care owner Susan Weeding The previous owners, who she was right to sell the describe as ‘a nearly impossible could only very close to, had died, and the in- property, but it feat’. But that feat was repeated when heritors of the property decided to was just a typo.” pe the pot-bellied Vietnamese pig Peneloturned up sell it to Tina. To make mat‘completely out of the blue’. Susan admitted she has ‘no idea’ “I wanted a home for my daughter ters worse, Tina how far this one has travelled in search of freedom. Kristine, she is often ill and needs had to find a new “Obviously someone has been watching Babe, or hospital treatment or looking after, solicitor after SCARED: Tina Cackett and daughter maybe Kristine (left) flicking through the pages so the setup was ideal,” Tina ex- discovering her Susan told the Olive Press. Susan of George Orwell’s Animal Farm - the pigs are rising!” rocks‘being at around him,”people’. added Rupert wanted ‘nothing to do with Penelope’ however, as Rupert plained. previous one was charging her for started throwingprefers Tina claimed, “even their child was But while waiting for the deeds to be hours not worked. put into her name, which took sev- She now has the documents in or- shouting death threats, it’s just horeral weeks, the squatters moved in der to prove she bought the home rible, and the mother is supposed to Tel. (+34) 96 649 18 29 and changed the locks. legally and is hoping for a resolution be a care worker! Even my daughter info@hispaniahomes.es Since then a legal battle has ensued, this year, but everything has been has received threatening WhatsApp www.hispaniahomes.co.uk which has been delayed and extend- slowed down due to the COVID-19 messages, which we have saved for police. ed on technicalities. pandemic. “The first couple of times they Meanwhile the squatter family “I’m scared to leave my house to turned up without a lawyer, which continues to threaten Tina and her take my dogs for a walk in case they HOW TO SELL YOUR PROPERTY PARTNERING OWNERS do something to me. means the case gets adjourned,” loved ones. Want to sell QUICKER AND BETTER FOR OVER 20 YEARS added Tina. “I’ve been told it’s a tac- Just three weeks ago Tina’s partner “This family has ruined our lives your property? tic they use a lot to buy time. was also threatened by the father, and it’s just not fair, while I paid all Specialists in Luxury Villas mother and son, who their bills they’re living rent free in Holiday Rentals and Sales Ask here for our is only around 12 years my property and driving around in Javea - Denia VENDORS GUIDE old. a new car.” SALES & RENTALS SPECIALISTS La Sella Golf Area Certified Residential Specialist “They told him to ‘go Tina has contacted two privateand get the most success back to England you ly-run squatterMoriara•Calpe•Jalon•Javea•Denia•Altea removal companies tel: 966 424 505 in your task English madman’ and but they said as there is a court case mob: 647 575 152 ongoing www.moraira-hamiltons.net they cannot take on www.vacationvillasspain.com Avda. Madrid, 24, 03724 Moraira - Alicante her case. It comes as Spain’s right THE SKY wing parties are hoping to AUTHORISED DOCTOR clampdown on squatting, DISTRIBUTOR ALL AREAS COVERED which has soared during the coronavirus pandemic. The Partido Popular and Vox KEEP SQUATTERS OUT! 4G UNLIMITED want to see stricter meaINTERNET sures, including thousands Special Anti “Okupas” IDEAL FOR of euros in fines and up to alarm offer STREAMING TV three years in prison. However left-leaning parties ALSO IPTV, Immediate Police fear it may criminalise strugSATELLITE TV response gling families who have been unable to pay rent during the tel: (0034) 952 763 840 Call: +34 611 475 892 COVID-19 crisis. info@theskydoctor.com
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plain and simple,” British expat Linda, who has owned a penthouse apartment with her partner Arnene since 2007, told the Olive Press. “They want all the owners out so they can completely rule the kingdom.” The latest departures come just days after Linda, 61, was in court after she was punched in the gut and the eye by a female squatter. It came after she had asked the neighbour to turn down a ‘blaring karaoke system’. She and Arnene, 72, sleep with the ‘burglar alarm on’ and have barricaded themselves in on their fourth-floor apartment as they live with daily death threats and abuse. The pressure was too much however, for a young Spaniard, who told the Olive Press they were leaving after his wife, who is eight-months preg-
A BRITISH holidaymaker has died after falling from the 15th floor of his apartment block in Benidorm. Colin McGarry, 48, from Belfast, died at around 1.45 am on Sunday morning after plunging from the balcony of Torre Gerona. A post-mortem is due to take place.
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REPORT: Police called to deal with squatters
EXCLUSIVE By Josh Parfitt
ANOTHER two families have fled an urbanisation that descended into ‘hell’ after squatters began a ‘violent coup d’etat’ five years ago. A retired German couple and a Spanish family have had enough of living in the Mirador Monte Pedrera estate, in Denia, which has become a ‘hellhole’ for legal residents. As reported in our last issue, only 11 of 64 apartments were sold in 2007 when Spain sunk into recession. The rest remained empty and just four of the legally-owned apartments are now inhabited all year-round, after the Germans and Spanish also moved out. According to a British couple, who still live there, one of the Germans, from Munich, had to be ‘hospitalised’ after suffering a ‘breakdown’ from stress. “The squatters want us out,
AN investigation has been launched after the body of a British diver was found 170 ft underwater off the coast of Murcia. Phillip Evans, 69, got separated from his diving group in the Islas Hormigas marine reserve.
The
Guardia Civil source: Squatters ‘live
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least three homes squatted. Sabine Kold, who is in charge of the Guadalmina urbanisation, continued: “This gang boss arrived last year and tried to occupy around 25 homes, managing to succeed three times.” She described him as ‘very well connected’ and driving around in a top of the range Mercedes, picking houses at will...always looking for the biggest ones with a pool. “Next, he swoops in, changes the lock and gives people the keys on a Friday or Saturday when he knows lawyers and police are not working. “It is all incredibly calculated and frightening.
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AT LEAST 40,000 jobs have saved in Alicante Province for the been security contributions subsidised time By Alex Trelinski on a being, after the national government sliding scale of up to 100% depending extended the ERTE furlough on their size and scheme March, until the end of January. was scheduled to end yester- Speaking to the the time of the year. Olive Press, San Fulday The news came on Tuesday as around until(September 30) but will now run gencio councillor, Darren Parmenter 600 vehicles took to the streets at least said: “This is excellent of A last-minuteJanuary 31. Benidorm to demand the extension deal between the gov- many businesses in the news as so area, includernment and trade unions saw with thousands of local tourism author- ing ones owned by expats, are related and ities climb hospitality jobs on the line. down over plans to drasti- to tourism including bars and restaucally cut help to struggling tourist-reThe motorcade was led by a rants. This will help them get through bus with a banner proclaiming tourist lated and hospitality businesses. the winter.” ‘ERTE CEV OR DEATH’. president, Salvador Navarro, Though the The Valencian Business Federa- said: “Common sense has prevailed universally ERTE extension has been tion(CEV) says that 27,567 workers and the effect on the Alicante Province ready startedwelcomed, calls have alfor more to be done. economy would have been barbaric.” are currently getting ERTE benefits. Nuria Montes from the BenidormPayments They estimate that an extra 12,500 at 70% to laid-off staff will be kept based Costa Blanca Hotels Association people across Alicante Province and new benefits will start (Hosbec) be able to claim as the area moves will for short-term seasonal workers who “We needsaid: payments to continue until into would not the ‘low’ tourist season. normally qualify for unem- we can return to normality and that ployment The scheme, which was launched means ERTE running in Business benefits. owners will have their social the start of the summeruntil June and season.”
FATAL HUG Tragic friends fell to deaths while taking a selfie
TWO British holidaymakers plunged 30 feet to their By James Warren deaths while hugging to take a selfie, an inquest has heard. The Olive Press has previous- Best pal Dolman was rushed ly reported that Daniel Mee, to hospital in Torrevieja but 25, and Jayden Dolman, 20, died from his injuries shortly died after the fall in Punta after. Prima, Orihuela in July 2019. The inquest into the death of Now an inquest in the UK Mee, held in the pair’s homehas thrown more light on the town of Taunton, Somerset tragic incident. has revealed eye witness reThe friends were taking a sel- ports of the incident from fie along the seafront when their friend, Lewis Higgins they lost their balance and who was at the scene at the plunged over a railing onto time. the rocky beach below. “Jayden and Daniel were Mee was killed instantly when walking from the villa to the colin.securitasdirect@gmail.com he landed on a beach hut. nearest beach,” he said. “They were taking pictures while they were walking. Daniel embraced Jayden. I saw them both close to the railings. Then they fell.” Toxicology report found that the alcohol level in Mee’s blood was 215mg, three times E U R O P E LT D over the drink drive limit. The coroner pointed out that ALICANTE:(+34) 965 770 639 the three young men were simply having a good time, MALAGA: (+34) 952 426 560 saying they ‘were walking not driving.’ PRESTON: (+44) 1772 651 570 “The pair had been drinking www.moversint.co.uk during the day, and unfortunately this was a large factor movers.int@gmail.com in the accident,” said Tony Williams, Somerset coroner. He added: “Daniel and Jayden are hugging close to the railings and during that, they have lost balance, they have gone over the railings and unfortunately fallen over where there is a steep drop TRAGEDY: Jayden Dolman (left) and Daniel Mee were best friends of nine metres on the other Daniel was a severe head in- ed back to the MOVERS • STORERS • S side.” UK for a coro- alongside the HIPPERS jury caused British coroOfficial cause of death for man’s body by the fall. Dol- ner’s inquest. ner’s report ruled the deaths was not repatriat- A Guardia Civil inquiry as accidental.
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Mallorca Best Strokes An interview with a British cancer patient determined to swim the coastline for charity, plus news that racing driver Schumacher has moved full time to his Mallorca home.
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Royal sweep
Chief suspect ‘confessed’ to kidnap at Granada festival...
Our Squatter Hell An exclusive story on how one British expat was faced with violence and misery after squatters took over the home meant for her sick daughter
Your voice in Spain
Vol. 13 Issue 353 www.theolivepress.es September 30th - October 13th 2020
LITTER QUEEN: Doña Sofia
helped in costa clean-up
QUEEN Doña Sofia has caused a stir in the Axarquian fishing town of Rincon de la Victoria. The 81-year-old monarch arrived at the coastal town to participate in International Beach Cleaning the world's beaches after a summer Day, an incentive to tidy up During her 30-minute visit, Queen of use. Doña Sofia donned gloves, a mask and refuse bags and joined the volunteers in collecting trash from the Virgen del Carmen beach. In an effort to keep the crowds to a minimum during her visit, media was kept in the dark until the very last minute, however despite this, almost 700 onlookers During her 30 minute stay the gathered to show their support. support from the audience was overwhelming, with shouts of 'Long live the Queen!', 'Beautiful!' and 'Long live Spain!'. The love for the former monarch is far removed from the controversy surrounding her husband Juan tion into his corruption throughout Carlos I and the investigahis reign.
OUR SQUATTER HELL
Saintly town
All you need to know about San Pedro de Alcantara...
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Castle heaven
A tour of Spain’s most iconic castillos...
Page 20
TRADING BEYOND THE HORIZON WITH BINCK
A BRITISH expat has become scared to leave her own house ter being terrorised by a family afsquatters for the past two years. of Tina Cackett, 64, claims she been verbally assaulted and has received several death threats from the family since they illegally took over the property next to hers, which she also owns, in December 2018. On one occasion, Tina, a live-in carer, had to barricade herself inside her home while the father of the squatter family repeatedly screamed at her in her driveway that he was going to kill her. “It was terrifying,” Tina, from Colchester, told the Olive Press. “He looked deranged, like he was on something, and just kept screaming that he was going to kill me and that he had friends who would come and kill me. “His wife was holding him back and begging him to leave my driveway while I phoned police.” The trou-
Squatters take over British expat’s property meant for her sick daughter while threatening to kill entire family
EXCLUSIVE “When they finalBy Laurence Dollimore ly had a lawyer, he managed to find a misprint ble began when Tina bought the in the escritura house, which sits just across a dried out riverbed from her own home, which he claimed suggested the inin Competa, Malaga, at the end of heritors might 2018. The previous owners, who she was not have had the right to sell the very close to, had died, and the heritors of the property decided in- property, but it to was just a typo.” sell it to Tina. “I wanted a home for my daughter To make matKristine, she is often ill and needs ters worse, Tina hospital treatment or looking after, had to find a new solicitor after so the setup was ideal,” Tina ex- discovering her SCARED: Tina Cackett and daughter Kristine plained. (left) previous one was charging her But while waiting for the deeds to for started throwing rocks be hours not worked. at him,” put into her name, which took sevTina claimed, “even their child was She now has the documents eral weeks, the squatters moved in der to prove she bought the in or- shouting death threats, it’s just horand changed the locks. home rible, and the mother Since then a legal battle has ensued, legally and is hoping for a resolution be a care worker! Evenis supposed to my daughter which has been delayed and extend- this year, but everything has been has received threatening WhatsApp slowed down due to the COVID-19 ed on technicalities. messages, which we have saved for “The first couple of times they pandemic. police. turned up without a lawyer, which Meanwhile the squatter family “I’m scared to leave my house to means the case gets adjourned,” continues to threaten Tina and her take my dogs for a walk in case they added Tina. “I’ve been told it’s a tac- loved ones. Just three weeks ago Tina’s partner do something to me. tic they use a lot to buy time. was also threatened by the father, “This family has ruined our lives and it’s just not fair, while I paid all mother and son, who their bills they’re living rent free in is only around 12 years my property and driving around in old. a new “They told him to ‘go Tina car.” back to England you ly-run has contacted two privatesquatter removal companies English madman’ and but they said as there is a court case ongoing they cannot take on her case. THE SKY It comes as Spain’s right AUTHORISED wing parties are hoping to DOCTOR DISTRIBUTOR clampdown on squatting, ALL AREAS COVERED which has soared during the coronavirus pandemic. KEEP SQUATTERS OUT! 4G UNLIMITED The Partido Popular and Vox want to see stricter meaINTERNET Special Anti “Okupas” sures, including thousands IDEAL FOR alarm offer of euros in fines and up to STREAMING TV three years in prison. Immediate Police ALSO IPTV, However left-leaning parties SATELLITE TV response fear it may criminalise struggling families who have been tel: (0034) 952 763 840 Call: +34 611 475 892 unable to pay rent during the info@theskydoctor.com colin.securitasdirect@gmail.com COVID-19 crisis.
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Vol. 13 Issue 353 www.theolivepress.es September 30th - October 13th 2020
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ORGANISED: Squatters are helping each other takeover homes
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E at the Olive Press always strive to bring you the stories you want to read. Every issue is stuffed full of everything you need to know. From the latest crime and breaking news, to in-depth history pieces, interviews and features - we want to make sure there is something for everyone inside every copy. We have unlimited ideas but only a small amount of space to fill each week - and with five editions covering news from around the country, it’s impossible to catch everything. So we’ve rounded up our top tales from our most recent editions in Andalucia, Mallorca Costa Blanca North and South, all of which you will find on our website which sees an average of 20 stories a day.
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Vol. 4 Issue 90 www.theolivepress.es October 2nd - October 15th 2020
ROAD TO RECOVERY
MICHAEL Schumacher has been Mallorca to continue his recovery.reportedly moved to a villa in The property was previously owned by Real Madrid president Florentino Perez and purchased for €35 million by Schumacher’s wife Corinna in 2017. Situated in the exclusive area of Puerto de Andratx, the luxury villa lies in the gated Las Brisas estate. The complex covers 15,000 square metres, boasting two swimming pools, a helipad, gym, expansive condition. garden and stunning Speaking western views over the Balearic Sea. on the Italian version of According to Diario de Mallorca, “They moved to Spain and his wifeBig Brother, Gregoraci said: has set up a hospital in that pion was taken to their Spanish the seven-time world cham- house.” injuries sustained from his skiingholiday home to recover from She later added that ‘only three people can visit him and I know Although updates surrounding hisaccident in 2013. health have been rare, the who they are’. ex-wife of Formula 1 boss and former QPR co-owner Flavio It comes after reports were made that the Formula 1 legend was Briatore, Elisabetta Gregoraci, recently spending his winters at the multi-million made comments on his round-the-clock euro mansion with carers.
ISLAND HOPE: Move to €35m Andratx villa could aid Schumacher’s recovery
Residents at the estate confirmed to a respected German magazine that they saw the racing legend arrive by helicopter last year. It is believed that Schumacher was also at the property for New Year’s celebrations and his 50th birthday on January 3. Schumacher won 91 races in a record-breaking F1 career before suffering a traumatic brain injury. He was reportedly receiving €50,000-a-week treatment from a team of 15 physicians and nurses at his Swiss home.
Best strokes Mega swim challenge by brave expat cancer sufferer
TOGETHER: Philip and Meg
with daughters Farrah and
Alexa
A BRITISH cancer patient has set himself the goal to swim the equivalent distance of the island’s coastline to raise money for Cancer Support Mallorca. Philip James Baber, 48, began the lenge last year and is well on his epic chalplete the mammoth 555km feat,way to comthan 320 km already achieved and with more ters Farrah and Alexa are set to join his daughfinal two kilometres at Son Serra. him for the The fitness fanatic’s health took a unimaginable in May 2019 when turn for the crippled by an agonising lower back he became After weeks of tests at Son Espasespain. Hospital, Philip was diagnosed with a particularly aggressive strain of grade four cancer that onto his spine and around his body.had spread results were terrifying,” the Brit told“The scan Press. “The tumours littered my body the Olive growing, heading towards my spinal and were cord and vital organs - the odds were not looking His wife Meg, who together run the good.” poster art company Stick No Bills, successful mined to do everything in her power was deterto turn the situation around. They embarked on crash courses in neurology, neuroscience biochemistry and cellular also making a radical change to Philip’sbiology, diet. “I started nailing a disgusting litre celery juice every morning followed of organic by all manner of supplements, preparing myself mentally for chemo,” he said. It was at that point, just as he was being fast tracked into the system at Son Espases, that Philip saw a stack of brochures from the Cancer Support Group, later setting up a meeting with their MBE award winning founder In this counselling session, Krista Krista Hyer. assured the couple that the charitylistened and with all of Philip’s medical admin would help while also putting the pair in touch with nutritional and alternative therapy experts. Their invaluable support is one of the many reasons why Philip decided to embark on his sponsored swim for the charity. “I swim to rehabilitate and because the neuropathy in my hands and feet makes walking painful and picking things up cumbersome whereas in the water my body feels great,” explained the Brit.
By Isha Sesay
However, with life expectancy statistics for someone in the same condition as Philip being particularly dismal, he AUTHORISED also swims for his daughters. He said: “I swim so I can one DISTRIBUTOR day walk my daughters up the aisle on their wedding days and that I can one day have KEEP SQUATTERS OUT! the privilege of becoming Special Anti “Okupas” a grandfather to their chilalarm offer dren.” If you would like to supImmediate Police port Philip on his challenge, please visit his fundraising response page on Facebook – ‘Philip’s fundraiser for Cancer Sup- Call: +34 611 475 892 port Group, Mallorca’. colin.securitasdirect@gmail.com
And if you really don’t want to miss a thing, remember you can read all our stories online for just €5.99 a month or €59 a year. We also have a newsletter that can alert you to all the best stories of the week, plus a daily newsletter for those who subscribe.
The top five most read stories on www.theolivepress.es in the past two weeks are: -Benidorm to become all-inclusive resort as 1accommodation tourists offered dozens of restaurants and for just €200 per week – special voucher for residents on Spain’s Costa Blanca (65,688 views)
fugitive leaps off Benidorm hotel 2-British balcony in failed escape bid on Spain’s Costa Blanca (60,342 views) decade-long battle continues over villa 3-Two land grab on Spain’s Costa Blanca (23,194 views) hotel is converted into massive marijuana 4-Old farm on Spain’s Costa Blanca (17,956 views) language group declares war over 5-Spanish scrapping of town name on Spain’s Costa Blanca (17,248 views)
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LA CULTURA
8
October 14th - October 27th 2020
Captain Dragut: Scourge of Spain
B
ACKDROPPED by the timelessly rugged Sierra de los Zorros and with the sparkling Med lapping at its front door, the Valencian holiday resort of Cullera looks as if it has always been this serene and blessed - the perfect spot to drink in the views over a cocktail or three. However, a little under 500 years ago, the spectacle confronting you across its wide sweeping bay would not have prompted you to linger: galleons on the horizon, heading for shore; cannon fire; men disembarking with swords and cudgels; screams, bloodshed, plunder; friends dragged off by strangers to face enslavement or death... The author of this surprise siege was the infamous Ottoman pirate Turgut Reis, self-styled Dragut, The Drawn Sword of Islam. Hailed as a military mastermind and branded ‘the uncrowned king of the Mediterranean,’ this fearsome corsair terrorised the region for decades in the 16th century, ransacking cities and hijacking ships. Infuriated by the havoc he was wreaking, King Charles V even appointed an admiral to pursue Dragut throughout the Mediterranean. But the brazen buccaneer eluded capture and continued to pillage settlements in the region for another two decades. As may be expected of a freebooting corsair, Dragut led a tumultuous life. Born in 1485 on the Aegean coast of Turkey to parents of Greek or Turkish descent, he was recruited as a child soldier into the Ottoman army at the tender age of 12, by virtue of his skill
BROTHERS IN ARMS: Dragut (top) and Barbarossa (bottom) terrorised Spanish ships and towns while amassing fortunes
Dubbed The Drawn Sword of Islam, this Muslim pirate terrorised Mediterranean coasts for 50 years. Laurence Crumbie discovers more about the sidekick to the infamous Barbarossa with whom he forged the most badass outlaw double act on the 16th century high seas
with spears and arrows. Over the next 15 years, he sailed around the Western Mediterranean with various fleets, learning the art of warfare during campaigns and conquests. Revered
for his sharp eye as a cannoneer, Dragut rose quickly through the naval ranks – though his buccaneering life only began in earnest in 1520, when he joined the crew of legendary pirate Hayred-
The Barbary Pirates:
A
lso known as the Ottoman or Barbary corsairs, these Muslim pirates conducted devastating raids throughout the Mediterranean between the 16th to 19th centuries, though their influence extended right up to Iceland. They mostly operated from ports in North Africa, known as the Barbary Coast, and their main plunder was slaves for the Ottoman and Arabic markets.
Three faces of terror Besides Dragut and Hayreddin Barbarossa, there were several Barbary corsairs who terrorised the Med in their hunt for other slaves.
din Barbarossa (Red Beard), the most feared buccaneer in the civilised world. It was a match made on the high seas, so to speak, forging a crime partnership as infamous in its
day as Bonnie and Clyde or Frank and Jessie James, centuries later. Captain Barbarossa took Dragut under his wing and soon granted him a fleet of 12 vessels, cementing a friendship that would
Oruc Barbarossa (c. 1474-1518) · elder broth-
er of Hayreddin and perhaps the most notorious pirate in history. Oruc had a predilection for sacking Spanish territories, and the Barbarossa brothers raided Andalucian settlements in 1512. However, the Spanish had the last laugh, as they killed Oruc six years later – and put his corpse on display.
Sayyida al-Hurra (1485-1561) · female Muslim
cleric and cofounder of the Barbary Corsairs. Born in the Emirate of Granada, al-Hurra fled for Morocco at a young age to escape the expansion of the Christian kingdoms, known as the Reconquista. She then turned to piracy and waged war against her expellers, gathering such wealth and renown that the Sultan of Morocco asked for her hand. The corsair consented, but on the condition that she choose the place of their marriage. You could say that al-Hurrar lived up to her name, which means a ‘noble lady who is free and independent.’
Captain Jack Ward (1553-1622) · English rene-
gade who turned to piracy after fighting for Queen Elizabeth during her war against Spain. Described by the English ambassador to Venice as ‘the greatest scoundrel that ever sailed from England,’ Ward converted to Islam in 1608 and quickly accumulated enormous riches. He also introduced heavily armed, square-rigged ships to the North African coast, contributing to the dominance of Barbary Pirates in the Mediterranean.
change the course of history. For the next 20 years, the pair sacked towns and took Christian outposts all over the Mediterranean. And when Dragut was captured by Genoese forces in 1544, Barbarossa even paid a ransom of 3,500 gold ducats, the equivalent today of €500,000, freeing his friend after nearly four years in prison. Worn out by his life of plunder, Barbarossa retired in 1545, allowing Dragut to succeed him as the most formidable pirate in the Mediterranean. His ensuing voyages took him all over the region, from Malta to Sicily, Calabria, Tunisia and the ports of Sardinia. Although believed to have been a practising Muslim, Dragut did not distinguish between Christians and his own kind when razing settlements to the ground, enslaving inhabitants in their thousands and turning towns into ghost towns. Which is precisely what occurred on May 25, 1550, when Dragut laid siege to Cullera. Legend has it that an exchange of prisoners took place in a local cave during the attack, which now houses the unique Dragut Museum. There, you can learn all about the corsair’s reign of terror, including the epic siege of Malta in 1565 where ‘the greatest pirate warrior of all time’ met his end. So, if you are sitting today on Cullera’s beach, thinking that we are living in turbulent times, take a few moments to enjoy the view. After all, it has not always looked this way.
BUSINESS
October 14th - October 27th 2020
9
On the merge
Windy future ELECTRICITY giant Iberdrola has announced a jobs windfall as it expands its renewable energy portfolio. The company’s chairman, Ignacio Sanchez Galan, has announced that it will increase its renewable facilities in Andalucia to 3,000 megawatts over the next five years. The plan will create 5,500 new jobs through the construction and assembly works alone and transform the region into one of the largest growth areas for Iberdrola in Spain. “This is Iberdrola’s commitment: to drive a clean, safe and efficient energy transition and unite forces to accelerate a green recovery that leaves no-one behind,” Galan told the Andalucian government. He made his pledge at the inauguration of the Andevola photovoltaic plant, which is located in the municipality of Puebla de Guzman, Huelva. The plant consists of 150,000 voltaic panels and will avoid the emission of 15,000 tonnes of CO₂ each year.
THE recent deal between Caixabank and Bankia has reignited shelved talks between lenders Unicaja and Liberbank. The pair began informal talks to consolidate a deal that will see Unicaja take over their smaller rival with a 60/40 shareholding. Talks between the two halted earlier on in the year after disagreements over shareholding percentages, with Unicaja pushing for a 60% stake whilst Liberbank wanted 42%. Due to European regulations, both banks were also required to raise capital, both of which they have done via investment buffers through shareholders. However, according to sources close to the case, many of the issues regarding disagree-
Unicaja and Liderbank merger talks resume in light of financial reshuffle in Spain
TALKS: President of Unicaja, Manuel Azuaga. By James Warren
ments of shareholder status have been resolved. The move, if successful will
24 hour pantry people DEPARTMENT store El Corte Ingles have announced a 24-hour unlimited delivery scheme to compete with online retailers Amazon. Costing €19.90 a year customers can order any product, including supermarket shopping, using an app on their phones or tablets. Like Amazon Prime, the products will then be deliv-
ered within 24 hours. Previously, El Corte Ingles only allowed apps orders for food and household goods from HiperCor. But the new technology will extend to all product lines from jewellery to electronics.
create Spain’s seventh biggest bank, with a combined market value of €1.72 billion As of the second quarter 2020, Unicaja had a market value of €1.03 billion while Liberbank was valued at €691 million. Banks across Europe are looking for ways to navigate the treacherous economic climate since the COVID-19 pandemic, with many large lenders currently considering mergers with smaller entities. In Italy, Intesa Sanpaolo recently took over Unione di Banche Italiane, followed by the creation of Spain’s largest bank with the merger of Caixabank and Bankia weeks later.
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PROPERTY Hot wheels 10
October 14th - October 27th 2020
THE trendiest holiday home isn’t a palm treelined house in the Maldives or a penthouse apartment in Madrid It’s not even a sprawling villa in the hills of rural Spain. Rather, home is where you park it - specifically a fully renovated campervan, with fitted kitchen, a spacious bathroom and a skylight perfect for late night star gazing. One Italian expat and mum Monica Rinaldi, who lives in Mallorca, is selling her stunning Ford Rimor. With many expats in Spain choosing to live permanently on mobile home sites, this
By Kirsty McKenzie
surely is the most stylish way to do it. With a calm and cool decor that puts most plush hotels to shame, Monica has completely transformed the van into the ultimate home on wheels Stylish and reliable, with a 1993 reg plate, diesel engine and Tiffany box blue exterior, the camper van is sure to sell quick.
Not only can it sleep six people comfortably, it also has a powerful LPG gas heating system, a slick kitchen plus hot and cold running water. Your heart has probably skipped a beat already, but if you want it you’ll need ₏17,000 — and to get in line. Camper vans are hot property in these virus-ravaged times when hotels and extensive travel seem like nothing more than a distant memory.
Envy
TRENDY: Could you make this van your home?
OP QUICK Crossword
OP Sudoku
Across 1 Learned person, or type of idiot? (6) 5 Scrabble enthusiasts, for example (6) 8 With hindsight (2,10) 9 Chief aide, figuratively (5,3) 10 Covetousness (4) 11 South American ruminant (5) 13 Hirsute (5) 17 Medicos (4) 19 Dauntless (8) 21 Orcas (6,6) 22 Shining (6) 23 Find (6)
Down 2 Person used as one’s excuse (5) 3 Father of Judaism (7) 4 “The Death of Actaeon� painter (6) 5 Stable people (6) 6 Bowling pin wood (5) 7 Win back (7) 12 Plundering (7) 14 Artist’s medium (7) 15 Required number for a vote (6) 16 Wife of Jacob (6) 18 Find the answer (5) 20 Map in a map (5)
All solutions are on page 14
Meanwhile, the number of people investing in camper vans is soaring, inspiring hashtags on social media, with 8 million posts, and counting. And with a campervan like this fully renovated Ford Rimor you’d be sure to be the envy of Instagram.
Cool place to chill out A DISTRICT of Barcelona has been named the coolest in the world in Time Out’s annual survey. Barcelona’s Esquerra de l’Eixample is number one on the list, beating competition from the likes of Dublin’s Phibsboro and Soho in London. More than 38,000 residents of cities across the world were surveyed for the list, questioned on where they most loved spending time around their city. This year, Time Out factored in community spirit as well as food, drink, nightlife and independent culture in compiling the ranking of the 40 coolest neighbourhoods. Esquerra de l’Eixample was described as having ‘incredible community spirit’ in 2020, organising events such as the Hidrogel Sessions, in which neighbours co-ordinated mass dance parties on their balconies during lockdown. Its community-run Espai Germanetes garden and independent businesses such as Odd Kiosk – the world’s first LGBTQ+ magazine kiosk – were also highlighted. Downtown LA took second place, followed by Sham Shui Po in Hong Kong. Meanwhile Dennistoun in Glasgow’s East End was the only UK neighbourhood to make the top 20.
12
FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL
October 14th - October 27th 2020
Spain is sitting pretty when it comes to white villages with wow factor, but do any have the edge? To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Association of the Most Beautiful Towns in Spain, Laurence Crumbie picks out six stunners from three Olive Press Regions
as a picture
Morella, Valencia
Alcudia, Mallorca
P
erched on a hilltop 1000m above sea level, the castle town of Morella makes a tremendous impression. Its 16 towers, six gates and two kilometers of circular wall lend it a formidable, yet beautiful character that is enhanced by rich traditions of gastronomy and folklore. Head out before sunset for a view of the castle basking in amber light - you won’t be disappointed.
Frigiliana, Andalucia
E
ncircled by mighty medieval walls that reveal a maze of narrow lanes, honey-coloured stone houses and cafe-rimmed plazas, charming Alcudia old town is one of the
most visited villages on the island. The eponymous municipality and tourist capital of north Mallorca stretches along a 61 kilometre peninsula, flaunting a coastline of rugged coves and sandy bays
Culla, Valencia
T
his charming pueblo blanco combines the very best traits of whitewashed Andalucia and offers a spectacular view of the Mediterranean Sea. Sinuous stone streets and stairways evoke the town’s
Moorish past, and local artists sell traditional craftworks in the picturesque centre. Frigiliana even caters to those with a sweet tooth, as arropia, a delicious candy made from cane sugar and honey, is a regional specialty.
Grazalema, Andalucia
N
estled within a sublime sierra of limestone outcrops, the town of Grazalema makes for an ideal weekend getaway. Its iconic centre and narrow streets hide layers of history that reach back to the Romans, and local specialities include wine, cheese, artisan liquors and bitters. If you haven’t overindulged the night before, head out early morning to scale the magnificent Peñon Grande - a vista of quaint white houses and red-tiled roofs awaits you.
Pollensa, Mallorca
P
ollensa is the sepia-toned epitome of the medieval Mallorca you always dreamed of discovering. And that’s without adding its azure sea, verdant pine trees, rustic stone pathways, quirky traditions and picturesque lighthouse. Plaza Mayor is a hub of activity, where you can organise trips to scenic coves, including Cala Carbo and Cala Clara. Not forgetting the region’s crowning glory, the Formentor Peninsula. Over the years, this natural wonder has inspired various poems and works of art – visit it and you’ll discover why.
that distinguishes it from all others. Don’t miss a walk around spellbinding Pollèntia, once the island’s prime Roman settlement to which its stunning amphitheatre still stands testament.
A
must-see for history lovers, Culla boasts one of Spain’s grandest castles. Between the 11th to 13th centuries, the settlement was fought over by Christians and Muslims a handful of times, becoming a base of the Knights Templar in 1303. The ruins of the old castle may be the main attraction, but the municipality is also home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site – Levantine cave paintings that date back nearly 9,000 years.
FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL
October 14th - October 27th 2020
Bargain basement Benidorm offering all-in six night stays from €209
Hidden gem A HIDDEN gem in Ronda has been namechecked in a list of the best ‘everyday restaurants’ in Spain - coming in at number one on the list. Tropicana stormed to the top spot for Best Everyday Dining in Spain - defined as the kind of place ‘worth visiting again and again’. Tripadvisor praised the restaurant for its ‘delicious food and cocktails and warm service’ as well as the ‘wonderful atmosphere’ as part of its Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best award series. The vote took into account thousands of online reviews and found the spots that most often wowed their 390 million online community members Tripadvisor said: “Every year, we pull together all the reviews, ratings, and saves that travellers share from across the globe — and use that info to spotlight the very best. The Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best awards celebrates them all.”
BENIDORM is selling cutpriced accommodation and fully inclusive dining packages priced from just €209 per head. This covers an all-inclusive six-night stay for a four-person group. It’s the latest move to entice tourists to stay in the Costa Blanca resort after visitor numbers collapsed at the end of the domestic holiday season in late August. Package prices go up to €230 each in a three-person party and €252 each for two visitors. Alcohol is not included in the meal deals and
By Alex Trelinski
food supplements will be charged over the Christmas and New Year period. Two hospitality associations (ABRECA and COBRECA) have joined forces with the Rosemberg Real Estate Agency and Apartamentos Nicaragua to create the special offer which runs until March 31, 2021. The packages offer the choice of 259 apartments marketed by Rosemberg as well as the Apartamentos Nicaragua. Breakfast, lunch and din-
Sherry good IN a centuries old tradition, the Spanish navy is sailing two barrels of sherry across the Atlantic to Argentina, through the Pacific past the Philippines and Guam, before returning to port in Cadiz. Sending sherry to age at sea is said to increase the intensity of flavours in the tipple and dates back to ancient Rome. Navy commanders arranged the expedition to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the first crossing of the Pacific by the Spanish explorer Juan Sebastian Elcano, who their boat is named after.
ENTICING: Benidorm is trying to attract visitors
ner can be taken at any of the 29 participating ABRECA or COBRECA member outlets which are listed on the benidormresort.com website. The participating groups said: “This project comes about from the essential synergy between all the business sectors in Benidorm and is a European pioneer in offering visitors the chance to enjoy all of the gastronomic offerings of our city.” Costs fall to just €125 each
for a four person group that opts not to have any meals, with €15 extra to have breakfast for six days. The full range of price options and permutations for group sizes is available via benidormresort.com VIEWS: Great value
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COVID Payout ANDALUCIA will pay for insurance to cover international tourists’ COVID-19 related costs. The Vice-President and Minister of Tourism, Juan Marin, says that tourists who are infected in the region from January 1 will be ‘guaranteed’ the costs of confinement, hospital stay or return to their country. According to Luis Callejon, president of the Costa del Sol Hotel Business Association (AEHCOS), hotels in Malaga have been offering this insurance free of charge since May and it includes 24 hour telematic assistance, transfer to hospitals and even repatriation to the clients’ home-countries.
Corridors
“We don’t understand why the Junta has not put this policy in place earlier,” he said. Callejon considers that the priority now is to negotiate safe air corridors. “Why are we going to give anyone insurance if they’re not going to be able to come here? First we have to make sure that international tourists can travel to Malaga,” he added.
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Olive Press Gibraltar – 170mm x 256mm – Colour
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14th October
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COLUMNISTS
HE dental check-up, check. The farmacia for winter meds, check. The Gibraltar shop for Marmite, mint sauce and Coleman’s Mustard Powder, check. Six months supply of kitty litter, check. Not forgetting the Netflix subscription, the sign-up for online supermarket shopping (before they get over subscribed and lock you out) and the second hand book shop to stock up on lockdown reading (I can highly recommend the one beneath the Olive Press offices in Sabinillas) … So many things to do before we batten down the hatches for a winter of mitigated discontent. No other creature on the planet hibernates twice a year. But with COVID on the uptick and no vaccine in sight – not even for influenza if you normally buy yours over the counter, a reliable source tells me, as Spain’s national health service has commandeered the lot – there’s nothing else for it if you’re on the vulnerable list. The trouble is, while bears can lose a third of their body weight during hibernation, in humans who can’t sleep through t h e temptation of daily larder visits, the
Bears do it
As autumn arrives and coronavirus rates surge, it’s time to hibernate AGAIN, writes Belinda Beckett process is reversed. The average resident in Spain gained five COVID Kilos during the last lockdown! Others, finding time hanging heavily and unable to resist the siren call of the drinks cabinet before the sun set over the yardarm, became borderline alcoholics. Self-disciplined types got into home workouts but that requires a strength of character some struggle with, hence the popular saying, ‘You either come out of lockdown a hunk, a chunk or a drunk’. The economy is not in good shape either. And this time around there may be no furlough cushion to cosset us through it, so Christmas is likely to be off the cards in many households, unless we manage to squash Boris Johnson’s ‘twohumped camel’ and he’s no Wise Man. The jokes about the neighbour grassed up for flouting the Boris Rule of Six after being spotted with a box of 10 Christmas crackers are already circulating. (Note for lockdown list – buy two
festive face coverings, glittery or with reindeer antlers, for Christmas Day walk.) Furthermore, unlike bears who keep quietly to their caves all winter and emerge streamlined and positive with a happy family of newborn cubs in tow come springtime, humans become decidedly grizzly when forced to self-isolate for any length of time with a tendency to run amok. But rather than rushing out with placards to protest against the rules, spread COVID and shoot ourselves in the collective foot, we need to heed the science and change the way we run our world. Otherwise a succession of increasingly novel zoonotic viral disease pandemics are headed our way and hibernation will become a mechanism as essential to the survival of the human species as it is to, well, bears. Now where was I … ah yes, 10 packs of loo rolls, check. Two cases of Larios gin, check. Betty Crocker Devil’s Food Cake mix, check. A rowing machine, maybe...
October 14th - October 27th 2020
Cleaning up Spain’s act
Getting cross at the litter louts and leaf blowers
G
ROWING up in the UK in the 70s, there are a few things that I can vividly remember. These childhood memories include James Hunt and Barry Sheene, Tiswas, Star Wars, and Grifter bicycles. The 70s was also the decade of the public information campaign. There were the frankly terrifying advertisements that warned children to stay away from railway lines and electricity sub stations (with graphic consequences that wouldn’t make it past a censor these days. I’m still haunted by the image of the school blazer hanging on the bannister, never to be used again after Jimmy went to get his Frisbee and was electrocuted), as well as The Green Cross Code Man, who was played by the impressively muscled Keith Prowse. Keith, who famously played the role of Darth Vader (James Earl Jones provided the voice) came to my prep school as part of the traffic safety campaign. Strangely enough the children couldn’t get close to him as he was surrounded by all the mums. There was also the Keep Britain Tidy campaign. As children we were urged to pick up litter and there was even an iconic logo of a figure dropping rubbish in a bin. So when I saw a wood figure by the side of the Istan road, dropping cans into a real bin, I did something of a nostalgic double take. The road up to my pueblo may be in an area of outstanding natural beauty, but that doesn’t stop there being a random collection of bottles, cans, fast food containers and other assorted rubbish being flung along the verge. There was never a Keep Spain Tidy campaign and it shows. Living by the lake as I do, I often have to clean up the flotsam and jetsam left by thoughtless fishermen and domingueros. On one memorable occasion, I famously lost my temper gathering up the rubbish and, thinking that I was alone, Lisa began swearing loudly. Burgess Unbeknown to me, a couple of Guardia Civil were on patrol close by. During my next trip to the village, I was informed that I had acBut it cost Lisa Burgess a battle with quired a new nickname, in the style of Kevin Costner’s cancer to cleanse her life of them for good Dances with Wolves. I was HE one thing cancer taught me was the need to get rid of now Shouts at Bin Bags. toxic people from your life, ASAP. Often they’re the very people you counted on as friends. But they’re fake - think ‘frenemies’ - and the only way to win with these toxic people is not to play. Although picking up rubMy dear friend and fellow breast cancer survivor Kay Chickie bish may be something of Shaw, a witty and lovable Mancunian from La Cala, echoes my an alien concept, there is sentiments with her own advice about people: “They should fit one area of public sanitain or fook off.” tion that the Spanish really If you need to identify a toxic person then lookout for these tellexcel at. I refer, of course, tale signs. Toxic individuals will spread negativity, criticise, waste to leaf blowing. If leaf blowyour time, play the victim, be jealous and are wholly self-centred. ing was an Olympic sport, They simply do not care about anyone else and will keep disapSpain would have an unpointing you. Enduring a toxic relationship has adverse effects broken run of gold medals. on your health and happiness. Studies show that it can cause No early morning is comheart problems, high blood sugar and blood pressure problems, plete without the sound of a weakened immune system, low energy and fatigue. a worker with a leaf blower, From a mental health perspective, it is equally damaging, makcomplete with safety goging you more guarded, pessimistic and emotionally exhausted. It gles and ear defenders. I breeds negativity all around you. have often wondered if the A damaging friendship can destroy your self-esteem, hinder your ear defenders would be personal growth and distort your idea of a healthy relationship. better employed if those in Before cancer, I had a different outlook with a softer, more lethe vicinity were allowed to nient attitude. But how things have changed! I now realise time use then instead to block is of the essence, and I refuse to spend one precious extra minout the din. Or perhaps ute of it agonising over anyone who isn't worth it. I sincerely hope they aren’t ear defenders you have had a toxic waste spring clean this year but if not, then at all, and the operator is contemplate these wise words from an unknown author: instead listening to a relax‘Don't let negative and toxic people rent space in your head. ing chill out playlist on his Raise the rent and kick them out!’ iPod as he works…
Toxic friendships damage your health
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OP Puzzle solutions Quick Crossword Across: 1 Savant, 5 Gamers, 8 In retrospect, 9 Right arm, 10 Envy, 11 Llama, 13 Hairy, 17 Docs, 19 Unafraid, 21 Killer whales, 22 Agleam, 23 Locate. Down: 2 Alibi, 3 Abraham, 4 Titian, 5 Grooms, 6 Maple, 7 Recover, 12 Looting, 14 Acrylic, 15 Quorum, 16 Rachel, 18 Solve, 20 Inset.
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Killer revenge
Dog-gone!
SCIENTISTS say a pod of killer whales are attacking Spanish vessels in response to injuries sustained from boat rudders in August.
Chick rescue
FINAL WORDS
OLIVE PRESS
The
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Getting crusty
GIBRALTAR
ANIMAL rights’ groups are trying to find homes for the surviving 3,200 chicks after 26,000 were found dumped at Madrid Airport.
Vol. 5 Issue 133 www.theolivepress.es October 14th - October 27th 2020
A SPANISH dog on its way to a new home in Canada caused chaos when it went on the run and forced one of North America’s busiest airports to close down for an hour. And it wasn’t until 12 hours later that staff at Toronto Pearson Airport were finally able to track down and catch the rescue podenco called Crystal that at one point caused all departures and ar-
Blind justice
rivals to be postponed. She was one of four of the hunting dogs being rehomed by the Greyhounds, Galgos and Podencos of Atlantic Canada association (GGPAC). After a gruelling 12 hour flight, from Spain, Crystal decided to take the opportunity to stretch her legs when their
By Dilip Kuner
British Airways flight touched down. Ground crew were taken by surprise when they opened the hold and Crystal shot out and disappeared into the distance.
High as a kite
VALENCIAN Hector Melero Marti, 26, has become the first blind person in Spain to qualify as a court judge.
Peckish plants RESEARCHERS at Alicante University have identified two previously unknown species of carnivorous plants native to the sierras of Tejeda and Almijara.
Spanish podenco leads airport workers on a merry chase
POTTY: Giant plant
A MARIJUANA plant that sprouted ‘beanstalk-like’ into a five metre tall ‘tree’ was a shock discovery for the National Police Agents smelt the plant on a Molina del Segura (Murcia) street and decided to knock on a few doors to find out where the aroma was coming from. Their inquiries took them to a property which had the entire patio covered by a tent to conceal the single marijuana plant that had blossomed into a monster. The ‘tree’ was cut down and agents seized a quantity of large buds from it. A man and a woman were arrested for drug trafficking.
CHASE: Crystal and Keith It is thought that the door to her travel kennel had not been closed properly. Over the next 12 hours a high-tech search swung into action. Aviation safety officer Chris Stubbs kept a watchful eye out using security and thermal cameras and caught sight of Crystal several times. Falconer Keith Everett (above) drove up and down the runway trying to get close enough to collar Crystal. He said: “Boy, could she run.” In the end he had to sit it out and let the podenco - a breed renowned for its stamina tire herself out. She eventually went to ground under a truck, and Kenny was able to gain her trust with treats and a few friendly words.
IT looks like fans of Wigan Athletic football club may be swapping their famous pies for Spanish empanadas. The troubled club is being sold to businessman Jose Miguel Garrido Cristo, it has been revealed. Known as the Latics, the club was put into administration in July, just a month after it had been bought by Hong Kong based Next Lender Fund. The Lancashire town is famous for its pies, and Wigan’s fans are proud that their club serves up some of the best pastry based treats. So much so that last year the team’s new mascot was unveiled to be Crusty the Pie - a six foot tall ‘traditional pastry’ wearing the club’s blue and white colours. Fans will be relieved to hear that the potential new owner may be on the same wavelength when it comes to food. He is the former international director of Spanish multinational food group Campofrio, so will no doubt be keen to keep the team’s supporters well fed. But the burning question is, will a selection of Spanish-style pies known as empanadas and often filled with tuna, pork or vegetables be put on the menu?
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